Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, has sparked excitement among boxing fans by discussing his upcoming fight prospects. At an event in Tokyo on October 21, Inoue, known as “The Monster,” acknowledged a young boxer’s desire to face him.
“There’s a young fighter who wants to be number 1 in the Pound-for-Pound rankings. We just have to wait for him to rise,” Inoue stated, alluding to Junto Nakatani, the current WBC bantamweight champion, hinting at a potential future bout between them.
“If boxing fans are asking for it so much, I think I can mention it too,” he added, recognizing the buzz surrounding this matchup.
Inoue has praised Nakatani’s strength, remarking after Nakatani’s fight on October 14, “He’s strong, that’s why I’m interested.” Currently ranked ninth in The Ring’s Pound-for-Pound rankings, Nakatani recently defended his title for the second time. Meanwhile, Inoue holds the second spot in the rankings.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum expressed interest in organizing the Inoue-Nakatani fight for next year, but Nakatani noted he has other commitments before taking on Inoue. In the meantime, Inoue is set to fight Sam Goodman, the number 1 ranked contender by the WBO and IBF, in December.
Inoue also seemed uncertain about a potential move to the featherweight division, saying, “In 2026? I don’t know yet,” leaving open the possibility of exploring new weight classes in the future. Given Inoue’s current fight schedule, a bout with Nakatani may not materialize until September or late 2025.
#NaoyaInoue #JuntoNakatani #Boxing #PoundForPound #FightNight #WBC #SuperBantamweight #FutureFights
One year ago, KSI and Tommy Fury headlined a Misfits Boxing card at Manchester Arena in one of the United Kingdom’s most high-profile events of 2023. Now, 12 months later, KSI’s manager has provided an update on a potential rematch between the popular domestic duo.
Tommy Fury entered his showdown with KSI as a man on a mission, hoping to ‘end influencer boxing’ after handing Jake Paul a first career defeat in the bout previous.
Meanwhile, Olajide Olatunji (KSI) hoped to do what Paul couldn’t and put an end to the undefeated streak of the former Love Island star.
After six rounds of frustrating action at the AO Arena, it was Fury who claimed a controversial unanimous-decision victory, winning the six-round affair 57-56 on all three cards, each including a point deduction for Fury who was penalised for punching the back of Olatunji’s head.
Yet, despite success against both Paul and KSI, Tommy Fury has yet to return to the ring since, sidelined by an injured to his right-hand that has required surgery.
Meanwhile, KSI has suffered a hand injury of his own, forcing him to withdraw from a 2-on-1 fight against Anthony Taylor and Slim Albaher that was scheduled to take place in Dublin on August 31st.Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
Now, as Tommy Fury prepares for a comeback to the sport during 2025, Mams Taylor told The Sun that he has made a shocking offer for the 25-year-old to join the Misfits roster, before revealing that a rematch is ‘very possible’ for 2025
“I think Tommy would do really well on the Misfits roster. And I know our teams are in touch with their team.
“So watch this space. Let’s see what happens. And as far as KSI and Tommy, I think when the time is right, that rematch definitely should happen. Till this day people are still very divided about that result.”
“[In a year or so?] I think so. I think it is very possible, yeah.”
The latest news regarding Fury’s recovery is unclear and it remains to be seen whether he will jump back in with KSI or opt for a tune-up fight to clear any ring rust from what has been his longest run without a fight since turning professional in 2018.
Paris 2024 gold medallist Imane Khelif captured the attention of the globe during her Olympic campaign earlier this year, ignoring the headlines that speculated her gender to achieve her dream. Now, just as the controversy surrounding Khelif’s name began to die down, the Algerian has announced that she will make the switch to the professional ranks.
Along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing her gender eligibility tests conducted by the IBA, who were recently removed as the governing body for the Olympic games, although the legitimacy of those ‘tests’ has come into question since.
Despite competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Championships, both Khelif and Lin were subject to relentless abuse throughout the summer as a consequence of the IBA’s presumed inconclusive and unreliable tests.
Yet, both Khelif and Lin fought through the fire and against the uproar to win their respective gold medals in the welterweight and featherweight categories.
After rumours that Khelif was stripped of her gold medal were confirmed as false, the 25-year-old held a press conference, revealing that she will be turning professional in the near-future and that she has plenty of promotional offers, as per The Sun.
“I would like to hold a press conference today to
“There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms.Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
“I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers.
“Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.
“But very soon I will take this step, we as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”
As well as her Paris 2024 gold, Khelif also boasts a silver medal from the 2022 World Championships, as well as numerous other gold medals from various other amateur competitions.
After such a dominant performance throughout Paris 2024, Khelif is likely to prove to be a threat in the professional game and is sure to become one of the most recognised names in the world of women’s boxing.
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clashed in Riyadh last weekend—more tactically and mentally than physically—and the boxing world is clamoring for an immediate rematch. However, it seems both fighters may face alternate opponents before they meet again.
Beterbiev edged a controversial split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first 175-pounder to hold all recognized world titles since Roy Jones Jr. in 2002. Despite this achievement, many fans believe Bivol did enough to secure the win, leading to widespread anticipation for a rematch.
Recent reports indicate that Turki Al-Alshikh has been discouraged from staging major ‘Riyadh Season’ boxing events outside of Saudi Arabia, disrupting plans for an immediate rematch. Beterbiev’s promoter, Bob Arum, explained to Dan Rafael that the second encounter between the Russian-born rivals would likely take place in around 12 months at the earliest.
“Riyadh Season ends in February, so the earliest date for a rematch would be next October when the next festival begins,” Arum stated.
Given the financial implications of staging a fight outside of Riyadh, Arum suggested that both Beterbiev and Bivol may take interim fights to prepare for their highly anticipated rivalry.
“It may mean that each of these guys fight one more time against other opponents, and then for October of next year, they do the rematch. I think that’s the most likely scenario, and it’s reasonable if they’re amenable to it.”
As for potential opponents, Quebec fan-favorite Beterbiev has been ordered to defend his titles against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, who upset Jean Pascal in a previous fight. A matchup with Eifert would likely draw well in Canada and allow Beterbiev to showcase his championship status in a relatively low-risk bout.
On the other hand, Bivol may look for a more recognizable opponent, possibly facing Callum Smith or the undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramirez, who is mentored by Beterbiev.
#Beterbiev #Bivol #Boxing #Rematch #LightHeavyweight #RiyadhSeason #InterimFights #MichaelEifert #CallumSmith #AlbertRamirez
The ongoing dispute between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia is showing on signs of slowing down – if anything, the heat is being turned up. Now after further details of their lawsuit were detailed by Oscar De La Hoya, Bill Haney has responded and explained what he believes his son is owed.
Ryan Garcia acted out of character during the build-up to his showdown with Haney back in April, reports suggesting that he had been checked in to a psychiatric ward after controversial posts on social media.
At the weigh-in, rumours of poor preparation appeared to be proved to be accurate after Garcia missed weight by more than three pounds, forgoing the chance to become the WBC super-lightweight champion but proceeding with the fight, albeit as a sizeable underdog.
Yet, on fight night Garcia shocked the world and dropped the previously undefeated champion for the first, second and third times of his career before a dominant majority-decision win was confirmed.
However, during the aftermath, it was announced that ‘King Ry’ had failed drugs test and had tested positive for Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight.
After much deliberation, Garcia’s career-best victory was overturned to a no-contest and the Californian was slapped with a backdated one-year ban from the sport – with a recently-announced lawsuit from the Haney family adding to his troubles.
Last week, Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya explained further details of the lawsuit and why the Haney’s believed that they were underpaid for the bout, in a provoking post on Instagram.🚨This weeks episode of Clap Back Thursday, starring Oscar De La Hoya‼️ pic.twitter.com/Lzvf6N4n0q
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) October 18, 2024Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
“The Haney’s named my company ‘Golden Boy Promotions’ in the lawsuit because they want a full accounting of Devin’s fight against Ryan. In other words, they want to see my books.
“They don’t believe the fact that Garcia-Haney only did a little over 300,000 homes and that they have been paid what they are owed. They want more money that doesn’t exist.
“Bill, we live in the same fancy neighbourhood in Henderson, you could have knocked on my door and simply asked to see my books. We have told you over and over that this fight just didn’t sell – those are the facts.”
Bill Haney has now responded to De La Hoya’s comments and identified one publicized financial discrepancy, claiming that Devin has received less than half of the money he was owed for Garcia’s missed weight ($500k per lb over).Stop the bullshit, Oscar. Your clapback took a week, and it’s still broken—you answered no questions. Ryan said he paid $1.5M for the weight issue, but we only got $600K. Plus, Golden Boy received $1M in damages, leaving $900K unaccounted for. If you want, I’ll come over and pick…
— Bill Haney (@BillHaney77) October 21, 2024
“Stop the bulls**t, Oscar. Your clapback took a week, and it’s still broken—you answered no questions. Ryan said he paid $1.5M for the weight issue, but we only got $600K. Plus, Golden Boy received $1M in damages, leaving $900K unaccounted for. If you want, I’ll come over and pick up the $1.9M right now. Fighters and fans deserve transparency. Settle this the right way.”
Devin Haney is yet to fight since meeting with Garcia and has also vacated his super-lightweight title, although there is hope that the pair will rematch once Garcia’s ban is served.
American heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson faced his first career defeat at the hands of divisional powerhouse Martin Bakole, who dominated and stopped him in their recent bout. Following the fight, Anderson’s promoter, Bob Arum, provided insights into why this outcome was not unexpected.
Around 18 months ago, Anderson was considered one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division, with many touting him as a future world champion. However, unconvincing decision victories against Charles Martin and Ryad Merhy halted his 100% knockout streak and diminished his momentum ahead of this significant challenge.
On the Crawford-Madrimov undercard in August, Anderson, known as ‘The Real Big Baby,’ faced Congolese-born Martin Bakole in a match where world title opportunities were on the line. From the opening round, Bakole showcased his dominance, dropping the 24-year-old Anderson three times before securing a fifth-round stoppage. This authoritative victory sent a clear message to the heavyweight division.
However, many U.S. boxing writers and commentators viewed Bakole's knockout of Anderson as a surprise. Arum, speaking with Big Fight Weekend, clarified that he and his team had concerns about the matchup and were actually opposed to it.
“I want everybody to know that it wasn’t us. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh went right to the fighter and made this proposal for money that the fighter had never seen before and picked as his opponent, Bakole, who is a tremendous puncher. Jared prepared to deal with a guy who couldn’t move very much but was a great puncher, and he never fought a guy like that. So the fact he got taken apart and knocked out was not surprising,” Arum explained.
Arum emphasized that the matchmaking was not the responsibility of his team: “So don’t put it on my matchmakers. We were against that fight. Again, when they wave money at these kids, they insist on taking it. We could have gone to court to prevent it, but we don’t do those kinds of things. We let the fight go ahead. We made our money from the fight, but we let that fight go ahead, and it was the stupidest fight Jared could have taken.”
As Anderson looks to rebuild his confidence and form before stepping back up in competition, Bakole is now positioned for a shot at heavyweight gold. He has been ordered to face Agit Kabayel in an IBF final eliminator in the coming months, with the victor expected to challenge Daniel Dubois for the world title in 2025.
#JaredAnderson #MartinBakole #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingNews #BobArum #FightRecap #CrawfordMadrimov
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum recently revealed important information about the future plans for sports events in Saudi Arabia. During an interview on the Fight Freaks Unite podcast with Dan Rafael, Arum explained that Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in organizing sports events in the kingdom, has faced criticism from his superiors for recent decisions.
Arum detailed that Alalshikh was questioned for holding events outside of the Riyadh Season as well as outside the country. This criticism has emerged following rumors about the supposed failure of the event held in Los Angeles, which some considered a fiasco and a great embarrassment for the Saudi kingdom.
Dan Rafael introduced the topic by mentioning the events that were held outside the traditional Riyadh Season. In response, Bob Arum stated: “I think there was a lot of pushback on his excellency for doing fights outside of Saudi Arabia and outside of Riyadh Season.”
Bob Arum also pointed out that, to take advantage of the large budget allocated for these types of spectacles, it will be essential for future events to take place in Saudi Arabia, specifically during the Riyadh Season. “So I think going forward, you know, in order to tap into the large budget that they will have to do the fights in Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, which makes sense,” Arum explained.
This shift in strategy could be a direct response to the unsatisfactory outcomes of events held in other locations, like Los Angeles, which, according to rumors, did not meet the kingdom’s expectations. It is expected that, in the future, the most important fights will once again focus on Saudi Arabia, in line with the policy set by Saudi authorities to maximize the country’s global visibility and impact.
The criticism towards Turki Alalshikh reflects a clear intention to maintain a focus on the kingdom’s internal promotion, aligning events with the country’s growth strategy. The coming months could be key in observing how Saudi Arabia adjusts its approach to organizing events, with the Riyadh Season being the central focus.
Bob Arum confirms that Turki received pushback from his higher-ups for doing events outside of Riyadh Season/Saudi + will need to do events in Saudi Arabia in the future to use the budget. This follows rumors that the LA event was a huge flop and a huge embarrassment to the kingdom.
#SaudiArabia #BobArum #TurkiAlalshikh #RiyadhSeason #SportsEvents #BoxingNews #FightFreaksUnite #DanRafael #SaudiStrategy #EventPlanning
Bakhram Murtazaliev has ruled out fighting Jermell Charlo, opting for other, more relevant opponents. Murtazaliev, the IBF mandatory challenger, allowed Charlo to take on several major fights, including one with Jeison Rosario, two with Brian Castano, and a lucrative showdown with Canelo Alvarez. However, he is now focused on title unification.
After his dominant third-round knockout victory against Tim Tszyu, Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) made it clear that his priorities have changed. He stated that he wants to secure more titles and face figures like Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora, or Terence Crawford. If a unification fight doesn’t materialize, he will consider other options.
“My priority is to fight for more titles against Spence, Fundora or Crawford,” said Murtazaliev.
Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs), the WBC and WBO champion, is expected to defend his belt against Spence in 2025. Crawford, on the other hand, may await the winner of that fight, though he is also pursuing a lucrative bout with Canelo Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Murtazaliev, who lives and trains in California, showed dominance against Tszyu, knocking him down three times before the referee stopped the fight. Now, his team is exploring new opportunities with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Al Haymon, though they do not have long-term contracts with these promoters.
Bakhram Murtazaliev’s future could include a fight in Saudi Arabia, organized by Turki Alalshikh, who has financed major bouts. With an interest in title unification, Murtazaliev concluded: “I’ll fight any champion there is [available]. I wanna fight a few champions and then move up [to the middleweight] division.”
Terence Crawford has
“Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters”, wrote Terence Crawford on X.
The fight was a demonstration of strength by Murtazaliev, who knocked Tszyu down three times in the second round. He then knocked him down again in the third round, which prompted Tszyu’s corner to throw in the towel. The result was a clear reflection of Murtazaliev’s dominance in the ring.
Terence Crawford emphasized that, although Tszyu looked in good physical shape, he lacked the defense and mobility necessary to face such an aggressive fighter. Tszyu made a risky decision by choosing to face Murtazaliev.
Despite the extra time the ringside doctor gave Tszyu before the third round started, he was unable to recover. Crawford expressed his discontent with the time allowed for Tszyu, as he felt it did not change the outcome.
On the other hand, legendary boxer Shawn Porter also weighed in on the fight. He commented that Tszyu’s body language was arrogant and that he should not have tried to “fight fire with fire”.
“I thought Tim would be the guy moving to his left, circling and using his range. I know you see a reach difference or a disadvantage for Tim, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve outjabbed everyone that I’ve been in the ring with; everyone that I’ve been in the ring with has been taller and longer than me. It can be done.”Jack Catterall reveals planned world title route
“I thought he was going to do that, but he didn’t. I think that’s what happened. They came out with a different style than what the Tszyu camp expected, and I think it just started to unravel from there.”
“You know what concerned me? I thought Tim was a little bit arrogant early on. I don’t think he earned the right to dominate in this fight,” said Porter.
The defeat against Murtazaliev could be a hard blow for Tszyu’s career. The challenges he will face to get back to the top are significant.Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 20, 2024
British boxer Adam Azim experienced a historic night in the ring by defeating Ohara Davies, a contender for the super-lightweight world title, in an exciting match. The fight took place in London and concluded in the eighth round when Azim delivered an impressive knockout to Davies. This bout was not only crucial for Azim but also represented a significant milestone in the careers of both boxers and in the super-lightweight division.
After the fight, super-lightweight boxer Ohara Davies was interviewed by Louis Hart, a member of . During the conversation, Davies reflected on his defeat to Azim and the quality of his opponent. “I feel normal. I tried my best; I did my best. I was fit; I gave everything I had, and I came up short,” Davies expressed. The boxer admitted that Azim was very sharp and strong during the fight.
“As long as it was exciting and entertaining, I’m happy.” “He was very sharp, very strong, and he’s got a good coach in his corner, Shane.” “They knew what they were doing. I caught him a few times, and I thought I was going to wear him down, but he was too sharp and fast.”
Louis, the interviewer, asked Davies if there were any surprises during the fight. Ohara replied that he was not surprised by Azim’s performance, who showed excellent physical condition and skills. Davies also highlighted Azim’s quality, labeling him as “the sharpest, the fastest, and the most dangerous” he has faced.
“Not by surprise. I knew that he was fit and sharp. The question was how long could he keep that fitness and sharpness up for? He hadn’t fought anyone yet in his boxing career, so the first one was me.”
“I thought, listen, we’re going to see what he’s got and if he can carry the same sharpness and power as the rounds go on. So I wasn’t surprised, but I wanted to check. If there were any times he started to slow down, I would have taken advantage of it, but he didn’t,” Davies said.When asked about his future in boxing, Ohara Davies
“I said to my brother, even before the fight, I told them, ‘Win or lose, I’m not in the game anymore.’ I’ve been saying it in my interviews; you guys have seen it. I decided a couple of weeks ago that I don’t like the game anymore. I told myself I’m going to give this fight my all—110%. Whatever happens, happens. If I win, I’m not going to go on. If I lose, I’m not going to go on. You’ve got to know when your time’s done. I’m 32 years of age; I’ve been in this game a very long time.”Joshua Buatsi criticizes Anthony Yarde’s victory
“You have to know when your time’s up. You’ve got all your faculties intact; you haven’t lost too many brain cells; your speech isn’t slow. Enjoy your boxing career, but know when it’s time for the young ones to come in,” Davies said.
Similarly, Adam Azim celebrated his victory with humility alongside Davies. Speaking with Sky Sports, Azim thanked Davies and expressed his respect for him. “You know, regardless of the performance, I’ve got so much love for him. You know he’s retiring now. I’ve got so much love for him, and you know what? I had a great performance, but I just decided to fight my friend as well. But you know, happy retirement to Ohara Davies, legendary school,” Azim expressed.
Former Olympian Joshua Buatsi has criticized Anthony Yarde’s recent victory over Ralfs Vilcans, labeling the fight as routine and lacking in challenge. During a discussion on The Stomping Ground, Buatsi, a potential opponent for Yarde, remarked that the Londoner’s bout, which took place after more than a year away from the ring, offered no major surprises. “He hurt the guy in the first round, and I thought it might end in three, but fair play to the guy, he was tough and stayed until the last round,” Buatsi said, acknowledging Vilcans’ resilience throughout the fight.
While Buatsi admitted Yarde performed well, he asserted that there was no real danger in the match. “It was a routine fight for Yarde; there weren’t any real dangers,” added the Ghanaian-born boxer. He did express respect for Vilcans, recognizing the Lithuanian’s tenacity in remaining competitive until the end.
On the other hand, Yarde defended the quality of his opponent. “A lot of people come back and have what you’d call a walkover fight—six rounds, eight rounds—but that guy in there, I told you, he could take a lot of the domestic guys all the way,” the British fighter stated, noting that Vilcans had only lost once and had never been knocked out.
Yarde also admitted that knocking down Vilcans in the first 10 seconds affected his strategy negatively. “I rushed things, and I needed rounds. This was my first time going 10 rounds,” he acknowledged. The Hackney boxer mentioned that his main goal was to gain experience in the ring, and while he won by decision, he felt unsatisfied with the middle rounds of the fight.
The long-anticipated clash between Buatsi and Yarde remains unfinalized, despite being a hot topic among boxing fans. Talks suggest the fight could take place in Saudi Arabia, given the country’s increasing interest in hosting major boxing events. However, Buatsi expressed a preference for the bout to be held in England to allow local fans to attend.
Yarde also commented on the seemingly inevitable matchup, wishing the fight had already occurred while clarifying that its delay wasn’t his fault. “That wasn’t my fault. Me and him spoke on the phone personally. He chose to fight Hutchinson instead. But again, this isn’t the ‘Buatsi show.’ There are other fights out there for me in this exciting division,” Yarde explained.
Despite the postponement, Yarde holds no grudge against Buatsi, affirming his respect for him. “I’m not going to criticize him or say he’s ducking me, because he’s not,” the Londoner stated. “Me and him are definitely going to fight, that’s for sure.”
A match between Yarde and Buatsi, both of whom are top light-heavyweights in the UK, promises to be a significant event in the boxing scene. With impressive records and contrasting styles, the bout could deliver an exciting spectacle. Yarde, confident from his last fight, stated, “I win, 100%. I know what to expect from him. I’ve seen him fight before. Obviously, it’s different when you’re in there with someone, but I’ve learned a lot. The guy I fought today had a very awkward, strange style. It’s all a learning experience,” he concluded.
Both fighters are keen on the matchup, and all that remains is for the terms to be finalized and a date set. Whenever the fight occurs, it will undoubtedly capture the boxing world’s attention, whether at London’s iconic O2 Arena or in a luxurious location like Saudi Arabia.
#JoshuaBuatsi #AnthonyYarde #BoxingNews #LightHeavyweight #FightNight #BoxingFans #BoxingCommunity #BuatsiVsYarde #BoxingMatch #SportsNews #BoxingUpdates #UKBoxing #AnthonyYardeVsRalfsVilcans #BoxingHighlights
IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has returned to the UK after a refreshing break in Brazil. In a recent interview with Box Nation, Dubois discussed his three-week getaway, saying, “Good, good. Sunshine, recharging the batteries, and ready to go.” He emphasized that his time in South America allowed him to recharge for the challenges that lie ahead.
Even while on vacation, Dubois remained a recognizable figure, garnering attention in Brazil. He was surprised by the number of fans who recognized him and asked for photos. “It’s global now, which is amazing,” he remarked, making it clear that he is eager for the challenges ahead. “Anyone in any division who wants it, they can get it,” he declared.
The boxer also reflected on the responsibilities of being a world champion. Although he felt like a champion after his fight against Filip Hrgović, Dubois sees his victory at Wembley Stadium as a pivotal moment. “Now it’s all about the big names, the big fights. I want them next,” he emphasized.
A hot topic was the potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. Dubois admitted to hearing rumors about the fight but hasn’t focused on the details. However, he expressed his eagerness to face Joshua again: “I want to do even better against him.” When asked if Joshua would accept the fight, Dubois noted, “He’ll have a lot of demons in his mind,” but he is ready to prove himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
Dubois made it clear that he is interested in fighting the best in the world. When discussing a potential matchup with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, the champion was direct: “Yeah, absolutely. Call them all out. Give me the opportunity, let’s make the big fights happen. That’s what being world champion is for, no more ducking.”
He also mentioned that a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is “unfinished business,” aiming to correct past mistakes. “I’ve got to get that right, rewrite the script, and finish him. It’ll be a good fight, a unification bout, and that’s massive,” said Dubois.
Should a fight with Tyson Fury materialize, Dubois anticipates it will be monumental. Both are British world champions, making this clash one of the biggest matchups in British boxing history. “We’re all world champions or have been. I’m looking forward to being the last man standing,” he stated.
Dubois reflected on how his life has changed since becoming world champion. While he strives to stay grounded, he recognizes that “everything will speed up in the coming weeks.” After his loss to Joe Joyce, Dubois promised to return with vengeance, stating, “I’m more focused than ever. I’m leaving no stones unturned, no regrets.”
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, highlighted the champion’s impressive run, having faced Usyk, Jarrell Miller, Hrgović, and Joshua in just 13 months. Dubois acknowledged this string of matches as crucial to his growth: “I’m improving in every fight, and you need to fight the best to do that. I’ve fought the top guys, and they’ve tested me in different ways. I’m just getting tougher, and it’s paying off. I feel like a new person, a new animal,” he said.
Lastly, it was noted that Anthony Joshua had been suspended for 28 days following his loss to Dubois, a standard procedure after a defeat. However, his suspension has ended, and he is cleared to return to the ring. A rematch is expected in 2025, with Turki Alalshikh expressing interest in making it happen.
Dubois left a clear message for Joshua: “If he wants it again, let’s do it. Let’s go!” The British champion is poised for his next big fight, whether against Joshua, Fury, or Usyk.
Daniel Dubois is back and more determined than ever to solidify himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
#DanielDubois #HeavyweightChampion #BoxingNews #AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #BoxingCommunity #FrankWarren #BoxingLife #Rematch #UnificationBout #SportsNews #BoxingFans #BoxingUpdates #ChampionshipBoxing
Anthony Joshua is now able to resume his boxing career.
For those unaware, Anthony Joshua was suspending from boxing after his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois.
After the result, the British Boxing Board of Control handed out a routine 28 day suspension to Joshua.
This process is standard for any fighter on the end of a stoppage defeat.
With today being the 19th October, the 28 day period has now expired.
Meaning that the former two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion is now able to get back in the ring again.
With the suspension now in the rear view mirror, attention will turn to what is next for the Watford based heavyweight.
All indicators seem to be pointed towards a rematch with Daniel Dubois.BBBofC spokesperson comments on Fabio Wardley gloves investigation claim
A decision on that is likely to come sooner rather than later.
Turki Alalshikh has already suggested that he’s looking to put the fight on in February 2025.
On top of that, the IBF have set a deadline for any Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois rematch.
Realistically, we’ll know well in advance of that deadline what AJ’s plans are.
Without a suspension hanging over him, it’s likely that we’ll get an update from Joshua in the coming weeks around what his plans are next.
There doesn’t seem to be any indication that he’s looking to step away from the ring and fight fans will be eagerly anticipating an official decision from Anthony Joshua whenever that arrives.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done it all in the world of football.
Having played for the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LA Galaxy and AC Milan amongst others, the Swedish striker has an impressive CV.
After a career spanning nearly 25 years, the legendary goalscorer hung up his boots in 2023.
Since then, he’s become a senior advisor for AC Milan.
But it seems that the competitive urge for Zlatan hasn’t died down.
Known for his fiery temper and competitive nature while playing the game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic still seems to have the itch to compete.
Even before he entered the world of football, Zlatan had a combat sports background.
Zlatan received an honorary black belt in taekwondo in his hometown of Malmo in Sweden.
He is also seen posting images of him working out on his social media pages.
But it now seems that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking to pursue a career change and has his eyes on a potential boxing match.
According to SunSport, Misfits Boxing are in conversations with Zlatan about potentially stepping in the ring with them.
Misfits co-president Mams Taylor has lifted the lid on discussions.
“I’ve tried to convince Zlatan and he can fight,” Taylor told the publication.Fabio Wardley gloves under investigation after brutal Frazer Clarke KO
“I’m good friends with his manager and we had a FaceTime, the three of us.
“It was really cool because he’s seen a lot of Misfits fights and he’s followed it.
“He was a kickboxer, he’d be a good one as well.
“But yeah, there’s other names that aren’t quite as big as these guys that are but still very respected and have achieved a lot that are interested.
“And because it’s so realistic that those guys are going to fight, I’m not gonna give you their names.
“But, I will say that Zlatan and Wayne Rooney, there’ve been conversations and I think it’s a matter of time.
“At some point it will materialise.”
As stated by Mams Taylor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not the first Manchester United legend that they’ve been in discussions with.
Wayne Rooney has also spoken to the group about boxing with them.
Rooney is another former footballer who is known for his keen interest in the sport.
Zlatan and Rooney were teammates at Old Trafford when they played together under Jose Mourinho at United.
It seems that conversations have been positive and it’s only a matter of time before one of these ex-Manchester United stars steps into the ring for a fight.
Frank Warren, promoter of Queensbury Promotions, has strongly responded to Ben Shalom’s statements, who implied that the gloves used by Fabio Wardley in his victory over Frazer Clarke deserve to be investigated. In a recent interview with BoxNation, Warren dismissed the accusations as unfounded and ridiculous, labeling Shalom’s comments as a “stupid and slanderous statement.”Frank Warren clarified that the “Fly” gloves used in the fight are approved by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).
According to Warren, these gloves were provided by the event promoter, Queensbury Promotions, which organized the event in Riyadh. Warren explained in detail the process of glove selection and supervision, from their sealed delivery to the final inspection in the dressing rooms, where they were placed in front of the opposing team and reviewed by the referee in the ring.
In Warren’s words, “If Ben had such a problem with the gloves, why didn’t he attend the rules meeting and bring it up?” He also noted that Clarke’s coach was the only one present at the meeting, and while he initially expressed that he didn’t like the “Fly” gloves, he accepted that they were approved, thus ending the matter.
Additionally, Warren lashed out at Shalom, calling him “Inspector Clueless” and criticizing him for raising the issue of the gloves without having evidence or an ongoing investigation. “Frazer acknowledged he was beaten fair and square, and that should be the end of it. It’s madness,” Warren added. He also called the situation an unnecessary distraction that took attention away from what was a great night of boxing in Riyadh.
Warren revealed that Fabio Wardley and his team are upset by the cheating insinuations, as they directly affect his reputation. “If someone cheated, that’s worse than PEDs. It’s an outrageous statement,” Warren emphasized, adding that Shalom will have to publicly apologize for discrediting the sport and those involved in the event.
The British Boxing Board of Control, according to Warren, has already declared that there is no ongoing investigation regarding the gloves. “What investigation is Clueless doing? He doesn’t even have the gloves,” added the promoter. At the same time, he assured that Frazer Clarke, who lost by technical knockout, has not supported any of Shalom’s statements.
“I also want to make it clear that Frazer Clarke hasn’t said any of this. He’s an absolute gentleman, not stupid. He knows he was beaten fair and square on the night,” said Warren.When asked if he would take Ben Shalom to the Board, Frank Warren hinted that they are taking steps beyond legal measures, without specifying if they will proceed with a lawsuit.
“You heard what he said. He’s claiming there was something wrong with the gloves, and we as promoters are responsible. We were responsible for the event,” Warren commented, reminding that Queensbury was in charge of managing the event on behalf of Sauerland and the Riyadh Season.
Finally, Warren showed little interest in speculating about Shalom’s motivations, suggesting that his comments might be an attempt to discredit Wardley’s victory. “Listen, Shalom had four fighters that night—two of them lost. One was lucky not to be beaten when he fell out of the ring. It was a great night in Riyadh, and that’s what we should be talking about, not this garbage,” Warren noted.Current world champion leaves long-term trainer in bizarre fashion
Despite the controversy, Warren remained focused on what’s next for Fabio Wardley, hinting that a fight against Jared Anderson could be on the horizon and even mentioning the possibility of a clash with Deontay Wilder.
“Yes, it was mentioned, but I said I have no problem with that fight. Fabio even said he’d fight Wilder next. I think people would buy into that, don’t you?”
In his own words, Frank Warren assured that there is no rush to decide Wardley’s next fight, but made it clear that interest in a high-profile fight is growing.
“But no rush. Always make the right moves at the right time,” Warren concluded.
In a recent interview on the Boxing News YouTube channel, Jack Catterall revealed his interest in facing the winner of the fight between Liam Paro and Richardson Hitchins. This bout will take place on Saturday, December 7, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Paro will make the first defense of his IBF super lightweight world title against Hitchins.
The British boxer talked about the possibilities of facing the winner of the Paro vs. Hitchins fight. Catterall analyzed the situation of the division, stating that it is completely open. He also did not hold back in praising Paro, whom he expects to see win. He expressed his willingness to face Paro next year.
“I think the division’s wide open. I’ll be keeping a close eye on that fight. I know I’ve got a big job next Saturday, but I love that Paro fight. Again, I expect him to beat Hitchins. I don’t expect it to be straightforward, but I would expect a victory, and I welcome that fight next year,” said Catterall.
The interviewers also referred to a previous attempt by Jack Catterall to secure a fight with Liam Paro. Catterall added that aside from the world champions, he considers Regis Prograis a good option at this time.
“I’m not aware of the reason this fight got proposed. I’m told there wasn’t an immediate shot at the world title, so I needed a big fight, something that would get me up for it. Aside from the world champions, I believe Regis [Prograis] is that,” Catterall stated.The conversation turned to Ohara Davis, a former opponent of Jack Catterall, who will face Adam Azim on Saturday night.
Catterall expressed uncertainty about this fight. He recalled Davis’s recent loss, where he was defeated in 30 seconds, leading him to call the situation curious. Despite this, Catterall wished Davis the best, hoping he stays in shape and healthy.
“I don’t really know what to make of it. Ohara is still building; he’s kind of like a gatekeeper towards the top domestic level. He got splattered in his last fight in about 30 seconds, so it’s a funny one. Listen, I wish him all the best and hope he stays fit and well,” Catterall expressed.On another note, Jack Catterall
He pointed out that, in his opinion, Beterbiev won by one round and does not believe there was a draw. He also commented that it was an excellent fight and was very close.Fabio Wardley gloves under investigation after brutal Frazer Clarke KO
“You know what, I was scoring it at the time, and I think I gave it to Beterbiev by a round. You couldn’t have argued with a draw. I think there was one scorecard that was a bit shocking, but it was such a tremendous fight and a very close one,” Catterall said.
Finally, Jack Catterall explained, according to his view, what made the difference in the outcome of the fight.
“It’s a difficult one. It depends on what you prefer, what you like. I saw Beterbiev chipping away constantly. He gave away a few of the rounds, but I think he finished strong as well,” Catterall concluded.
The Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney rivalry has just gone up a notch.
Tension has been building between the pair for quite a while now.
Shortly after their fight, Garcia failed a drugs test.
Since that point, things have escalated quickly.
Devin Haney filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia in a somewhat unprecedented move.
As with anything, when tensions run high, there are always others looking to get involved.
One of the individuals who also has had their say is Bill Haney.
Bill is the father of Devin and a boxing trainer in his own sense.
Just a couple of days ago, Bill Haney trolled Ryan Garcia online and it’s clear the message has gotten to Garcia.
It has not taken long for Garcia to respond and he’s done so in dramatic fashion.
Not only has Ryan Garcia put out a response to Bill Haney’s earlier rant but he’s actually called for someone to book a fight between the pair.
“I landed a hook in the first 30 seconds”, Garcia tweeted on his Twitter / X account.
“Bill haney explain that, how would ped’s ever give me the timing and accuracy to land that hook that quick off Devin Haney making a minor mistake
“The denial you have for the loss is the reason why you probably will continue to take L’sFabio Wardley gloves under investigation after brutal Frazer Clarke KO
“People would respect you and your son way more if you just took this L on the chin instead you make every excuse in the book
“You tell me to get on vada, but you forgot it ain’t on your terms who the fuck are you.
“I already agreed to them randomly testing me. So you can shove it up your defiled bootyhole
“I’m ready to show I’m great and I always have been since the amatuers. In all my years of fighting I’ve never tried any steroids my supplements were tainted
“Stop complaining and shut up now and for all.
“If you don’t we can run an exhibition between your self and I
“RYAN GARCIA VS BILL HANEY BOOK IT”.
The chances of anyone actually booking the fight is seriously low.
Ryan Garcia is a 26-year-old boxer at the peak of his physical strength.
Whereas Bill Haney is not.
But this does show that Garcia has been riled by the comments from Bill Haney and the rivalry with Devin Haney seems to be ratcheting up more and more.I landed a hook in the first 30 seconds
Bill haney explain that, how would ped’s ever give me the timing and accuracy to land that hook that quick off Devin Haney making a minor mistake
The denial you have for the loss is the reason why you probably will continue to take L’s…
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) October 18, 2024
In an announcement made on his official X account, Turki Alalshikh confirmed a new “strategic partnership” between Riyadh Season and boxing promoter BOXXER. This collaboration makes Riyadh Season the official partner of all BOXXER events in the UK and Ireland. The agreement aims to promote boxing on a global scale.
“#RiyadhSeason teams up with BOXXER for an exciting new partnership 🎉The collaboration kicks off with the ‘High Voltage’ event in London this Saturday, featuring rising stars Adam Azim and Ohara Davies. Get ready for electrifying fight nights across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, as Riyadh Season takes boxing to the next level🥊✨,” wrote Turki Alalshikh on X.
The new alliance will be officially launched during the “High Voltage” event on October 19, 2024. This event will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London and will feature boxer Adam Azim and standout fighter Ohara Davies. This event is expected to serve as a key platform to demonstrate the strength of this new collaboration.
Riyadh Season will be responsible for integrating pre-event promotions as well as creating unique experiences for fans in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration aims to continue positioning Riyadh Season as a key player in the boxing world, following its successful advancements in Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months.
The press release issued by both organizations emphasizes the importance of this agreement for the future of boxing. Riyadh Season is committed to supporting high-profile events that not only captivate local fans but also international audiences. With this partnership, BOXXER will strengthen its presence in the global boxing landscape.
BOXXER, founded in 2018 by Ben Shalom, has rapidly grown in the boxing world. With events broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, and international deals including broadcasts on NBC in the United States, BOXXER has established itself as one of the most prominent promoters. The alliance with Riyadh Season promises to take the brand to a new level.Chris Colbert suffers shock defeat as title plans derailed once again
Ben Shalom, founder and CEO of BOXXER, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership with Riyadh Season. Shalom mentioned that this agreement will benefit not only both parties but also boxing fans worldwide. Additionally, he hinted that more BOXXER events will be announced in the coming weeks, starting with this Saturday’s event in London, which promises to be a great night of British boxing.#RiyadhSeason teams up with BOXXER for an exciting new partnership 🎉 The collaboration kicks off with the “High Voltage” event in London this Saturday, featuring rising stars Adam Azim and Ohara Davies Get ready for electrifying fight nights across the UK, Ireland, and beyond,… pic.twitter.com/wOqaZc6Wyk
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 18, 2024
.@boxxer and @RiyadhSeason are delighted to announce an Official Partnership, designed to collaboratively drive and elevate the promotion of world-class boxing events 🤝
Ahead of a series of event announcements in the next fortnight, starting with this Saturday’s clash headlined… pic.twitter.com/8gdpDvM7l7
— BOXXER (@boxxer) October 18, 2024
On Saturday night, Fabio Wardley dismissed Frazer Clarke’s title challenge with surprising ease, although his performance has since come into question following comments from Clarke’s promoter, Ben Shalom. Now, after Frank Warren labelled Shalom as ‘disrespectful’, the BOXXER promoter has responded.
Wardley and Clarke went to war in one of the fights of the year on Easter Sunday, battling to a bloodied split-draw at the O2 Arena that captivated fans as much as any bout for the coveted Lonsdale Belt should.
Yet, it was a different story when the pair met in Riyadh on Saturday night, as Wardley scored an emphatic and brutal first-round knockout win that left ‘Big Fraze’ requiring surgery.
During the aftermath, Ben Shalom cast a cloud of uncertainty over Wardley’s gloves, after hearing from a doctor that the amount of damage dealt to Clarke is beyond what should be capable from a regular boxing glove.
Yesterday, Frank Warren claimed that Shalom was attempting to tarnish Wardley’s win and threatened to take his rival promoter to the Board for ‘bringing the sport into disrepute’.
“It’s a disgrace Shalom has tried to tarnish Fabio’s win and reputation with such a dangerous suggestion.
“The British Boxing Board of Control checks and approves all gloves at the Friday meeting – which is filmed these days – and no issues were raised.
“I will be taking Shalom to the Board for bringing the sport into disrepute with this libellous allegation and questioning the integrity of the Board and everybody involved in the Riyadh show.”Artur Beterbiev ordered to fight new challenger instead of Dmitry Bivol
Today, ahead of the weigh-in for tomorrow night’s fight between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies, Shalom admitted to that he was not an expert on the subject of gloves – adding that he was simply passing on concerns that he had heard during the fight week.Ben Shalom discusses the comments he made regarding Fabio Wardley’s gloves.
🎥 https://t.co/xII9dlNip4#Boxingpic.twitter.com/HHwQPI6PhB
— (@boxing_social) October 18, 2024
“In no way is this a justification or an excuse [for Clarke’s loss] or anything. I have said so many times and given Fabio Wardley so much credit for what he did on Saturday night.
“We’ve all seen Frank’s reaction and this and that, ultimately I am not a regulator, we just pass on concerns that we get.”
“I am not an expert on that side of things [gloves] and ultimately I was asked about it and I said ‘yes there has been questions’ and I passed on those questions. I’m not the authority, the British Boxing Board of Control is the authority.”
“It’s quite clearly not an excuse for the defeat, we are not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing but when I get questions as a promoter, I have a responsibility to pass those questions on.”
A spokesperson for the British Boxing Board of Control has confirmed that there will be no investigation into Fabio Wardley’s gloves.
The young British boxer Ben Whittaker finds himself in a delicate condition following his troubled fight against Liam Cameron. Ben Shalom, the promoter of the event where he participated, described Whittaker’s defeat as “the turning point” in his career. Whittaker faced Cameron in an intense fight that took place on the card headlined by Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.
The fight between the two ended unexpectedly when both fighters fell over the ropes and out of the ring. Whittaker took the worst of the fall, which left him seriously injured, forcing him to leave the ring in a wheelchair. As a result of the incident, he was diagnosed with neck and ankle injuries, which will require a lengthy recovery. The fall left him in worse condition than his opponent, and many are now calling for an immediate rematch.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Shalom spoke about the impact of that night, saying it was a frustrating experience for Whittaker. “It was a bad night for Ben,” he commented. “I have never seen Ben Whittaker perform like that.” According to Shalom, it was evident from the first round that Whittaker wasn’t in his best shape.
“I knew from the first round he wasn’t right. His energy levels, his timing, and he was getting hit with shots he never normally gets caught with,” Shalom noted. The promoter emphasized that Whittaker, with his usual mentality, should not have had trouble facing Cameron. However, he acknowledged that the unexpected pressure on Whittaker, who has become a recognized figure in the sport, may have affected his performance. “I feel for him in a way,” added Shalom. “He is in a bad way, and he is a perfectionist. He will make of this exactly what he should, and he will be back,” said Shalom.As for Ben Whittaker’s return to the ring, Shalom confirmed that it won’t happen in 2024.
“He’s not going to fight this year,” he clarified. It was initially planned for him to return in December, but his injuries will keep him out until at least early next year. Whittaker is being evaluated in the UK and continues his rehabilitation.
For his part, Liam Cameron has wasted no time demanding an immediate rematch. The national fighter was critical of Ben Whittaker, accusing him of quitting the fight. In statements to talkSPORT, Cameron expressed his frustration with the outcome of the fight. “There was a game plan to slowly break him down,” he commented. “He was calling me slow and saying my body was like a potato. He said he was going to make me a meme, and now he’s the meme.”
The pressure for a rematch is also coming from fans and sports experts. Simon Jordan, talkSPORT presenter, is one of those advocating for Whittaker to take the rematch as soon as possible. Jordan pointed out that the best way to show Whittaker’s true level will be when he faces Cameron again and delivers the performance expected. “The way that you’ll know where Ben Whittaker is, is when he takes the rematch against Liam Cameron and does what he said he was going to do in the first fight,” said Jordan.
Ben Whittaker, who has so far been reluctant to make public statements, remains one of the most promising talents in British boxing. However, his career is at a critical moment, and his ability to recover from this setback could define his future in the sport.