Tyson Fury’s first fight with Oleksandr Usyk back on May 18th was a highly anticipated clash that lived up to its billing—but not for the reasons Fury had hoped. Despite his pre-fight confidence and promises to dominate, Fury found himself on the losing end of a hard-fought 12-round split decision, with Usyk emerging as the victor.

While Fury has made claims of a controversial decision, the reality is that a combination of factors led to his defeat. Here are eight reasons why Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk:

1. Complacency After Early Rounds

Fury’s own words reflect a key mistake in his mindset. He admitted to becoming too comfortable in the middle rounds of the fight, which gave Usyk the chance to take control. “I got too complacent by round six and seven,” Fury acknowledged. His failure to maintain focus after gaining an early advantage allowed Usyk to settle into a rhythm, dictating the pace for the remainder of the fight.

2. Usyk’s Superior Technical Skill

Usyk’s brilliance in the ring cannot be overstated. He is known for his exceptional footwork, high boxing IQ, and ability to control distance. Fury, typically known for his unorthodox style and size, struggled to cope with Usyk’s precise jabs and movement. While Fury’s size advantage was expected to be a key factor, Usyk’s agility and ability to stay elusive outclassed Fury’s efforts, leaving him frustrated.

3. Lack of Adjustments in the Later Rounds

Fury’s inability to make effective adjustments during the fight was another crucial factor in his loss. As the rounds went on, Usyk was able to adjust his strategy, moving in and out of range while landing clean shots. Fury, on the other hand, seemed to fight the same way throughout, failing to adapt and counter Usyk’s changing tactics, leaving him vulnerable as the fight wore on.

4. Punch Resistance Worsening After Wilder Trilogy

Tyson Fury’s legendary trilogy with Deontay Wilder, particularly their brutal third encounter, seemed to take a toll on his punch resistance. In the Usyk fight, Fury appeared more susceptible to punches, especially in the later rounds. The one punch in round nine from Usyk that hurt Fury, followed by the standing eight count, demonstrated that his ability to absorb punishment may have diminished since the Wilder fights.

5. Mental Distractions and Inactivity

Fury’s mental state has often been a topic of conversation. In the lead-up to the Usyk fight, Fury had been open about his struggles with mental health and the distractions in his personal life. Additionally, his sporadic fight schedule—paired with long periods of inactivity—likely contributed to a lack of sharpness in his performance. Without the necessary mental focus and rhythm, Fury found himself outclassed by Usyk’s consistency and discipline.

6. Injuries and Lack of Full Preparation

Fury entered the Usyk fight with a reported cut above his eye, which may have affected his preparation. Although he didn’t make it a public excuse immediately after the fight, lingering injuries and setbacks in camp could have hindered his ability to train at his peak. An injured Fury may not have been able to put in the necessary work to overcome Usyk’s challenges.

7. Ring Rust and Lack of Recent High-Level Competition

Another factor that may have contributed to Fury’s loss was his lack of recent top-tier competition. His two prior fights, victories over Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, didn’t offer the kind of challenge that would prepare him for a fighter of Usyk’s caliber. Without a proper test, Fury may have struggled to bring the level of intensity needed to defeat a champion as skilled as Usyk.

8. Overconfidence and Underestimation of Usyk

Fury’s confidence has always been one of his strengths, but it may have worked against him in this instance. He was vocal before the fight, claiming that Usyk was too small and would be easily overpowered by his size. This overconfidence likely led to Fury underestimating Usyk’s capabilities, failing to respect his skill set in the early rounds. Fury’s underestimation of his opponent resulted in him being caught off guard by Usyk’s superior performance.

Conclusion

While the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk was close and competitive, there were several clear factors that led to Fury’s loss. From complacency and mental distractions to Usyk’s technical mastery, Fury faced a series of challenges that he couldn’t overcome on the night.

As the rematch draws near, Fury will need to address these issues head-on if he hopes to secure the win he desires. Whether he can overcome the mental and physical barriers that plagued him in the first fight remains to be seen, but the lessons from their first encounter are undeniable.

As far as non-title fights go, David Benavidez’s showdown with David Morrell is sure to be the most hotly anticipated clash outside of the heavyweight division during 2025. Now, after the proposed bout sat atop the wish lists of fans around the globe, a formally announcement has been made to confirm the fight date and main card for the meeting of the unbeaten light-heavyweight title hopefuls.

Each of Benavidez and Morrell had been campaigning in the super-middleweight division at the beginning of the calendar, both in hot pursuit of a lucrative title shot against then undisputed 168lb king Canelo Alvarez.

However, as the months passed, it became clear that Alvarez had little intention of facing either man without a mammoth financial incentive.

As a result, both Benavidez and Morrell made the move up to the light-heavyweight division and made their debuts in June and August, outpointing Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Radivoje Kalajdzic respectively in contests that were not expected to go the distance prior.

Nevertheless, both men are still regarded as the standout threats to the 175lb poster boys, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, and their encounter will likely determine who gets a shot at the unified light-heavyweight titles – with the WBC Interim and WBA (Regular) straps, and thus positions as mandatory challengers, being up for grabs.

It has now been made official that Benavidez (29-0) and Morrell (11-0) will collide on February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and top a card that will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video PPV.Tommy Fury and Darren Till clash during press conferenceAmazing card to kick off 2025 ! Congratulations @premierboxing@TGBpromotions#BenavidezMorrell live at @TMobileArena on @PrimeVideo PPV @Benavidez300pic.twitter.com/3fZOUTQZvm

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) November 19, 2024

As for the undercard, Brandon Figueroa (25-1-1) and Stephen Fulton (22-1) will take part in a salivating rematch for the WBC featherweight title, over three years since Fulton handed Figueroa a first career defeat in a super-bantamweight unification bout.

Meanwhile, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (26-3-1) will hope to bounce back from defeat after losing his super-lightweight title to Jose Valenzuela. Cruz will go toe-to-toe with Angel Fierro (22-2-2) in an intriguing all-Mexican shootout – a battle between two hard-hitting 140lbers that have never been knocked out.

Finally, Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr. (21-1) is attempting to re-establish himself as a title threat in a packed-out super-welterweight division, taking on former IBF champion Jeison Rosario (24-4-2), who impressed in a draw with Jarrett Hurd back in August.

Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson’s long career milestone has been temporarily overshadowed following a record-breaking return to the ring on Friday. Despite a disappointing loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, Tyson made history by becoming the heavyweight with the longest career, a feat that has since been challenged by Oliver McCall.

Tyson, now 58, was clearly a shadow of his former self, landing just 18 punches across eight rounds and moving sluggishly against Paul. Showing a rare level of mercy, Paul chose not to press for a knockout, instead winning each round decisively by outboxing Tyson.

This loss, however, didn’t overshadow Tyson's newly set record: with the official verdict, he became the heavyweight with the longest career in boxing history, surpassing all 111 heavyweight champions in the sport's past. Additionally, Tyson became the oldest former heavyweight champion to compete professionally.

But Tyson’s reign as the longest active heavyweight champion is already under threat. In a remarkable return, 59-year-old Oliver McCall ended his brief five-and-a-half-year hiatus from the ring with a second-round knockout of 54-year-old Stacy Frazier. McCall’s victory made him the oldest heavyweight to both fight and win a professional bout, surpassing Tyson as the oldest to claim a victory in a pro ring.

McCall, known for his historic win over Lennox Lewis in 1994, now holds the second spot for the longest career at 14,262 days, trailing Tyson’s 14,499. But with McCall showing no signs of retiring, he could be set to break Tyson’s record in 2025.

During the post-fight celebrations, McCall even called out Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and Tyson himself, signaling his intentions to continue his comeback at the top of the heavyweight ranks. Tyson’s record may have been briefly challenged, but the battle for boxing's oldest champions is far from over.

Boxer Tommy Fury and former UFC fighter Darren Till will face off on January 18, 2025. The event is set to take place at the prestigious Co-op Live Arena in Manchester and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

The first press conference ahead of the fight marked the beginning of what promises to be a tension-filled and electrifying matchup.

During the event, both fighters traded insults, but the atmosphere turned even more hostile following a comment from Till.

The former UFC fighter issued a direct provocation to John Fury, Tommy’s father and trainer, sparking chaos.

“Shut up, you haven’t been seen since Oleksandr Usyk battered Tyson,” Till declared, referencing the defeat of Tommy’s older brother, Tyson Fury.The words infuriated John Fury, who reacted with rage as Till continued his verbal attacks on Tommy Fury.

“Tommy has the ‘IQ of a loaf of bread,’” Till added, along with derogatory remarks such as “empty head.”

In response, John Fury stood up from his seat and hurled water in Till’s direction.

The situation quickly spiraled out of control as Darren Till reacted by standing up and rushing toward the Fury camp.

Security staff intervened to separate the parties as tensions remained high.

Though they managed to remove Till from the stage, the fighter was undeterred and returned, attempting to reignite the altercation.Jake Paul offered heavyweight world title shot

The brawl spilled into the press area, where the two continued to shout insults at each other in front of the media.

Security eventually succeeded in escorting Till out of the venue, but not before leaving behind an atmosphere charged with hostility that promises to carry into the ring.

Fury, undefeated as a professional boxer, will aim to prove he can dominate an experienced UFC fighter like Till, who will be making his official boxing debut.

It is important to note that Fury confirmed in a recent interview that his fight against Till is set at heavyweight

This clash in Manchester represents an opportunity for both fighters to solidify their place in the world of boxing.‼️ Tommy Fury vs Darren Till press conference descends into chaos as Till tells John Fury: “Shut up, you haven’t been seen since Oleksandr Usyk battered Tyson.”

[🎥 @MF_DAZNXSeries] pic.twitter.com/WnO8epIr1L

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 19, 2024

Keyshawn Davis, one of the most prominent rising stars in boxing, has revealed the next big step in his professional career. In a recent interview with Bernardo Osuna for ESPN Ringside, the American boxer confirmed his next opponent in the ring.

Although there has been speculation about a potential matchup against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis or his lifelong rival, Cuban boxer Andy Cruz, it seems Keyshawn Davis has other plans.

Davis (12-0-0) is coming off an emphatic technical knockout victory over Gustavo Lemos on November 8 in his hometown of Norfolk, USA.

This triumph solidified his status as the mandatory challenger for the WBO lightweight title held by undefeated world champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0-0).

In the interview, Davis expressed his excitement about this new challenge and highlighted the qualities of his upcoming opponent. Interviewer Bernardo Osuna posed a key question to Davis:

“Now you become the WBO mandatory challenge for Denys Berinchyk’s title. What has the discussion been since your big performance with Top Rank, and what’s next for you?”

Keyshawn Davis responded enthusiastically:Lauren Price to defend her world title against Bexcy Mateus

“I’m not going to drop the location just yet, but for sure Denys Berinchyk is my next opponent. Undefeated fighter, pressure fighter, he’s from Ukraine and he’s friends with Lomachenko and Usyk. He’s a great boxer who, I think, is underrated,” Davis said.Keyshawn Davis also

“It’s crazy because last year we were supposed to get in a fight with him, but now that he’s a world champion, you know everything works out for the greater good. This is an exciting fight. People want to come out there and support and see what the ‘Businessman’ is going to show that night for sure,” Davis stated.

At just 25 years old, Keyshawn Davis continues to rise in the world of professional boxing.

This fight against Denys Berinchyk could be a turning point in his career, positioning him among the global elite of the lightweight division.

Further details about the date and location of the fight are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.Title fight coming next for @KeyshawnDavis8? 👀

(@OsunaESPN | @ESPNRingside) pic.twitter.com/hsJjnaixNl

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) November 18, 2024

Tommy Fury, the younger brother of renowned British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, will return to the ring in an exciting matchup. Fury is set to face former UFC fighter Darren Till on January 18, 2025, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. This clash will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

Fury’s return comes after his notable victory over influencer and boxer KSI on October 14, 2023, in Manchester.

With this upcoming bout, Fury aims to solidify his position by taking on a rival from the world of mixed martial arts.

On the other hand, Darren Till, who built his career in the UFC, will officially debut in professional boxing.

The British fighter seeks to showcase his ability to adapt to a new sport after leaving the MMA cages.

Till’s experience in high-level combat gives him confidence as he tackles this new challenge.In a recent interview with Charlie Parsons on The Stomping Ground, Tommy Fury

Fury confirmed that the match will take place in the heavyweight division, marking a first in his career.

He also revealed that the bout will consist of eight three-minute rounds, with 10-ounce gloves.Lauren Price to defend her world title against Bexcy Mateus

The chosen venue, Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, promises an electrifying atmosphere for this unique duel.

The blend of styles between Fury and Till has sparked excitement among boxing and MMA fans, intrigued by this crossover clash reminiscent of past events like Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor.

DAZN has assured extensive coverage for this fight, anticipating an event that will attract a global audience.Tommy Fury vs Darren Till is set to take place at heavyweight, Fury has revealed. He added that the fight will be eight, three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves. [@CharIieParsons]

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 19, 2024

WBA welterweight champion Lauren Price is gearing up for her first title defense. The Welsh boxer will face undefeated Colombian Bexcy Mateus on December 14 in Liverpool.

This bout will be part of a card headlined by the unification fight for the IBF and WBC welterweight titles between Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin.

Ben Shalom, founder and CEO of BOXXER,

“If Natasha and Lauren both win on December 14, it will set the stage for a massive ‘Battle Of Britain’ world title unification match-up next year,” said Shalom.

A potential showdown between Price and Jonas would mark a historic event for British women’s boxing.

Lauren Price secured her world championship by defeating former undisputed champion Jessica McCaskill in May. In that fight, Price showcased her technical prowess in front of a home crowd in Cardiff, Wales.

In addition to her professional success, the 30-year-old fighter is an Olympic gold medalist and the first Welsh boxer to achieve this distinction. She is also the only woman in her country’s history to claim a world boxing title.

Price has yet to lose a round as a professional and aims to maintain her flawless record. In this title defense, she hopes to prove she’s the best in her division and advance toward her goal of unifying the welterweight titles.

Bexcy Mateus, ranked as the WBA’s fifth-best welterweight, also enters the fight undefeated with a record of 7-0-0.Hamzah Sheeraz withdraws from world title contest

The Colombian is known for her knockout power, having finished six of her seven victories inside the distance.

This bout marks her first opportunity to capture a world title and challenge an established champion like Price.In an interview with Sky Sports, Lauren Price

“I’m excited to be out defending my belts to finish what has been a big year for me. I have full respect for Mateus. I’ll prove I’m the best in the division, and I won’t let anything, or anyone, stand in my way of becoming undisputed,” Price declared.

The December 14 event in Liverpool promises an action-packed card.

In addition to the main fights, it will feature matchups such as Stephen McKenna versus Lee Cutler and appearances by standout talents like Viddal Riley, Mark Jeffers, Mason Cartwright, and Frankie Stringer.

This clash between Price and Mateus promises to be an explosive duel, with two undefeated fighters looking to cement their legacies in the welterweight division.✅ CONFIRMED: Lauren Price will make the first defence of her WBA world title against Bexcy Mateus on the Dec. 14 Natasha Jonas-Ivana Habazin undercard.

Mike Tyson returned to boxing after nearly two decades, facing YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul in a historic match. Although the 27-year-old Paul claimed victory against the 58-year-old Tyson, the former champion’s comeback left a lasting impression.

Beyond the anticipation surrounding his fight, Tyson received support from former rivals and friends Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. Both legendary boxers attended the event to show their backing for the ex-champion.

However, following the fight, the excitement of seeing Tyson back in action seemed to inspire Holyfield.In a post on his official Instagram account, Holyfield surprised fans with a direct proposal: a third fight between the two, completing the trilogy fans have awaited for years.

“The fans want it 🥊. #unfinishedbusiness,” wrote Holyfield on Instagram, accompanied by a promotional image of himself versus Tyson with the headline “The Trilogy.”

For his part, “Iron” Mike Tyson did not hesitate to respond to his former rival and now friend, Evander Holyfield:

“I love you brother, but the trilogy is our friendship,” Tyson replied on Instagram.

This exchange has sparked an intense debate among fans, rekindling memories of the two iconic fights between Tyson and Holyfield.

The first clash occurred on November 9, 1996, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Nevada. In a masterful performance, Holyfield defeated Tyson by technical knockout in the 11th round, seizing the WBA title.For Mike Tyson, this loss was a significant blow, marking only the second defeat of his professional career.

The rematch took place on June 28, 1997, again at the MGM Grand, in an event initially titled “The Sound and the Fury” but ultimately known as “The Bite Fight.”

The WBA Heavyweight Championship was on the line, but what transpired that night became one of the most iconic and controversial moments in professional boxing history.Oscar Collazo planning to make boxing history in 2025

In a dramatic third round, Tyson bit Holyfield’s right ear, tearing off a piece of cartilage and spitting it onto the canvas. Despite widespread outrage, the referee allowed the fight to continue with a two-point penalty.

However, Tyson repeated the act, this time biting Holyfield’s left ear, leading to his immediate disqualification and chaos in the ring.According to Tyson, the bite was an impulsive reaction to frustration and Holyfield’s repeated headbutts, one of which had caused a cut over his eye.

Despite his explanations, many critics argued that Tyson seemed unable to overcome Holyfield in the ring and resorted to desperate measures.

Years after that chaotic night, the two boxers moved past their rivalry and developed a friendship based on mutual respect.

Holyfield’s recent proposal for a trilogy has revived nostalgia for one of boxing’s most legendary rivalries.

Whether in the ring or beyond, the relationship between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson continues to captivate the boxing world.Mike Tyson leaving a comment on Evander Holyfield’s Instagram post calling for a trilogy fight today… pic.twitter.com/iDotCRFd4h

The Christmas and New Year’s Eve period is a time often celebrated with differing traditions around the globe, those in the United Kingdom tend to enjoy a turkey dinner and light fireworks, in Denmark plates are often smashed, whilst in Japan some of the most intriguing boxing fights are made in the lower weight-divisions. Once again, the newfound boxing powerhouse has delivered.

Historically, the ‘golden era’ of Japanese boxing has been linked with the early 1970’s, when the proud fighting nation boasted a whopping five active world champions at one time, although the 2020’s has fast trumped those years and become the most successful period that Japanese boxing has ever seen.

At present, there are a combined 12 active male and female world champions, including the arguable pound-for-pound number one in undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue – who became Japan’s first ever undisputed champion and then repeated the feat at a second weight-class.

As such, boxing in Japan is thriving like never before and fight fans worldwide now regularly tune into to cards that take place over the Christmas period, a time which would usually be deemed a quieter one in years gone by.

This year, Naoya Inoue is scheduled to appear on Christmas Eve in a showdown against Australia’s Sam Goodman, hopeful of a third knockout win and third defence of his undisputed crown during 2024.Harlem Eubank to make welterweight debut

Meanwhile, it has now been confirmed that three-division world champion Kazuto Iona will attempt to regain the WBA super-flyweight throne against undefeated Argentine Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez, who claimed a comfortable unanimous-decision win when the pair met in July.✅️CONFIRMED. Kazuto Ioka will rematch Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez for the WBA Super Flyweight Title on New Year’s Eve, live on Abema

Hot prospect Hayoto Tsutsumi will return against Rene Alvarado in the chief support pic.twitter.com/FR3iCJAupl

This will continue Ioka’s trend of fighting on New Year’s Eve, which he will have done in 12 of the last 13 years when he faces ‘Puma’ for a second time, 2017 being the only exception since defending his minimumweight title against Veerawut Yuthimitr in 2011.

The victor will eye up a lucrative meeting with WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez who continued his stellar 2024 with a knockout win against Pedro Guevara earlier this month.

Ryan Garcia has had a rollercoaster 2024, going from a career-best win to a one-year ban. However, despite being unable to box professionally until April, it seems as though Garcia will make his ring return next month against a fighter who is lesser known in the western world – Rukiya Anpo. Here, we at took a look at what Anpo will bring to the table.

Born in Himeji, Japan, Anpo turned made his professional kickboxing debut at the age of 16-years-old, after starring in a documentary where he and his brother were depicted as future superstars of Karate, impressing in competitions on the world stage.

Eight years later, with a record of 17-6, ‘The Demolition man’ challenged Thailand’s Kaew Fairtex for the K-1 super-lightweight championship and claimed world honours in controversial fashion.https://t.co/TM0uCH6CYqpic.twitter.com/ViRmhIyXzI

Anpo and Fairtex battled to a draw after three rounds of action, but K-1 rules mean that an extra-round is fought rather than a tie being declared. In the fourth-round, Fairtex was given a harsh yellow card for pulling Anpo’s head down and thus would lose the deciding round.

As such, Anpo felt the need to call for the rematch with Fairtex and the pair would meet for a second encounter just six months later, but once again an extra round for required and once again Anpo won it, successfully defending his belt.

Anpo, who fights out of he and his brothers ‘All Win’ gym in Osaka, would make just one more defence of the title before losing by first-round knockout to Hideaki Yamazaki in 2022 and moving up to the welterweight division and unsuccessfully challenging Masaaki Noiri for the title after three consecutive wins at the weight.

In 2023, Anpo made the switch to fight for Japanese MMA franchise ‘Rizin’ and amassed one win, one draw and one loss with the franchise before he was offered the chance to face pound-for-pound legend Manny Pacquiao in a boxing exhibition back in July.Chris Billam-Smith shows off extensive injuries after loss to Gilberto Ramirez

Pacquiao had been eyeing up a return to the professional scene beforehand and was reportedly planning to use the exhibition to shake off any remaining ring rust prior to a world title clash against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Although, the 45-year-old Filipino fan-favourite was subject to a brutal beatdown by Anpo and talks of his return have since gone quiet, with supporters around the globe grimacing at the thought of this version of ‘Pac-Man’ attempting to dethrone Barrios.Ringside footage of Rukiya Anpo against Manny Pacquiao.#超RIZIN3pic.twitter.com/WQdyOv4c7p

Nevertheless, Anpo has received plaudits for the boxing skills that he showed in the exhibition, regardless of the fact that the bout was officially ruled a draw.

Now, Ryan Garcia will hope that Anpo is not able to sway a second professional boxer away from a return, when the pair meet in a pay-per-view event on December 30th in Tokyo.Buy the PPV NOW at https://t.co/I1T5dJA1KXpic.twitter.com/075i3SLVR1

Middleweight title hopeful Hamzah Sheeraz represents one of the United Kingdom’s best chances at picking up a world title, boasting sensational knockout power and an undefeated record. Now, it appears as though the Berkshire-born contender will have his shot at world honours, with terms agreed for a maiden challenge at the 160lb crown.

After two stoppages in his first six bouts, Sheeraz (21-0) has strung together a run of 15 consecutive knockouts to thrust himself into world title contention, being ranked in the top six with all four sanctioning bodies.

During 2024, the 25-year-old knocked out world title challenger Liam Williams, undefeated American prospect Austin Williams, and EBU European champion Tyler Denny in an impressive trifecta of outings to gain worldwide recognition for his skills, drawing flattering comparisons to legendary middleweight Thomas Hearns.

As such, it was the poster boy and unified WBO & IBF champion of the division, Janibek Alimkhanuly, who Sheeraz appeared to be eyeing up, for an ambitious and confident world title charge.

That fight was then ordered by the WBO, but purse bids for the contest were continuously pushed back until yesterday, when it was announced that Sheeraz and his team had pulled out of negotiations.

As many expected, today’s reports from Dan Rafael have confirmed that Sheeraz withdrew from purse bids as an alternate deal had been lined up, instead opting to target WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, as per Fight Freaks Unite.Jake Paul responds to Artur Beterbiev’s proposal

“Sheeraz will face WBC titlist Carlos Adames in a fight being planned for the Riyadh Season card being put together for Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources with knowledge of the details told Fight Freaks Unite.

“Queensberry Promotions, which recently signed Sheeraz to a contract extension, was in talks with Premier Boxing Champions to match him either with Adames or WBA titlist Erislandy Lara but they agreed on the Adames fight, one of the sources said.

“While Adames-Sheeraz is not yet signed the camps have agreed to terms, the sources said.”

Adames-Sheeraz will be a part of the February 22nd card that is anticipated to be headlined by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who is being linked to a showdown with undefeated German Agit Kabayel in the main-event.

Following his controversial victory over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Friday, Jake Paul has boldly declared himself the "face of boxing," and with a growing number of fighters calling him out, it's hard to argue with him. The latest and perhaps most jaw-dropping challenge comes from reigning IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois, who has offered Paul a shot at the heavyweight throne.

Paul and Tyson went the full eight rounds at a packed AT&T Stadium, with a reported 60 million Netflix viewers tuning in. While Paul dominated the fight, allowing a stationary Tyson to land only 18 punches, many felt Tyson was being kept around for the spectacle rather than being truly competitive.

Despite being tagged by a few shots, Paul is said to have made a staggering $2.2 million for every punch he took, and in the days following the event, the calls for a showdown with Paul have poured in from former and current world champions like Carl Froch, Artur Beterbiev, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

But it's Dubois' challenge that stands out. In a direct message to Paul, the heavyweight champ offered him a chance at the world title:

“Good business on the weekend, but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world? This is Daniel Dubois calling you out, let’s get it on.”

Paul responded with a cheeky image of a ticket and a bold message: “Get in line.”

Paul then took to social media to further taunt Beterbiev, referencing his 12 years in the sport and over 100 fights, while pointing out that Dubois, unlike Beterbiev, has a solid fanbase.

“Man’s been boxing for 12 years, has over 100 fights, amateur and pro, and fought on my undercard…hahaha. But f*** it… I’m going to have Nakisa talk to Frankie Warren and get you in line for the throne. Unlike Artur, at least you have a few thousand fans.”

Dubois, who fought on Paul's undercard during his August 2021 bout with Tyron Woodley, is expected to defend his IBF world title for the second time on February 22nd in Riyadh. However, a lucrative meeting with Paul could prove more enticing than facing established rivals in a voluntary defense.

Former heavyweight title contender Dillian Whyte has confirmed his return to the ring for December 15. The 36-year-old Brit will face Ghanaian fighter Ebenezer Tetteh in a bout to be broadcast live on DAZN. Whyte aims to redeem himself after several setbacks in his career and is eyeing a potential rematch with an old rival.

The British fighter is returning with the goal of securing a convincing win against Tetteh, who holds a solid record.

However, Whyte’s recent statements suggest that his true interest goes beyond his upcoming fight.In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Dillian Whyte spoke about the possibility of facing Derek Chisora for a third time.

The first two clashes between these two warriors were epic and remain etched in the memory of boxing fans.

Their first encounter took place on December 10, 2016, where Whyte emerged victorious by split decision after 12 intense rounds.

The second fight, in December 2018, ended with a knockout win for Whyte in the 11th round at London’s iconic O2 Arena.

Despite defeating Chisora on both occasions, Whyte believes a third fight would be exciting and appealing to the public.

“People want it. I think it’s a good option,” said Whyte during the interview. The British boxer suggested that the match could take place in February or March next year, as long as Chisora postpones his fight against Jarrell Miller.

Whyte did not hide his disdain for Chisora’s upcoming fight against Jarrell Miller, calling it a “pointless and unexciting” matchup.

“Jarrell Miller, which is a pointless fight. There’s no interest, there’s no excitement about the fight. For me, it’s a pointless fight because I think [Chisora] loses to Miller, and then a fight with me and him [Chisora] has no attraction,” Whyte remarked.

In his view, Chisora should wait until he finishes his fight with Tetteh to plan the trilogy, which he considers a great spectacle for both and an opportunity for Chisora to end his career memorably.Oscar Collazo planning to make boxing history in 2025

Boxing fans have been clamoring for a third fight between Whyte and Chisora since their last encounter in 2018.

The Brit believes that a trilogy would be a physical and entertaining spectacle for boxing fans, as well as an opportunity for redemption.

Before thinking about Chisora, Dillian Whyte must focus on his bout against Ebenezer Tetteh on December 15.

If Whyte manages to overcome Tetteh, a trilogy with Chisora could be the next step in his career.

Whyte is not only seeking victory in December but is also planning his immediate future.

A third fight with Derek Chisora appears to be his short-term goal, a battle that could put a memorable end to their historic rivalry.“People want it” 

Jake Paul continues to make waves in the boxing world, but his latest ambitions have raised more than a few eyebrows. On November 15, 2024, Paul faced the legendary Mike Tyson in a highly controversial fight. While Paul secured a victory in the eight-round bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the age and experience gap between the two fighters sparked more debates than admiration.

Tyson, 58, was far from the fighter he once was, and Paul, 27, still lacks the pedigree and experience that typically comes with such lofty goals. Despite the criticism, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is claiming that he’s not just a spectacle for big paydays — he’s here to build a legitimate career in boxing.

Big Talk, Bigger Plans

Jake Paul has made no secret of his ambitions. The YouTube star has already targeted some of boxing’s biggest names, including Mexican champion Canelo Álvarez and the undefeated light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev. While these names might sound appealing in theory, they’re also a reminder that Paul has yet to even crack the rankings in any meaningful way.

Beterbiev, a seasoned champion, has openly expressed his interest in a fight with Paul, but that hasn’t stopped the question on everyone’s mind: can Paul handle the rigors of facing top-tier fighters, or is this just another cash grab?

Paul’s response? He remains unfazed. On his official “X” account (formerly Twitter), Paul laid out his vision:

“My boxing path forward: Building MVP [Most Valuable Promotions] (the company will be focused on women & prospects and cultural events in any sport), becoming a world champion, and doing massive events along the way.”

A Business Mindset, But Is It Enough?

Paul’s plan to develop MVP into a platform that promotes women’s boxing, young prospects, and sports events beyond just fighting shows he’s thinking long-term. Still, these business ambitions don’t do much to convince critics that he’s ready to face the world’s best.

Many might see Paul’s focus on building a brand over earning a spot through the rankings as a sign that he’s more interested in the show than the grind. It’s one thing to build an empire through social media and pay-per-view events, but quite another to prove you belong in the ring with elite champions.

The Road Ahead: Will He Prove Himself?

Despite all the skepticism, Paul’s vision isn’t completely out of reach. He’s earned big money from fights, pulling in millions of viewers, and drawing more eyes to boxing — a sport that has long been driven by big paydays. But the more he talks about becoming a world champion, the more it raises questions about his ability to handle real title contenders.

Jake Paul’s foray into boxing has been a spectacle, and while he’s made it clear that he wants to continue on this path, the reality is that he’s still not ranked. His ambition is there, but whether his skills can back it up remains to be seen.

Jake Paul has undoubtedly made waves in the boxing world. While many initially dismissed him as a sideshow, his ability to generate massive paydays with his high-profile matches has forced the sport to rethink what it takes to land a big fight. The aftermath of his clash with Mike Tyson has highlighted a disturbing trend — boxers from every corner of the sport, including established champions like Artur Beterbiev, Andre Ward, and even Ryan Garcia, are now calling for a piece of the action. All of them seem to be drawn to the allure of Jake Paul’s large social media following and the lucrative deals that come with it.

Netflix also saw the silver lining in the technically flawed live stream of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. According to the streaming giant, 60 million households tuned in to watch the bout between Paul, the YouTuber-turned-fighter, and Tyson, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion. This viewership represented more than 20% of Netflix's 283 million subscribers worldwide. Despite the technical issues, the massive audience speaks to Paul’s draw, with his online fame and ability to bring in viewers outweighing the actual quality of the fight itself. Paul, 27, won the unanimous decision in the eight-round fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, the fight was far from a pugilistic masterpiece. Tyson came out aggressively in the first two rounds but became nearly immobile through the second half. By the end of the fight, Paul appeared to be holding back his attacks.

Nearly 50 million households also watched the co-main event, where women’s lightweight champion Katie Taylor earned a decision over Amanda Serrano. Netflix stated that this fight is likely to be the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in U.S. history, further highlighting the growing commercial appeal of boxing events with big names attached, regardless of their actual combat quality.

It wasn’t long ago that boxers had to earn their place in the ring through hard work, consistent victories, and proving themselves in high-stakes matchups. The best fought the best, and big offers came after fighters had established themselves with solid resumes. But now, it seems that clout and online buzz may be more valuable than a fighter's credentials.

The numbers Jake Paul brought in for his fight against Mike Tyson spoke volumes. Reports suggest that Paul earned a hefty payday, and his fanbase only continues to grow. This is a far cry from the way the sport traditionally valued experience and skill, where it was common to see the top fighters rise through the ranks, battle through tough competition, and gradually build a reputation. Now, with a strong social media presence, anyone with enough followers — even those with little experience — can position themselves for a big fight.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that money has always been a significant factor in boxing, but the current trend of "influencers" entering the fray has altered the landscape dramatically. Fighters like Jake Paul have found a way to monetize their social media presence in a way that traditional boxers never could. The result? Promoters and networks are increasingly willing to entertain matchups that prioritize financial gain over the quality of competition, potentially eroding the integrity of the sport.

The real question now is whether this trend is temporary or indicative of a larger shift in how the sport of boxing operates. Will we see more established champions opting for high-paying spectacles with little regard for legacy or genuine competition? Or will the sport eventually return to a more traditional, merit-based approach where boxing skill and hard-earned victories once again determine who gets the big paydays?

For now, it seems that Jake Paul has opened a door that’s unlikely to close anytime soon. Whether you love him or hate him, his ability to attract big names and big numbers has redefined what it means to be a "star" in boxing, and it may have changed the sport forever.

On Saturday, November 16, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez reached a historic milestone in his career. In an intense fight against Chris Billam-Smith, Ramírez was crowned as the first unified Mexican cruiserweight champion.

The event took place in Saudi Arabia and was marked by 12 rounds of relentless action.

In the end, the judges awarded the victory to Gilberto Ramírez by unanimous decision. The judges’ scorecards were 116-112 twice and 116-113 in favor of the Mexican.

This victory represents another significant achievement for Ramírez, who adds a new title to his professional career.

After the win, Gilberto Ramírez

The Mexican boxer is now eyeing a potential fight against Oleksandr Usyk, who is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters.On the other hand, Chris Billam-Smith suffered severe injuries during the fight.

According to a recent update from Ariel Helwani on “X”, the British fighter ended up with several injuries that highlight the brutality of the bout.

The injuries include a broken right thumb, a fractured left hand, internal and external stitches on his eye, and damaged ribs.

The fight between Ramírez and Billam-Smith was a true war in the ring, showcasing the high level of both fighters.Callum Smith boxing return date confirmed

Although Chris Billam-Smith showed great resilience and courage, Gilberto Ramírez managed to prevail with his strategy and power.

Now, the Mexican is one step away from making history as the undisputed champion, while Billam-Smith faces a long and painful recovery process.

With this victory, Gilberto Ramírez continues to solidify his place as one of the best Mexican boxers today and in the cruiserweight division.

For now, we will have to wait for the possibility of a showdown with Usyk, who is currently scheduled to face Tyson Fury on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Here’s an exclusive look at how @ChrisBillam looks after his brutal fight against Zurdo Ramirez on Saturday.

In total: Broken right thumb, fractured left hand, stitches inside and outside of his eye, damaged ribs. pic.twitter.com/8U5FiH9VMq

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 18, 2024

Jake Paul recently secured a win over Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking another step forward in his boxing career. While Paul has made it clear that he’s aiming to face some of the sport’s biggest names, including Mexican legend Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, an unexpected challenger has emerged.

Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, has offered Paul a shot at his world titles. Beterbiev, who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts, has taken the boxing world by surprise with his proposal, a rare move for the typically high-level fighter. Despite this, Paul’s response remains unclear, leaving many fans and experts speculating about his next move.

Beterbiev, eager for a clear answer, took to social media, urging Paul to either accept or reject his challenge. On X (formerly Twitter), Beterbiev posted: “After four years, it’s time to have serious challenges. Didn’t notice your acceptance or rejection. So what are we gonna do?”

While many expected Beterbiev to set up a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, his interest in Paul suggests he’s open to exploring other high-profile matchups. Paul, meanwhile, continues to prioritize a showdown with Canelo, but Beterbiev’s offer could prove too enticing to pass up.

If Paul chooses to take on Beterbiev, it would be a defining moment in his career, offering him a chance to challenge an undisputed champion and further solidify his place in the boxing world.

British boxer Harlem Eubank is set to make his debut in the welterweight division on Friday, November 22, 2024. Harlem Eubank, who has proven himself a dominant force in the ring, enters this bout with an unbeaten record of 19 wins, with no losses or draws.

The Brit is coming off two decisive stoppage victories, notably his last fight against Timo Schwarzkopf on November 10, 2023, in Brighton.

On that occasion, Eubank secured a technical knockout in the eleventh round, showcasing his power and ability to finish fights.

Now, Eubank is gearing up to face French opponent Nurali Erdogan on November 22 at the Walker Activity Dome, located in Newcastle, UK.

Initially, Eubank was scheduled to face Erdogan on October 25 in Bolton. However, the date was rescheduled to this Friday.

The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, will be broadcast live on Channel 5, promising an exciting night for boxing fans.This will be Harlem Eubank’s first fight in the welterweight division, where the weight limit is 147 pounds.

Eubank’s opponent, Nurali Erdogan, comes into the fight with a record of 16 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Although he has only secured one victory by knockout, Erdogan is experienced and has proven to be a tough opponent.

The French boxer will be looking to seize this opportunity to pull off an upset and end Eubank’s unbeaten streak.

The boxing event will feature an exciting undercard, presenting several attractive matchups for the sport’s followers.

Ben Marksby, for instance, will take on Levi Kinsiona in a super lightweight bout, while Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr. will face Robin Zamora in a welterweight contest.

The night will also see the return of Cyrus Pattinson, who steps back into the ring after 15 months of inactivity.

Pattinson aims for redemption following his last defeat against Conah Walker and will face Andrei Antonov in a super welterweight clash.Other scheduled bouts for Friday night include:

– Harlem Eubank vs. Nurali Erdogan; welterweight

– Ben Marksby vs. Levi Kinsiona; super lightweight

– Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr. vs. Robin Zamora; welterweightJake Paul lashes out at Carl Froch

– Dan Toward vs. Johan Nova; super welterweight

– Niall Brown vs. Pablo Sosa; super middleweight

– J’Hon Ingram vs. Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira; super featherweight

– Cyrus Pattinson vs. Andrei Antonov; super welterweight

– Sophie Alisch vs. Marina Sakharov; women’s super featherweight

– Joe Laws vs. Adam Cieslak; middleweight

– Codie Smith vs. Engel Gomez; super featherweight

– Lee Rogers vs. Yin Caicedo; super bantamweight

– Eduard Georgiev vs. Jack England; super featherweight

The main event between Harlem Eubank and Nurali Erdogan will mark a decisive moment in both fighters’ careers. Eubank aims to establish himself in the new division, while Erdogan will try to spoil his welterweight debut.🥊 Harlem Eubank makes his welterweight debut against Nurali Erdogan on Friday live on Channel 5.

🔥 Ben Marksby steps up to face Levi Kinsiona.

➕ Return of Cyrus Pattinson after 15 months out since his defeat to Conah Walker. pic.twitter.com/2zeIyEOYcK

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 18, 2024

Hamzah Sheeraz, widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the UK, has withdrawn from negotiations for a showdown with unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. This comes after a 15-fight knockout streak that has earned Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs) recognition as one of Britain's brightest boxing talents. A recent victory over Tyler Denny at Wembley saw Sheeraz claim the EBU European Middleweight title and solidified his position as the mandatory challenger for Alimkhanuly’s WBO and IBF belts.

After months of delayed purse bids, it was expected that Sheeraz would face Alimkhanuly on the high-profile February 22nd Riyadh Season card. However, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed today that Sheeraz’s team has officially pulled out of the negotiations, and the scheduled purse bid has been canceled.

Instead, Sheeraz is reportedly set to challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title on the same February card. Although this has yet to be confirmed by Sheeraz’s team, the move to face Adames signals a shift in his pursuit of a world title.

Adames, who won the WBC title in May, defended it successfully against Terrell Gausha in June. Meanwhile, Queensberry Promotions also promotes Denzel Bentley (WBO #2) and Brad Pauls (WBO #4), who are set to fight on December 7th, with the winner likely in line to face Alimkhanuly in 2025.

Recently, it was announced that Tommy Fury, the brother of renowned British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, will return to the ring in January 2025. Tommy Fury’s last appearance in the ring was on October 14, 2023, when he defeated the YouTuber-turned-boxer, KSI.

The fight, part of the Prime Card event, took place in Manchester, UK, and ended with a victory for Fury over KSI by majority decision in the sixth round.

Now, Tommy Fury will face Darren Till on January 18 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, broadcast live on DAZN.

Fury is returning to the ring for the first time since his win over KSI last year in Manchester.

On the other hand, Darren Till, who made his name in the UFC, is making the leap to professional boxing in what promises to be his toughest bout to date.

Till has been a prominent mixed martial arts fighter, but facing a professional boxer like Fury presents an entirely different challenge.

This fight will be Till’s chance to prove his worth in the boxing ring and show that he can adapt to the demanding world of boxing.In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Tommy Fury

“It feels great to, finally, say that I am back! I have been out of the ring far too long, I’ve been getting itchy knuckles, and so I am thrilled to be able to announce my return,” expressed Fury.

The young boxer acknowledged Till’s experience in the UFC but warned that facing a professional boxer is a completely different challenge.Claressa Shields

“Till had a good UFC career but he’s stepping into the boxing ring now, against a proper pro, and he will quickly realize that he is out of his depth, and this is not the game for him,” said Fury.

For his part, Darren Till expressed confidence and assurance in his skills when discussing the fight. “January 18 is my time, my night,” declared the former UFC fighter.

Till knows that the matchup against Fury will be tough, but he believes he can adapt and surprise the audience.

The showdown between Tommy Fury and Darren Till promises to be an exciting event at the start of 2025.

The mix of styles and the tension between an experienced boxer and an MMA fighter transitioning to boxing ensure a unique spectacle.𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 💥

Tommy Fury and Darren Till lock horns in a HUGE start to 2025 in Manchester 👊 #FuryTill | Jan 18 Live and Exclusive worldwide on DAZN pic.twitter.com/WTyK7xaEeK

— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) November 17, 2024