Last year, Jai Opetaia (25-0) was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title for failing to rematch Mairis Briedis and instead facing Ellis Zorro, only to fight Briedis for the then vacant IBF title six months later. Now, Opetaia could wind up being stripped for a second time, should he beat Jack Massey (22-2) next month and refuse an additional title defence in the weeks that follow.

Opetaia opted to go ahead with the Zorro fight on the mammoth ‘Day of Reckoning’ card that featured both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder last year, utilizing his opportunity to appear on the big stage, although it didn’t last long. The Aussie backed up the popular belief that he was the man to beat in the cruiserweight division with a brutal first-round stoppage of the Londoner but did so without a world title to his name.

Soon after, on the Fury-Usyk undercard, Opetaia became a two-time champion and reclaimed his IBF crown with an arduous points victory in the rematch with Briedis, declaring in the aftermath that his focus was on unification bouts and the undisputed throne from there on out.

However, with fellow champions Chris Billam-Smith (WBO) and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (WBA) set for a unification of their own and Norair Mikaeljan (WBC) fighting at the end of the month, Opetaia has decided to keep up his activity with a voluntary defence of the belt against Jack ‘One Smack’ Massey, on another blockbuster ‘Riyadh Season’ bill.

Now it has been revealed that the IBF have allowed the world title to be on the line for Opetaia’s clash with European champion Massey, but also that the victor must take on the mandatory challenger, Huseyin Cinkara (22-0), no later than January 20th 2025 – likely causing an additional delay to possible unification showdowns, as per Boog Williams.Daniel Dubois Reveals Plans For Next Fight Following Stunning Anthony Joshua KnockoutJai Opetaia is granted an exception to fight Jack Massey on 10/12/24. Winner has the fight the mandatory Huseyin Cincara in 90 days. pic.twitter.com/4msXSxheDi

— Boog Williams (@Ovajay) September 25, 2024“The Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey bout must take place no later than October 12, 2024.

“The full executed contracts for this bout must be received by the IBF in fifteen days or no later than or by Thursday October 10, 2024.

“The winner of the Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey bout must defend his IBF Cruiserweight title within ninety days of October 10, 2024, or no later than Friday January 20, 2025.

“The IBF will not entertain any additional exception requests to further delay the cruiserweight mandatory.”

Germany’s Cinkara has stopped 18 of the 22 opponents on his undefeated record but at 39-years-old there is a feel that this will be Cinkara’s first and last chance at a world title. Earlier this year, Cinkara halted Armend Xhoxhaj in just two rounds in a career-best win but the timing of his mandatory challenge could see him called up to fight on a much larger platform at the end of the year, with the winner of Opetaia-Massey likely to oblige to the IBF demands and feature on the Fury-Usyk II card on December 21st in Riyadh.

#JaiOpetaia #MairisBriedis #boxing #boxingfans #boxingnews #fightfans #JackMassey #Cruiserweight

Chris Eubank Jr., the former IBO world champion, made headlines at the Beterbiev-Bivol press conference by launching an explosive attack on British boxing promoters. Ahead of his undercard fight on the Riyadh Season event, Eubank Jr. branded Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, and other top promoters as "scumbags" while explaining why he signed with Ben Shalom's Boxxer.

Eubank Jr. suffered a career setback after being knocked out by Liam Smith in January 2023. However, the 35-year-old redeemed himself by defeating Smith in their rematch later that year. With his eyes on bigger fights in 2025, Eubank Jr. is now set to face Kamil Szeremeta on October 12 on the Beterbiev-Bivol card.

At the press conference, Eubank Jr. didn’t hold back, labeling major promoters in the UK as dishonest. “Why did I choose Boxxer? Because every other promoter out here is a scumbag," he stated. He went on to call out Frank Warren, Kalle Sauerland, and Eddie Hearn, accusing them of exploiting fighters and engaging in shady practices.

In contrast, Eubank Jr. praised His Excellency Turki Al-Alshikh, saying he is a promoter who values fairness and fighter welfare. “He’s not trying to lock fighters into contracts or squeeze them for money. He’s a man of God and cares about putting on the biggest fights," Eubank said.

Eubank Jr.'s strong words sparked a reaction from Frank Warren, who challenged him to face Hamzah Sheeraz next. But before any talks can begin, Eubank Jr. must first secure victory against Szeremeta.

#ChrisEubankJr #EddieHearn #FrankWarren #BenShalom #Boxxer #RiyadhSeason #BeterbievBivol #KamilSzeremeta #HamzahSheeraz #LiamSmith #BoxingNews #BritishBoxing #TurkiAlAlshikh #FightNight #ProBoxing

Vasyl Lomachenko knocked out George Kambosos Jr. earlier this year in one of the standout performances of 2024, regaining a lightweight world title to end an almost four-year spell without a belt to his name. Since then, ‘Loma’ has shut down rumours of a showdown with Gervonta Davis and news surrounding the Ukrainian has gone quiet. Yet, the three-weight world champion could be set to return against a Brit next year.

Anthony Cacace also boasts a memorable performance in 2024 after upsetting the odds to halt IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina in May and on Saturday night he followed up that display with a comfortable points victory over two-time world champion Josh Warrington.

Although, if he is to keep hold of his IBF world title, the Northern-Irishman will be forced to defend the strap in a tricky mandatory defence against Mexico’s Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez before March 21st, 2025.

After witnessing Cacace’s victory over Warrington, a confident Nunez publicly called out the champion on the Matchroom media accounts and declared that it is time to take care of business.Time is ticking, @AntoC6 ⏰

Sugar Nunez is ready 👊 pic.twitter.com/ao8jbsaXVI

“Congratulations, Cacace on your win. You achieved your objective and so did I. It is time to put our cards on the table and take care of business. Everyone knows that the next step is Cacace vs. Nunez. I hope our fight is made soon.”

However, the fighting pride of Belfast has appeared to have eyes elsewhere since the victory over Warrington, instead indicating that he will move up to lightweight in the hopes of securing a mammoth opportunity against IBF lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko, in an interview with BBC Sport NI.Josh Warrington Responds To Retirement Talk Following Defeat To Anthony Cacace“If I move up to lightweight, I’m the mandatory challenger for Lomachenko’s title. We’re just going to have to see. It’s all in my hands. I’m in the driving seat.

“We’ll see what the future holds.”

As for Lomachenko, the much-lauded amateur sensation has revealed that he is currently lacking motivation and that he will sit out the remainder of 2024, meaning that he will likely need a ‘tune-up’ fight in 2025 before heading into any possible unification contests against Gervonta Davis or Shakur Stevenson.

At 35-years-old and naturally big for the weight, this current landscape could prove to be ideal timing for Cacace – who could land the opportunity to face Lomachenko in his next outing if he confirms a move up to 135lbs in the near future.

Cacace could possibly even bring the fan-favourite champion to Belfast in a homecoming at the SSE Arena – for what would be ‘Loma’s’ second bout in the United Kingdom – amid rumours that he is keen to return home.

Although, despite the fact that Cacace believes that a move to lightweight would see him become the mandatory challenger, William Zepeda currently holds this position and could intervene, but rumours that the Mexican will opt to pursue the WBC route and face off with Shakur Stevenson will be music to Cacace’s ears.

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#NaoyaInoue #JuntoNakatani #TakumaInoue #SuperBantamweight #Bantamweight #WBC #WBA #BoxingSuperFight #BoxingFans #PoundForPound #KnockoutPower #MurodjhonAkhmadaliev #SamGoodman #JapaneseBoxing #Boxing

Whilst all eyes have been on Turki Al-Alshikh over the last twelve months, other areas of the sport are thriving without his involvement, none more so than the Japanese boxing scene. The proud fighting nation now has it’s own superstar to get behind in, the form of arguable pound-for-pound number one Naoya Inoue, and his stock may be set to rise even further in the near future, with a notable name clearly in his plans..

Debuting at light-flyweight, Inoue challenged for and achieved world honours in just his sixth professional bout before going on to fight in 23 consecutive world title contests, maintaining his undefeated record across four weight divisions and become a two-weight undisputed champion in the process.

Since moving to super-bantamweight, Inoue has majorly impressed with four knockout victories that have seen him finally receive the worldwide recognition that his talent merits, and he is now considered by the majority as a top three pound-for-pounder, at the bare minimum.

However, the one thing preventing ‘The Monster’ from an established position atop the pound-for-pound throne is the lack of reputable names in the lower weight-classes – some arguing that a showdown with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is the only route to being crowned as boxing’s greatest fighter.

Yet, one more realistic name that has been mentioned with Inoue is that of fellow Japanese sensation and current WBC bantamweight champion, Junto Nakatani, who has conquered three weight divisions himself and won the 2023 Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year award for his brutal stoppage of Andrew Maloney.

Amid rumours of what would be the biggest clash in the history of Japanese boxing, Inoue detailed that Nakatani would need to defeat his brother and WBA bantamweight champion, Takuma Inoue, before he would offer him the shot at the undisputed super-bantamweight title, as per Essentially Sports.

“Before he [Nakatani] moves up [in weight] to fight me, he will have to fight my brother Takuma. That’s not easy because Takuma will be a very tough opponent and a thick wall for Nakatani.”Josh Warrington Responds To Retirement Talk Following Defeat To Anthony Cacace

According to talkSPORT’s Michael Benson, Junto Nakatani has now confirmed that he is happy to adhere to Inoue’s two-fight proposal and move forward with a bantamweight unification showdown against Takuma Inoue in order to earn the fight with his world-renowned brother.Junto Nakatani has welcomed Naoya Inoue's challenge to first fight his brother Takuma Inoue in a WBA & WBC bantamweight world title unification fight, then move up and fight him for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-bantamweight world titles. pic.twitter.com/uRjI6zoPf6

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 25, 2024

“Junto Nakatani has welcomed Naoya Inoue’s challenge to first fight his brother Takuma Inoue in a WBA & WBC bantamweight world title unification fight, then move up and fight him for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO super-bantamweight world titles.”

Naturally big for the bantamweight division, despite debuting at minimumweight, Nakatani’s move to 126lbs is a natural one and he would enter any encounter with Naoya Inoue as the one with the physical advantages. With both men appreciated for their knockout power, Inoue-Nakatani has to be perceived as one of the biggest possible events in the sport and one that would captivate boxing fans around the globe, as well as those in Japan.

As for the timescale, Naoya Inoue is expected to return against either Sam Goodman or Murodjhon Akhmadaliev in December, possibly opening the door for Nakatani to appear against his brother on the undercard and tee up a meeting for the second quarter of 2025.

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#NaoyaInoue #JuntoNakatani #TakumaInoue #JapaneseBoxing #SuperBantamweight #Bantamweight #BoxingSuperFight #PoundForPound #WBA #WBC #BoxingFans #MurodjhonAkhmadaliev #SamGoodman #KnockoutPower #BoxingHistory

Daniel Dubois proved himself to be worthy of the much-lauded heavyweight champion mantle as he blasted through two-time title-holder Anthony Joshua on the biggest of stages at the weekend. With murmurs of an immediate rematch already beginning to do the rounds, as well as a possible undisputed title showdown, ‘Triple D’ has revealed which route he plans on pursuing.

The doubt of both the boxing analysts and the British public lit the fuse of ‘Dynamite’ Dubois during fight week and whilst many critics suggested that the 27-year-old could melt in the pressure cooker that is the Wembley spotlights, the heavy-handed brute instead delivered an authoritative display to shake up the division.

From the opening bell it was one way traffic, Dubois’ right-hand reshaped the usually pristine face of Joshua with a looping right-hand and set the precedent for how the remainder of the bout would unfold. Thereafter, the ruthless IBF champion chased his wounded yet strong-willed challenger around the ring and scored an additional three knockdowns by the fifth round – the fourth and final of which left Joshua face down on the canvas and unable to beat the count of Marcus McDonnell – who gave him every chance.

In spite of the dominant beatdown exhibited by Dubois in front of the record-breaking 96,000 attendees, there are still calls for a rematch between the domestic duo- calls that would be few and far between if the roles had been reversed. Still, the allure of a fight with Anthony Joshua is one that will always be tough to turn down for any lesser supported heavyweight and the determined nature of ‘AJ’ means that he will likely seek the opportunity to level the scores.

Speaking with TalkSport, Dubois admitted that he would ‘go for’ a rematch with Joshua and declared that he wants to improve upon what was not only a career-best performance but one of the most impressive showings from any heavyweight in recent memory.

“Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes.

“If that happens next then yeah. I want to go for it.Ben Whittaker Explains His Viral Showboating: “It’s My Guilty Pleasure.”

“I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing.

“I think I would, I can do a lot better than that. It was a great showing but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical. More sharp, everything.”

Alternatively, Dubois could opt to move on from Joshua and challenge the victor of Usyk-Fury II (December 21st) for the undisputed throne, offering him a chance to rematch the undefeated Ukrainian after their controversial first encounter. However, Dubois refused to reveal which opponent is at the top of his hit-list, instead indicating that he simply wants his next fight to be the one that is the most profitable.

“I would love a rematch but either one [Usyk or Joshua] really, whoever pays me more money.”

Regardless of what comes next for Dubois, the often-criticized knockout artist stepped through the ropes as a ‘paper champion’ on Saturday night and exited the ring as both a household name and a proven, established and confident heavyweight world champion – making him a tough task for any potential opponent.

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#DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #HeavyweightChampions #BoxingNews #Rematch #FightPlans #Usyk #Fury #BoxingCommunity #Championship #Knockout #BoxingFans #Sports #BoxingHighlights #Wembley #Boxing

In terms of the United Kingdom’s most impressive prospects, Ben Whittaker does not only stand out as one of the country’s most skilful potential superstars but also one of the most famous, consistently going viral for his in-ring antics despite just eight professional bouts. Now, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist has opened up on why he has made showboating such a recognisable part of his game.

Whittaker made his professional debut in July 2022 and has fought regularly since, seemingly going viral on each occasion and building up a following across the pond for poking fun at his opponents.

Some viewers can’t help but smirk at the confidence and defensive abilities of ‘The Surgeon’ upon watching his fights, whilst others see him as a disrespectful, pantomime villain character – either way, fans seem to make sure they tune in to his fights.

In an interview with Instant Casino, Whittaker appeared to recognise that his showboating is unnecessary but labelled it as a ‘guilty pleasure’, admitting that he enjoys fooling someone defensively as much as scoring a highlight-reel knockout.

“When I first started as a pro, I got more of a thrill making them miss and making them look silly, more than knocking them out. But now that I’ve started hitting people and hurting them a little bit, I kind of like knocking them out as well. So, I’m trying to find a balance. The best of both worlds. But that is my guilty pleasure. Making someone miss. You’re standing right in front of someone and they’re missing and you can see the frustration on their face.

“It’s kind of like when you’re at school and you’re winding somebody up. And for me, it’s great. And I love it. That’s why I got kicked out of school, for being a wind-up merchant, so I took it into the ring.”Who Next For Anthony Joshua? Odds Released After AJ Confirms He Will Fight Again

Whittaker now sits at #11 in the WBC light-heavyweight rankings and is being hotly tipped by many to succeed on the big stage and secure a world title in the future – especially once the titles become fragmented following Beterbiev-Bivol. For now though, Whittaker is remaining patient and is focussed on boosting his popularity and beating those who are put in front of him.

“For me, all I can do is stay on my path really, keep fighting who’s in front of me, keep beating who’s in front of me and the more my popularity grows, the more people will want to fight me. And I think that’s what’s happening now. A lot of people want to fight me because one, they’re getting paid decently or two I’ve got the following. And if they’re fighting Ben Whittaker, they get the reflective glow, don’t they?

“That’s how I see it now. So, for me, I’m becoming the man, who has not even got anything, that people want to fight. So, it’s not too bad. It’s all coming together.”

Next up for Whittaker is Liam Cameron, a fellow Brit who was unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a split-decision defeat to IBF #7 Lyndon Arthur in his last outing. That contest will take place on the high-profile Beterbiev-Bivol undercard on October 12th – where Whittaker will be hoping to boost his world ranking and social media following with a ninth professional victory.

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Keyshawn Davis has made a bold prediction. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist is confident that he will become the “Face of Boxing” within five years, achieving multi-world champion status and becoming a millionaire. While the 25-year-old Davis (11-0, 7 KOs) has undeniable talent, recent performances suggest his journey might not be as easy as he envisions. In tough fights against Miguel Madueno and Nahir Albright, Davis showed vulnerability when dealing with pressure – a flaw that could hold him back as he moves through the ranks.

Davis believes that by the time he’s in his late 20s, he’ll have a record of 20-plus wins with no losses, but critics are questioning his ability to live up to these expectations. Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Vasily Lomachenko are the type of opponents Keyshawn will need to beat to achieve his dream. However, it’s doubtful these top-tier fighters will face him before he’s forced to move up in weight. Additionally, Keyshawn has struggled with pressure throughout his career, an issue that could become a major roadblock as he faces tougher competition.

In a recent interview, Davis stated, “In five years, I’ll be the Face of Boxing, I’m dead serious.” Despite his confidence, many experts remain skeptical, pointing to his lackluster performance in his fight against Madueno, where Davis was visibly rattled by the pressure. Rather than outbox Madueno, Davis turned the fight into a rough, foul-filled contest. This led many to wonder if he has the mental fortitude to handle future challenges, especially in a more competitive welterweight division.

Top Rank, Davis’s promoter, is heavily invested in his career, hoping he can become a major star. However, questions remain about how far Davis can go. Critics have also noted that Davis’s old amateur nemesis, Andy Cruz, is a potential threat. Cruz beat Davis multiple times in the amateurs and could derail his professional rise if they meet again. Gustavo Lemos, Davis’s next opponent, is another tough test, and a poor performance could further dent Keyshawn’s ambitions.

While Davis has a clear path laid out in his mind, he’ll need to prove himself in every fight if he’s to back up his bold prediction of becoming the “Face of Boxing” in five years. His ability to handle pressure, stay focused, and rise to the occasion will determine if he can reach the heights he’s aiming for.

#KeyshawnDavis #GervontaDavis #ShakurStevenson #VasilyLomachenko #AndyCruz #GustavoLemos #TopRankBoxing #FaceOfBoxing #OlympicSilverMedalist #WelterweightDivision #BoxingFuture #BoxingProspects #Boxing2024 #BoxingSuperstars #BoxingFans

Chris Algieri believes that Anthony Joshua may be past his prime, labeling him as "damaged goods" after his recent loss to Daniel Dubois. According to Algieri, the 34-year-old Joshua has lost the reflexes and timing that once made him a dominant force in the heavyweight division. The former two-time champion was knocked down four times by Dubois, highlighting his inability to dodge incoming shots effectively.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, mentioned that they’ll wait to see the outcome of the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk rematch on December 21st before deciding Joshua’s next move. While Hearn hopes for a fight with Fury, Algieri doesn’t see Joshua competing at the championship level anymore. He believes that Joshua can no longer keep up with top heavyweights like Fury or Usyk and would likely struggle even in a rematch with Dubois.

Algieri points out that Joshua hasn’t been the same since his shocking knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. He suggests that Joshua has been declining for years and has only stayed competitive due to careful matchmaking by Hearn. In his fight against Dubois, Joshua misjudged Dubois’ reach and paid the price with a hard knockdown late in the first round. After that, Joshua’s game plan crumbled, and he was forced to fight defensively.

Despite these setbacks, Joshua’s team is weighing their options, but many experts, including Algieri, believe his days at the top may be over. At 34, Joshua’s reliance on his athleticism could be catching up to him, causing a faster decline than other fighters.

#AnthonyJoshua #ChrisAlgieri #DanielDubois #EddieHearn #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #AndyRuizJr #JoshuaVsDubois #HeavyweightBoxing #AJ #BoxingNews #JoshuaDecline #BoxingFans #JoshuaVsFury #JoshuaVsUsyk #JoshuaComeback

Anthony Joshua remains determined to become a three-time heavyweight champion despite his recent loss to Daniel Dubois. Although Joshua was knocked out by Dubois in the fifth round after being hurt early on, the British boxer isn’t giving up on his goal. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has hinted at the possibility of a major showdown with Tyson Fury, regardless of the result of Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk on December 21st.

For Joshua, the ideal scenario would be Fury defeating Usyk, setting up a potential clash for three heavyweight titles. Fury’s unorthodox style and dangerous punching power present a challenge, but Joshua seems eager to face him. If Usyk wins the rematch, however, Joshua’s dreams of becoming a three-time champion may have to wait a little longer.

Joshua’s loss to Dubois marked a significant setback, but his resilience was on display as he managed to get up from three knockdowns. He admitted that his game plan fell apart after being hit early in the fight, but he remains focused on the future. Joshua reflected on his career, saying, “Look what we’ve achieved in the space of eleven years; it’s phenomenal. It’s far from over yet.”

Joshua’s optimism shows that he still believes in his ability to reclaim the heavyweight throne. Despite the tough road ahead, he is ready to make the necessary adjustments and work toward his goal of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.

#AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #EddieHearn #BoxingNews #HeavyweightBoxing #ThreeTimeChampion #JoshuaVsFury #JoshuaVsDubois #BoxingFans #JoshuaComeback #BritishBoxing #AJ #BoxingLegends #FuryVsUsyk

In a fight that had fans on their feet, James Bernadin claimed a hard-fought split decision victory over Matt Conway after eight grueling rounds at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The crowd witnessed one of the best club fights of 2024, with both fighters delivering a thrilling performance. The bout headlined a seven-fight card promoted by King’s Promotions.

The fight began with an intense pace, as Bernadin and Conway traded punches from the opening bell. Bernadin displayed his power early on, landing harder shots, but Conway proved to be a tough competitor, absorbing the punishment and fighting back with resilience. By the second round, Conway’s right eye began to swell, eventually closing as the fight progressed. However, Conway’s determination only grew stronger as he pushed forward, unleashing flurries of punches.

In the final rounds, the two fighters went toe-to-toe, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. The eighth round was particularly electric, as both men gave it their all, earning a standing ovation from the fans in attendance. After a close contest, Bernadin was awarded the split decision, winning with scores of 78-74, 77-75, and 76-76, improving his record to 13-2-1.

Conway, who fought valiantly despite the injury, saw his record drop to 22-5. The fight will surely be remembered as a classic for both fighters and the fans who witnessed it live.

#JamesBernadin #MattConway #KingsPromotions #BethlehemPA #WindCreekEventCenter #BoxingNews #SplitDecision #ClubFights #BoxingFans #FightOfTheYear #BoxingAction #ToeToToe #FightNight #BoxingBattle #LancasterPA

Former boxing rivals Ricardo “Finito” Lopez and Hideyuki Ohashi are set to reunite in a special ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, after 34 years. This reunion will take place today, a day before a unique promotion featuring all minimumweight and strawweight competitions at the Korakuen Hall. This special moment marks their iconic clash in 1990, when Lopez dethroned WBC 105-pound titleholder Ohashi at the same venue.

After their historic bout, Lopez went on to defend his title 21 times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in the sport. On the other hand, Ohashi transitioned into a successful boxing promoter, establishing his own gym and training five world champions, including the formidable Naoya “The Monster” Inoue.

The reunion ceremony is organized by Hachioji Nakaya Promotions, and the event will feature prominent figures from the boxing world. The reunion is not just a reflection on the past but a celebration of both fighters’ contributions to the sport, particularly Ohashi's role in shaping Japan’s boxing scene.

The event will also honor their respective achievements, with Lopez's incredible defense record and Ohashi's success as a trainer and promoter. Fans from around the world will witness this emotional reunion, marking a significant moment in boxing history.

#RicardoLopez #FinitoLopez #HideyukiOhashi #NaoyaInoue #KorakuenHall #TokyoBoxing #HachiojiNakayaPromotions #BoxingLegends #MinimumweightChampions #WBCChampions #BoxingReunion #BoxingHistory #StrawweightChampionship #LegendaryRivalry #BoxingPromoter

The proposed Anthony Joshua coronation soon turned to a night of despair for the two-time world champion, his team and his backers as Daniel Dubois stamped his authority onto both his domestic rivals and the heavyweight division as a whole with a show-stopping knockout against Great Britain’s long-standing poster boy.

However, ‘AJ’ has now confirmed that his time in the ring is not over yet and as a result there are already names being touted for his next outing and William Hill have now released their odds for whom his next opponent may be.1. Daniel Dubois – Evens

After Joshua suffered a shock defeat to a third opponent of his career, the immediate assumption was that he would once again force a second meeting with his rival, as he did with both Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk following those other shortcomings. As expected, Eddie Hearn confirmed that there was a rematch clause in the fight contract and that he expects his man to trigger it, but Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren has since suggested otherwise – thrusting what was originally an inevitable rematch into doubt, although it remains as the most likely outcome.

Defeats are no longer a new experience for Joshua but the brutal manner of the damning loss to ‘Triple D’ presents him with a new mental obstacle to overcome – this being the first time he was truly knocked out and not halted on his feet. That fresh hurdle could act as motivation for Joshua and whet his appetite or it could convince him to steer clear of a man who could simply be his hard-hitting kryptonite.2. Deontay Wilder – 4/1

The one that got away. Hopes of Deontay Wilder seemed dead once ‘The Bronze Bomber’ was trumped in back-to-back outings against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang – not just losing but failing to come close in either contest. Like Joshua, Wilder has refused to hang up the gloves and with both men coming into what was recently deemed as ‘the biggest fight in boxing’ off of the back of defeats, the long-awaited encounter would be seen in a different light but would be a captivating one nonetheless.

A below-par Wilder could represent the perfect route back to the forefront of the division for ‘AJ’ and tick off a name that has long been on both his and Hearn’s hit-list. Yet, the fearsome punch power of the American could also be a recipe for disaster.3. Tyson Fury – 5/1

Tyson Fury fumed that Dubois’ demolition of Joshua had cost him £150 million shortly after his promotional stablemate had been declared the victor but that may not prove to be the case. Eddie Hearn has maintained that the illusive all-British dust-up could still happen despite the Saturday night blow out, alluding to a similar scenario to that of the possible Wilder clash mentioned above.

‘The Gypsy King’ is scheduled to meet with unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk in December in the sequel to what was an instant classic earlier in the 2024 calendar but he will step through the ropes as the underdog and will find himself on a two-fight winless streak if he cannot crack the code of the pound-for-pound number one.

The Fury-Joshua rivalry will never truly be settled until a victor is resolved and a grudge match could ensure either in the United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia could be around the corner if Fury is unable to reclaim the heavyweight marbles later this year.4. Jarrell Miller – 10/1

Joshua’s rivalries with both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are ones that are often glorified and encouraged by the masses to season what would already be a salivating event. Jarrell Miller on the other hand, is a rival that is truly hated by ‘AJ’ on a personal level.

‘Big Baby’ Miller was poised to take on the Briton and after an intense build-up, it was clear to see that the loudmouthed American had brought a different side out of Joshua than the polished professional that we have become accustomed to – instead Joshua simply wanted to take his head off and silence the New Yorker for good.

Unfortunately, the then lauded knockout artist that was a rising Anthony Joshua never got the opportunity to put his pitiless plan into action as Miller failed a drugs test and faced a four-year ban from the sport. Meanwhile, Joshua moved on and was matched with Andy Ruiz Jr. – becoming the victim of one of boxing’s most famous upset wins.

Miller has now served his ban and his back boxing on the big stage, putting up a respectable display in a defeat to Dubois that has aged like a fine wine and then controversially drawing with Ruiz, with many viewers feeling as though he had done enough to get his hand raised. Eddie Hearn has previously ruled out the prospect of staging Joshua-Miller but now that fight could be the best option to rebuild his fighter.5. Manuel Charr – 12/1

Finally, Syrian-German Manuel Charr has long called for the opportunity to face Joshua and was named as Regular heavyweight world champion in an eyebrow-raising move from the WBA – considering Charr has not fought since 2022 and just thrice since 2017. Still, with a unified title contest on the horizon, it is likely that belts will be vacated during 2025 either through a lack of interest in fighting mandatory challengers or through retirements, leaving Charr well poised for an unlikely title shot.

As a result, Joshua may opt to challenge for Charr’s WBA (Regular) strap in the hopes of being upgraded to world champion shortly afterwards or to position himself for a vacant title fight against heavyweight bogeyman Martin Bakole, who is ranked as the number one contender with the sanctioning body.

All will likely become clear within the next few weeks as further details surrounding a possible rematch between Joshua and Dubois are confirmed but it has been revealed that ‘AJ’ is not ready to walk away from the sport just yet, in spite of the uphill battle that he faces if he desires to mount a return to the heavyweight throne.Daniel Dubois Knocks Out Anthony Joshua In Stunning Victory To Retain IBF Heavyweight TitleOther Options:

Michael Hunter – 10/1

Filip Hrgovic – 10/1

Joseph Parker II – 14/1

Andy Ruiz Jr. III – 14/1

Zhilei Zhang – 16/1

Martin Bakole – 16/1

Derek Chisora – 16/1

Jared Anderson – 20/1

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Two-time featherweight world champion Josh Warrington has made a career out of relentless pressure and aggression but struggled to cause too much trouble to Anthony Cacace at the weekend. As a result, many have suggested that it was time for Warrington to hang up the gloves and he seemed to agree on Saturday night.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ has brought plenty of phenomenal fights to his hometown in recent years, outpointing both Lee Selby and Kid Galahad in front of his faithful followers in West Yorkshire, as well as getting the nod over Carl Frampton in Manchester. The now 33-year-old has brought eyes to the 126lb scene throughout his career and made the division one of the most-watched weights domestically and achieved tremendous success, but his struggles of late have been there for all to see.

Warrington was famously knocked out by Mauricio Lara in one of the most stunning upsets witnessed on British soil back in 2021 before the pair fought two rounds of a disappointing technical-decision draw a few months later but a win over Spain’s Kiko Martinez saw Warrington reclaim his IBF world title.

Although, he later lost that belt to Luis Alberto Lopez in late 2022, failed in a WBA title challenge against Leigh Wood in 2023 and then was on the wrong side of a one-sided decision on Saturday night’s Wembley card following an uncharacteristic performance.

After one win in six, Warrington left his gloves in the ring to signify that his time in the ring has come to an end. In an interview with DAZN, the Yorkshireman refused to announce an official decision on his retirement but admitted that he is ready to spend more time with his family ahead of a new addition to the Warrington family.

“I don’t know [if I will continue], it is one of them where if I was [to fight again], I would have to get out sooner rather than later. I couldn’t wait another year. I just need to go home, my missus is 25 weeks pregnant so I just want to get ready for another baby coming into the family and see where we go from there.”

Meanwhile, in-form Anthony Cacace has now triumphed over world champions in consecutive fights after halting Joe Cordina earlier this year. Full of confidence, the Northern-Irishman looked ahead to more fights on the big stage and hinted that he may move up to the lightweight division in the near future, Cacace told BBC Sport NI.Joshua vs. Dubois Undercard Results: Wins For Sheeraz, Buatsi, Cacace, Kelly And Padley

“I’m on cloud nine and so are my team, it was a hard fight, take nothing away from Josh.

“That is back-to-back world champions I have defeated, and I never thought my life would come to this, so it is overwhelming.”

“Whatever happens, happens. I could go to America, I could come to headline the SSE in Belfast, I would love to, but everything that comes from here is a bonus for me,”

“I want to cement my name in Irish boxing some way or other. I would love to do something out of the ordinary, if that was winning another belt or moving up a weight to win a belt, I want to go down as one of the greatest from this country.”

Cacace went on to declare that he will rest for the remainder of 2024 before hopefully securing a major fight in 2025, whilst Warrington’s fans await a more concrete decision on his future in the ring.

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Anthony Joshua had the chance to write his name into the history books and become boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion on Saturday night in a record-breaking event at Wembley Stadium – but ultimately, he fell short. Now, as fans question whether the Joshua era of British boxing has passed – ‘AJ’ has addressed the fans across the country.

Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois exploded onto Joshua from the opening bell onwards at the weekend, scoring four knockdowns in five rounds – the last of which saw a dazed Joshua unable to rise from the canvas and left falling flat on his face. Shortly afterwards, a disappointed Eddie Hearn admitted that he expects the Matchroom poster boy to rematch his younger domestic rival, although at present it remains unclear how the heavyweight division will pan out.

Despite immediate rumours of a rematch, many established figures in boxing have advised Joshua to hang up the gloves but in a video posted onto his social media, the London 2012 gold medallist told fight fans that his journey ‘is far from over yet’.🫡 pic.twitter.com/RtdLgCIu8p

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 23, 2024

“Yesterday night we came up short but we have got to look at the positives. That is the mindset, that is the perspective that we have to have – a positive one, always. Look at what we have achieved in the space of eleven years – it is phenomenal. I want to thank every single one of you that has been riding with me, what a rollercoaster journey, but you know what the problem is? It is that it is far from over yet.

“We have done it once, we have done it twice, doing it a third time hasn’t been easy, but I believe that it is something that I can achieve. It is about making the right steps forward, working hard, improving and it has got to come from here [the heart] more than anything. It can’t come from any external voices or influences, it has got to come from here [heart].Joshua vs. Dubois Undercard Results: Wins For Sheeraz, Buatsi, Cacace, Kelly And Padley

“It has only been a day but when I am sat back and I am thinking, I have got a lot of this [heart], man. I know that I have got a lot of this.

“This is just a video to say thanks for your support, thanks for being on this rollercoaster journey with me. Keep your seatbelts tight because deep down in here [my heart], I know we have got a lot more to bring to the game and long may it continue. British boxing, I appreciate you, we rise up together – let’s go!”

It remains unclear whether Joshua has a definitive rematch-clause in his contract to trigger a second showdown with the IBF world champion, with Hearn claiming that he does and Frank Warren believing that he doesn’t. However, should such a clause not be present in the deal, Dubois could instead opt to wait to fight the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s rematch in a second battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown in as many years.

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Daniel Dubois scored a sensational knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium to retain his IBF heavyweight title.

Dubois landed a fantastic shot in round five of the contest to claim the win and keep hold of his belt, scoring the upset and denying Joshua the chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion.

Dubois stunned Joshua in the opening round of the fight, landing a number of big shots to begin the contest before then dropping AJ with a massive hook in the dying seconds.

Joshua got back to his feet and saw out the round, but it was clear that he was still dazed in round two, with Dubois continuing to dominate and catch Joshua with several huge punches that rocked the challenger.

It looked like the contest was over in round three when Joshua hit the canvas once again, but he showed great heart to continue, despite further trouble in the fourth round.

Joshua then landed a big shot in round five that seemed it could change the direction of the bout, but Dubois ended the bout with a massive punch in round five, as AJ was counted out and Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title.

It’s an incredible turnaround for Dubois, who just 13 months ago came up short in a fight against Oleksandr Usyk, and he was thrilled to claim the biggest win of his career.

“I’m a gladiator. I’m a warrior until the bitter end. Behind the scenes the work with my dad and my family and my strong team have helped me get through this. I’ve been on a rollercoaster and this is my redemption story.”

For Joshua, it’s the fourth defeat of his professional career after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk along with a defeat to Andy Ruiz, and he was disappointed to come up short.Joshua vs. Dubois Undercard Results: Wins For Sheeraz, Buatsi, Cacace, Kelly And Padley

“Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice for success but we came up short. I’m going to keep my cool and keep professional and give respect to my opponent. Before I came here I always said I’m a fighter for life. I had a sharp opponent and there were a lot of mistakes from my end but it is what it is.”

Promoter Frank Warren has worked with Dubois since his debut back in 2017, and he was ecstatic to see his fighter come out on top.

“It was a phenomenal fight. I always felt it would be Hagler-Hearns and that what’s it was. It takes two people to make a great fight. AJ showed his heart until the end, but it was a brilliant fight. I’ve had faith in my man from the beginning, and now he’s done it.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed after the bout that Joshua may exercise his rematch clause for the fight, and he felt that the first round was what set the tone for the clash.

“A huge right hand that AJ shipped in the first round and after that he was fighting on heart and desire. He never gave up and he kept on trying. At the end of the fourth round he hit Dubois and then in the fifth he really hurt him. He got greedy and walked onto a right hand.”

On the undercard, there were wins for Hamzah Sheeraz, Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Cacace, Josh Kelly and Liam Padley.

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The Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois undercard at Wembley Stadium featured a number of big names, topped off by Hamzah Sheeraz stopping Tyler Denny in the second round to win the European middleweight title, and retain his Commonwealth and WBC Silver middleweight titles.

Sheeraz came out of the blocks flying, dropping Denny inside the opening seconds of the opening round. Denny struggled to recover, and despite getting out of the round, it seemed that the writing would be on the wall.

That was proven when in round two Sheeraz got another knockdown, and with Denny on unsteady feet, the referee waved off the bout at the 2:05 mark, earning Sheeraz the win, taking his undefeated record to 21-0 in the process.

Joshua Buatsi won the interim WBO light-heavyweight title with a split decision victory over Willy Hutchinson.

It was a tight bout approaching the halfway stage, but Buatsi then secured a sixth round knockdown to make the first big impact in the fight.

Hutchinson was deducted a point in round seven for use of the head, and was then dropped again in the ninth round as Buatsi looked to take over.

It looked like there would only be one winner when the fight went the distance, but there was surprise when it was announced that it was a split decision.

One judge had the fight 113-112 in Hutchinson’s favour, but scores of 117-108 and 115-110 earned Buatsi the win, as he moved a step closer to becoming world champion.

Anthony Cacace retained his IBO super-featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Josh Warrington.

Cacace’s IBF belt wasn’t on the line for the contest after they refused to sanction the bout, due to Warrington heading into the fight on the back of two straight defeats in the division below.

With that in mind, the Leeds man would have been keen to prove he is still capable of competing at world level, but he struggled to deal with Cacace throughout the fight.WBC President Names The Future Of Boxing

The Belfast boxer was in control for the majority of proceedings, and after the bout went the 12 round distance, the judges scored it 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111, with Cacace retaining his IBO belt, and ensuring he also kept hold of his IBF title, as a defeat would have seen him stripped by the governing body.

Warrington appeared to signal he may retire following the contest, after removing his gloves and leaving them in the centre of the ring.

Josh Kelly came out on top against late replacement Ishmael Davis in their middleweight contest after picking up a majority decision victory.

Davis stepped in less than one week ago after Liam Smith was forced out through illness, and despite the late notice, he gave as good as he got throughout the fight.

It was a back and forth battle between the two men, and after going all 12 rounds, it was Kelly who narrowly emerged with the win, thanks to scorecards of 115-113, 115-114 and 114-114, handing Davis the first defeat of his professional career in the process.

Josh Padley secured a huge upset in the opening fight of the card as he defeated Mark Chamberlain by unanimous decision.

Chamberlain was a massive favourite heading into the bout, as he looked to continue the impressive displays he has put in on Riyadh Season events over the past year.

Padley ensured it wouldn’t continue though, as he dropped his opponent in round eight, while Chamberlain was also deducted a point.

It allowed Padley to come out on top with a points win, with the judges having it 96-92, 96-92 and 95-93.

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Boxing is arguably as hot as it has ever been at the moment due to the number of huge fights that are occuring, and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has named who he feels will be the future of the sport.

There have been plenty of massive bouts that have taken place over the last couple of years including Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence, and Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia.

Another big fight will be held tomorrow night at Wembley Stadium, as Anthony Joshua challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title.

While Daniel may be the current member of the Dubois family in the spotlight, WBC President Sulaiman has heaped praise Daniel’s sister Caroline, after presenting her with the interim WBC lightweight title this week, alongside boxing legend Lennox Lewis.

Sulaiman said: “I’m extremely proud, I’m so happy, so excited. She is the future of boxing. A role model inside and outside the ring and today is a very special day for me to be able to present her with the green and gold belt in person. I can see she’s very disciplined, always in the gym, well prepared and ready for anything to come. When that bell rings she’s a different woman, she’s an unbelievable champion. I see a great bright future for Caroline.”

Caroline won the title last month after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Maira Moneo, taking her undefeated record to 10-0 in the process, and she was thrilled to receive the recognition from Sulaiman.Update On Daniel Dubois Trainer Situation Amid Rumours That Don Charles Has Been Sacked

“It’s amazing to have Mauricio come give me the belt. I looked up to Lennox Lewis, watching him as a young kid and obviously the WBC, the WBA, the IBF, the WBO, these are all the major belts and to now get almost a piece, it’s not the full belt which is what I will get but it’s a step in the right direction. This is not as far as I get, I go further than this. I want to touch the sky, I want to touch hearts, I want to do something that’s never been done before and I push and train every day.”

Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom added: “Caroline Dubois is one of the future faces of female boxing. Whether Katie Taylor decides to fight her or vacate, there are huge nights ahead for Caroline, who is still only 23 years old. We believe she will unify the lightweight division before moving up and becoming a multi-weight world champion and pound-for-pound star.”

Dubois is now hoping to land a showdown with WBC champion Katie Taylor in the near future, with Taylor first taking on Amanda Serrano on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard in November.

#WBC #MauricioSulaiman #CarolineDubois #Future #Boxing #Boxingnews #President

Dillian Whyte, a long-time rival of Anthony Joshua, has given his candid thoughts on the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois clash for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium. Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Whyte cautioned Dubois about the danger he faces in the ring, saying, “He don’t want to stand in front of ‘AJ’ and take too many right hands or he’s going to sleep.” He also compared the two heavyweights' punching styles, remarking that while Joshua is “a pig puncher,” he tends to rely more on sharp combination shots, whereas Dubois is a “slow and methodical, clubbing puncher.” However, Whyte warned that with 10oz gloves on, “anyone over 15 stone is a big puncher” and predicted the fight as a genuine 50-50 contest.

Recalling their past sparring sessions, Whyte mentioned, “Apparently Daniel bashed ‘AJ’ up in sparring,” but stressed the need for Dubois not to be overconfident as this fight could turn out very differently. According to Whyte, “If he stands in front of ‘AJ’ and takes too many right hands, he’s going to sleep.”

This title fight presents a major moment in heavyweight boxing, with Joshua eyeing a return to glory and Dubois looking to secure his first title defense. Whyte's honest assessment has added further intrigue, making this a showdown fans won’t want to miss.

#JoshuaDubois #DillianWhyte #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #boxing #boxingnews #boxingfans #fightfans #predictions 

Anthony Joshua will attempt to become boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion when he steps through the ropes against fellow Brit and newly crowned IBF title-holder Daniel Dubois this weekend in one of the boxing events of the year. Now, famed trainer, commentator and fight analyst Teddy Atlas has offered his verdict on the match-up.

‘AJ’ has honed his skills and discovered a style that suits him best since partnering up with former Tyson Fury trainer Ben Davison late last year, scoring sensational stoppage wins over both Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou since teaming up. As a result, Joshua now finds himself competing at the top table once again and could etch his name into the history books if he is able to pull off the victory.

Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois has hit similar form since appointing Don Charles last year, bouncing back from defeat to Oleksandr Usyk with career-best displays and knockouts against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic – the latter earning him the position of interim champion which was later upgraded to full IBF world champion.

Now Dubois has the chance to prove that he is worthy of the mantle of a world champion in boxing’s glamour division. However, speaking on his podcast, ‘The Fight’, Atlas – who guided Michael Moorer to the heavyweight throne in 1994, predicted that Dubois will not make it to the third-round against this improved version of Joshua.

“I think that Anthony Joshua is in the best place that he has been since he beat [Wladimir] Klitschko for the title and was a young heavyweight champion after being an Olympic champion. I think that he is in a real good place with his trainer, [Ben] Davison.

“Dubois was tremendous in his last fight with Hrgovic, he overcame, he broke Hrgovic down, he evaporated him like a hot summer’s day evaporating a puddle – right in front of your eyes, with his toughness and physicality. He is strong, he is a good puncher, he can now impose the will that he didn’t have earlier [in his career], he has got that will now.Update On Daniel Dubois Trainer Situation Amid Rumours That Don Charles Has Been Sacked

“If he hits Joshua, he can hurt him, but if he gets hit with the kind of right-hand’s that he overcame against Hrgovic, who doesn’t punch as hard or concise as Joshua, then he won’t be around to overcome it. He won’t be around to impose his will. He won’t be around to hurt Joshua with his physical presence and power. He won’t be there – he will get knocked out.

“Unless he has improved his defence and his ability to get away from right-hand’s, which he did not do against Hrgovic, unless he has done that in the last couple of months since that fight – Joshua is going to knock him out in one or two rounds.”

Joshua-Dubois takes place on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium in London as Turki Al-Alshikh stages a first Riyadh Season card on British soil with a must-watch event for boxing fans around the globe.

#TeddyAtlas #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #JoshuaDubois #Predictions #Knockout #boxingnews

Whilst all eyes are on this weekend’s Wembley showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, one fight has flown under the radar and has now been announced for an unconventional Friday night event in just two weeks’ time, although the possible benefit and consequences of the world title contest are complex.

The middleweight division has been blown wide open over the last couple of years but the man who is attempting to takeover at 160lbs is Janibek Alimkhanuly – who reigns as both IBF and WBO world champion after a knockout win over fellow champion Vincenzo Gualtieri saw him pick up a second belt at the weight.

This July, Alimkhanuly was scheduled to meet with New Zealand’s IBF mandatory challenger Andrei Mikhailovich in a first defence of the unified straps, but the event was cancelled just before their weigh-in after the champion ended up in hospital because of dehydration.

It has now been confirmed that ‘Qazaq style’ will take on his vocal and undefeated rival on the rescheduled date of October 4th and following the announcement a confident Alimkhanuly predicted an early knockout – whilst giving a nod to the heroes of old from his native land, as per The Ring.Janibek Alimkhanuly-Andrei Mikhailovich Set For Oct. 4 In Sydney; IBF Title Only At Stake. Story (and details as to what the hell happened to the WBO title) by @JakeNDaBox: #JanibekMikhailovichhttps://t.co/kD6qT2rb3T

“In the Olympic Games in Sydney, two Kazakh boxers won gold,”

“Bekzat Sattarhanov and Yermakhan Ibraimov inspired many Kazakhs. I grew up with a dream to glorify my country like them and am very happy that I will box in Sydney. I want to show the world my flag in Sydney once again, as our Olympic champions did in 2000.

“The fight with Andrei is very important to me because he is an official contender for my title. He is like a cloud for me now. I must quickly get rid of the cloud to see the sun. Everyone knows and understands that he is easy work for me. I will knock him out very quickly!”Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez To Fight On Undercard In Next Fight As Date And Opponent Confirmed

Similarly, Russian-born but New Zealand raised Mikhailovich hoped to emulate the success of his Kiwi idols.

“I live in the present, but I certainly haven’t forgotten the past,”

“I respect him as the champion, but I know that he doesn’t respect me. It’s why I look forward to taking absolutely everything from him. I will be writing my name into the history books alongside Joseph Parker and Maselino Masoe as a world champion.

“This is my destiny, it’s my everything. I will stop at nothing to make sure the world remembers the name Andrei Mikhailovich.”

However, despite planning on taking ‘absolutely everything’ from Alimkhanuly, Mikhailovich will only be able to become IBF world champion with a victory, after the WBO refused to sanction the bout as a world title contest. Still, Alimkhanuly will lose the WBO strap as well as the IBF belt if the challenger is able to spring the upset, leaving the victor of Tyler Denny (WBO #2) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (WBO #1) well poised for a crack at a possibly vacant title.

#JanibekAlimkhanuly #AndreiMikhailovich #IBFChampion #MiddleweightTitle #BoxingNews #WBO #SydneyFight #Boxing #Knockout #FightNight #ChampionshipBouts #KazakhstanBoxing #Undercard #BoxingHistory #MiddleweightDivision #WembleyShowdown