Tyson Fury has set his sights firmly on Oleksandr Usyk, aiming to settle unfinished business after suffering his first professional defeat in their May 2024 clash. That fight crowned Usyk as the division’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, with the Ukrainian taking a split decision win, largely thanks to a dominant ninth round.

Despite the loss, Fury is confident heading into the rematch and told Undisputed that he believes he did enough to win the first bout. He’s now embracing the mindset of a challenger, which he says fuels his drive to reclaim the titles.

“For the first time in years, I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion,” Fury said. “I’ve got a goal again, and it’s giving me that fire I needed.”

Fury also predicted a trilogy fight with Usyk, drawing parallels to legendary rivalries like Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney. He believes that a third showdown is inevitable after he secures victory in the rematch.

“I think this will be one of the great trilogies, me and Usyk. One each, and then the trilogy,” Fury stated.

Fury has also left the door open to future bouts with other heavyweight contenders, including Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, with both fighters eyeing their own shot at the undisputed crown.

#TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #BoxingNews #Undisputed #HeavyweightChampion #BoxingFans #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #FuryVsUsyk #BoxingUpdates

Legendary heavyweight George Foreman, a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, is widely regarded as one of the best boxers in history. Though he faced many iconic opponents, his 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali—known as ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’—remains his most famous.

In that fight, Ali's famous rope-a-dope strategy led him to an eighth-round stoppage, securing the WBC and WBA heavyweight titles and cementing his legacy as 'The Greatest.' Despite Ali’s legendary status, Foreman named someone else as the greatest boxer of all time during an appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

“They ask me who is the best boxer of all time—Joe Louis,” Foreman declared.

Louis, known as the ‘Brown Bomber,’ dominated the ring from 1934 to 1951, amassing a record of 66 wins (52 by knockout) and just 3 losses. As heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, Louis defended his title an astounding 25 times.

While Foreman praised Louis’s boxing prowess, he also recognized Ali’s unparalleled influence outside the ring.

“But I tell you, the best man to ever do anything was Muhammad Ali,” Foreman added, acknowledging Ali’s activism and refusal to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War.

In addition to Ali and Louis, Foreman mentioned another opponent from his career whom he believes surpassed Ali’s skill in the ring, though he did not disclose the name.

#GeorgeForeman #JoeLouis #MuhammadAli #BoxingLegends #GOAT #BoxingHistory #Heavyweight #SportsNews #BoxingFans #TheGreatest

Jahi Tucker-Quilisto Madera and Damian Knyba-Richard Lartey have been confirmed for the undercard of the rematch between Robson Conceicao and O’Shaquie Foster on November 2 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Conceicao and Foster again contest the WBC junior-lightweight title controversially awarded via split decision to Conceicao when they fought in July, and Raymond Muratalla fights Jesus Perez over 10 rounds at lightweight.

The eight-round middleweight fight between the promising Tucker and Madera, and the heavyweight contest between Knyba and Lartey, also over eight rounds, will be complemented by a further heavyweight contest, over six rounds between Ali Feliz and Rashad Coulter.

A 10-round fight at featherweight will also take place, between Yan Santana and Eduardo Baez.

#JahiTucker #RichardLartey #RobsonConceicao #OshaquieFoster #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #Boxing #Sports #News #RaymondMuratalla #JesusPerez #Lightweight 

Arthur Biyarslanov, known as “The Wolf,” returns to the ring in October 17. The undefeated Canadian (16-0, 14 KOs) will face veteran Argentine Jonathan “El Potro” Eniz (35-20-1, 16 KOs). This fight will be the co-main event on a card headlined by Alexandre Gaumont versus Cristian Zárate.Arthur Biyarslanov, a junior welterweight contender, is seeking a world title opportunity in 2025.

“October 17th will just bring me one step closer to my ultimate goal. I can’t wait,” Biyarslanov declared.

However, the Russian-Canadian boxer will first have to face Eniz, who has fought over 340 rounds. Notably, the Argentine boxer will be looking for his fifth victory against an undefeated opponent.

Also on the card, Steve Claggett returns after his loss to Teofimo López to face Eduardo Estela. Vanessa Lepage Joanisse is aiming to overcome Angélica López Flores to contend for her second world title.

Other matchups include Mehmet Unal versus Armenak Hovhannisyan. Likewise, Luis Santana will take on Sebastián Aguirre, and Shamil Khataev will face Juan José Velasco. Pascal Villeneuve will make his return after eight years out of the ring, going up against Roberto Dionicio Moreno.

The night could mark an important step for Arthur Biyarslanov in his career toward the world title.Ver esta publicación en Instagram

#ArthurBiyarslanov #JonathanEniz #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightFans #FightNews #Sports #News

There’s a scene in the Will Ferrell film “Kicking and Screaming” where Robert Duvall’s character is trying to compare his manhood and success with Mike Ditka’s.

“I can’t hear you,” Ditka responds, flashing his Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl season memento, “my ring is making too much noise.”

Brazil’s Robson Conceicao similarly wears his World Boxing Council super-featherweight belt to drown out the yelps from those criticizing the validity of the 35-year-old’s position as a world champion.

In case you forgot, two-time Olympic gold medalist Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) was dismissed mightily by observers including the ESPN broadcast crew when he pulled out a July 6 split-decision victory (116-112, 112-116, 115-113) over then-champion O’Shaquie Foster in Newark, N.J., to capture the title.

A belt had evaded Conceicao through losses to champions Oscar Valdez (2021), Shakur Stevenson (2022) and a draw to Emanuel Navarrete (2023) before that.

When the breakthrough title victory arrived, many were aghast. ESPN analyst Mark Kriegel scored the bout 11 rounds to one for Foster, as play-by-play broadcaster Joe Tessitore pointed to CompuBox numbers saying Conceicao landed only 11 percent of his 701 punches and only landed 10 or more punches in two of the rounds.

“I don’t focus on criticism. My goal is to train with my team and get ready for the next fight. I don’t pay attention to (negativity),” Conceicao told BoxingScene Thursday. 

Immediately after the first bout, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum defended Conceicao, noting that the new champion threw more than 250 more punches, with Conceicao responding that Houston’s Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) lost because he ran from toe-to-toe action.

“I just hope (Foster) will come to fight and not shy away,” Conceicao said. I’m sure he’s coming to take the title back for himself. It’s not going to happen. Don’t shy away, because I’m ready.

Nothing in my life has ever been easy and this is no exception. Now, as a world champion, I’m expecting things to be a little bit harder, but I am training and I am confident and looking forward to it.”

Going unbothered through the controversy requires a tenacity Conceicao built in winning the consecutive gold medals in 2012 and 2016.

His embrace for the toughest pro fights possible is an extension of that willingness to take on the best to prove he reigns supreme.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to choose my fights,” Conceicao said. “These opportunities arise and I’ve taken them on and done my best.”

Knowing the best possible opponent is likely going to be summoned in each assignment has enabled Conceicao to search for a more convincing display of his title worthiness.

Preparation “is very focused and disciplined. I never give up. I’m very determined. When you focus on something, you will continually work to accomplish what you want, and this will not be any different,” he said.

The timing of his bout leaves him positioned to meet the winner of the Dec. 7 WBO super-featherweight title fight in Arizona between WBO champion Navarrete and WBO interim champion Valdez.

Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank.

Valdez defeated Conceicao on the scorecard (117-110, 115-112, 115-112) after testing positive for a banned substance, phentarmine, and Stevenson beat him by wider scores after missing weight. 

“I’d like to fight Navarrete because that was not a convincing loss,” Conceicao said of the majority draw in which one judge scored the bout for Navarrete.

With less than one month to go before the Foster sequel, Conceicao is braced to answer the critics he’s never listened to.

“(Foster) will be different this time. He will fight for the title. I am ready. That’s what I want – somebody who comes to fight and not run away,” Conceicao said. “Come to fight. I am persistent in accomplishing my goal of winning.”

#RobsonConceicao #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #News #Sports #WBC #Featherweight #RobertDuvall

Nick Ball was in a confident mood at today’s final press conference ahead of his first defense of his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios.  

Ball will take on Rios this Saturday at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in front of a roaring home crowd. Ball will be back boxing in his home city for the first time since 2020 and he’s spent his last two fights in Saudi Arabia – his first a controversial draw against WBC champion Rey Vargas, followed by victory over Raymond Ford for his world title. 

Ball is thrilled to be fighting in front of his beloved Liverpool crowd and will be sharing the stage with four of his stablemates from the thriving Everton Red Triangle gym. 

“It’s massive isn’t it because it’s in Liverpool, my home city,” Ball told BoxingScene. “Everyone’s behind me, come out to support me, and in previous fights, they haven’t been able to come. So this one they can, so I need to be putting a show on for them.

“The gym’s flying, we’re all flying in the gym together, and we’re going to be putting on a show for everyone that’s coming out. It’s going to be a special night.” 

Ball has emerged as one of the biggest talents in British boxing in recent years and his promoter, Frank Warren, has plans for him to become one of the leading stars in the UK. Such plans could go up in smoke if Ball was to lose to Rios on Saturday night. 

Rios, now 34, is a veteran and will be having his third attempt at winning a world title. At today’s press conference, Rios was vocal about how his experience would be key to victory. Ball, however, is not worried about that.

“Every opponent’s dangerous,” said Ball. “Boxing is boxing, and when you get in there it's dangerous you know. We all know that’s what we signed up for but I’m not really too focused on how dangerous he can be, I’m the one to be worried about, not him.”

Ball and many boxing fans feel that he should be defending two world titles on Saturday night after he was awarded only a draw against Vargas for the WBC title. The now WBA champion has plans to capture the famous green belt he was denied, and the other titles should he beat Rios on Saturday.

“I want whoever’s got the belts,” he said. “Yeah get the [WBC] belt, become unified and undisputed, so yeah, the top spot. Obviously, I’m world champion now, there’s three more belts out there, I need to get them.”

#NickBall #WBA #Featherweight #RonnyRios #Liverpool #Boxing #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #WBC #ReyVargas #News #Sports

Terence Crawford seems to have a single-minded pursuit of Canelo Alvarez in progress for now, but the pound-for-pound elite and unbeaten four-division champion is finding it hard to deny that he, too, is being targeted.

The past week has seen WBA junior-middleweight champion Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) called out by former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor for a dual boxing-MMA series, by social-media wonder Ryan Garcia all while the mandatory fight that Crawford has earned against WBO/WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian Fundora looms.

Both McGregor and Crawford acknowledged the interest from Saudi Arabia boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh in staging the two-fight boxing-MMA series between the pair.

McGregor said on a video blog that Crawford told him, “I don’t fancy taking a kick.”

Crawford responded, “I’m not getting in no Octagon so you can start kicking and elbowing me. We’d make a shit-ton of money, but (McGregor) ain’t about to be kicking me.”

McGregor in 2017 participated in the second-most lucrative pay-per-view fight of all time when he was stopped in the 10th round by Floyd Mayweather Jr.

McGregor, 36, hasn’t fought in the UFC since he suffered a second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, and a push for him to fight Michael Chandler has crumbled through injuries and drug-testing requirements.

He’s previously attempted to box new International Boxing Hall of Fame candidate Manny Pacquiao.

“Conor McGregor is basically the prostitute of combat sports – you get to beat his ass anytime you want, and he’ll let you beat his ass. He’s into it,” former welterweight boxing champion and McGregor’s former sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi said on Thursday’s edition of ProBox TV’s “Top Stories.”

“I start to question if there’s a sadism, masochism to it: He likes it as long as he gets paid.”

Mentioning Crawford’s name is a hazardous undertaking, former 140-pound champion Chris Algieri said on “Top Stories.”

“Crawford is much meaner than Mayweather. With his killer instinct, he will really hurt you. And he’s the active No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter,” Algieri said.

Malignaggi said McGregor is demeaning his sport by rushing to participate in such a one-sided affair in the boxing ring.

“Aren’t you embarrassed, dude?” Malignaggi asked, calling McGregor’s proposal a “clown show.”

Algieri, meanwhile, referred to Crawford’s disinterest in the MMA portion as shrewd.

“Terence has obviously been kicked … if they did one (fight) in the ring and one in the cage, as long as they did the one in the ring first … because Terence is going to beat (McGregor’s) ass,” Algieri said.

The request from the suspended Garcia, who was sued in New York last week by his April 20 opponent Devin Haney, is a non-starter, theorizes Algieri, because Crawford is obviously searching for a foe who will inspire him to train fervently while seeking a record purse as his career nears a finish line at age 37.

Fundora, meanwhile, is a fascinating foe because the fight could take place by the early winter and a victory would make Crawford a three-belt junior-middleweight champion one win shy of becoming the first three-time undisputed champion of the four-belt era.

Crawford on Monday requested a 10-day extension for the negotiating period with Fundora which will end around the time of the October 12 undisputed light-heavyweight championship fight between Russia’s Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

Alvarez has expressed interest in a rematch with Bivol, who defeated him by unanimous decision in 2022. If Beterbiev wins, it’s unclear if Alvarez would want that fight or a money grab against the far lighter Crawford, a favorite fighter of the enriched Alalshikh.

Going to Fundora now seems ideal for Crawford.

“It’s a very winnable fight,” Malignaggi said. “You see the road to build on it. All of a sudden, (becoming undisputed champion again) starts to look more realistic and there’s a big reward as far as legacy is concerned.”

If he defeated Fundora, Crawford would only lack the IBF belt being contested October 19 between former champion Tim Tszyu and new IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.

And unlike with Canelo Alvarez, who will choose whom he fights next, “Terence Crawford’s in the driver’s seat” with the others.

It’s the best thing for the sport for Crawford to stay at 154, to either rule the division after doing so at 140 pounds and welterweight, or to give October 19’s favored Tszyu the opportunity to replace Crawford because he offers the ability to carry “superstar potential into a new generation.”

#TerenceCrawford #ConorMcGregor #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightFans #News #Sports

UFC icon Nate Diaz has revealed who he wants to face in his next fight. Despite mixed results in his first two boxing matches, Diaz is aiming to fight a champion. After losing his boxing debut to Jake Paul and securing a majority decision win over fellow MMA star Jorge Masvidal in July, the 39-year-old fighter now has his sights set on four-division boxing champion Terence Crawford.

In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Diaz made his intentions clear for the future. “I’ll box Crawford and fight Conor at 168 lfg,” he wrote alongside a photo showcasing his slim physique.

The statement quickly caught the attention of boxing and MMA fans, sparking speculation about a possible showdown with Terence Crawford.

Crawford, considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, has previously been linked to cross-discipline fights. Conor McGregor, another UFC star, has already shown interest in fighting Crawford. In fact, McGregor offered him a two-fight deal, one in boxing and the other in MMA, but Crawford initially turned down the proposal. However, recent signs suggest he may reconsider, especially after McGregor’s nine-figure offer.Nate Diaz has not hidden his desire for a trilogy with Conor McGregor, his historic rival in the UFC.

The two fighters faced each other twice in 2016 in memorable bouts. Diaz won the first meeting by submitting McGregor, but the Irishman avenged the loss in the second fight, taking a close decision victory. Their rivalry remains alive, and Diaz doesn’t rule out a third match, this time in the MMA octagon.

As for Crawford, while there’s no history between him and Diaz, the former UFC star’s post suggests he’s ready to take on one of the most dominant champions in boxing today.Espinoza vs. Ramírez rematch: purse bids to be held on Friday

For now, there’s no official confirmation of the potential bout, but rumors of these two big fights are already circulating. Known for his fighting spirit, Diaz doesn’t seem afraid to aim high, regardless of the sport.

The future of Nate Diaz in boxing and MMA is filled with expectations. If he secures a fight with Crawford, it would be one of the most anticipated showdowns of the year. Additionally, a potential rematch with McGregor in MMA would be explosive for fans. At 39, Diaz remains a relevant figure in the fight world, proving he still has much to offer in both the ring and the cage.I Box Crawford and fight conor next 168 lfg 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/pLzj7zpEaR

#NateDiaz #JakePaul #JorgeMasdival #MMA #Boxing #TerenceCrawford #ConorMcGrefor #News #Sports #BoxingNews #UFC 

The rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight title is fast approaching. The second bout between these two boxing titans will take place on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a recent interview with @PlayUndisputed, Fury stated that this time he will knock out the Ukrainian boxer.

“There’s no secret – I’m going in there to knock him out because I don’t think I’m gonna get a decision no matter what I do. So I have to take it out of the judges’ hands. I believe I have to get him out of there,” Fury affirmed.

Regardless of the outcome of this second match between both fighters, Tyson Fury expressed interest in a trilogy with Usyk. He confidently stated that he will win the rematch, and the ideal circumstances for a third fight would be if they are tied 1 to 1.

“I believe it’ll be one of the great trilogies, me and Usyk. I believe when I beat him, I’ll definitely do a trilogy with him, 100%. One each and we’ll do a trilogy,” Fury said.

On the other hand, the British boxer confirmed that he will not be making any changes to his Corner Team. Notably, Fury expressed confidence in the team that supports him, his preparation, and training. He also mentioned that he knows the key role he must play in his bout against Usyk.The team that will accompany Tyson Fury in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk includes SugarHill Steward, Andy Lee, and his father, John Fury.

“People can say, ‘Oh, I want to change trainers or I blame it on my conditioning coach or my cook.’ I’m not interested in all that, same team, same everything. I know what I’ve got to do,” Fury concluded.

#TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Trilogy #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #News #heavyweight #Sports #News Rematch

After Oscar De La Hoya’s recent speech, Eddie Hearn described his statements as “objectively incoherent” amid their growing public dispute. De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, has repeatedly criticized Hearn on his show “Clapback Thursday,” mocking the recent losses of the British promoter’s fighters, including Anthony Joshua’s defeat against Daniel Dubois.

During his latest appearance, De La Hoya claimed that 14 of Hearn’s fighters had lost in 2024, accusing him of being a poor promoter and a “pathological liar.” He also highlighted losses by fighters such as Sandy Ryan, AJ, and Edgar Berlanga, while mentioning injuries to Shakur Stevenson.

“You must be the biggest pathological liar on the planet to try and convince us you’re good at your job. F***ing train wreck… Canelo dumped you because you’re incompetent and incapable of doing your job,” De La Hoya said.

A large part of the feud seems to stem from Canelo Álvarez’s departure from Golden Boy to Matchroom. De La Hoya defended his work with the Mexican fighter, claiming he helped build his career in the U.S. and accused Hearn of being incompetent.

In a recent story

“Factually all over the place but the time and effort is humbling thank you,” Hearn wrote in his IG stories. “The burn is very real,” he added.Shakur Stevenson comments on a possible fight against Ryan GarcíaOscar De La Hoya blasting back at Eddie Hearn today: “You must be the biggest pathological liar on the planet to try and convince us you’re good at your job. F***ing train wreck… Canelo dumped you because you’re incompetent and incapable of doing your job.”

[🎥 @OscarDeLaHoya] pic.twitter.com/Y2cGcqFb1E

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 3, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s reaction to Oscar De La Hoya’s recent clap back Thursday video

“Factually all over the place but the time and effort is humbling thank you”#Boxingpic.twitter.com/H5yXI2OA46

EddieHearn #OscarDeLaHoya #Boxing #Promoter #Matchroom #GoldenBoy #BoxingNews #Sports #News

British boxer Tyson Fury has once again insisted that a fight between him and Anthony Joshua is inevitable. In a recent interview with @PlayUndisputed, the veteran heavyweight champion expressed his optimism about the possibility of facing his longtime rival.

Fury assured that age won’t be an obstacle for this bout to happen at some point. The champion believes that, sooner or later, Joshua won’t be able to avoid facing him. He is fully confident that a fight between them will be a huge success, drawing thousands of fans.

Wembley Stadium, one of the UK’s most iconic venues, would be the ideal setting for this showdown between two of the best British boxers of the modern era. Fury is convinced the fight could attract a massive crowd, filling every available seat.

“Joshua knows he’s getting it. Even if we’re 50 years old he’s got to fight me. There’s no escaping it, he cannot escape me. Even if we are 50, we’re still gonna sell out Wembley,” Fury said.Tyson Fury’s expectations for his rematch against Usyk

In addition to talking about his rivalry with Joshua, Fury

In the interview, Tyson Fury mentioned that if he loses to Usyk, he would give up his spot on the cover of the Undisputed Deluxe Edition video game. However, the boxer showed full confidence in his abilities, stating that defeat is not part of his plans.

“It’s fantastic, but I’ll tell you what, if I don’t win this rematch, I’m going to relinquish that front cover and give it to Alexander. That’s what I’ll do with a front cover. I’ll relinquish my right to be on that front cover and give it to Alexander the Great. But if I do what I think I’m going to do, then I’ll keep the front cover,” Fury concluded.Ryan Garcia removed from video game

This rematch has generated great excitement in the boxing world, and it is expected to be a thrilling fight.Tyson Fury has insisted that the Anthony Joshua fight will still happen one day: “Joshua knows he’s getting it. Even if we’re 50 years old he’s got to fight me. There’s no escaping it, he cannot escape me. Even if we are 50, we’re still gonna sell out Wembley.” [@PlayUndisputed] pic.twitter.com/J6Hd6pTg7J

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 4, 2024

Tyson Fury says that he is going to relinquish being the cover of the boxing game Undisputed if he loses the rematch with Usyk pic.twitter.com/UCLOFi6O7M

#TysonFury #AnthonyJoshua #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightFans #Sports #News 

 

After Oscar De La Hoya’s recent speech, Eddie Hearn described his statements as “objectively incoherent” amid their growing public dispute. De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, has repeatedly criticized Hearn on his show “Clapback Thursday,” mocking the recent losses of the British promoter’s fighters, including Anthony Joshua’s defeat against Daniel Dubois.

During his latest appearance, De La Hoya claimed that 14 of Hearn’s fighters had lost in 2024, accusing him of being a poor promoter and a “pathological liar.” He also highlighted losses by fighters such as Sandy Ryan, AJ, and Edgar Berlanga, while mentioning injuries to Shakur Stevenson.

“You must be the biggest pathological liar on the planet to try and convince us you’re good at your job. F***ing train wreck… Canelo dumped you because you’re incompetent and incapable of doing your job,” De La Hoya said.

A large part of the feud seems to stem from Canelo Álvarez’s departure from Golden Boy to Matchroom. De La Hoya defended his work with the Mexican fighter, claiming he helped build his career in the U.S. and accused Hearn of being incompetent.

In a recent story

“Factually all over the place but the time and effort is humbling thank you,” Hearn wrote in his IG stories. “The burn is very real,” he added.Tyson Fury mocks Anthony Joshua on social mediaOscar De La Hoya blasting back at Eddie Hearn today: “You must be the biggest pathological liar on the planet to try and convince us you’re good at your job. F***ing train wreck… Canelo dumped you because you’re incompetent and incapable of doing your job.”

[🎥 @OscarDeLaHoya] pic.twitter.com/Y2cGcqFb1E

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 3, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s reaction to Oscar De La Hoya’s recent clap back Thursday video

“Factually all over the place but the time and effort is humbling thank you”#Boxingpic.twitter.com/H5yXI2OA46

— Muhammad Zain (@_muhammadzain1) October 4, 2024

Jack Catterall is preparing for Regis Prograis to roll back the years when the super-lightweight contenders meet at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena on October 26.

Whereas Catterall, 29-1 (13 KOs), is riding the momentum generated by February's exciting decision victory over his long-term rival Josh Taylor, Prograis, 29-2 (24 KOs), enters their fight from something of a standing start.

The Louisianan looked flat during a close, split-decision victory over Danielito Zorrilla in June 2023 and then lost every round of a disastrous WBC super-lightweight title defence against Devin Haney in December. 

Although he got drawn into a fight with Taylor, Catterall is generally a master of controlling the pace and range of a fight, and if Prograis is to set himself up for another run towards a world title he will have to get himself much closer much more regularly than he managed against either Zorrilla or Haney. 

In his favour, Prograis is still an explosive puncher when he has time to set his feet, and he has always performed against his fellow southpaws. He holds wins over Terry Flanagan, Ivan Redkach, Tyrone McKenna and Jose Zepeda; many observers also believed he did enough to beat Taylor during their outstanding World Boxing Super Series final in 2019.

Catterall, 31, has regardless spent long enough watching Prograis to recognise the threat he is capable of posing and is preparing himself accordingly. 

“Me and Regis have bumped into each other a few times over the years,” he said during Matchroom Boxing’s Make the Days Count documentary. “There’s always been that mutual respect and you just never know with boxing how it’s going to unfold

“I think if you look at Regis now, his last two performances have probably been below par. I think the Regis that I’m fighting next is probably a hungry, driven Regis and that’s what I’m excited for. The fact that he’s been a world champion twice – he’s hungry to become three-time.

“He lost his belt in the last fight so I think he’ll be super motivated for this fight to get back on track and get a win. That gives me the fire in my belly and gets me excited – the fact that I’ve got a hungry, determined Regis coming to fight me in Manchester.”

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

Recently, it was revealed that 33-year-old boxer Anthony Yarde will return to the ring on October 19 at the Copper Box Arena in London. The fight will be promoted by Boxxer, marking his return after more than eight months of inactivity. Yarde stopped Marko Nikolic in three rounds in February and has remained out of action since then.

It’s important to mention that expectations were for his next fight to be against Joshua Buatsi. However, a dispute with Queensberry Promotions, the company that has managed his career from the beginning, changed the plans. Frank Warren, leader of Queensberry, even threatened legal action against Yarde. Nonetheless, Yarde’s inclusion in Boxxer’s roster rekindles hopes for a potential fight with Buatsi. Both fighters could meet if Yarde wins in the undercard of the Adam Azim-Ohara Davies fight.Anthony Yarde himself expressed his excitement about his return:

“On October 19, I’m back in my home city and I can’t wait,” said Yarde.

Although his opponent has not yet been announced, Yarde is eager to fight in a place he considers special.

“The Copper Box Arena is a special venue for me. It’s near where I grew up and I’ve had some great nights there. I’ve been training hard and waiting to get back in the ring to deliver another explosive knockout performance,” said Yarde.

Following Yarde’s return announcement, Boxxer representative Ben Shalom praised the boxer’s addition to the event’s lineup. Shalom also highlighted that fans can expect an incredible atmosphere and a night full of action at the Copper Box Arena.

It’s important to note that the card includes other notable fights, such as the light heavyweight clash between Dan Azeez and Lewis Edmondson. Additionally, Michael McKinson will face Tulani Mbenge in a welterweight bout, Jeamie TKV will meet Franklin Ignatius in a heavyweight fight, and Francesca Hennessy will fight in a bantamweight bout.Shakur Stevenson comments on a possible fight against Ryan García

The situation with Buatsi also remains significant. Buatsi recently defeated Willy Hutchinson by split decision at Wembley Stadium on September 21. This victory keeps him on track to fight the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol bout for the undisputed title on October 12.

With Anthony Yarde’s return to the ring and a potential fight with Buatsi on the horizon, the upcoming months promise to be exciting for boxing fans in the UK.𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣 🦁🗣️

The electrifying @mranthonyyarde returns at The Copper Box, October 19th… Do not miss it 🍿⚡️

Tickets at https://t.co/yt3WMVlLFj 🎟️#AzimDavies | 19.10.24 | @CopperBoxArena | @SkySportsBoxing | @peacock | @GoldenBoyBoxingpic.twitter.com/F7RyJFrzLz

— BOXXER (@boxxer) October 4, 2024

As Ryan Garcia hopes for a return following his controversial clash against Devin Haney, his promoters are starting to piece the puzzle of his career back together. 

Garcia is currently sidelined due to a one-year suspension after testing positive for the performance enhancing drug ostarine. Garcia knocked down Haney three times but his April 20 majority decision was changed to a no contest as a consequence of those failed tests. 

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) has since teased an exhibition match in Japan in December, but Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins is envisioning something even more significant once Garcia is sanctioned to fight again. 

“I’d like to see him fight Shakur Stevenson,” Hopkins told BoxingScene. “There are no advantages. Shakur has been sitting on a pond and fishing, right? Shakur hasn’t been active, correct? There should be a healing time between now and then for Shakur, correct?” 

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) last beat Artem Harutyunyan in June and was supposed to make his Matchroom Boxing promotional debut on October 12 against Joe Cordina but suffered a hand injury that resulted in surgery. 

The WBC lightweight champion Stevenson is also supposed to fight the Golden Boy-promoted No. 1 challenger William Zepeda in February, but it remains to be seen if he’ll go straight into the Zepeda fight next. 

Stevenson got wind of Hopkins’ comments and took to social media to offer his thoughts on the potential pitting. 

“I’m kind of scheduled to beat his other fighter in February,” he wrote. “I would love that fight [against Garcia] too though. 

Stevenson fights at 135 pounds while Garcia last weighed in at 143 pounds for his fight against Haney and has teased a return at 147 and even 154 pounds. 

Hopkins, a Hall of Famer who ruled at middleweight and light heavyweight, said Garcia and Stevenson should figure out a comfortable catchweight, a notion both fighters have previously agreed to. 

“Meet in the middle,” said Hopkins. “We’re in a different era right now. No one talks about weight right now. You’re talking about [154-pounder] Bud Crawford wanting to fight [168-pounder] Canelo Alvarez.”

#RyanGarcia #ShakurStevenson #Boxing #BoxingNews #GoldenBoy #DevinHaney #Catchweight #SportsNews #FutureFights

Janibek Alimkhanuly called out the other middleweight champions after his ninth-round victory over the game Andrew Mikhailovich.

The unbeaten Kazakh southpaw is now 16-0 (11 KOs), having made his way to Sydney to defend his IBF title. The WBO crown was not on the line, with the WBO claiming the title would be declared vacant should Janibek win.

Janibek, who had Mikhailovich down and in real trouble in round two, said: “First of all, I wanted to thank all my fans here, who supported me. As far as the fight, please keep in mind I haven’t fought in the ring for a year and the last fight didn’t happen, so it was a good experience for me to come back and shake rust.”

Of his opponent, the Russia-born Mikhailovich, who lost for the first time in 22 fights, Janibek added: “He’s a good boxer, he has a very good team, nice people, and I want to wish him luck.”

He then turned his attention to his future opponents and said: “I do have two titles and two titles are missing, any of them, [Carlos] Adames [WBC] or [Erislandy] Lara [WBA] – I’m ready any time. Send me the papers, I’ll sign it any time.” 

The top two spots in the IBF are presently vacant. Mikhailovich was rated third, Hamzah Sheeraz is fourth and Chris Eubank Jnr is fifth.

With the WBO, Frank Warren has Sheeraz at number one, Denzel Bentley second and Brad Pauls fifth.

Should there be problems between Janibek and the WBO, Sheeraz and Bentley could meet for the vacant title.

Mea Motu stayed on course for a showdown with Ellie Scotney when she stopped Shannon O’Connell at The Star in Sydney, Australia.

The anticipated Scotney-Motu fight, for Scotney’s IBF and WBO super-bantamweight titles, was scheduled to take place on the undercard of Jack Catterall-Regis Prograis in Manchester on October 26. However, an injury suffered by Scotney forced her withdrawal, leading to the Motu-O’Connell bout being scheduled on just 10 days' notice.

At a catchweight of 125 lbs, the 41-year-old O’Connell was inhibited from the first round when an accidental clash of heads left her bleeding heavily from her scalp. Motu immediately responded with aggression, and it seemed O’Connell was at risk of stoppage, but she managed to survive until the end of the opening two minutes.

Successive left hooks towards the end of the second round again threatened O’Connell’s participation, and she was hurt again in the third, with horrific swelling appearing over her right eye, making an early conclusion seem inevitable.

It ultimately came in the fourth round when O’Connell’s corner, witnessing their fighter under constant attack, rightly chose to throw in the towel, confirming victory for the 34-year-old Motu after just 66 seconds into the round.

In another bout, Charlie Kazzi stopped Lui Magaiva in the seventh round of their lightweight contest. The aggressive Kazzi, 19, first hurt Magaiva with a right hand in the third and, after landing two more in the fifth, began to pursue the stoppage more vigorously.

Magaiva, 36, took further right hands throughout the sixth round but can consider himself somewhat unfortunate to have been rescued by referee Will Soulos after 98 seconds of the seventh. For all that their fight was becoming one-sided, the Papa New Guinean’s punch resistance wasn’t in doubt, contributing to his protests at the outcome.

There was also a stoppage victory for Ahmed Reda, who won in the second round of his lightweight fight against Joe Kara in just his third professional bout.

#MeaMotu #ShannonOConnell #EllieScotney #BoxingNews #SydneyFightNight #SuperBantamweight #FightRecap #CharlieKazzi #LightweightBoxing #AhmedReda #Knockout #BoxingHighlights #FutureStars

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained his IBF middleweight title by stopping Andrei Mikhailovich in nine rounds, but questions regarding his future at 160lbs will persist.

He so nearly made an emphatic statement at The Star in Sydney, Australia by nearing victory in the second.

The resilient Mikhailovich instead narrowly survived, and remained upright until being rescued in the ninth.

More to follow…

Arthur Biyarslanov, also known as ‘The Wolf’, returns on October 17 against Argentine veteran Jonathan ‘El Potro’ Eniz. The bout is the co-main on a bill topped by Alexandre Gaumont, 11-0 (7 KOs), against Argentina’s 10-4 (3 KOs) Cristian Zarate.  

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I want a shot at the world title, one fight at a time but I know I will get that shot in 2025. October 17th will just bring me one step closer to my ultimate goal. I can’t wait,” said junior welterweight contender Biyarslanov (16-0, 14 KOs).

Jonathan Eniz, 35-20-1 (16 KOs), has boxed more that 340 rounds in the pros and has fought Steve Claggett, Subriel Matias, and holds a victory over Cesar Cuenca. Eniz will be aiming for his fifth career win over an undefeated fighter when he meets Biyarslanov.

Also on the bill, veteran Claggett – 38-8-2 (26 KOs) – returns to action for the first time since his June loss to Teofimo Lopez. He will box 16-3 (11 KOs) Eduardo Estela and Saint-André-Avellin’s pride, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2, 2 KOs), will hunt for a second world title, but first gas to get by Angelica Lopez Flores (14-2, 8 KOs).

On a deep bill, light heavyweight contender Mehmet Unal (10-0, 8 KOs) faces the German Armenak Hovhannisyan (14-4-1, 6 KOs), Montreal’s Luis Santana (12-0, 6 KOs) will look for his fifth consecutive knockout but faces his toughest challenge yet in Argentina’s Sebastian Aguire (19-5, 12 KOs) and EOTTM prospect Shamil Khataev (12-0-1, 3 KOs) meets veteran Juan Jose Velasco (24-6, 15 KOs). 

Gatineau warrior, Pascal Villeneuve (4-2-1, 2 KOs), makes his comeback after more than eight years away from the ring, taking on Roberto Dionicio Moreno (13-14-1, 2 KOs) and, kicking off the event, Moreno Fendero (7-0, 5 KOs), meets German Edison Demaj (13-3-1, 7 KOs).

Galal Yafai believes that his amateur boxing experience will hold him in good stead when he faces the tricky customer that is Sunny Edwards on November 30.

Yafai, an Olympic gold medal winner at Tokyo 2020, will take on Edwards for the WBC interim flyweight title in Birmingham. This, however, will not be the first time the pair have shared a ring with each other after first squaring off a decade ago in an ABA semifinal. Edwards walked away the winner that day and the pair went on to share countless rounds together during their time with Team GB.

It was on the GB boxing squad where their rivalry first took shape. Yafai was picked ahead of Edwards to go to a 2016 Olympic qualifier, a decision that Edwards feels was unfair because he had beaten his rival in the vest. Edwards then took a different route and turned professional, winning the IBF flyweight title while Yafai competed at the Rio and Tokyo Olympic games. Now the pair get the chance to face each other again, this time with a world title shot in 2025 on the line.

“I've known Sunny for a long time now, so there's a lot of history and what not,” Yafai told BoxingScene. “To be fair, he's quite respectful, but I'm waiting for him to try something, and I can just jump over. It's good, it builds a fight, there's a lot of history, people are interested. It's down to us now to put on a show, it's down to me to win.

“When he beat me in the amateurs, he beat me on a split decision,” he continued. “I pretty much won the fight. But yeah, it's when he beat me, then we had that rivalry, we got into GB, we started sparring more and more. I improved a lot, I got better, I went to the Olympics. He thought he should have gone to the Olympics, he became a pro, he won the world title, I won the Olympic gold. We've just been on our own paths, but he’s done his part of the bargain, I did my part of the bargain so now we can meet in the middle and it can be a big fight. I’ve just got to win it.”

Edwards has been seen by many of his opponents as a puzzle that can’t be solved – unless you’re Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. His fast feet and movement often leave fighters bewildered and punching air. However, this is not something Yafai is worried about after his experience sparring the former world champion.

“It was good sparring; it was 50-50 sparring,” he said. “Sunny's a good fighter. I’m not just going to batter him. But there were good spars in the case where I could see what he was all about. I know fighting and sparring is different. Sunny knows that I'm a serious fighter. We’ve sparred loads of rounds. If anyone's shared a lot of rounds with me, it's Sunny. Whether people don't, or they think it's too soon or whatnot, he knows. So, we'll see on November 30.

“I've sparred him loads so I'm used to his style now,” he continued. “Sunny's got a bit of an amateur style; he's on the back foot and whatnot. I'm used to fighting them back foot fighters as amateurs who are probably a little bit more awkward. But we'll see on fight night. I've got to be the best I can be. The best Galal should beat the best Sunny. But I've just got to be the best as I can be, and if I'm not good enough, then I'm not good enough.”

Yafai achieved what many only can dream of when he secured his gold medal at Tokyo 2020 with a standout performance against Carlo Paalam. Yafai now has a taste for glory and wants to achieve what only fellow Brits, James DeGale, Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams and Lauren Price have done – winning both an Olympic gold and a world title.

“Being world champion is the only thing that there is to do,” said Yafai. “That's something I want to do. I know there's not many people that have been both world and Olympic champion. I think there's like two or three. So, if I can be in that list, then it's a big thing for me.”