For many, Saturday’s undisputed light-heavyweight championship fight is the center of the boxing calendar.

Whether or not the heavyweight carnage of the past 12 months has tickled your tastebuds, and with the promise of a second helping of Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury looming in December, many still have the bout between WBC, WBO and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA king Dmitry Bivol as the must-see fight of 2024.

It has just about everything, including – most importantly – a delicate balance between who might win and how when weighing up who could have their hand raised as the best 175-pounder of this generation. 

It is a fight boxing needs. It does represent the best versus the best in their weight division, and by a significant margin, and that is something that is all too rare today, despite the volume of unification fights and the cries that the best in each weight class are fighting each other with more regularity than in previous years.

There has indeed been some good action fights in 2024, but the theory that a boatload of new money has unlocked the fights we all have wanted is a fallacy because we seem no nearer to Shakur Stevenson fighting “Tank” Davis, David Benavidez landing the “Canelo” Alvarez bout, or Terence Crawford fighting “Boots” Ennis.

Assertions like these are always divisive; some fall into the same moaning bracket as me, and others are grateful for what we have had, rather than what we have not.

But here, with Beterbiev-Bivol, is where (for a change) we almost all unanimously agree. This is a badass fight that is one of, if not the, best fights that can be made in the sport – and it has been for some time.

“People want to make everything simple,” Bivol told me a few weeks ago. 

Just about everything about the contest, when you pair down the fighters and look at their records, styles and attributes, makes it appealing. 

Both were top amateurs and have converted that pedigree into world honors as professionals and pound-for-pounders. Beterbiev has caused more excitement and carnage, and his 20-0 (20 KOs) ledger dazzles more imposingly than Bivol’s 23-0 (12 KOs).

As Beterbiev’s statistics indicate, he is an absolute brute. Those who get hit by him stay hit. His highlight reel of destruction stacks up alongside the great and the good historically at 175, while Bivol performs his surgery with a different type of methodology but no less precision. 

It’s too easy to condemn Beterbiev for his blunt-force trauma. That does a disservice to his distance, timing, generalship and patience. He hasn’t beaten the people he has defeated so far simply by marching forwards and not stopping until they concede.

To work at the level he does and how he does it does mean he has to operate in harm’s way. It means he’s been dropped and he’s been caught. There is no disgrace in that. Jeff Page put him over with a right hand that he sprung back up from. Callum Johnson decked him with a short left hook that made him woozy. Others have had their successes, too, but inevitability creeps in and the walls soon begin to close. 

Can the 33-year-old Bivol keep Beterbiev off him, and can the WBA champion stay out of the danger zone for 12 rounds? Those are among the many questions that will be answered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Historically, this fight really does matter. It’s not hyperbole or hoopla. It is not a line delivered with the promise of a bounty from the Saudi sovereign fund. This contest will spawn a true descendent to Tommy Loughran, Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles, Bob Foster, Michael Spinks and Roy Jones. 

Commercially, how big a fight is between two Russians in Saudi Arabia, regardless of the caliber of the boxers or the intricacies and proposed violence in the actual fight, is another matter entirely.

Many felt Crawford’s Las Vegas showpiece with Errol Spence at the T-Mobile in Las Vegas in 2023 did not grow outwards, beyond the boxing bubble, and this is certainly no bigger than that. It is a must-see fight for the hardcore fans and a trade fight of the highest order. Time will tell if it is, in any way, a commercial juggernaut. 

Some felt that Spence went into the Crawford fight as damaged goods – perhaps even Spence would agree  – and while some say Beterbiev has displayed no signs of slowing in the ring, and he looked as destructive as ever in his past fight, the emphatic win over Callum Smith in Montreal, questions persist over whether his knee has had time to properly heal (this fight was delayed from June 1 after he ruptured his meniscus), whether inactivity will eventually play a role in his downfall or if, at nearly 40, Father Time has knocked on a door Beterbiev is standing on the other side of, hand outstretched, ready to open.

As with Spence, that will likely only become relevant if Bivol – already the conqueror of the aforementioned Canelo – wins decisively or emphatically.

According to the light-heavyweight contender Jesse Hart, a clear-cut winner would be a surprise. Instead, a fight that will take a lot out of both is what is both expected and desired.

“I think that’s going to be a war in itself,” he told me earlier this year. “And I believe that that fight – you’re going to get leftovers out of those two guys, as far as they’re not going to be at their peak after that fight. 

“After that fight, I think that’s going to take a lot out of both of them. Because they both fight so hard and they’re both from Russia, they’ve both got that pedigree in them. So it’s not just about the world title, it’s about ‘Who’s the best in our country?’ This is Russia versus Russia; this is a personal thing as well. They want to be respected as the best. In Russia, people say Bivol is the best; people say Beterbiev is the best. Now they meet and figure out who really is the best over here [at 175 lbs], and it’s out of those two guys. So I believe that’s going to take a lot out of both of them.”

Will either fighter be the same afterwards?

“No, absolutely not. That’s why I say David Benavidez moved up [in weight] at the right time. He knows what he’s doing – there’s a reason why he went up to light heavyweight to fight [Oleksandr] Gvozdyk; he gets the leftovers of them two beating the hell out of each other, because that’s what it’s going to be. 

“I think this fight is going to take a lot out of both fighters, whoever wins. I believe the fans are going to get their money’s worth, but I believe it’s going to take a lot out of both guys because they’re both resilient.”

Entering the fight, while it is worth weighing up every possible alternative, it is also worth appreciating what we finally have. Beterbiev-Bivol is a fight we’ve longed for for long enough. Now it is down to them to show us why, and to indulge our cravings as fight fans who are too often denied this magical feeling.

In a training session

“I was very impressed with your fight, and said, ‘Second time around, just fix a couple of things,” Lewis said, emphasizing that these adjustments could make the difference in the rematch.

Clarke, who was knocked down in the fifth round of his previous fight, acknowledged his shortcomings. “Since that day, I’m not a big fan of watching myself back, but I’ve been hammered, I’ve seen so much of myself from my last fight, and I’ve not looked at me doing anything correct. All we’ve looked at is the mistakes I made,” he said.

He also discussed the high expectations following his professional debut after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lewis, who won Olympic gold in 1988, agreed that the transition from amateur to professional is like a reset.

“If you’re boxing and your feet are in quicksand, that’s no way to box. You’re not going to get too far that way”. “All great heavyweights had great jabs, so you’ve got to develop that jab. Very important,” the former champion concluded.

With this guidance, Clarke hopes to be ready to claim the titles in his rematch against Wardley.

The undefeated lightweight Floyd Schofield Jr. returns to the ring on November 2 to face René “El Bravo” Téllez Girón. The 12-round fight will take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Schofield, with a record of 17-0 (12 KOs), enters as the favorite after a series of impressive victories.

The boxer from Austin, Texas made his debut in 2020 with a knockout and recently won by disqualification against Esteuri Suero. “I am beyond excited for my return to the ring as the official main event, and to show the world what I’ve been working on,” said the Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr.Floyd Schofield has a clear goal: to become a world champion.

For his part, Girón, with a record of 20-3 (13 KOs), is determined to surprise. “I’m so excited about this fight, like none other so far in my career.” He added, “I will win, my preparation is always great,” declared the Mexican, who comes off a knockout victory over Alex Dilmaghani.

Oscar De La Hoya, from Golden Boy Promotions, highlighted that Floyd Schofield always seeks the knockout but warned that Tellez Girón has never been knocked out, making this fight a real test.

“Everyone knows that Schofield goes for the KO every time, but Girón has never been knocked out,” said De La Hoya.

In addition to the main event, the card will feature a bout between Bektemir Melikuziev and David Stevens in a WBA eliminator at 168 pounds. There will also be an undisputed female flyweight title fight between Gabriela Fundora and Gabriela Alaniz, along with other exciting matchups.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌‼️ Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield returns November 2nd 🆚 Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Giron. He puts his undefeated record on the line in Las Vegas at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. Pre-Sale tickets available 𝐍𝐎𝐖.#SchofieldGiron | LIVE on DAZN Nov. 2 pic.twitter.com/zyO2JTwSEt

Troy Isley’s 10-round bout with Tyler “Hercules” Howard will instead be the co-main event on the bill headlined by Keyshawn Davis-Gustavo Lemos on November 8. Middleweights Isley and Howard clash at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia after the original co-feature, which had been due to involve the WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr defending his title against Derrieck Cuevas, was postponed after Norman suffered a hand injury.

“Transformer” Isley is 13-0 (5 KOs), and comes from Alexandria, Virginia. He won the vacant NABO belt in his past fight, defeating his former amateur rival Javier Martinez on points over 10 rounds.

Isley, 26, turned professional in February 2021 having represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.

Crossville, Tennessee’s 30-year-old Howard, 20-1 (11 KOs), last boxed in August 2023, when he won a majority decision over Raul Salomon.

On the undercard, the brother of the promising lightweight Keyshawn Davis, the junior welterweight Kelvin, 13-0 (7 KOs), boxes in an eight-rounder against 15-3 (10 KOs) Yeis Solano, and his younger brother Keon Davis makes his professional debut over four rounds at welterweight.

The unbeaten lightweight Abdullah Mason, 15-0 (13 KOs), fights over eight rounds against Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs), and the 19-year-old prospect Robert Meriwether III (7-0, 3 KOs) faces Eric Howard (6-2, 1 KO) in a six round junior-contest. Finally, Virginia’s Austin Deanda (15-0, 10 KOs) and South Carolina’s DeAundre Pettus (12-2, 7 KOs) clash over eight-rounds at middleweight.

Tyson Fury, known for his imposing presence in boxing, has revealed a key strategy for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. The British champion has hinted that he will gain weight ahead of their second bout. According to his statements, he could weigh up to 190 kilograms for the fight. Fury and Usyk will face off on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, seven months after the Ukrainian handed Fury his first professional defeat.

After the loss, Fury claimed he was in the “best shape of his life” in May. However, he now suggests a significant change in his physical preparation. He posted a story on his official Instagram account, showing a picture of himself before his loss to Usyk. In the image, he added a caption that read: “Was in the shape of my life, but this is not the GK [Gypsy King].” In a second image, corresponding to an earlier fight, he wrote: “This is him, 19:11lb, bruiser.”If Tyson Fury reaches that weight in December, he will have gained 15 pounds since his most recent fight with Usyk.

This could give him a 50-pound weight advantage over his rival. Fury’s decision to gain weight seems aligned with his strategy to knock Usyk out in this rematch. In a recent interview with Undisputed, Fury stated that he won’t be aiming for a points victory this time.

“I’m going to go in there with destroy mode,” Fury asserted confidently. “Last time I went to box him; I was being cautious.” “But this time I’m not going for a points decision.” Fury emphasized that his focus will be to knock Usyk out and avoid the risk of losing by points. “I’m going to knock that m0therfckr out,” the Briton added, alluding to his conviction to take the initiative in the fight.

The British boxer also pointed out that, for the first time in years, he doesn’t feel like the champion. “I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion,” Fury explained to @PlayUndisputed. This mindset, according to him, gives him extra motivation, as he feels he has a clear goal to fight for. For Fury, being the challenger this time reignites his motivation to secure victory.

The clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has captured the attention of the boxing world. Usyk, who took the undisputed title from Fury in May, remains confident in his technical skill and speed. However, Fury believes that the weight gain and a more aggressive approach will be key factors in reversing the outcome of their first fight.Lamont Roach comments on Gervonta Davis weight difference

The rematch on December 21 will not only determine who the undisputed heavyweight world champion is but also whether Fury’s strategy of gaining weight and adopting a more aggressive attitude will be enough to overcome the clever and skillful Usyk.According to what Tyson Fury

Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. vs. Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón: What to Expect on November 2

When to Watch: The main event is set for Saturday, November 2, at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

How to Watch: Details on streaming options will be available closer to the fight date.

Why to Watch: This highly anticipated bout features undefeated lightweight contender Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. (17-0, 12 KOs) going head-to-head against the tough Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Girón (20-3, 13 KOs). With Schofield aiming to solidify his position as a future world champion, this fight promises high stakes and excitement.

Fight Preview: Schofield, training out of Davies Boxing and Fitness in San Antonio, Texas, made his professional debut on October 9, 2020, and has quickly built an impressive record with multiple stoppage victories. His last fight ended controversially when Esteuri Suero was disqualified in the fifth round due to a low blow and other infractions. Schofield expressed his eagerness to return to the ring, stating, “I am beyond excited for my return to the ring as the official main event and to show the world what I’ve been working on.”

On the other side of the ring, Girón comes in hot, fresh off a strong performance where he scored a seventh-round stoppage against Alex Dilmaghani. He sees this matchup as a chance to make a statement in the lightweight division: “Floyd Schofield is just another big-name guy in my way to the top. I will win; my preparation is always great… I’m a proud fighter of Mexico, and I will win this fight for my country.”

Oscar De La Hoya, founder of Golden Boy Promotions, highlighted Schofield's potential, saying, “I’ve always said that ‘Kid Austin’ has the ‘it’ factor to not only be a champion but to be a global superstar.” This clash will be a significant test for Schofield as he looks to continue his rise through the ranks.

Co-Main Event and More Fights to Watch: The co-main event features Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev (14-1, 10 KOs) facing off against David “Dynamite” Stevens (14-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round WBA 168lbs eliminator.

Additionally, fans can look forward to a fight for the undisputed female flyweight title between IBF champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (14-0, 6 KOs) and WBA, WBC, and WBO champion Gabriela “LA Chuky” Alaniz (15-1, 6 KOs), who will also compete for the Ring Magazine crown.

Also on the card, super-middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (12-0, 10 KOs) will take on Christopher Pearson (17-4-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round bout, while Joel Iriarte (4-0, 4 KOs) will face an opponent to be confirmed over six rounds.

Final Thoughts: With both fighters bringing their unique styles and determination to the ring, this matchup is poised to be a thrilling encounter that could shape the future of the lightweight division. Don’t miss the chance to witness the action on November 2!

#FloydSchofield #ReneTellezGiron #LightweightDivision #BoxingMatch #MainEvent #FightNight #GoldenBoyPromotions #BoxingNews #LasVegasFights #UndisputedChampion #BoxingHighlights #Knockout

When to Watch: The main event broadcast will air on Saturday, October 12, at 6 PM Eastern Time (11 PM BST). The undercard broadcast will begin at noon Eastern Time (5 PM BST).

How to Watch: In the United States, the main event will stream on ESPN+, while the undercard will be on DAZN. In the United Kingdom, this will be a pay-per-view event available via DAZN, Sky Sports, and TNT.

Why to Watch: This is a fight between the two best light heavyweights in the world. It features a heavy-handed puncher who has knocked out everyone he’s faced against a skilled boxer who stymied an all-time great. Beterbiev vs. Bivol will also decide the undisputed champion of the 175 lbs division.

This long-awaited bout will finally take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In Bivol’s last appearance, he remained busy after the fight with Beterbiev was postponed from their original June date due to Beterbiev's surgery. Bivol scored a sixth-round technical knockout of Malik Zinad, maintaining his perfect record of 23-0 (12 KOs). The 33-year-old Russian, born in Kyrgyzstan and now living in Indio, California, looks to solidify his legacy in this match.

Beterbiev, on the other hand, has dominated his opponents, winning the vacant IBF belt against Enrico Koelling and knocking out notable fighters like Callum Johnson (KO4), Radivoje Kalajdzic (TKO5), and Oleksandr Gvozdyk (TKO10). His impressive knockout streak has propelled him to a record of 19-0 (19 KOs).

Beyond the immediate clash, this fight holds significant implications for the future. Will the winner defend against contenders like David Benavidez, Joshua Buatsi, or David Morrell? Could Canelo Alvarez step up from super middleweight for a rematch with Bivol? And regardless of the outcome, will Bivol consider moving down to a catchweight for a lucrative fight against Canelo?

The undercard also promises excitement:

Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey: Opetaia is making a voluntary defense of his IBF and lineal cruiserweight titles against Massey, who is 22-2 (12 KOs) and looking to upset Opetaia’s plans.

Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman: This will be the first-ever women’s title fight in Saudi Arabia. Nicolson, who won the WBC interim featherweight title, is 11-0 (1 KO), while Chapman comes in at 9-0 (2 KOs).

Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke: A rematch of their entertaining draw in March. Wardley, 17-0-1 (16 KOs), and Clarke, 8-0-1 (6 KOs), are both looking to elevate their careers in the competitive heavyweight division.

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta: A win for Eubank could lead to various title shot opportunities, as he looks to bounce back from his recent victory over Liam Smith.

Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron: Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist, faces Cameron, who is coming off a split-decision loss. Whittaker holds a record of 8-0 (5 KOs), while Cameron is 23-6 (10 KOs).

More Fights to Watch:

Friday, October 11: Jan Paul Rivera-Pizarro vs. Andy Beltran (DAZN) at 7 PM Eastern Time.

Saturday, October 12: Hector Camacho Jr. vs. Andrew Hernandez (CombatSportsNow) at 10 AM Eastern Time.

Saturday, October 12: Acelino Freitas vs. Jorge “El Chino” Miranda (TrillerTV.com) at 5 PM Eastern Time.

#BeterbievBivol #LightHeavyweightChampionship #BoxingPreview #UndisputedChampion #BoxingNews #FightNight #SaudiArabia #Beterbiev #Bivol #SkyeNicolson #JaiOpetaia #ChrisEubankJr #FabioWardley #BoxingFans #PPV

Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, scheduled for November in Texas, as “dangerous, irresponsible, and disrespectful to boxing.” Hearn expressed his concerns regarding the return of Tyson, 58, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2005. In contrast, Jake Paul, 27, boasts a record of 10 wins out of 11 professional bouts.

While Hearn will attend the event to support Katie Taylor in her rematch against Amanda Serrano, he plans to leave before the main fight.

“The reality is that 20 years ago, when Mike Tyson retired from the sport, he was shot, completely finished,” Hearn noted. “It was actually sad to watch then, 20 years ago.”

In an interview with BBC Sports, Hearn reiterated his belief that it is risky for Tyson to return to the ring for a professional fight. Notably, Tyson participated in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.

“I’m in awe of him. He’s one of my favorite fighters ever, one of the greatest of all time, but he’s a 58-year-old man,” Hearn added. “You only need to speak to him and look at him to know this guy should not be in a ring again.”

The fight between Tyson and Paul, set to take place at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, has faced widespread criticism due to the age and experience gap. Jake Paul has defended the matchup, claiming that Tyson’s experience levels the playing field. However, Hearn disagrees. “If I was Jake Paul, I’d just feel a bit embarrassed, to be honest with you,” he stated. “This is dangerous, irresponsible, and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.”

Hearn also pointed out that the fight was previously postponed due to Tyson’s health issues, which should have been a warning sign. He remarked that financial incentives can sometimes lead to poor decisions, referencing the Tyson vs. Paul fight.

“Everybody loves a dollar bill, including me, but sometimes the green-eyed monster can make you make bad decisions—and I think this is one of them,” Hearn commented.

Despite his criticisms, Hearn will attend the event to support Katie Taylor in her rematch against Serrano. Taylor, 38, is set to face Serrano in one of the most significant fights in women’s boxing, which Hearn highlighted as the biggest payday of Taylor’s career. However, he confirmed that he will not stay for the Tyson vs. Paul bout, stating, “I won’t be watching the main event. We’ll be there defending the belts, and then I’ll be off.”

#EddieHearn #MikeTyson #JakePaul #BoxingNews #TysonVsPaul #DangerousFight #BoxingCritique #KatieTaylor #AmandaSerrano #DallasCowboysStadium #SportsIntegrity #BoxingPromoter #BoxingEvents

On December 14, junior lightweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. will step into the ring against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in Houston. While critics have raised concerns about the weight difference between the two fighters, Roach remains confident that it will not impact the outcome of the bout, which will be contested for Davis’ WBA title in a pay-per-view event (PPV).

In an interview with Naji Grampus of Cigar Talk, Roach stated that despite the critics’ opinions, he doesn’t view Davis as the biggest lightweight. “Everybody he fights is damn near bigger than him,” Roach pointed out. “The only person that was smaller than him was Isaac Cruz. And that’s just in height.” Although Roach currently competes in the 130-pound division, he has always planned to move up to 135 pounds to capture another title.

“I fight at 130 because that’s where I campaign at. That’s where I started my career. That’s where I worked my way up to a world title,” Roach explained. He acknowledged that his decision to move up in weight came earlier than anticipated but feels ready to take on Davis in this new class.

With a record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Roach has fought at the 130-pound limit since 2017. Before that, he typically weighed around 131 or 132 pounds, though he weighed more than 134 pounds in some of his early professional bouts. “When a boxer is starting their career, they don’t necessarily have to make 130 pounds because we’re not in title contention or none of that,” Roach elaborated.

Conversely, Gervonta Davis, a 29-year-old from Baltimore, has had a noteworthy career, competing across multiple divisions. He began as a featherweight in 2013 but made his mark in the junior lightweight division in 2017, when he knocked out José Pedraza to win a world title. Since then, Davis has fought in several weight classes, including lightweight and junior welterweight, before returning to 135 pounds.

Both fighters have a slight height difference, with Roach standing at 1.70 meters and Davis at 1.65 meters. This reinforces Roach's belief that physical differences will not play a decisive role in the fight. He emphasized that while Davis feels comfortable at 135 pounds, he doesn’t view him as a particularly big lightweight.

#LamontRoach #GervontaDavis #Boxing #PPV #WBAChampionship #HoustonFightNight #JuniorLightweight #BoxingConfidence #FightPreview #DavisVsRoach #TitleFight #BoxingProspects #CigarTalk

Martin Bakole is poised to receive a significant opportunity following his impressive summer knockout of Jared Anderson, as he is expected to fight on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II rematch. This was confirmed by his promoter, Ben Shalom.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a big fight to announce in December,” Boxxer’s Shalom told BoxingScene. “I’m aiming for it to be on the undercard of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21.”

When asked whether Bakole’s opponent would be Zhilei Zhang, who recently defeated Deontay Wilder in June, Shalom refrained from giving specifics.

“I don’t want to reveal too much,” he said. “We’ll see what happens. It’s been a whirlwind for Martin. We’ve had to be very patient. In my opinion, he’s the most feared man in the division—someone that no one wants to fight.

“Riyadh Season has made previously impossible fights possible. Thank God the fight against Anderson happened. It was a statement win on a big platform. We knew this moment would come, but he truly announced himself to the world that night. I believe he can beat anyone in the division.”

Congo’s Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs), 31, fought for the first time in the United States in August, where he delivered a dominant performance against Anderson, knocking him down three times en route to a fifth-round technical knockout victory.

#MartinBakole #UsykFuryII #BoxingNews #HeavyweightDivision #Knockout #BoxingPromotions #FutureChamp #BoxingFans

Scottish middleweight Sam Hickey is poised to make his professional debut on October 19 at London’s Copper Box Arena, featured on the undercard of the highly anticipated matchup between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

At just 24 years old, Hickey boasts an impressive amateur pedigree, having won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he was also named the tournament’s Best Male Boxer. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships, marking him as the first Scottish athlete in 16 years to achieve a senior European medal.

Hickey's decision to turn professional comes after he missed out on the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the removal of his weight division. Despite struggling to qualify as a light heavyweight, he is optimistic about this new chapter in his boxing career.

“I’m looking forward to making my professional debut on a great card and on a huge platform. It’s been a long time coming,” Hickey expressed. “I decided to turn pro as I think my style suits the pro game. I’ve done my bit in the amateurs, which sets me in good stead to go on and do great things in the pro game. I want to go all the way while becoming a big name in British and Scottish boxing and bringing big shows and fights up to Scotland.”

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom praised Hickey’s potential, stating, “Sam Hickey is one of the most exciting prospects in British boxing. He has had an incredible amateur career so far, and I’m sure he will go on to emulate this success in the professional game. This can be the start of something special for Sam and for Scottish boxing.”

Hickey will be part of an undercard that includes notable fights such as Anthony Yarde against an opponent yet to be confirmed, and Dan Azeez’s matchup with Lewis Edmondson. Additionally, former WBA bantamweight champion Shannon Courtenay returns to the ring for the first time since December 2022, also awaiting an opponent.

#SamHickey #BoxingDebut #ScottishBoxing #AmateurToPro #CopperBoxArena #AdamAzim #OharaDavies #BoxingProspects #BenShalom #FightNight #BritishBoxing #CommonwealthGames #EuropeanChampionships #FutureChampion #BoxingLife

Just as there are various ways for a fighter to win a fight, there are also numerous ways to lose. Some fighters sense their inferiority in the ring early on and do everything they can to survive or merely give the impression of trying to win, aware of the inherent danger in actually doing so. Others, however, might sense this inferiority but choose to ignore it or power through, often giving more of themselves than anyone would expect.

It is these fighters we tend to call “warriors.” They often evoke concern, both during the fight and later, as the damage they incur in their pursuit of an unlikely victory catches up with them, prompting us to question what it truly means to be brave.

In the case of New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich, this is what bravery looked like on Friday. Just 90 seconds into his 22nd pro fight, he was rocked by a left hand from Janibek Alimkhanuly, the IBF middleweight champion. It was a punch powerful enough to change the course of any fight, and yet this bout, the toughest of Mikhailovich’s career, was still in its infancy—still in round one.

That punch merely set the stage for more shots to come, including a bigger left hand in the following round that sent Mikhailovich reeling after he threw a sloppy right lead. This old-fashioned counter punch from Alimkhanuly underscored Mikhailovich’s limitations, suggesting the fight wouldn’t last long.

Indeed, it seemed like two rounds would be the extent of the punishment. Already hurt multiple times, Mikhailovich endured a barrage of left uppercuts in round two, wobbling around the ring and into the ropes. While he did well to initiate a clinch at one point, he was largely a defenseless target for Alimkhanuly, whose confidence was evident both in his demeanor and his posture.

With 30 seconds left in the second round, Alimkhanuly snapped Mikhailovich’s head back with a combination, landing every shot he threw. A final left sent Mikhailovich into a corner, where the ropes helped keep him upright. Another right hook and left uppercut sent him stumbling, as he seemed unsure of whether to retreat or press forward—uncertain and overwhelmed.

When Mikhailovich finally attempted to throw punches, he only hit air, while Alimkhanuly smiled back at him. Presumably unnerved, Mikhailovich raised his hands defensively and braced himself for another onslaught. Alimkhanuly landed a left against Mikhailovich’s glove, yet the sheer force of it sent the 26-year-old to the canvas.

On the canvas, Mikhailovich struggled to get his legs under him before rising too quickly and assuring his coach between rounds, “Yeah, I’m good.” This was, of course, a fib—an example of the self-deception all fighters employ as a shield when entering the ring. Mikhailovich was far from “good,” and the thought of him entering round three was concerning for many watching. As brave as he was, it was clear he was out of his depth technically, relying solely on his courage to prevent a swift blowout.

Those thoughts are what observers have, but fighters themselves rarely entertain such notions, allowing them to continue in challenging fights. Mikhailovich, for instance, wiped the previous round from his mind and came out defiant in the third, landing two solid rights. You wondered if he could capitalize on Alimkhanuly’s confidence and turn it against him, but the fanciful notion was quickly quashed as Alimkhanuly stung him again.

By the sixth round, Mikhailovich clung to Alimkhanuly, attempting to prevent him from gaining space to punch. Yet, he was met with hellacious left uppercuts whenever he leaned forward and a right hook that staggered him back to his corner at the end of the round. The combination of Alimkhanuly’s accuracy and Mikhailovich’s defensive shortcomings created a grim spectacle, one that many wished had ended long before it did.

That the fight lasted until round nine is as much a testament to Mikhailovich’s heart as it is a critique of Alimkhanuly’s nonchalance. It could have ended much earlier, yet a combination of these factors ensured it dragged on longer than was necessary or healthy, finally stopping when Alimkhanuly unleashed consecutive uppercuts that nearly knocked Mikhailovich out.

Without wanting to sound squeamish, it was a tough way to lose and a difficult sight to witness. It’s the type of fight that leaves you both admiring the loser’s resilience while questioning whether a different, safer approach to losing might be wiser. While it may not be brave to consider, the fighter's perspective during such battles is always different from that of an onlooker.

This thought process likely separates observers from fighters, as well as fighters like Mikhailovich and Ronny Rios from those who recognize when to exit the ring.

Rios faced Nick Ball on Saturday, shortly after Mikhailovich endured a painful loss, and had a similarly challenging experience. Though not as one-sided as Mikhailovich’s fight, there was still an element of target practice for Ball, the WBA featherweight champion, as Rios sustained significant punishment in a bid to “challenge” in any way possible.

In round three, Rios was dropped by a left uppercut from Ball, the final shot of a multi-punch combination, and he was never truly given the opportunity to breathe, let alone thrive. Ball, relentless in his assault, forced Rios, 34, to work at a pace detrimental to his safety. The more passive Rios became, the easier it was for Ball, 27, to unload punches without fear of retaliation. Conversely, when Rios attempted to be active, he opened himself up to more significant shots, as seen in round three.

By round ten, where the fight ended, Rios had been dropped twice—once in the third round and once in the seventh. He hadn’t won a single round to that point, despite his efforts, and for nine rounds, the sound of Ball’s punches on Rios’ flesh echoed throughout the arena. The sound of Rios’ labored breaths followed each of Ball’s strikes, creating a haunting soundtrack throughout the fight. The only sound louder was the crowd's reaction when Ball pummeled Rios through the ropes in round ten, ending the bout swiftly.

To his credit, Rios, like Mikhailovich, audaciously attempted to carry on. He rolled under the bottom rope to re-enter the ring and even stood up, breathing heavily as referee Bob Williams counted. However, a white towel waved in the opposing corner ultimately saved the courageous Californian from himself, sparing the spectators from witnessing further punishment for a foregone conclusion.

#BoxingWarriors #AndreiMikhailovich #RonnyRios #JanibekAlimkhanuly #BraveryInBoxing #FightNight #BoxingAnalysis #HeartOfAFighter #BoxingCourage #WBAFeatherweight

Many of Gervonta Davis’ critics have long wanted to see him face top lightweights, so there's disappointment that his next bout will be against junior lightweight titleholder Lamont Roach Jr.

“Tank isn’t the biggest 135-pounder. Everybody he fights is damn near bigger than him,” Roach said in an interview with Naji Grampus of Cigar Talk. “I think the only person that was smaller than him was Pitbull [Isaac Cruz]. And that’s just in height. In stature, he was technically bigger than Tank, too.”

“When a boxer is starting their career, they don’t necessarily have to make 130 pounds because we're not in title contention or none of that,” said the 29-year-old from Washington, D.C. “The opponents I was getting, the opponents that were selected for me were probably bigger or they just couldn’t make weight. The fight [...] that occurred at 140, I was supposed to fight at 132. He was eight pounds overweight. I went and ate breakfast and weighed in.”

Roach is listed at 5-foot-7, while Davis, a 29-year-old from Baltimore, stands at 5-foot-5.5.

Davis had one fight at lightweight in 2019 against Yuriorkis Gamboa, returned to junior lightweight to beat Leo Santa Cruz in 2020, jumped up to junior welterweight to defeat Mario Barrios in 2021, and came back to 135 by the end of that year for the Cruz fight. He has remained at lightweight ever since.

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.

#GervontaDavis #LamontRoach #BoxingNews #LightweightDivision #FightNight #BoxingCritics #TankDavis #BoxingFans #ChampionshipFights #BoxingUpdates

Gervonta Davis has confirmed that he will defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jnr on December 14 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 

Davis, 29, stopped Frank Martin in June, and Ryan Garcia in what represented the biggest fight of 2023. 

There had been speculation surrounding him fighting the IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in a unification contest, but the WBA had since approved their super-featherweight champion Roach, also 29, moving up to 135lbs.

Davis’ leading divisional rival Shakur Stevenson recently signed for Matchroom, whose promoter Eddie Hearn insisted he plans to match with Davis, after a fight with William Zepeda, in 2025.

The growing demand for a fight between them and Davis’ profile as one of the sport’s leading figures regardless means that his agreeing to fight Roach will disappoint, something the challenger perhaps recognised when he posted on social media: “Me versus everybody.”

There was also a post from Davis. The official fight poster that confirmed the date and venue, complemented by, simply: “The One.”

#DavisRoach #GervontaDavis #LamontRoach #WBA #lightweight #December #VasiliyLomachenko #RyanGarcia #FrankMartin #WilliamZepeda #ShakurStevenson #Boxing #BoxingNews #Sports #News 

Lamont Roach is a good fighter. He’s technically sound; he’s a championship-level fighter.

But as far as opponents for Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a pay-per-view event go, I’d prefer to see someone who has produced explosive performance at the highest level or at least is a polarising personality.

Davis is a bonafide pay-per-view star. Whether you agree that so many of his fights should have been on pay-per-view – and I disagreed with most of them – he’s been established on pay-per-view for a while now. What’s been lacking is the proper opposition necessary to charge those kinds of fees.

Roach is a solid fighter. But he hasn’t reach the pinnacle, and I also don’t think he’s the nature of character to compensate for that. He’s had success at super featherweight, but it’s taken him a while to do so. If he’d made numerous title defences a fight between him and Davis might make more sense, but he’s made one, against Feargal McCrory. 

We’ve seen Davis in this sort of fight before – such as against Hector Luis Garcia, who since being stopped by Davis has only lost a split decision to Roach. But then that’s become the pay-per-view model – once a fighter has that status, he stays on pay-per-view regardless of his opposition.

Frank Martin, Davis’ past opponent, is also a solid fighter – and unlike Roach is established at lightweight. He’d been on course to fight Shakur Stevenson, and he’d produced some good performances that meant there was a curiosity surrounding him at the highest level. There’s no question Davis is of the highest level, which is why the careful selection of his opposition is frustrating. 

It’s also relevant that Roach – who is spoken about highly by those who know him – isn’t the biggest of super featherweights, where he still appears capable of making defences of his WBA title, and that Davis is such a powerful lightweight. If Davis is the biggest star in the division, and Stevenson is his biggest rival, then I feel similarly about this fight to how I did when Stevenson was matched with Joe Cordina. It feels more like the sort of fight that would be acceptable if Davis-Stevenson was made, and then Stevenson had to pull out with an injury and be replaced; if we could be confident Davis-Stevenson would come next, it would make far more sense, but it doesn’t even seem close.

Davis has to be considered a heavy favourite. With respect to Roach, if he won, it would be the upset of the year, and a match-up capable of producing the upset of the year shouldn’t be on pay-per-view.

A lightweight fight I’m much more positive about is William Zepeda-Tevin Farmer. Farmer presents Zepeda with a different style as he continues to move up in level; Farmer’s a former world champion, and a very crafty southpaw, and by fighting him Zepeda’s strengthening his hopes of fighting Davis or Stevenson in the future.

Southpaws are largely dominant at lightweight, which makes Farmer a very suitable opponent, and one capable of showing us where Zepeda, who so far has been impressive, is at. Farmer may be past his best, but Zepeda isn’t defending a world title, and their fight’s on the undercard of that between Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto Ramirez. I anticipate moments where Farmer’s on top, and testing Zepeda, even if I expect Zepeda to both learn from him and win.

As a side note, when Stevenson-Cordina was announced, we were also told we could expect Stevenson-Zepeda and then Stevenson-Davis in 2025. Stevenson being with Matchroom and DAZN – the broadcaster Zepeda’s fighting on, albeit under Golden Boy Promotions – means a fight between them wouldn’t come as a surprise. 

But I see very little reason to believe Stevenson-Davis will happen after that. Matchroom have no say over Davis’ movements. I’m happy to go on record as writing that I don’t believe Stevenson-Davis will happen in 2025, and while I expect Stevenson-Zepeda to take place, it will be late in the year, instead of early, as we’ve also been told.

#LamontRoach #PaulieMalignaggi #GervontaDavis #Boxing #News #Sports #MatchroomBoxing #ShakurStevenson 

Lamont Roach Jnr says he brings far more to the table than Frank Martin, the undefeated lightweight contender who was knocked out in highlight-reel fashion by Gervonta “Tank” Davis in June.

“Respectfully, I’m not Frank Martin. Frank Martin started boxing when he was, what, 15?” Roach said in an interview with Naji Grampus of “Cigar Talk.” (Martin was actually 17, according to the Premier Boxing Champions website .)

“Frank Martin don’t got the experience that he needed – as everybody could see, it’s not like that I’m just talking shit or nothing like that – he didn’t have the experience to be in there with someone as skilled or as experienced as [Tank]. I got the same skill level as Tank. I got the same experience as Tank. I got the reflexes. I got the ability. I damn sure got the IQ. Question is, what makes people think I'm gonna end up like those guys that didn’t have the experience and skills?”

Davis is 30-0 (28 KOs). The only fighters to last the distance with him were German Meraz, back in 2014 when Davis was in his ninth pro fight, and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, whom Davis defeated by decision in 2021. After the Cruz bout, it was revealed that Davis had a hand injury.

Roach acknowledges Davis’ power but also believes in his own chin.

“I think I got hit on my shit a couple times. Ain’t nobody ever dropped me,” Roach said. “Ain’t nobody ever seen me hurt in no fight.”

A counter right hook that dropped Roach in his 2019 loss to Jamel Herring was ruled a slip – “The ref saw that my foot came up and I tripped. That’s why he didn’t call it a knockdown,” Roach said.

But Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs), while proclaiming his own attributes, also acknowledges that Davis has few weaknesses.

#LamontRoach #GervontaDavis #Tank #Davis #FrankMartin #

Lightweight contender William Zepeda, considered by many to be the best fighter in the division without a title, isn't exactly chatty. But who needs to talk when you throw punches the way he does?

Zepeda, known for his relentless punch output and to-the-point interviews, will face former IBF junior lightweight titleholder Tevin Farmer on Nov. 16 on “Latino Night” at Riyadh Season’s The Venue in Saudi Arabia.

It’s a big stage, but don’t expect Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) to deliver any charismatic pre-fight banter – he leaves that to the other guys.

“I’m very honored to take part in Latino Night,” Zepeda said at a Los Angeles press conference, providing exactly what has come to be expected from him: a brief, no-frills statement. That is the Zepeda experience.

Zepeda has been on a steady rise, keeping it all business as he has stopped Roberto Ramirez in the fifth round in November 2020 and cruised to dominant wins over Hector Tanajara Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr., Maxi Hughes and Giovanni Cabrera. His next opponent, Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs), isn’t a walk in the park either. A tricky southpaw, Farmer will test whether Zepeda can handle the kind of slick defense he would face in, say, a showdown with Shakur Stevenson – a potential dream fight for fans.

We’re getting ahead of ourselves, but why not? Zepeda’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has already compared the fighter to Mexican legend Salvador Sanchez. No pressure, right?

Farmer, 34, gave unbeaten lightweight Raymond Muratalla a tough time, and this fight should give us a direct comparison that can tell us where Zepeda fits in the division. Can he dominate like so many expect, or will Farmer throw a wrench into his plans? Either way, Zepeda doesn’t seem too bothered in pre-fight conversations.

“I’ve got a great opponent in front of me, but one of the things I want to do is give a great show and represent Mexico proudly,” Zepeda said.

Again, all business.

Expect the same from him come fight night – just a lot of punches, and maybe, in the event of a win, a postfight smile.

#WilliamZepeda #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #News #Sports #RiyadhSeason 

Nick Ball is targeting a rematch with Rey Vargas and a future fight with Naoya Inoue after successfully defending his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios.

Ball was defending his title for the first time and making his first appearance in Liverpool, his home city, for over four years. His growing support there had to watch his past two fights in Saudi Arabia– a controversial draw against WBC titlist Vargas followed by Ball winning his belt by defeating Raymond Ford – from afar. 

His loyal supporters turned up in their thousands to Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to support one of their own. The 27 year old couldn’t believe the reception he got after fighting in the city’s iconic venue for the first time, after previously boxing in nightclubs and halls elsewhere in the city.

“It hasn’t even sunk in,” Ball told BoxingScene. “It’s crazy to think how far I've come. I’ve always dreamed of it knowing it was going to happen. With the right backing, the right team around me, the right promoter – Team Queensberry. They’ve made it happen and brought boxing back to Liverpool. Massive night and I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s the start of something new. I’m world champion but bringing the boxing back to Liverpool in the M&S Bank Arena – it’s where everyone wants to come. I feel like this is only the start; many more nights to come here.”

Ball’s homecoming was a huge success via him producing an all-action performance against the 34-year-old Rios and battling through a broken nose to drop him twice before eventually stopping him in the 10th round. 

“I always knew I had him hurt,” Ball continued. “I could see in his eyes that he was broken, he was getting out of the stool drained. So, I knew I just had to keep it on him but at the same time take my time; stay switched on. He was dangerous at times in there. I knew I was getting to him, but it was just a matter of when and it finally came.”

“I've been hit by harder punches but he was landing clean with right hands and jabs what I shouldn’t be getting hit with – as you can see from my nose. That’s boxing isn’t it? Every fight you learn and I’ve definitely learned from that one. So, I'll be taking it into the next fight.”

Ball’s focus had firmly been on Rios, but that changed after the fight when he named a rematch with Vargas and a fight with undisputed super-bantamweight champion Inoue as potential options.

“I need a shot at Vargas because that’s my belt,” he said. “I should have it on this other shoulder but it’s coming. Everything happens for a reason so only time will tell.

“[And] everyone is going on about Inoue’s name, aren’t they? He’s a super bantamweight – there isn’t any super bantamweights calling him out. But obviously, if he comes up to my weight I’m going to show him who the man is at this weight. Of course, I’d fight him 100 per cent. He’s a quality fighter and everyone is speaking us fighting so of course I would.”

Ball had paid a visit to Liverpool football club’s iconic Anfield earlier in the week to promote his date with Rios. 

“[Fighting there] would be next level,” Ball said. “I was there this week for the Champions League game [against Bologna] with my dad and that was a special night. I said to him, ‘Imagine fighting here, I’m going to make it happen’, so hopefully one day it does.”

#NickBall #ReyVargas #NaoyaInoue #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightNews #News #Sports

The upcoming pay-per-view fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jnr on December 14 in Houston will be the first time they have fought as pros – but their third meeting overall.

“We competed twice before in two close fights in the amateurs,” Roach said in an interview with Naji Grampus of “Cigar Talk.” ”Honestly, if you ask him, he’ll probably tell you that I am one of his better opponents to date.”

Those amateur fights took place in 2011, back when the fighters were both teenagers. Davis, who was born in November 1994, was 16 at the time, while Roach, born in August 1995, was approaching his 16th birthday. They’re both now 29 years old. Davis is the WBA lightweight titleholder, while Roach is the WBA junior lightweight titleholder.

They also sparred as kids, Roach said.

“They took a point from him and then they took a point from me that I don’t think that they were supposed to,” Roach said. “We sent it to USA Boxing and they granted me an at-large bid to go to the nationals. It was like, ‘OK, maybe that point should’ve been taken.’ They put us on two sides of the bracket and we met up in the championship of the nationals.

“He’s definitely different. He’s definitely better. He’s world-class better. Just like I am,” Roach said. “He’s a world-class fighter. He’s where he’s at for a reason. I’m a fan of him. That motherfucker can fight. I know what I’m capable of. I’m one of them. So why not show the world? Why not show him? That’s what we’re supposed to do.”

“He wasn’t really like no devastating knockout puncher or nothing like that when we was kids,” Roach said. “People would consider me more of a power puncher in the amateurs rather than now, except for the people that be in the ring with me.”

#GervontaDavis #LamontRoach #NajiGrampus #Boxing #PrimeVideo #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans

Every young fighter turns professional with dreams of taking the sport by storm, racing through the levels, and quickly becoming a well-paid, household name. 

Once the excitement of a professional debut has faded and the daily grind of life as a professional has set in, the realisation that title fights and packed arenas are years and thousands of hours of hard work away can understandably test that early eagerness and intensity. 

It was immediately obvious that Andrew Cain was different.

From the start, Cain carried himself with a menacing, intimidating air, and was deadly serious about his profession. He ruthlessly stopped his first six opponents and word will have also undoubtedly spread through the journeyman community about the potential hazards of fighting the Liverpudlian. 

Nine years after turning professional, Cain, 13-1 (12 KOs), is a regular on TNT Sports and is the British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion. On Saturday night he stopped Colombia’s Lazaro Casseres in two rounds at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena and received a warm welcome from his home city, but Cain still isn’t where he wants to be. He is getting closer and closer but, if anything, having his goals within reach has made the 28 year old even more intense and determined.

“I’ve got a weird sense,” he told Queensberry Promotions after stopping Casseres inside two rounds. “I can’t really explain it. It’s all well and good winning these fights and stuff. I wanna change my life; I wanna become financially stable. This is my dream – fighting in these arenas – but I’m not gonna be happy until I’ve secured myself and I’m comfortable.”

Shortly after Cain completed his night’s work, his gym mate Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight title by stopping Ronny Rios in nine rounds. Ball’s homecoming provided Cain with an ideal showcase to fight in front of his home crowd, but he is more than ready to step out of his friend’s shadow and to test himself at world level.

He has rebounded well after losing a split decision to Inout Baluta last year. On paper, that looks like the type of result that may indicate a limit to a fighter’s potential but – not wanting to let an opportunity slip – Cain rashly entered that fight with a damaged hand, an injury that quickly became much, much worse and resulted in a 13-month lay-off. 

He has since been back to his vicious best, recording three successive victories and collecting the British and Commonwealth titles. Cain believes that when observers focus on his power they overlook his other qualities, and he insists that he has the all-round ability to thrive at the highest level. 

“What bantamweight in the world is taking my punches?” he asked. “None of them. Get me in there with any of them.

“Having punch power is one thing. I had one fight where I was badly injured and I wasn’t able to flow the way I should have and I think I probably got hit with 10 clean shots. I think I’ve probably been hit 13 or 14 times – not even clean – in my whole career. I’m not just a puncher. I don’t get hit. I’ve got good eyes in there. I see everything coming. I’ve got good defences. 

“I’ve got everything and I just want to keep proving it and proving it time and time again. Get my family secure, get a nice house, and I won’t be happy until I’ve done that.”

#AndrewCain #Boxing #BoxingNews #Sports #News