Dmitry Bivol doesn’t believe the aging and oft-injured Artur Beterbiev has lost a step. 

Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) will finally find out Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when he faces Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

“I feel amazing before the most important fight of my life,” Bivol told BoxingScene. “Just look at his record to see why he's a really dangerous fighter. It's proven that he's one of the most dangerous opponents. He has the skills. He's not only just a good puncher. He's a really good and smart fighter. He has experience and a boxing IQ. He has three belts for a reason. For his age, he has really good conditioning. I just need to be myself and improve on my skills. You can't prepare to get punched, you have to prepare not to get punched.”

Bivol, 33, and Beterbiev, 39, were originally supposed to fight on June 1 but the fight was postponed after Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training, adding to a long list of injuries he’s sustained in recent years. 

“I will try to do all of my best,” said Bivol. “If I can try to finish the fight, of course I will use the opportunity. In my head, I am always thinking about how to win this fight and how to make everything perfect. I am not thinking about the knockout, to be honest.”

To prepare for the fight, instead of training in Indio, California, his usual locale, Bivol trained in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan for three weeks and 45 days in Turkey, and two weeks before the fight relocated to Riyadh. 

“My body is a little bit different than when I was preparing for Canelo Alvarez two years ago,” said Bivol. “My conditioning coach can see and is giving me new and different exercises. At the same time though, it's a similar program.”

Should Bivol beat Beterbiev, WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez awaits a crack at his crown. Bivol could also be inclined to move up to cruiserweight to challenge titleholder Jai Opetaia, who is set to fight on his undercard against Jack Massey. Bivol could also attract Alvarez for their long-anticipated rematch. 

“To be honest, I don't have any plans as to who I will fight next,” said Bivol. “I don't know if the rematch would be worse for Canelo. I'm not thinking about Canelo. I waited a year and a half and it was only talk and no action or negotiations. It's a closed subject. I'm busy with Beterbiev. We'll see what happens after.” 

Bivol added that beating Beterbiev would be a more significant career accomplishment than his star-making unanimous decision win against Alvarez. 

“Both are important, but with the belts, of course, the Beterbiev win would be more important and meaningful for my soul than Canelo,” said Bivol. “It means a lot to me. For me, Canelo was a step to have huge fights in my career. It was a great opportunity for me to show the world that I am a good boxer and for them to pay attention to me. I proved that I was good and champion-worthy. 

Currently, Chris Eubank Jr. is preparing for his much-anticipated return to the ring. On October 12, the British fighter will be back in action after 13 months of inactivity. His match will be against Polish boxer Kamil Szeremeta in a high-profile card in Riyadh, which will also feature the bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

The 34-year-old British boxer knows that to secure more significant fights in 2025, he must shine with a victory. He has publicly expressed his desire to face some of the most recognized names in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions, including the unified 168-pound champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. A decisive victory over Szeremeta could be the necessary step to secure a matchup with the Mexican.In a recent interview with DAZN, Chris Eubank Jr. recalled one of the highlights of his career.

The Brighton boxer, known for his speed and aggression in the ring, revealed which he considers his most devastating punch. Surprisingly, this punch occurred during his fight against Avni Yildirim, a former opponent of Canelo Alvarez.

“My favourite power punch that I threw was against a man named Avni Yildrim in Germany,” Eubank Jr. stated in the interview. “I knocked him down, knocked him out in the fourth round, I believe it was. That was my favourite punch.” The fight took place seven years ago, and Eubank Jr.’s impressive performance secured him his third knockout victory.This memory remains a source of pride for the Briton, who has competed in multiple international venues.

Avni Yildirim’s career also led him to face Canelo Alvarez, four years after being knocked out by Chris Eubank Jr. On that occasion, the Turkish fighter faced the Mexican at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in a bout that ended similarly. Like in his matchup with Eubank Jr., Yildirim fell in the third round and chose not to continue, retiring on his stool.

As Eubank Jr. prepares for his October 12 fight, his mindset is focused on continuing to showcase his power in the ring. A devastating punch like the one he delivered to Yildirim could be the key to opening the door to a fight with Canelo, something he has longed for in recent years.

Staying healthy during the height of his career has been a painful process for Artur Beterbiev, but the three-belt light heavyweight champion is promising that he is repaired and prepared for his undisputed title fight against Dmitry Bivol on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. 

The bout between Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) and Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) was originally supposed to take place on June 1, but Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training.

“I am healthy,” Beterbiev told BoxingScene. “It feels good to be very close and almost there. It's not a big challenge. It's normal. Everyone gets some injury. Sometimes you [rehab] well and sometimes you don't. This time we did well. 

“When you have injuries, you do some modifications in training camps. We did some different things, and good things, that are much better now. I feel that I am young. Not like 29, but I am young.” 

The 39-year-old Beterbiev has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Four of his previous six fights have been delayed due to health issues.

In January, Beterbiev scored a seventh-round stoppage against Callum Smith, but the fight had originally been postponed because Beterbiev needed dental surgery that led to a bone infection in his jaw.

Before facing Smith, Beterbiev was scheduled to fight Anthony Yarde in January 2023, but that bout was also pushed back after he had surgery to remove damaged tissue from his knee. His mandatory title defense against Adam Deines in March 2021 was similarly delayed twice in 2020, once due to a rib injury and again after contracting COVID-19.

The injury struggles extend further back, with Beterbiev undergoing right shoulder surgery in 2015, and suffering a severe forehead cut in a brutal fight against Marcus Browne in December 2021.

The slight betting underdog Beterbiev will need to bring his A-game to beat Beterbiev.

“We'll see [why Bivol is the best opponent I've ever faced]. We never know who's the best. We'll know after the fight,” said Beterbiev. “He has great experience and is a good boxer. He’s a good challenge for me. We're prepared for different things and different scenarios in this fight. We are always trying to be ready 100 per cent. I'm not worried about [critics]. I'm only worried about my fight. And I try to do that only.

“I never make predictions for a fight. I'm a simple boxer who tries to do my best. We're always prepared for 12 rounds. We do the maximum. Yes, we'll see [if the knockout comes]. We're not focused on a knockout. If it happens, it happens.”

Beterbiev turns 40 in January. As rivals claim that his best days are behind him, the Montreal-based Russian insists retirement is not near. 

“We'll see. I can't say. If there are no injuries and I am good, I will continue, no problem. I enjoy doing this work,” said Beterbiev. 

The WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, is ready to fight this weekend. The 39-year-old boxer will face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated undisputed world title clash. The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Crown Showdown event.

Beterbiev is originally from Dagestan, but he emigrated to Quebec in 2013, obtaining Canadian citizenship. Now, he is one of the most prominent athletes representing Canada internationally. In his pre-fight statements, Artur Beterbiev emphasized the importance of the boxing community in Montreal. “They like sport”. “I appreciate that they’ve chosen me. It is a different place in the world from where I was born,” he told DAZN.

The boxer also referred to his Muslim faith as a fundamental pillar in his career. He noted that the discipline instilled by his religion has been key to his success. “I don’t know how non-Muslim people live,” Beterbiev admitted. “My coach Marc Ramsay said he would like more Muslim boxers… because they have discipline. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they go to sleep early.”

It’s important to mention that Beterbiev enters this fight with an impressive 20-0 record, having won all his fights by knockout. However, he faces a formidable opponent in Bivol, who is also undefeated and has notable victories over Joe Smith Jr. and Canelo Álvarez. This fight could be Beterbiev’s toughest challenge yet, but he trusts his preparation and his faith to help him emerge victorious.

The undisputed fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol promises to be an exciting duel. Boxing fans will be watching closely to see if Beterbiev can maintain his perfect record and add another win to his remarkable career.

The WBO has called for negotiations between unified middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz to begin.

Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) — a 31-year-old Kazakh living in Oxnard, California — recently defended his IBF and WBO titles with a ninth-round technical knockout of Andrei Mikhailovich.

Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs), a 25-year-old from London, has stood out as the division’s top prospect and looks to be a bona fide contender in a 160lbs scene that is otherwise lacking in depth. In September he impressively stopped Tyler Denny in two rounds on the undercard of Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua.

Sheeraz is ready to step up. He’s ranked #1 by the WBO as well as the WBC , whose titleholder is Carlos Adames.

As reported by The Ring , Sheeraz won the European middleweight belt with that win over Denny and has since been ordered to defend it against Denzel Bentley (20-3-1, 17 KOs), who like Sheeraz is being guided by Queensberry Promotions. The European Boxing Union has said that Sheeraz and Bentley have until October 31 to reach a deal.

David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2 and @UnitedBoxingPod . He is the co-host of the United Boxing Podcast . David’s book, “ Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing ,” is available on Amazon.

Hamzah Sheeraz is seen by many as one of Great Britain’s most promising fighters and a recent step up in opposition has seen him finally gain worldwide recognition. Now it seems as though a world title shot is around the corner.

Often compared stylistically to the legendary Tommy Hearns, lanky middleweight Sheeraz has impressed on the big stage during 2024 by halting Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and European champion Tyler Denny on blockbuster ‘Riyadh Season’ bills.Hamzah Sheeraz vs Ammo Williams Fight Highlights | 5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom 🥊 pic.twitter.com/jES6L1NfIQ

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 2, 2024

Those stoppages saw Sheeraz stretch his sensational knockout streak to 15 consecutive fights, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the division, as well as one of the most talented.

At 25-years-old, time is undoubtedly on Sheeraz’s side, and he now has both the skills and momentum that not only warrant a world title shot but has convinced fans around the globe that he may be the man to end the reign of undefeated Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0), who holds both the WBO and IBF middleweight world titles.

Today, the WBO officially ordered a world title contest between Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz, with the respective teams of both men given 15 days to reach a deal.

“WBO Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest – NegotiationsTyson Fury makes weight gain plan known for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs. Hamzah Sheeraz

Gentlemen:

Please be advised that the parties herein are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout. The camps are granted 15 days to reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement within the time provided herein will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid ceremony at any time during the negotiation process. Lastly, this Committee reserves the right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited to rendering all rulings necessary to serve the best interests in the sport of professional boxing, including those in the Middleweight Division.”

Alimkhanuly knocked out Andreii Mikhailovich on Friday night in Sydney to retain his world champion status with a typically dominant performance. However, there are growing concerns that ‘Qazaq’ Style may have outgrown the 160lb weight limit and that his time in the division is coming to an end.

Should this be the case, the contest for any vacant WBO title would likely take place between Sheeraz and his fellow Brit Denzel Bentley (20-3-1), who is ranked as the world number two with the WBO.

Nick Ball has been instructed by his promoter Frank Warren to recover from the most demanding year of his career before considering their next move.

On Saturday at Liverpool’s M&S Arena the 27 year old stopped Ronny Rios in 10 rounds to make the first defense of his WBA featherweight title.

The bruising fight was his third in the space of seven months, following, in March, him moving up to world level for the first time when he drew with Rey Vargas. It was in June when he then won his title against Raymond Ford, and Saturday when he defended it in his home city.

Warren, who also promotes Daniel Dubois, compared Ball’s run with that of the heavyweight who has transformed his career with victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, but while there already exists speculation regarding a rematch between Dubois and Joshua, he will refuse to consider Ball’s career until 2025.

“He needs a rest,” Warren told BoxingScene. “I’m not even thinking about it at the moment. He needs a good rest. He’s had three absolutely tough, tough fights. I can’t think, other than Daniel Dubois, of anyone who’s fought at such a high level. He’s faced three world-class fighters in the space of seven months. How many people do that? 

“He needs a break, and I want him to have a break and then come back, with recharged batteries, and see how the land lies. He’s an exciting little sod – probably one of the most exciting fighters out there.

“I don’t think he’ll be too happy [to rest] ‘cause he’s a fighting machine, but Paul [Stevenson], his trainer, is a real sensible guy. We’ll have a conversation, and go from there. But Paul knows what needs to be done.

“[Rios] impressed me. I knew he was a tough guy. I knew he’d come to fight. Nick was sometimes trying a little bit too hard; I’d like to have seen him using his jab more; he’s got a great jab; when he uses it he’s different class. He’s a handful, and I can’t think of any guys out there he won’t beat. I really can’t. He’s a tough, tough handful for anybody. He’s relentless. 

“He [Rios] was competitive; he come to fight; he gave everything he had. He’s very, very experienced, and he was using his experience and trying to ‘old man’ him at times. He absorbed some serious punishment, and a couple of times got back into the fight. 

“Nick’s still on a learning curve, and it was a really, really good fight; it was a good opponent for him and brought the best out of him. He dug deep and done what he had to do. He was in control most of the fights.”

That Ball has twice fought in Saudi Arabia, as he did against Vargas and Ford, suggests that his next title defence could be staged there, regardless of the temptation – as would previously have been more typical – to build his profile as an attraction in his home city, and asked about the likely destination of his next fight, Warren responded: “At this stage I don’t know. If he has a break he’ll enjoy his Christmas, and see what’s happening next year. We’ve got a show in February in Saudi, and it’s Ramadan after that, so we’ll have to see. Unify the titles [is the plan].”

Warren was absent from Liverpool because he is suffering with flu, which also postponed his arrival in Riyadh for Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol, but on the same Queensberry Promotions date Jack Rafferty, 29, impressed in stopping Henry Turner, and Warren plans to revisit negotiations with him regarding a promotional agreement.

“I’d like to something with him – of course we’d do something with them, and he deserves it,” he said. “He deserves that. Henry, by the way, we’ll bring him back – let him rest up and we’ll get him back in action as well. That’s a good learning fight for him. Rafferty’s a tough competitor, no doubt about that. We’ll work with him on something, that’s for sure.

“I’d love to see that fight [between Rafferty and Pierce O’Leary]. That’d be a great fight between the two of them early next year.

“That was always going to be a tough fight [against Turner]. It was very competitive; Henry boxed extremely well for the first half of the fight, and Rafferty got himself back into the fight. I always felt as the fight went on, his experience and those 10 more fights than Henry might stand him in good stead. But Henry showed that he’s an excellent boxer. 

This year's undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has already cemented itself as a heavyweight classic. Now, with just two months to go before their highly anticipated rematch, Fury has added an extra layer of incentive for his rival.

In May, Usyk faced off against ‘The Gypsy King’ in the first-ever four-belt heavyweight contest and the first undisputed title bout in the division since 1999. Despite Fury’s mid-round success, the Ukrainian warrior turned the tide and nearly secured a knockout. Instead, he earned a split-decision victory, joining Evander Holyfield as one of only two men to be undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

However, despite Usyk's historic win, it is Fury who shares the cover spotlight with Canelo Alvarez for the new 'Undisputed' boxing video game, which launches this weekend. In a bold statement, Fury revealed that if he loses the rematch, he’ll give up his place on the cover to Usyk.

“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. If I don’t win this rematch, I’m going to relinquish that front cover and give it to Oleksandr. That’s what I’ll do with the front cover. I’ll relinquish my right to be on that front cover and give it to Oleksandr ‘The Great.’"

But Fury doesn’t expect to make good on this promise. Speaking with TNT Sports, he expressed his intent to avoid the judges altogether and avenge the lone defeat of his career with a knockout.

“I’m going to go in there with ‘destroy mode’. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious. I boxed the head right off him. Let’s talk facts. Anyone can get caught, as we’ve seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights. But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock a m**********r out!”

'Undisputed' will be available on October 11, with Canelo Alvarez on the standard version cover and Fury on the deluxe WBC edition. Meanwhile, Fury-Usyk II will take place on December 21st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling end to the year for boxing fans.

#FuryUsykRematch #UndisputedChampion #HeavyweightShowdown #FuryVsUsykII #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #RiyadhBoxing #WBCChampion #BoxingVideoGame #UndisputedGame #UsykTheGreat

Undefeated two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford took to X to respond to recent call-outs from two-division titleholder Teofimo Lopez, escalating tensions between the two fighters. Typically reserved on social media, Crawford challenged Lopez to face his last opponent, Israil Madrimov, as a prerequisite for a potential showdown.

“@TeofimoLopez you fight and beat @IsrailMadrimov next, I’ll whoop yo ass next bet? Now let’s see how much you wanna fight,” Crawford tweeted.

The exchange continued as Crawford, 37, from Nebraska, took aim at Lopez’s career achievements. “If you ever thought Teo had a better resume than me, yo momma eats dog shit, and you need to stay far away from boxing because you don’t know shit about boxing,” Crawford added.

Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs), known for his measured approach in the ring, critiqued Lopez’s level of competition. “I respect all fighters. But @TeofimoLopez only fought 3 fighters worth even talking about, and that’s Lomachenko, and [Jamaine] Ortiz beat him. [Josh] Taylor lost his fight before Teo and definitely should have moved up to 147, but we all know why he killed himself to make 140.”

Lopez fired back, tweeting, “We either lace up the gloves or SHUT YO HOE ASS UP.”

Crawford responded sharply, reminding Lopez of his earlier remarks. “@TeofimoLopez, now you said you’ll fight me for free right? Them was your words, not mine,” Crawford tweeted.

Lopez, 27, from Brooklyn, stood firm. “Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth! You A-side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing,” he replied.

Lopez, 21-1 (13 KOs), has fought twice in 2024, earning unanimous decisions over Jamaine Ortiz in February and Steve Claggett in June.

Crawford quickly dismissed Lopez’s words as mere talk. “What’s the location, you doing too much talking. I’m trying to see something. Yo daddy said you hit hard without the gloves I’m trying to find out. You don’t deserve to share the ring with greatness. All you deserve is a good ol fashioned ass whooping. So I can teach you,” Crawford tweeted.

WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has been vocal in his call-outs of boxing’s biggest stars throughout 2024 but he is yet to find a willing opponent that could thrust his name into pound-for-pound contention once again. However, Terence Crawford now appears open to a showdown with ‘The Takeover’ – one that Lopez compared to a legendary encounter.

Teofimo Lopez has twice defeated pound-for-pound contenders in recent years, notably pulling off the upsets in his two title challenges to date against Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor to defeat the top dogs at both 135lbs and 140lbs.

Yet, a surprise defeat to George Kambosos Jr. back at lightweight and more recent underwhelming displays against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett have damaged Lopez’s claim to the pound-for-pound throne.

Instead, as a multi-divisional undisputed champion, it is Crawford whom many consider at the man to beat in the world of boxing and Lopez has once again called for a clash with ‘Bud’ on social media, this time receiving a promising response.I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy.

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 8, 2024

[Lopez]: “Enough games. We lacing up to fight? The people want to see you put me on a stretcher! #Boxing

“So what we doing?! Feb. 2025 @Turki_alalshikh”

[Crawford]: “I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy”.

Shortly afterwards, Lopez doubled down on his declaration that he would face WBA super-welterweight champion Crawford for free and went on to compare the possible affair to Sugar Ray Leonard’s legendary trilogy with Roberto Duran.Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!

You A side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach react differently to fight announcementFirst off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!

Crawford Vs Lopez is the modern day era of @SugarRayLeonard VS @robertoduranbox

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024

[Crawford]: “@TeofimoLopez now you said you’ll fight me for free right? Them was your words not mine.”

[Lopez]: “Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!

“You [are the] A-side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing”

[Crawford]: What’s the location, you doing too much talking. I’m trying to see something. You daddy said you hit hard without the gloves, I’m trying to find out. You don’t deserve to

[Lopez]: “First off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!

“Crawford vs Lopez in the modern-day era of Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran.”

If Lopez is serious about a challenge for Crawford’s super-welterweight title, he will need to move up two weight divisions in order to enforce the scrap, although Crawford’s pursuit of a third undisputed title could stand in the way – as talks progress for a unification bout between he and the WBC and WBO champion, Sebastian Fundora.

Referee Thomas Taylor from Newport Beach, California, has been assigned to oversee the highly anticipated light-heavyweight championship superfight between unified champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA beltholder Dmitry Bivol on October 12 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Taylor, a seasoned referee, recently officiated Erislandy Lara’s win over Danny Garcia in Las Vegas and the draw between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. In July, he managed Junto Nakatani’s quick one-round victory over Vincent Astrolabio in Tokyo, and earlier this year, he was the third man for David Benavidez's bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the light-heavyweight division.

Joining Taylor as the scoring officials outside the ropes will be Glenn Feldman of the USA, Spain’s Manuel Oliver Palomo, and Pawel Kardyni from Poland. Palomo notably scored Oleksandr Usyk’s big win over Tyson Fury earlier this year, while Kardyni judged Dmitry Bivol’s previous fight in Riyadh—a victory over Malik Zinad—and was on hand for Nick Ball's close win over Raymond Ford.

For the British heavyweight title rematch between champion Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, referee Victor Loughlin will be in charge, with judges Mark Bates, John Latham, and Steve Gray at ringside. Their previous encounter ended in a draw over 12 rounds in London.

#BeterbievBivol #LightHeavyweightShowdown #BoxingChampionship #KingdomArenaRiyadh #BeterbievVsBivol #RefereeThomasTaylor #RiyadhSeason #WardleyVsClarke #BoxingJudges #Bivol #Beterbiev

Featherweight Sophie Alisch has signed a long-term promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing. The unbeaten 22-year-old German is scheduled to return to the ring on October 25 at Wasserman Boxing’s promotion in Bolton, England, headlined by Harlem Eubank.

Alisch will face hometown fighter Linzi Buczynskyj and fights to move closer to a shot at the featherweight title. She is also monitoring the upcoming title bout between Skye Nicholson and Raven Chapman in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

“I’m thrilled to re-sign with Wasserman Boxing and build on the momentum we’ve already created,” Alisch said. “This partnership has been instrumental in my growth, and I’m ready to push further toward championship opportunities.”

Kalle Sauerland, head of boxing at Wasserman, added: “Sophie is already a star, but she has the talent and charisma to be a superstar and the next face of female boxing.”

For Tim Tszyu, the cut he suffered earlier in 2024 is more than a reminder of a loss — it’s a mark of unfinished business.

After his defeat in April by Sebastian Fundora, a cut on his face required 15 stitches and kept Tszyu out for nearly seven months. 

The Australian, 29, is determined to prove that the scar doesn’t define him.

"You can see it's a little V – V for vengeance," he said.

The 29-year-old former junior-middleweight titleholder (24-1, 17 KOs) is set to challenge the unbeaten IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) of Russia on October 19, from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The fight will mark the first Premier Boxing Champions event to air on Amazon Prime without a pay-per-view barrier – and therefore present Tszyu with a fitting stage for his comeback. In the inaugural Amazon Prime-PBC collaboration, Tszyu suffered the cut he now calls "a little tattoo for the rest of my life". His fight against Murtazaliev, 31, represents the first step towards redemption after his loss to Fundora, who had been a late replacement for the inactive Keith Thurman.

"Could have, would have, should have — it’s all in the past," Tszyu said. "The biggest lesson I learned was just focusing on the present."

Tszyu’s road back has been challenging. He was scheduled to fight Vergil Ortiz in August on the undercard of Israil Madrimov-Terence Crawford, but the same medical issues prevented him doing so. Increasingly, he is eager to reclaim his place among boxing’s elite and aims to become a titleholder again.

"I just enjoy the whole fight game," Tszyu said. "I enjoy the thrill of it. I enjoy training camps. I enjoy progression."

Reflecting on his upcoming opponent, Tszyu recalled a brief encounter with Murtazaliev. " I was on the same card as Murtazaliev once and I do remember thinking that he’s a tall guy, but most of my opponents are taller than me,” he said. “We gave each other a little eye-to-eye, like we knew we’d see each other down the road.”

Their fight is imminent, and Tszyu’s scar tells a story — one he hopes is not about a fall from grace, but of a fighter rising again. Murtazaliev-Tszyu could determine the next chapter in his journey.

With two weeks until Tim Tszyu’s return from his first professional loss, he has been training with an outcome in mind .

Australia’s Tszyu, 29, is expected to slug it out with Russia’s Bakhram Murtazaliev, 31, for the latter’s IBF junior middleweight title on October 19 at Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida. Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) is looking to snatch a 154-pound belt from M urtazaliev (22-0, 17 KOs) after losing his WBO title to Sebastian Fundora seven months ago.

Tszyu said he has been faced with ups and downs since losing the unification bout to Fundora, in which Tszyu was cut early and clearly affected by the resulting blood flow throughout the remainder of the fight.

“It's been a little bit of a roller coaster because I did not know when I'm gonna fight and who I'm gonna fight next,” Tszyu told BoxingScene. “But the last three months have been good since I've found out that I've got a task ahead of me and I've gotta fight. And I've just been all in on this.”

Tszyu, who has been training feverishly for M urtazaliev, was never interested in taking a step back or a tune-up fight before wading back into the elite competition at junior middleweight.

“This is what you fight for – the world titles – and this is why any kid in my position dreams of a belt,” Tszyu said. “Look, when you're a Ferrari, you're not gonna be racing against little Toyota Corollas. You’re gonna go for the next Ferrari. That's how I see it.”

As for M urtazaliev, a hard-hitting 6-footer who has yet to be tested at the highest levels, Tszyu views him as a known threat – one that he hopes to overcome in convincing fashion.

“We were meant to fight at one stage, I remember, and then they came up with some sort of injury,” Tszyu said. “But I remember fighting and he was on the undercard. And he’s a tall boy, and I know him very well. I know he's certainly a top star, so it’s gonna be an interesting fight.

“I watched a little bit. I understand what he's about. I don't really like to get too involved with watching stuff. I prefer doing. Hopefully, I find the right shots and then take him out. That’s what I'm going for.”

M urtazaliev will be making his maiden title defense against Tszyu, six months after winning a vacant title against Germany’s Jack Culcay at Stadthalle Falkensee just outside Berlin. M urtazaliev walked away with the title after stopping Culcay in the 11th round.

“ He's like a dog – these are always tough fights,” Tszyu said of M urtazaliev and the challenge ahead. “He has a never-die attitude and comes in with good momentum, good punches and, of course, he's got a bit of power – a bit of crack in. So, yeah, that always presents as a tough one.”

Jack Rafferty still sends texts to his mom.

“On Thursday before my fight, I texted her at 38 minutes past three, saying: ‘I'm going to win that British title for you, Mum. I love you, I'm going to make you proud. Just watch, Red love heart. Your son's going to be British, Commonwealth and WBC silver champion.’

“I knew I was going to win. I had that feeling and it all came true.”

Rafferty, 24-0 (15 KOs), knows that he will never receive a reply. His mom died almost four years ago. Sending those text messages is the best way he can let her know that he has kept his promises to her. 

On Saturday night Rafferty wore down the undefeated Henry Turner in Liverpool to add the vacant British super-lightweight title to his Commonwealth belt.

For seven rounds, the talented Turner followed his pre-fight plan to a tee. After nine rounds, the fight was over. 

For most, it will have been their first glimpse of the fighter from Shaw who has battled away on the small hall circuit for years. 

Rafferty, 29, is known as “The Demolition Man”, but over the years his trainer Steve Maylett has refined his aggressive style. 

Rather than letting him loose with a sledgehammer, Maylett has steadily built Rafferty’s skill set and each fight is now a well-planned, controlled demolition.

Rafferty’s trust in Maylett was displayed by his total lack of panic as the rounds ticked by. Turner was boxing and moving well but he was moving too much. When he finally had to stop and hold his feet, Rafferty seized his moment. Turner’s corner pulled him out of the fight after a brutal end to round nine.

On Monday afternoon, his achievement still hadn’t sunk in. 

“No, nowhere near,” he said. “I woke up this morning and the first thing I said was, ‘I can’t believe I’m British champion’.

“I've not even watched the fight back. I’ve watched all the videos and I’ve watched the clips that have been put on Instagram. I haven’t watched it from start to finish.

“I'm pissed off with my performance and I'm pissed off how crap my hands were in a way, with letting some of those shots go. But you know, it leaves something to work on.

“I got a bicep injury in the third round and I suppose it’s alright saying I wasn’t that sharp but was he extra sharp?”

Rafferty floored the exhausted Turner, 24, heavily at the end of the ninth and when he sat down on his stool, he couldn’t help looking over Maylett’s shoulder to watch what was going on in the opposite corner. He realised what had happened before his trainer. 

“I knew,” he said. “I saw him put his head in the towel and I thought, ‘Oh, I don't want to say anything because I don't want to get a crack off Steve telling me to get my head on this fight’, but I did. I said, ‘Steve, he's going to pull, he's going to stop this’. He went, ‘Jack, get your head on this fight’. I went, ‘Steve, he stopped it’, and jumped up.

“Every British fighter has got to get to that British title. So, it's like stage one to stage five with stage five being a world title. Stage one to three, I can close that book. Boom. Then you're going on to the next stage.”

Reaching the next stage hasn’t been easy.

It is seven years since Rafferty turned professional and, until Saturday night at the M&S Bank Arena, every one of those had been spent in leisure centres and small halls. Until June he had never even boxed on television; his stoppage of India’s Sabari Jaishankar was screened on DAZN.  

Rafferty’s mother may not be here to support him emotionally but she has continued to play a crucial part in helping him achieve his dreams. In 2022 Rafferty estimates he spent around £25,000 of his money as he desperately tried to stay active. A good portion of that came from the money she had left him. His chance finally arrived at the weekend. 

Turner was a multi-time national amateur champion and has worked hard to translate his style to the professional ranks. He has improved steadily and has grown accustomed to boxing on major shows and dealing with the accompanying media attention. 

It is very easy for a fighter on the B-side of a promotion – especially one unfamiliar with big events – to develop an inferiority complex, accept a bit part in the show, and retreat into their shell.

Aware that he would be unlikely to be given another chance if he allowed this one to slip away, Rafferty was determined to impose himself on the fight from the launch press conference and made sure that Turner and his team knew that although he was grateful for the opportunity, he was there to do much, much more than take part. 

“I felt like he respected me straight away,” Rafferty said. “I knew I was bigger and better than him and I thought to myself, ‘He's here because of me actually – yeah, I might be coming out last but he's fighting me because of what I've done’.

“He turned up late to the [final] press conference which I told him about at the weigh-in. I said, ‘Listen, you've turned up late to the press conference and you’ll be coming up runner-up’. I felt I won the press conference as well if that means anything. I felt I looked better than him, which doesn't mean nothing, but I felt more grown up; I felt more experienced. I felt like I'd done it before, which I hadn't.

“I wanted it. Like I said to the lady in the interview after the fight, I've closed my eyes and spoken in interviews. I’ve closed my eyes and spoken at the press conferences.

“I've envisioned stuff like that.

“If you look at me walking out into the venue, I have a look around at everyone. I shake my head and I’m thinking, ‘No, I deserve to be here’. I felt like I was in the right place at the right time.”

Winning the British title means the world to Rafferty, his brother, Tom [who is also an unbeaten professional], and his father, Dave, but there is absolutely no sense of the job being done. 

Before his first-round knockout victory over Lee Appleyard in December, Rafferty told me that he had sat down and calculated exactly how many days he needed to stay fully dedicated and focused for in order to accomplish everything he wanted to. 

One of his major targets has been scratched off and he has plenty of time to realise the rest of his dreams.

On Sunday, Rafferty took his newly won titles to his mother’s grave. If things go to plan, he should be making many more similar visits in the future. 

“The plans are now just to grow and listen to Steve and dedicate my life now until I’m 34 years old,” he said.

“Steve said, ‘We’ll get you a British title and let's go for the world title then’. Everyone wants to win a world title but, like Steve said, let's cross the British title off first.

“I've not just got an easy opponent there. He's going to be dangerous in 24 months, that Henry Turner. He's going to be unbelievable. I beat a good opponent there. It wasn't just Henry Turner – it was a really good Henry Turner.

“I'm not going to say, ‘I want a world title next’. I'm going to work towards a world title. I'm going to grow at super lightweight and I'm going to stay there, not a problem.

“I'm going to graft now all the time. I'm away for a spa day for my girlfriend and that’s the only day I've got booked.

“The aeroplane's taken off now. It's landing when I'm retiring – 1,500 days and hopefully I never have to work again in my life. That's what I want to do.

“Hopefully these big-money fights are coming next. I’m going to graft hard for them. I'm going to get better in the gym. I'm going to do it. I know I’m going to do it and do you know what? One day when it's all said and done, I can sit back and think, ‘I couldn’t have done no more. That's all I could have done.’

“That's the feeling I want.  But I'm going to do it with a world title.”

John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79

As an observer and fan of boxing, I never thought I’d be as interested in hearing what Todd duBoef has to say as I am in listening to Wladimir Klitschko.

Maybe that’s the secret sauce of “The Fight Life.”

In the first installment of the new, five-episode ESPN Original Series, which premiers Monday on ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET), “The Fight Life” attempts to offer not only a behind-the-curtain glimpse of the lead-up to a big fight – in this case, last May’s undisputed heavyweight championship epic between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury – but seemingly also provide viewers with a textured, visceral feel that is wholly unique to boxing.

The gauzy, slo-mo-heavy shots and cultivated sound bites from Teofimo Lopez Jr., Siniesa Estrada and Fury, among others – yes, this is a Top Rank joint – were to be expected. And, full credit, they’re well-executed. But where things actually get interesting are the fairly candid interviews and slices of life from Top Rank president duBoef, VP of operations and matchmaker Carl Moretti and director of communications Evan Korn.

“What I enjoy,” duBoef says, with perfectly delivered dramatic pauses, in what serves as the intro to Episode 1, “is a power that we in the sport have is the power to create goosebumps for the world.”

It’s actually a compelling thought – deeper analysis than we tend to get from a sport built on ego and artifice. And then, surprisingly – and delightfully – “The Fight Life” stays in this lane.

“This isn’t a normal world,” says Moretti. “Nobody wakes up and says, ‘I want to work in professional boxing.’ You’re dealing with guys that get punched in the face for a living – and that’s your business.”

The ridiculousness of the boxing business is confronted in Episode 1 by those on the inside in a way – head on – that I know I haven’t seen before. It’s refreshing, and it lends a bit more authenticity to the doc’s other scenes, which indeed pop from the screen.

“I have shame when I say I’m a promoter,” duBoef says with grim humor. “It’s like the bad word. They fucking say you’re the evil empire. That fucking bothers me.”

When duBoef steps into the back offices at Top Rank and shows off the promotion’s library of recorded fights – which dates back to 1966 and much of which was shot on 16mm reel that is packaged in old metal film cans stacked across rows of shelves – he appears genuinely touched by the opportunity to essentially walk through the aisles of boxing history.

More humility, a rarity in the sport:

While preparing French toast at his Aspen, Colorado, home for daughter Quinn, duBoef discusses his start in boxing and addresses his insecurities over being the stepson of the boss, Bob Arum. “I wanted to prove my worth,” he says.

From Arum himself, noting his own first steps in the sport, alongside heavyweight great Muhammad Ali: “I wouldn’t be in boxing – I wouldn’t be anything in this sport – if it wasn’t for Ali,” Arum said.

Korn is given the unenviable task of breaking the news to Top Rank fighter Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of “The Greatest,” that he would not be included on the Riyadh Season card for Fury-Usyk. Wryly, he asks the fighter, “Do you want the bad news or the bad news?”

Not to worry: “The Fight Life” cuts all those healthy, nourishing portions with the boxing equivalent of Jolt and cotton candy. The doc nearly crosses the line of glorifying the now-infamous incident in which John Fury, Tyson’s Falstaffian father, headbutts without provocation a member of Team Usyk who is half his size and a fraction of his age – and walked away with his own blood trickling down his face.

“No comment,” Fury says to the camera, after which, unprompted and in precisely the same breath, he offers further comment: “Listen, anybody gets in my face and disrespects my son – a heavyweight multi-world champion – they’re having it.”

Boxing, sometimes grandly described as the theater of the absurd, too often doubles as the theater of assholes.

Yet even when one of boxing’s witlessly fabricated, faux-alpha displays receives its undeservedly aggrandized moment in Episode 1, “The Fight Life” manages to tap a vein of raw humanity: After Tyson Fury emerges from a closed-door interview in the aftermath, smiling from ear to ear and pumping both fists high as chants of “Fury! Fury!” ring out, he immediately drops the vaudeville upon spotting his father: “Dad,” he says, his toothy grin replaced by genuine concern, “what’s happened to your head?”

It’s not the only time “The Fight Life” shows a different side of the father-son relationship than viewers are accustomed to seeing through the lens of boxing, When Ukraine’s Usyk phones back home in war-besieged Kiev two days before the Fury fight, the concern, pride and – yes – love visible on his face when he speaks to his wife and young son are laid bare for the camera. After casually asking whether his father cut his own hair ahead of fight night, Usyk’s son – himself under imminent threat from Vladimir Putin’s vanity and violence – tells him, “I have prayed for you once, and I will do that again later.”

Episode 1 goes on to share glorious footage of Usyk-Fury, along with interstitials of in-fight reactions from duBoef, both corners and others. And even if it’s a somewhat shameless plug for the fighters’ Dec. 21 rematch, back in Saudi Arabia, even cynical fans will be hard-pressed not to bite.

Promoters – a slander of sorts, in duBoef’s mind – are needed in boxing, no less so than the NFL relies on its commissioner or the NBA its league office. But in a sport with so many hangers-on and self-important side hustlers, the frank admissions and deflections back to the sacrifices of the men and women in the arena highlighted in the first episode of “The Fight Life” raise hopes for what’s to come over the remainder of the series.

“I don’t know that I have the understanding of what a boxer goes through the minute he walks into the ring,” duBoef said. “Where people are judging you on being the baddest man on the planet that night. And there’s no team. There’s no power forward. There’s no point guard. There’s no offensive linemen there. It’s you. You may have a corner, but at the end of the day, it’s you.”

Lamont Roach Sr., father and coach of WBA junior lightweight Lamont Roach Jr., knows his son faces a significant challenge in his December 14 bout against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis at the Toyota Center in Houston, but he believes the moment holds special meaning for both personal and regional reasons.

“Lamont and Tank have history and were amateur rivals,” Roach Sr. said. “Baltimore vs. D.C. is real. They fought and sparred many times. It’s always been great work on both sides. To see them now compete on the biggest stage is a special moment.”

The fight will mark Roach Jr.’s (25-1-1, 10 KOs) first time headlining a pay-per-view and his second official bout at lightweight, following a 2014 catchweight fight against Rafael Francis. Roach Jr., 29, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will take on the undefeated Davis (30-0, 28 KOs), also 29, of Baltimore.

Roach Sr. emphasized that the significance of the fight goes beyond the ring. While the No Xcuses Boxing Gym, where Roach Jr. trains, has produced numerous professional fighters, its primary mission has always been to guide young people.

"It’s great for young kids in this area and young, aspiring boxers around the world," Roach Sr. said. "I was really hoping it would land in the DMV, but I guess we’re taking it to the great city and state of Houston, Texas."

The fight also highlights a historic rivalry between the two boxing clubs that shaped both fighters, NoXcuse Boxing and Upton Boxing.

“I mentioned the history between Tank and Lamont, but it’s also history between the two boxing clubs that produced these world champions,” Roach Sr. added.

Roach Jr., who has been boxing since the age of nine, has long been a standout at No Xcuses Boxing Gym. According to his father, this fight represents the culmination of years of hard work.

“We’ve been a top fighter since we started,” Roach Sr. said. “We accomplished a lot in the amateurs and the pro ranks. We’re a world champion, and we belong here. The world will see.”

Roach Jr. isn’t shying away from the challenge of moving up in weight to face Davis, widely regarded as one of boxing's top pound-for-pound fighters. Roach claimed the WBA junior lightweight title last November after defeating Hector Luis Garcia, a former Davis opponent. Earlier this year, he successfully defended his title at home, stopping the previously undefeated Feargal McCrory in the eighth round.

Davis, also has fought just once in 2024, delivering an eighth-round knockout of Frank Martin in June. Prior to that, Davis scored a high-profile stoppage of Ryan Garcia in a pay-per-view blockbuster in April 2023.

“We are very happy and excited for this opportunity to compete for another world title in a second weight division against what many consider one of the best in boxing right now,” Roach Sr. said.

Artur Beterbiev is 39 years old, which is past the prime years for most fighters. He has not been overly active, fighting once in 2022 and once in 2023. And ahead of his second fight of 2024, Beterbiev underwent knee surgery to repair a ruptured meniscus.

It’s understandable if you take that with more than a grain of salt. No member of a fighter’s camp is going to acknowledge that their boxer is declining, especially ahead of Beterbiev’s Oct. 12 fight with fellow titleholder Dmitry Bivol to crown an undisputed champion at 175 pounds. Still, Scully makes a case that the IBF, WBC and WBO titleholder is still performing at a high level.

“When I watch him, I never think about his age,” Scully told me in a recent interview, which will be broadcast in full on an upcoming episode of ”United Boxing,” a podcast I co-host . “And I find that it's kind of amusing, because I grew up in an era where when you were 32, that was considered the top of the hill.”

“With Artur, his mentality is so strong in the ring and out of the ring. I don't want to say he can go forever, but I don't think of his age,” Scully said. “People said, ‘Oh, what's he going to do? Is he going to retire after this fight?’ And I'm like, ‘I don't think so.’ I don't see any reason for him to retire.

“He's still going to come on strong all 12 rounds. If you think about it, watch his fights and tell me I'm wrong. How many guys do you know in the second half of their 30s who have improved, have gotten better? When you watch Artur’s last few fights, he's good. He's become a well-rounded, world-class champion, right? After the fight with Callum Smith [in January, eight days before Beterbiev turned 39], I told Artur, ‘That's the best you ever looked.’ How many people can say that at 38?

“How many people can say that was their best performance, against a high level of opposition? How many people have done their best performance [at] 38 or 39 years old? Nobody. No one. You know, maybe [Bernard] Hopkins. He was [36] when he fought [Felix] Trinidad. And then he had a couple of good fights in his mid-40s. So it's a different day. Fighters are lasting longer. Football players are bigger. They're lasting longer. It's a different world now.”

Beterbiev has had a few injuries in recent years . There was a shoulder injury in 2015 , a rib injury in 2020 and a leg procedure in 2022 . He also suffered an infection after dental surgery last year .

Premier Boxing Champions has confirmed the matchup between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach. The fight is scheduled for December 14 at the Toyota Center. This announcement has generated great excitement among boxing fans.

Both boxers have reacted on social media regarding this matchup. Davis’s response was strong and direct. In a tweet on the platform “X,” the champion said, “Y’all can try… but it’s not gonna go the way y’all want it to go.” In this way, reflecting his confidence in his ability to win.

On the other hand, Lamont Roach took a lighter approach. In his response, he used a simple emoji, hinting at his calmness in the face of the challenge. This contrast in their responses reflects the personalities of both fighters.Gervonta Davis, with an impressive record of 30 wins and 28 knockouts, will defend his WBA lightweight title.

The Baltimore fighter comes off a notable victory over Frank Martin, whom he knocked out in the eighth round in June. His ability to finish fights quickly makes him a formidable opponent.Lamont Roach Jr., for his part, has a record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

The challenger will move up in weight after defeating Feargal McCrory at 130 pounds. Roach Jr. holds the WBA gold title, adding an additional level of prestige to his challenge.

The announcement of the fight came shortly after the WBA granted Roach Jr. a special permit to move up in weight. This will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges of his career. Facing a puncher like Davis will demand the best of his skills.

The clash of styles between Davis and Roach Jr. promises to be fascinating. “Tank,” known for his devastating power, will face a stylistic boxer. Roach Jr. is known for his quick combinations and agility in the ring.Y’all can try..but it’s not gonna go the way y’all want it to go.. https://t.co/gshEXIi7w1

As the film “The Featherweight,” about the life of boxing great Willie Pep, enters wide release, this week a different BoxingScene contributor will reflect on a boxing biopic that resonates with them. Today: "The Hurricane."

“Give that man his Oscar!”

It was December 1999, and “The Hurricane” was in limited release – playing in “select cities” before going into wide distribution – and I was seeing it at a packed theater in New York City. We had arrived at the scene toward the end in which Denzel Washington, playing wrongly imprisoned former middleweight contender Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, meets with his lawyers and debates how and where to introduce new evidence that could prove his innocence.

Finally, the two lawyers shut up and let Denzel cook:

“I’m 50 years old. I’ve been locked up – and for 30 years. I put a lot of good people’s lives at risk. Now, either I get out of here … [whispers] get me out of here.”

The theater sat in silent awe. But one man couldn’t keep his feelings to himself. “Give that man his Oscar!” he yelled, to laughter that quickly turned into whooping agreement and applause.

Somehow, some way, about three months later, the Academy went full Adelaide Byrd and denied that man his Oscar, giving it instead to Kevin Spacey for “American Beauty.” (I bet the Academy wishes it could have that one back.) The general speculation at the time was that the negative campaign waged against “The Hurricane” for its many inaccuracies pushed voters not to reward Washington, even though one should have nothing to do with the other.

We can debate where Washington-as-Carter ranks among the best acting performances not to win the Oscar. For me, it’s No. 1, but hey, Al Pacino didn’t win for either of the first two “Godfather” movies or “Dog Day Afternoon,” Robert De Niro didn’t win for “Taxi Driver,” Samuel L. Jackson didn’t win for “Pulp Fiction,” so … it happens.

Anyway, two things can be true at once. The lead performance in a film can be absolutely lights-out, and that film can be flawed, uneven and full of creative license. For me, Denzel’s brilliance far outweighs whatever shortcomings “The Hurricane” carries. It’s not the best boxing biopic ever made. But it’s my favorite. It resonates emotionally, I find it endlessly rewatchable, and … Denzel, dammit. Den . Friggin’ . Zel .

There’s a title card at the start of the movie that states the film is based on a true story but contains fictionalizations and composite characters. I don’t remember seeing that disclaimer in the theater nearly 25 years ago. Maybe it was there and I forgot. Or maybe it was added after former middleweight champ Joey Giardello sued the producers for the movie’s depiction of his 1964 defense against Carter as a blatant robbery.

Either way, audiences should inherently understand that adapting a true story to the big screen (or the small screen) always comes with decisions to manipulate the details for the viewer’s benefit. We witnessed this recently with another “combat sports” biopic, “The Iron Claw,” about pro wrestling’s Von Erich family, in which one son who committed suicide was left out of the story entirely because the film was already depressing enough, and one more tragedy – though real – would have felt unrealistic.

In his review of “The Hurricane,” pushing back on the criticisms of the fictionalized elements, film critic Roger Ebert wrote , “‘The Hurricane’ is not a documentary but a parable, in which two lives are saved by the power of the written word.”

What matters is not whether Carter’s story was told with note-for-note accuracy. What matters is the artistic quality of the storytelling.

And, much as I love this movie, I will admit that’s a mixed bag.

Take the Giardello vs. Carter scene. For dramatic purposes, it makes sense to depict our protagonist as a man who got hosed in his one shot at the title – and it helps align with the Bob Dylan lyric we hear in his song about Carter: “Put in a prison cell, but one time he coulda been the champion of the world.” The decision to set the black-and-white fight action to Gil Scott-Heron’s jazz/funk spoken-word track “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is exquisite. But the crowd reactions to the decision in Giardello’s favor are a mess. They’re cartoonish, and so poorly acted that it’s alarming director Norman Jewison chose to use them. That scene is the best and worst of “The Hurricane” all crammed into one sequence.

Much of the plotting and the script is paint-by-numbers. Carter’s relationship with his wife is underdeveloped; we’re just supposed to assume their love and her pain. The racist detective played by Dan Hedaya – an invented character standing in for numerous people within the system who failed and/or framed Carter throughout his life – hits you over the head with his bias and bigotry.

And then there are the Canadians. For those who’ve forgotten the story or never saw the movie, Carter and another man, John Artis, are convicted of a triple homicide they insist they know nothing about, and while in prison, Carter writes his autobiography, “The Sixteenth Round.” A Brooklyn teen named Lesra Martin who is living in Toronto with a foster family of sorts reads the book, grows inspired and becomes pen pals with Carter, and eventually Lesra and the trio of Canadians set out to prove Carter’s innocence. That becomes the subject of a later book written by two of those Canadians, “Lazarus and the Hurricane.” (The two books together are the foundation of the story told in Jewison’s film.)

In the movie, the Rubin-Lesra relationship is powerful – those are the two lives “saved by the power of the written word” to which Ebert was referring. But any scene with the Canadians is clunky to the point of cringeworthiness. Of the film’s 146-minute run time, I’d estimate Carter is the main character for about 115, and those scenes are mostly gripping; Lesra and the Canadians are the main characters for the other half-hour or so, and those scenes can be a slog.

But it’s all a means to an end. Liberties are taken to deliver the drama without the movie lasting 10 hours. (If they were making “The Hurricane” in 2024, it may well be a 10-episode streaming series that allows time to bring nuance to the various roles and plot developments.) I suppose the Canadians could have been written out entirely and Lesra could have saved Carter on his own, but then the film would have taken even more criticism for twisting the facts.

When “The Hurricane” is clicking, it’s basically “The Shawshank Redemption” without Rita Hayworth or Raquel Welch. (But with Clancy Brown as a prison guard once again!) Carter’s story of false conviction and the broken system that enabled it has, unfortunately, a timeless resonance (see Marcellus Williams’ execution just last week despite seemingly reasonable doubts about his guilt). And putting that drama – the pain, the desperation, the hope, the defiance – in the hands of Washington elevated it to a remarkable level, bringing Ebert to tears and making grown men shout out about Oscar recognition in a crowded theater.

Around the time of the movie’s release, Carter himself revealed that others who auditioned to play him included Wesley Snipes, Samuel L. Jackson and some Italian B-movie star named Marvin Hagler. The right guy got the role. Washington became Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. He developed not just the physique of a fighter but the authentic emotional hardness of so many professional boxers.

And for what it’s worth, the three fight scenes – Carter against Emile Griffith, Joey Cooper and Giardello – are as realistically shot as any I’ve ever seen on film. The “Rocky” movie fights are thrilling but absurd. The “Creed” movie fights are fun, but they look too much like a video game. In “The Hurricane,” the boxing – if a bit flattering to Carter – looks like boxing.

Real and realistic are two different things. “The Hurricane” is based on a true story, and the story it tells hits hard in all the ways it’s supposed to. And it’s Washington’s performance that gets it there.

When I someday write my script for a movie about the movie “The Hurricane,” I’m taking some creative liberties and saying that Denzel won that Oscar.