With the heavyweight division set to be blown open during 2025, fans are searching for a new knockout artist to get behind and Bakhodir Jalolov seems to fit the bill. After not fighting during 2024 to focus on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Uzbek knockout is now poised to make his return.
Jalolov made his professional debut in 2018 but has continued his sensational amateur career simultaneously since, much to the aggravation of some fans who believe it is unfair that the hard-hitting southpaw can continue to compete.
Having already won two world championships, an Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and amassing an undefeated professional record consisting of 14 knockout wins in as many fights, Jalolov stepped through the ropes at Paris 2024 as the clear favourite in the super-heavyweight division.đđ AsĂ se vio y oyĂł desde ringside el KO đŁđ„ de Bakhodir Jalolov đșđż a Onoriode Ehwarieme #ESPNKnockOut#AndersonRudenkopic.twitter.com/1utJJByIdL
â ESPN KnockOut (@ESPNKnockOut) August 27, 2023
The 30-year-old southpaw lived up to his high expectations in France and delivered another impressive campaign, winning 5-0 on the scorecards in all four of his bouts on route to a second gold medal, defeating Omar Shiha (NOR), Teremoana Junior (AUS), Nelvie Tiafeck (GER) and Ayoub Ghadfa (ESP).
After proving his worth once again, Jalolov then announced his retirement from amateur boxing and made clear his intentions of emulating his success in the professional ranks.
According to Brunch Boxing, Jalolov (14-0, 14KOs) will take on French heavyweight David Spilmont (16-8, 11KOs) in Montreal, Canada on February 6th, as âThe Big Uzbekâ ends an official 14-month spell of professional inactivity.Artur Beterbiev offers to fight Jake Paul for world titles
Spilmont will enter the contest off of the back of a five-fight win streak, albeit against lesser opposition, with his latest loss being a stoppage defeat to well-known British-based Croatian Alen Babic back in December 2021.BABIC WINS THE WAR OF ATTRITION đ€
10 KOâS IN 10 FIGHTS FOR THE SAVAGE đ„ pic.twitter.com/FSAlnFzhLm
â DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 18, 2021
Jalolov will become the first Paris 2024 gold medallist to fight professionally since the games, although Cubaâs lightweight champion Erislandy Alvarez has fought an IBA bout in Havana â cruising to a unanimous-decision victory after six rounds against Colombiaâs Jose Munoz (16-3).đšđșđParis Gold Medalist Erislandy Alvarez defeats Jose Munoz via UD6 in an aggressive display in Havana pic.twitter.com/CbrkhGGZym
â TokkerĆ« (@ATokkers5) August 28, 2024
Despite his inactivity, Jalolov currently sits at #9 and #15 of the WBA and WBO world rankings respectively and will be hoping of putting together a charge for the heavyweight titles during 2025.
Friday night saw Mike Tyson trudge to a unanimous-decision loss against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, receiving plaudits for completing eight rounds at 58-years-old but ultimately underwhelming in what turned out to be a one-sided affair. Nevertheless, âIron Mikeâ made history once again, even in defeat.
Like most, Paul could not boast the accolades of the once âBaddest Man on the Planetâ beforehand, but his youth and comparative exuberance saw him step through the ropes as the favourite against a man over 30 years his elder.
Come fight night, it was clear that the contest was more a battle of Mike Tyson vs. Father Time than a showdown with Jake Paul, with Father Time inevitably extending his undefeated record.
After a brief attempt at a flurry in the opening round, Tyson offered little for the remainder of the scrap, landing just 18 punches and throwing just 97 across eight rounds and being visibly exhausted and thankful to hear the final bell.Relive last nights battle between Jake Paul & Mike Tyson from the view RINGSIDE đ„
đ„ @MostVpromotionspic.twitter.com/B2In89fZml
â betr (@betr) November 16, 2024
Consequently, âThe Problem Childâ banked all but one of the rounds across the judges scorecards (80-72Ă2, 79-73) and had an easy nightsâ work against a static version of the former undisputed heavyweight champion â who would likely have been stopped if Paul showed less mercy.Katie Taylor hints at potential retirement timelineJake Paul explains why he didnât look to knock out Mike Tyson:
âI didnât want to hurt someone that didnât need to be hurt.â pic.twitter.com/rIcLINbU5j
â MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 16, 2024
Yet, regardless of Tysonâs faded abilities in the ring, the fabled knockout artist banked a reported $20 million for the event and, although he has added an additional blemish to his professional record, he has broken another world record in the process.
Paul-Tyson took place almost 40 years (14,499 days) since the debut of âKid Dynamiteâ (March 6th 1985), therefore Tyson now holds the record of the longest professional career out of any of the 111 former and present heavyweight world champions.
Tyson will take top spot from Roy Jones Jr. (12,384 days) who eclipsed the long-standing record set by Jack Johnson (12,231 days) in 1931 last year when he lost out to Anthony Pettis by majority-decision.
However, some may argue that Johnson should keep a hold of that record, due to a reported 1938 contest between a 60-year-old âGalveston Giantâ and Walter Price, but there is little proof that this bout was an official one rather than one of many of Johnsonâs exhibition fights, which is why it is not recorded on his rĂ©sumĂ©.
Matchroom Boxing has confirmed the return of British boxer Callum âMundoâ Smith to the ring. Callum Smith, 34, was last seen in the ring on January 13, 2024, in Quebec, Canada. On that occasion, Smith faced the undisputed light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev.
However, Smith was unable to overcome the Russian and was defeated by technical knockout in the seventh round. This loss marked a challenging moment in the British fighterâs career, as it was his second professional defeat.
Now, Smith will return to action on Saturday, November 30, at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham, England.
The fight will be part of the undercard headlined by the main event between Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai, broadcasted on DAZN.Callum Smith holds a professional record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and no draws. Out of his 29 victories, 21 have come by knockout.
Before his loss to Beterbiev, Smith secured a dominant victory over Mathieu Bauderlique on August 20, 2022. In that fight, held at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, Smith knocked out Bauderlique in the fourth round, solidifying his position as a contender in the light heavyweight division. This victory earned him a shot at the WBA world title.
Earlier, Smith had defeated Lenin Castillo on September 25, 2021, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The British fighter won by knockout in the second round, reinforcing his dominance after moving up from the super middleweight category.
Callum Smithâs move to the light heavyweight division came after his loss to Mexican star Canelo Ălvarez on December 19, 2020. In that fight, held at the Alamodome in Texas, Smith was defeated by unanimous decision against Ălvarez in a bout for the WBC and WBA super middleweight world titles.
This loss prompted the British boxer to rethink his career and opt to compete at light heavyweight.
Before his bout with Ălvarez, Smith had defeated John Ryder on November 23, 2019, at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Smith secured a unanimous decision victory, successfully defending his WBA super middleweight world title.
This win was one of the most significant of his career in the super middleweight division.
Callum Smithâs return to the ring has generated great anticipation among British boxing fans. It is worth noting that Matchroom Boxing has yet to announce who Smithâs opponent will be for his comeback in Birmingham.
However, on November 30th, Smith aims to redeem himself and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the division.
Some of the fights scheduled on the same card, where Callum Smith will make his ring return, are as follows:Mike Tyson speaks out after his defeat against Jake Paul
â Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai (WBC flyweight championship).
â Cameron Vuong vs. Gavin Gwynne.
â Conah Walker vs. Lewis Ritson.
â Kieron Conway vs. Ryan Kelly.
â Troy Jones vs. Michael Stephenson.
â Hamza Uddin vs. Benn Norman.Mundo is back đ„ @callumsmith23
Returning to the ring in Birmingham ready to get back in the mix đ #EdwardsYafai live on @daznboxing, November 30 pic.twitter.com/Hx5AcVFmXc
â Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 17, 2024
â SUNNY-GALAL CARD COMPLETE
1ïžâŁ Sunny Edwards đ Galal Yafai
2ïžâŁ Cameron Vuong đ Gavin Gwynne
3ïžâŁ Conah Walker đ Lewis Ritson
4ïžâŁ Kieron Conway đ Ryan Kelly
5ïžâŁ Hamza Uddin đ Benn Norman
6ïžâŁ Troy Jones đ Michael Stephenson
7ïžâŁ Taylor Bevan, Aaron Bowen, Ibraheem Sulaimaan pic.twitter.com/cKPnmTmxfM
â EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 1, 2024
On Friday, November 15, 2024, the legendary Mike Tyson stepped back into the ring at the age of 58 to face Jake Paul, a popular YouTuber turned professional boxer. The event, streamed live on Netflix, took place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and quickly became one of the most talked-about boxing events of the year.
The fight, which spanned eight hard-fought rounds, concluded with Jake Paul winning by unanimous decision. Despite its share of controversies, the event proved to be a massive commercial hit. Netflix reported that 60 million households around the world tuned in live, with peak viewership reaching an astounding 65 million during the event. This achievement made the fight one of the most-watched sports broadcasts of the year.
AT&T Stadium saw a record-setting attendance of 72,300 spectators, marking the largest crowd for a boxing event in the U.S. outside of Las Vegas. The gate revenue exceeded $18 million, surpassing the previous record set by Canelo Ălvarezâs 2021 fight against Billy Joe Saunders, which had garnered $9 million.
The fight also saw unprecedented social media engagement. The hashtag #PaulTyson became the number one trending topic globally on X, with #Serrano ranking second in countries like the U.S., Brazil, Spain, and Canada. Conversations about the event dominated social media, underlining its international appeal.
Joe Hand Promotions, a leader in live sports distribution, made history by broadcasting the event to more than 6,000 bars and restaurants across the United States. This record-breaking distribution set a new benchmark for combat sports, enhancing the reach of the spectacle and broadening its impact.
The co-main event featuring Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor also drew significant attention, with nearly 50 million households watching live. This bout is poised to become the most-watched professional womenâs sporting event in U.S. history, underscoring the increasing interest in high-profile womenâs boxing.
The commercial success of the Tyson-Paul event highlighted the unique appeal of crossover fights, which blend traditional boxing with modern celebrity influence. Despite criticisms regarding Jake Paulâs experience compared to seasoned boxers, his star power and ability to attract a global audience have solidified his place in the sport. Whether he's fighting a washed-up boxer or an MMA fighter, heâs raking it in. People who love him will watch, and those who hate him will watch to see him fall. Whether you agree with his approach or not, heâs changing the game, for better and most likely for worse.
Jake Paul, buoyed by his victory over Tyson, expressed interest in facing other high-profile opponents, including Mexican boxing champion SaĂșl âCaneloâ Ălvarez. While Paulâs next steps remain unconfirmed, the potential matchups could further boost his boxing career and reshape the landscape of celebrity-driven boxing events.
The eventâs success also showcased Netflixâs effective partnership with Most Valuable Promotions, transforming AT&T Stadium into a boxing epicenter and demonstrating the platformâs influence in live sports streaming.
As the dust settled, the nightâs impact extended beyond ticket sales and viewership numbers. The presence of notable celebrities like Evander Holyfield, Shaquille OâNeal, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Charlize Theron added a touch of glamour, amplifying the eventâs appeal and ensuring its place in the annals of modern boxing history.
On Saturday, November 16, Gilberto RamĂrez continued his ascent in the boxing world with a dominant victory over Chris Billam-Smith in Saudi Arabia. RamĂrez secured a unanimous decision after 12 rounds, with the judges scoring the bout 116-112 (twice) and 116-113 in his favor, adding another historic win to his record.
This victory marked not only another milestone in RamĂrez's career but also a significant step toward his larger ambitions. Having already made history as the first Mexican super middleweight world champion and later as the first Mexican cruiserweight world champion, RamĂrez added the WBO title to the WBA belt he already held. This achievement made him the first unified Mexican champion in the cruiserweight division.
Now, with his sights set on becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, RamĂrez has his eyes on a new challenge: Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian, who is widely regarded as one of the best to ever compete in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, is a fighter RamĂrez admires deeply.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, RamĂrez made it clear he wants a showdown with Usyk: âIf he wants, Iâm more than ready and happy to fight him. Heâs one of my idols, and I want to face him because what heâs been doing in boxing is great.â
RamĂrez also reflected on his own growth inside the ring: âEveryone saw Iâm a strong man and Iâm growing. I want to be a heavyweight champion too, and everything is possible. Look at Usyk, what he did, and heâs not bigger than me, and I think I can do it too.â
While RamĂrez is focused on unifying the cruiserweight titles, his aspirations donât end there. His next possible opponents include IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian, but heâs resolute in his desire to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.
Oscar De La Hoya, RamĂrezâs promoter, has also expressed that a potential fight with Usyk could solidify RamĂrez as a major name in the sport.
RamĂrez hasnât ruled out the possibility of fighting in different weight classes to make the Usyk showdown a reality, further underlining his ambition.
Meanwhile, Usyk, the current heavyweight champion with three belts, is set to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As this fight draws closer, RamĂrez continues to pursue his dream of becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, while keeping his eye on a future clash with Usyk in the heavyweight division.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The eagerly anticipated fight ended with a win for the YouTuber-turned-boxer, who dominated the eight rounds despite concerns about Tysonâs age and health.
Tyson, who has long been a legend in the ring, surprised many by lasting the full distance, avoiding a knockout despite the clear age difference and his recent health struggles.
Following his victory, Paul wasted no time in discussing his future plans. He expressed a desire to take on top names in boxing, including Mexican champion Saul âCaneloâ Ălvarez, whose name has long been associated with the sportâs elite.
But just as Paul was setting his sights on Canelo, a new challenger emerged in the form of Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Beterbiev, who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, made a bold move by offering Paul a chance to fight for his world titles.
Responding swiftly on social media, Paul tweeted: "Just seen this⊠Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter in the world calling me out. Hahahahahaha. 4 years in and I run this sport."
Beterbiev, while offering an intriguing challenge, is expected to first face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated rematch that has fans buzzing.
As for Paul, while he hasnât confirmed his next fight, his recent win over Tyson has only fueled speculation about whether heâll take on Canelo or entertain the challenge from Beterbiev.
With both big names in the mix, the future of Jake Paul in the boxing world looks more uncertainâand excitingâthan ever.
The highly anticipated showdown between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, left many stunned. Jake Paul, the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer, defeated the legendary âIronâ Mike Tyson, 58, by unanimous decision, causing a stir in the boxing world.
Leading up to the fight, the pairing itself sparked debate. Critics questioned the fairness of matching Paul, who is nearly 30 years younger than Tyson, against a fighter with such a storied past. The large age and experience gap became a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.
After the bout, former British champion Carl Froch didnât hold back in his criticism of the event and Paulâs standing in boxing. Known for his blunt opinions, Froch remarked, âHeâs [Jake Paul] such a big commodity. He sells tickets, he puts bums on seats. People are interested. Netflix 30 million. Come on! 74,000 at the AT&T Stadium, not quite 80,000 is it?â implying that Paulâs popularity was more about spectacle than legitimate boxing skills.
Froch also questioned Paulâs ability to compete at the top level, stating, âHeâs not there yet. He is getting there but heâs not quite there. He doesnât do the big crowds, does he? But he pulls in the old bunsen burner, doesnât he, Jake Paul. So I donât think he will hang his gloves up. Thereâll be a plan for Jake Paul. Iâll tell you what, my mobile phone wonât be ringing, will it? Wonât be.â
The British former champion didnât stop there, offering a direct challenge to Paul: âI fucking know if I went in there with Jake Paul, it would be an absolute mismatch. One round demolition job. Iâd even tie one arm behind my back, and just imagine one arm behind my back, lining him up with this right hand and eventually smashing him with a big uppercut or a big overhand dirty stinker, putting him in the âEl Sparkoâ position like heâs been tasered.â
Jake Paul, never one to back down from a challenge, quickly responded to Frochâs remarks. On his official âXâ (formerly Twitter) account, Paul fired back: âFucking sour loser. Shut the fuck up. Iâve done more in 4 years than you have in your life. First and last time I respond to your broke salty ass. Let me know if you want to wash my cars.â
The fight has left a mixed reaction in the boxing world. While some view it as a spectacle, others question the integrity of the match. With bigger names like Artur Beterbiev and Canelo Ălvarez potentially in Paulâs future, the controversy over his place in the sport is far from over.
As the debate continues, Jake Paul remains a divisive figure, with critics like Carl Froch making it clear that, in their eyes, Paul still has much to prove in the boxing ring.
Former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte will be back in action on December 15. The 36-year-old Briton is set to take on Ghanaâs Ebenezer Tetteh in a bout that will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Dillian Whyte, known for his ferocity in the ring, has faced some of the biggest names in boxing. His notable opponents include Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora. Whyteâs most recent fight was a decision victory against Christian Hammer in March of this year, held in Castlebar, Ireland.
However, his career has been marked by ups and downs. He suffered a knockout loss to Tyson Fury in 2022, in a highly anticipated fight for the fans. Additionally, he faced issues outside the ring last year when a doping test led to the cancellation of his rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Currently, Whyte is undergoing a professional rebuilding process, aiming to return to the highest level. The Briton hopes to make his way back to the global stage in 2025 after overcoming recent setbacks.The clash between Dillian Whyte and Ebenezer Tetteh will take place in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located south of Spain.
Dillian Whyte heads into this fight with a record of 30 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Of his 30 victories, 20 have come by way of knockout. Despite his recent troubles, Whyte seeks to reaffirm his status as one of the top contenders in the division.
On the other hand, Ebenezer Tetteh boasts a record of 23 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws. The Ghanaian has proven to be a formidable knockout artist, securing 20 of his wins by KO. In his last bout on April 24, Tetteh defeated Ayaovi Agbonson by TKO in the fifth round.Gilberto Ramirez defeats Chris Billam-Smith to become unified cruiserweight champion
Tettehâs sole defeat came at the hands of Daniel Dubois, who decisively beat him in the first round in September 2019.
The fight between Whyte and Tetteh promises to be a battle, as both boxers look to revitalize their careers and send a strong message to the heavyweight division.âThe Body Snatcherâ is BACK on December 15 đ#WhyteTetteh | Dec 15 | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/K4i3d5anoH
In what was a gruelling contest, Gilberto Ramirez proved too good for Chris Billam-Smith to become the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion on the latest instalment of âRiyadh Seasonâ out in Saudi Arabia.
The judges scored the fight 116-112 (x2) and 116-113 , which now positions âZurdoâ in line for a clash with IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
The fight started with âCBSâ looking to dictate using all his physical advantages, making it awkward for the Mexican to establish any rhythm.
However, a good start for Billam-Smith seemingly woke up Ramirez as he landed some great shots, particularly a clean left hand early in the round.
During the next few rounds âZurdoâ took over, landing significant body blows to the Brit and it looked like he could not miss with his land hand.
At the end of the fifth, âCBSâ walked wearily to his corner, appearing to have a cut above his left eye.
6-9 was all Ramirez, Billam Smith just could not deal with the left hand, and despite showing a tremendous chin, he was taking a lot of unanswered punishment.
Round 10 was slightly closer, CBS did have some success on the inside, however by this stage he needed a knockout.
The man from Bournemouth was never going to go out without fighting, in the final round the pair went toe-to-toe, to end off a great fight, despite being quite one-sided.
Much of the talk before the fight was about whether Ramirez could deal with Billam-Smithâs physicality, however, he showed that while he can be skilful and evade this, he also has no problem standing in the pocket to.
The victory has now surely set up a huge cruiserweight showdown between Ramirez and the magnificent Jai Opetaia.
âI feel great Iâm a two-champion.âClaressa Shields calls out Canelo Ălvarez to face Jake Paul
âI prepare for those guys, we know he was a tough fighter. It was an honour for me to fight him and get the belt. I tried to use my distance as much as I could. Heâs tough he comes forward all the time.â
âI want to unify all the champions, thatâs the main goal for me.â
âZurdoâ said that the fight was tough for him and he had to make sure he kept his distance as âCBSâ is strong. Secondly, he has welcomed a fight with IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
For âCBSâ it was a tough night and whilst he has successfully rolled the diced before in his career, this proved one too many.
âHe is really good, he has got consistent shots.â
âA little bit, itâs part of the sport. There were a few rounds where I couldnât see out the eye.â
âWe will have to go back and assess, and keep improving.
Billam-Smith said that Ramirez was very tough and skilful. Moreover, he suggested that the cut above his eye caused him a few issues, but that is just part of the sport.
We will have to wait and see what is next for both fighters.
That mouthwatering clash between Ramirez and Opetaia should hopefully be next, and Billam-Smith will likely return in the summer of 2025.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, the legendary boxer âIronâ Mike Tyson, 58, made his return to the ring. Tyson faced off against popular YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The highly anticipated fight ended with Jake Paulâs victory by unanimous decision after eight rounds.
The judges, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, scored the fight in favor of Paul with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.Despite his age, Mike Tyson displayed great courage and resilience, completing all eight rounds.
However, the younger 27-year-old fighter managed to dominate most of the rounds with accurate punches and better physical conditioning.
The bout, set for eight rounds of two minutes each, featured a unique aspect: both fighters used 14-ounce gloves instead of the usual 10-ounce gloves for heavyweight matches.
This decision was made as a precautionary measure due to Tysonâs advanced age, aimed at minimizing the risk of injury.
Despite the controversy surrounding the match, the fight between Tyson and Paul was a massive commercial success.
The event broke records in both ticket sales and streaming service views, becoming one of the most-watched boxing spectacles of the year.
The involvement of Tyson, an iconic figure in the sport, and Jake Paulâs popularity attracted millions of fans of all ages.Following the loss, Mike Tyson took to his official âXâ account (formerly known as Twitter) to address his followers.
Far from being disheartened, Tyson
âThis is one of those situations when you lost but still won. Iâm grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.â
âI almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.â
âTo have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you đ,â Tyson wrote on âXâ.
Setting aside the criticism, many have praised Mike Tysonâs courage at 58 years old, both inside and outside the ring. Tysonâs fight against Jake Paul adds another chapter to the legacy of one of the sportâs greatest icons, showing that despite the years, his fighting spirit remains unbroken.This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. Iâm grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
ToâŠ
â Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 16, 2024
Natasha Jonas, IBF welterweight world champion, will face Ivana Habazin, the current WBC world champion, in a highly anticipated title unification clash. The fight will take place on Saturday, December 14, at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre, serving as the main event of the card broadcast live by Sky Sports.
The Toxteth, Liverpool, native aims to cement her position at the top of the division as she fights in her hometown for the sixth consecutive time in a world title bout. Jonas, who defended her IBF title in January against American fighter Mikaela Mayer, seeks to unify the titles and further solidify her legacy in womenâs boxing.
The 40-year-old has experienced a remarkable career resurgence since her lightweight showdown with Katie Taylor in 2021. Since then, she has remained unbeaten, successfully unifying the IBF, WBC, and WBO titles in the super welterweight division.In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Natasha Jonas discussed her expectations for the unification bout against Ivana Habazin.
She also expressed her excitement about having another title fight in her hometown of Liverpool.
âTo get the chance to win another world title and to unify the IBF and WBC world titles is going to be special. Ivana Habazin is a great champion. She has won multiple world titles and fought some of the best in the world,â Jonas stated.
âIâm expecting a tough fight but Iâm ready to prove that Iâm the number one in the division,â added Jonas.Ivana Habazin, the WBC world champion, comes into the fight with the experience of having
The 35-year-old Croatian claimed the vacant WBC title in April by defeating Kinga Magyar, and now she aims to make history by unifying the welterweight world titles on foreign soil.
âIt will be an honour for me to unify the WBC and IBF world welterweight titles,â said Habazin.
Habazin highlighted that she had previously held the IBF title and is now eager to reclaim it. The Croatian boxer also showed respect for Jonas, whom she considers one of the best fighters today.Artur Beterbiev offers to fight Jake Paul for world titles
Habazin noted that defeating Natasha Jonas in her hometown would bring her greater recognition. She also
Meanwhile, BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom emphasized the magnitude of this fight, noting that the showdown between Jonas and Habazin will be a high-quality clash between two champions.
Shalom pointed out that Natasha Jonas seeks to solidify her legacy as one of the best boxers of her generation. He also indicated that a victory could pave the way for a potential bout against Lauren Price in 2025.â CONFIRMED: Natasha Jonas will face Ivana Habazin on Dec. 14 at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool for the WBC and IBF Welterweight titles. pic.twitter.com/09Q0MFGyp5
Katie Taylor once again overcame Amanda Serrano in an intense ten-round fight full of emotions. The Irish fighter retained her undisputed light welterweight titles in a showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where they faced off as the co-main event before the clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
This bout was the rematch of their iconic fight at Madison Square Garden in New York on April 30, 2022. That encounter was historic, marking the first time two women headlined a boxing event at the prestigious New York venue.
In Texas, over 70,000 spectators attended to witness the eagerly awaited rematch, where Taylor granted Serrano another shot at the undisputed titles.
The fight was closely contested, with both boxers trading significant punches from start to finish. Despite the fierce competition, Katie Taylor emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
However, the decision sparked boos from the crowd, which predominantly supported Amanda Serrano and believed she deserved the win.
âI had to dig deep there again tonight, but Iâm so happy to get another win,â Taylor expressed after the fight in an interview with talkSPORT.
The 38-year-old Taylor acknowledged that the bout was very close but believes her most effective punches came in the second half of the match.
âI feel like my inside hook was very good tonight, and thatâs what won me the fight in the end,â stated Taylor.Tony Bellew blasts Jake Paul
Meanwhile, Serrano suffered a deep cut above her right eye in the sixth round, prompting the doctorâs intervention. Despite the injury, the Puerto Rican fighter continued to press forward against Taylor, even after the Irish champion was docked a point for repeated headbutts.
Eddie Hearn, Katie Taylorâs promoter, watched the fight from ringside, despite his earlier criticism of the matchup between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.
Fans enjoyed the continuous exchange of punches, with Serrano landing over 100 additional hits according to the fight statistics.
Ultimately, the judgesâ scorecards reflected a narrow 95-94 tally, awarding the win to Taylor by unanimous decision. âIâve beaten her twice now, so is there any need for a trilogy?â questioned Taylor, although she left the door open for a third bout if Serrano requests it.Following her victory in Arlington, Texas, Katie Taylor hinted that retirement could be near.
âIâm gonna have to make that decision now obviously in the next few days,â she said when discussing her future in the sport. However, she expressed her love for boxing and did not rule out the possibility of one or two more fights.
âI had my homecoming in Ireland at the 3Arena. It was amazing to headline the 3Arena twice. Absolutely incredible. Iâd love a Croke Park fight for sure, but weâll see what happens,â noted Taylor, making it clear she desires to give her fans one last major fight in her home country.
The Friday night event in Texas left mixed opinions, but without a doubt, the clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano stood out as the most thrilling fight of the night, leaving fans eager to see what the historic Irish champion will decide about her future in the ring.
On Friday, November 19, 2024, the event between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson drew a lot of attention, but it was the fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano that stole the night. Although the menâs bout attracted controversy, the female fighters put on a great show in the rematch that defined the evening.
Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano in a rematch that sparked debates. The decision was controversial, as many believed the fight was too evenly matched to be decided by points. Taylor took the victory, but the fight left a bittersweet feeling among fans.
Claressa Shields, one of the most prominent figures in womenâs boxing,
âI think the fight was very, very close,â she said. âI thought Katie played from the back foot with great counters and fast hands. I think thatâs what won her the fight.â
Shields explained that her approach to scoring fights is round by round, without focusing too much on the overall stance of the fighters or who advanced more in the ring.In her opinion, the fight was so tight that, if it hadnât been for the one-point penalty on Katie Taylor, the victory could have gone to Amanda Serrano or the fight could have ended in a draw.
âI donât really score based on overall things like body language or whoâs stepping forward. I score round by round, and thatâs how I saw it. But it was very, very close, and when they took the point from Katie, I definitely thought Amanda was going to win or it would be a draw,â said Shields.
The world champion noted that, in her opinion, both fighters showed their strengths but also made mistakes. Shields particularly pointed out the factors she believes worked against Serrano during the fight.
âI think Katie fought her best, and Amanda showed her punching power,â said Shields.
âThere were things Amanda didnât do well. She didnât cut the ring off properly, she missed a lot of big shots, and she didnât have upper-body defense,â Shields pointed out.
Katie Taylorâs speed and footwork were crucial, according to Shields, who emphasized that her quick punches and combinations of four or five shots were decisive. Additionally, Shields highlighted how the cut on Amanda Serranoâs eyebrow was a direct result of Katie Taylorâs continuous punches.
Regarding Serranoâs strategy, Shields mentioned that the Puerto Rican fighter didnât know how to cut the ring effectively and couldnât close the distances like she had in their first encounter.
âShe even got cut here. Katie was throwing with both hands, and Amandaâs shots were hard too. But you canât just march forward. Youâve got to cut the ring off, youâve got to set traps. And Amanda didnât do that tonight,â Shields explained.Mike Tyson points at what initiated Jake Paul slap
Despite the criticism and the controversial decision, Shields also highlighted the impact of the fight on womenâs boxing. According to Shields, the women were the real stars of the night. In contrast, the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, although relevant to many, didnât have the same impact on traditional boxing fans.
âListen, womenâs boxing won tonight. Being here in front of 60,000 fans, thatâs amazing! Itâs a dream. And to me, the girls stole the show tonight. Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, well, it was what it was, but the girls absolutely stole the show tonight,â Shields concluded.
Itâs important to note that, although Amanda Serrano initially questioned the outcome of her fight with Katie Taylor on social media, she later retracted her comments.
On the other hand, Claressa Shields, on her official âXâ account, wrote about the possibility of facing Katie Taylor in the future. The self-proclaimed âGWOATâ pointed out that she has the skills to defeat Taylor.
However, she mentioned that she might have difficulty making a weight between 140 or 147lbs, but also suggested that for a good amount of money, she would take on the challenge.
Despite most of the talk being about the controversial main event between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson last night, Katie Taylor controversially defeated Amanda Serrano in their rematch as the co-main event of the night. Serrano did initially take to social media to
The talk of this fight result being controversial is simply due to the Netflix commentary team on the night favouring Serrano during the majority of the rounds.
Nonetheless, it was a close fight and it could have gone either way.
Ultimately all three of the judges scored the contest 95-94 in Taylorâs favour, handing the Irishman her second victory over her rival and signically a successful defence of her IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO world super lightweight titles.
Much like their first fight, this was another historic fight, which encapsulated everyone within the AT&T Arena along with those watching around the world on Netflix.
After a few close opening rounds, a clash of heads in the fourth caused a cut to Serranoâs head.
This was worsened when another, but this time far more brutal clash of heads forced the referee to pause the fight and have the cut checked by a doctor.
Despite the now horrendous cut she had suffered, the Puerto Ricon carried on.
A third clash of heads occured in the eighth, prompting the referee to deduct Taylor a point, warning her about the use of her head when coming into range.
The final round was a brutal yet brilliant end to another superb fight between the pair, with both fighters having success and not one of them being willing to take a back step.Deal agreed for Anthony Cacace IBF super-featherweight title defence
Whilst it was a close fight, the crowd, the commentators, along with Serranoâs team felt it was a robbery.
Despite taking to social media to
âCongratulations to KatieTaylor in her decision win. Tempers are flared when youâre in the heat of battle & you say things you shouldnât say. Iâm not one to ever disrespect an opponent & these were never my intentions to Katie. She & I are cool outside the ring and the best dance partners in the ring. In no way should I ever had said she did it purposely, itâs her style that makes for themâ
Iâm Not perfect and tho I try my hardest to be the nicest person I can be Iâm human & being emotionally hurt can sometimes misguide you in what you say.â
âIâm ok, Iâm heathy a bit bruised and cut but still blessed beyond belief. We both came out with our health intact & thatâs what I prayed for. Whenever our teams can agree on a Trilogy Iâll be ready.â
âI hope you guys all enjoyed womenâs boxing at its highest level.â
Serrano has that she did not mean to in anyway disrespect her opponent and has suggested she would love a trilogy to take place.
After two sensational fights, boxing fans would certainly love to see a triology, despite both results going in favour of Taylor thus far.
https://twitter.com/serranosisters/status/1857805085402714283?s=61
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time), Claressa Shields, made controversial comments directed at Mexican champion SaĂșl âCaneloâ Ălvarez. Shields urged Canelo to accept a fight against Jake Paul after Paulâs controversial victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson.
During the interview, Claressa Shields was asked for her opinion on Jake Paulâs next opponent. Without hesitation, Shields suggested that Canelo should take on Paul to prove that the YouTuber turned boxer is not a real contender.
âHe said he wants to fight Canelo now. This is what I donât understand about the men in boxing, okay? Here we go: people say Jake Paul isnât a real boxer, heâs bad for boxing, heâs not that good. Then why wonât any of you step in the ring and fight him and beat him?â Shields stated.Claressa Shields pointed out that, in her opinion, if anyone questions Jake Paulâs skill, the best way to silence the critics is to face him directly.
She also emphasized that a fight against Jake Paul could be an easy win for Canelo, who could showcase his superiority in the ring while earning a significant paycheck.
Claressa Shields also
Although Paul won, the champion highlighted that the real stars of the night were female fighters Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, who delivered a high-quality spectacle on the undercard.
âMike Tyson and Jake Paul⊠it was what it was, but the girls stole the show tonight. I think boxing fans were considering Amanda and Katieâs fight as the real main event here, but of course, Mike Tyson is Mike Tyson,â said Shields.
The boxer also expressed doubts about Jake Paulâs progress as a professional fighter. According to Shields, she did not observe any significant improvement in his technique but admitted that Paul is a marketing genius, able to draw thousands of fans to the arena.
Claressa Shields acknowledged that, although she doesnât fully sympathize with Jake Paul, she cannot ignore his ability to attract large crowds and generate interest in boxing.
The fight between Paul and Tyson managed to draw over 60,000 people to the arena, which, according to the champion, is an impressive achievement for someone with a background as a YouTube content creator.Amanda Serrano retracts shots taken at Katie Taylor following controversial rematch defeat
âJake is a genius at marketing, man. Itâs phenomenal to see a YouTuber get 60,000 people in the arena. Look, I take notes, even though I donât really like Jake like that, I take notes,â said Shields.
Finally, the champion expressed satisfaction that the fight between Paul and Tyson lasted all the rounds, calling the bout a win for boxing fans and a redemption for Mike Tyson, who, at 58 years old, still showed glimpses of his greatness in the early rounds.
Itâs worth remembering that Jake Paul has shown interest in facing Canelo Ălvarez, making controversial statements about the Mexican champion.
According to Paul, a fight against Canelo would represent the ultimate challenge and an opportunity to prove that his transition to professional boxing is legitimate.
With the growing media attention and Paulâs remarkable marketing skills, a fight against Canelo could become a massive event that attracts fans from around the world.
Now, the question remains whether Canelo will accept the challenge or continue ignoring Paulâs calls, focusing instead on fights with more renowned boxers with a longer professional track record.
Last night in Arlington, Texas, Jake Paul secured a win over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, marking another chapter in his controversial boxing career. Following the fight, Paul wasted no time calling out Canelo Alvarez, suggesting the pound-for-pound star could use the money. However, in a surprising twist, Artur Beterbiev, the newly crowned undisputed light heavyweight champion, has stepped forward with an offer to fight Paul.
From the moment the Tyson vs. Paul fight was announced, there were widespread ethical concerns within the sports community. Despite fears that Tyson might be knocked out, the former heavyweight champion managed to survive all eight rounds and finish on his feet. Many speculated that the decision to use 14oz glovesâfour ounces heavier than typical fight glovesâplayed a role in reducing the impact of punches, alongside the fact that the fight was only eight 2-minute rounds.
Paul, who had famously declared âHe must dieâ after Tyson slapped him at the weigh-in, kept his composure during the fight. Rather than attempting to stop Tyson, Paul threw a small number of combinations and refrained from going all-out. Some have speculated that a pre-fight agreement may have influenced Paulâs strategy, though this remains unclear.
While Paulâs victory technically means Tyson suffers a professional loss to the YouTuber-turned-boxer, itâs important to note that this was far from the Tyson that dominated the heavyweight division in his prime. As a result, Paulâs stock remains largely unaffected, and a fight with his rival KSI appears to be on the horizon.
In a surprising development, Artur Beterbiev has offered Paul the opportunity to challenge him for his WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles. On Instagram, Beterbiev posted: "Jake Paul, what can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion? Just know that Iâm always open to any suggestions." The Russian champion has expressed no reservations about facing Paul, even suggesting that he would enjoy the fight.
However, Beterbievâs immediate focus remains on a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, a fight that many boxing fans are eagerly anticipating. If their first bout is anything to go by, the rematch promises to be another thriller.
As for Paul, it remains unclear when he will return to the ring or who his next opponent will be. With Beterbievâs challenge now on the table, the options for Paul have just gotten even more intriguing.
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his opinion following the bout between the legendary Mike Tyson and the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul. The fight, held on Friday, November 15, at the AT&T Stadium, attracted a large audience, but Hearn made it clear that, in his view, this kind of matchup should not take place.
In his statements, Hearn admitted that the fight was difficult to watch. âIt was hard to watch, but it was always going to be like that. It doesnât have to be, though,â Hearn commented.
The promoter acknowledged the publicâs interest in the event, highlighting the massive turnout and the number of viewers who tuned in to watch the fight.
âTheyâre not making this for me. Look how many people showed up, look how many people tuned in. So, I canât knock itâitâs just not for me,â he added.
Despite his respect for Tyson, Eddie Hearn stated that seeing the former champion in this type of fight felt unnecessary and painful. He also acknowledged the heart and bravery that Tyson displayed throughout the match.
âI love boxing. I donât want to see Mike Tyson stuck in quicksand,â said Hearn. âHe showed unbelievable heart. No one wants to see that from Mike Tyson,â Hearn affirmed.
Tyson, 58, faced Jake Paul, 27, in an eight-round bout. âIronâ Mike, once known as the âBaddest Man on the Planet,â delivered a limited performance due to his advanced age. Though he started energetically, his physical condition deteriorated as the rounds progressed. Paul, on the other hand, came out aggressive in the beginning but quickly showed signs of fatigue as well.Eddie Hearn pointed out the lack of intensity in the fight due to the safety measures in place.
He also noted that the performance of both fighters significantly declined after the first round.EXCLUSIVE: Jake Paul sparring partner DaCarree Scott reveals camp details ahead of Mike Tyson showdown
âThey had pillows onâthey were using 14-ounce gloves. But after that, both of them were gassed,â Hearn remarked.
The promoter also reflected on the audienceâs perception, noting that many viewers tuned in just to see Tyson. âI get the casual fan. They think: âCan Mike still do it?â Science doesnât allow it, and watching it made me feel even more uncomfortable,â Hearn expressed.
At the end of the fight, Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory, a result that did not surprise most experts. However, the real debate centers around the participation of legendary figures like Tyson in such events. For Hearn, the fight was a clear sign that Tysonâs time in the ring is long over.
âI understand a lot of people were just there to watch Mike Tyson. Thatâs fair enough, I get it. But maybe those people havenât watched boxing in 35 years,â said Hearn.
âFor me, I didnât want to see it, and when I did, I wanted to see it even less,â Hearn concluded.
Last night Jake Paul defeated hall-of-famer Mike Tyson in one of the most controversial fights of all time. Many within boxing raised their concerns about the fact that now 58 years old, Tyson is not what he once was. None other of these was former WBC cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew.
The fight went as most people expected; Tyson was only able to show minuet sharpness in the early stages of the opening rounds, and Paul was able to control the fight as a result of his age advantage.
To the former YouTuberâs credit, there were many times during the fight where if he wanted to, he could have stopped Tyson, however he chose to stick on the outside and throw a few combinations.
It is unclear whether he did this on purpose as a result of a potential pre-fight agreement.
The most damning stat of the fight is the fact that Tyson threw less than 100 punches and only landed a mere 18.
Before, during, and after the fight, there has been plenty of negativity surrounding the event, particularly how this is a potentially bad look for boxing.
Fan-favourite Tony Bellew was particularly active during the weigh-in when he was ultimately escorted after criticising the event.
Moreover, in line with these views, during and after the fight he posted on his Twitter/ X account.
During the fight, he said, âIâm in the 3rd round and this is killing me to watch it! Heâs in pain and exhausted!âAgit Kabayel pulls out of purse bids for IBF final eliminator against Martin Bakole
Bellew then went on to say who he thinks is to blame for these crossover fights.
âWE are all to blame for this man!! We are all talking and watching! We have to stop this fool! Donât tune into him until he fights someone who is fit healthy and not a grandfather! Any proper boxing people helping Paul need to look at themselves ffs!! This is just sad.â
Bellew then went on to offer some credit to Paul.
âI donât like this stupid idiot kid, but I will say this. He stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive! He didnât go for the KO there he stepped off him and let him be.. Mike we all adore you king your a super hero to all of us from the proper fight business!âWE are all to blame for this man!! We are all talking and watching! We have to stop this fool! Donât tune into him until he fights someone who is fit healthy and not a grandfather! Any proper boxing people helping Paul need to look at themselves ffs!! This is just sad đ
https://twitter.com/tonybellew/status/1857655602857525314?s=46I donât like this stupid idiot kid but I will say this.. He stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive! He didnât go for the KO there he stepped off him and let him be.. Mike we all adore you king your a super hero to all of usâŠ
The scene at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, was tough for many boxing fans to witness. Legendary former champion Mike Tyson, now 58, stepped into the ring but fell short in his fight against Jake Paul.
Despite initial hopes that Tyson might channel his iconic âIronâ performances from years past, he was outpaced and ultimately defeated in a one-sided match. Tysonâs speed was notable for his age but only lasted through the early rounds. Across the eight 2-minute rounds, he managed fewer than 100 punches, landing just 18.
For Jake Paul, the fight was relatively easy, allowing him to throw punches freelyâa scenario many had feared. However, Paul did not go for a knockout and only threw a few combinations, likely influenced by the use of 14oz gloves, which reduced the potential for heavy damage.
It remains unclear whether Paul held back to avoid injuring Tyson or if there was a pre-fight agreement to keep the intensity in check. While the fight left many fans underwhelmed, Tyson avoided any significant health issues.
The event faced harsh criticism from within the boxing community. Terence Crawford, WBA super-welterweight champion and one of todayâs pound-for-pound greats, voiced his thoughts on social media.
âI love Mike Tyson, but they giving him too much credit. He looked like trash, to train that long and only throw 97 punches the whole fight is crazy. Iâm just glad he didnât get hurt out there,â Crawford wrote.
Crawford, who is currently without a set return date after his victory over Israil Madrimov, has been linked to a potential super-fight with Canelo Alvarez, as indicated by Turki Alalshikhâs interest in making it happen.
In one of the most criticized contests of all-time Jake Paul headed into a showdown against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson with the goal of leaving his mark on the professional record of a living legend. However, as many anticipated, that seemed easier to achieve than fans had hoped.
âIron Mikeâ showed limited flashes of his former self, predominantly in the opening couple of rounds, adopting his trademark peak-a-boo style to bring a smile to the millions of viewers tuning in to the Netflix live event.
Although, that was about as much nostalgia as was brought to the table, as the one-time âBaddest Man on the Planetâ showed understandably limited fitness and output throughout the eight-round affair, throwing less than 100 punches and scoring with just 18.11/15 Netflix- Paul W 10 Tyson. Paul cruised to victory. Props to Tyson for going the distance. pic.twitter.com/nGfhpLZGkl
â CompuBox (@CompuBox) November 16, 2024
As for Paul, many were watching his most high-profile clash through their fingers and grimacing on each occasion that the social media sensation landed a shot, fearful that Tyson could sign off from professional boxing in the saddest possible manner â laid out on the canvas by a man not fit to lace the boots of the former undisputed champion.
Yet, to his credit, Paul showed little intent to do too much damage to what was really a sitting duck, restricting himself to throw few combinations and instead land the eye-catching punches to win the rounds but not ones to end the fight.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ringside highlights pic.twitter.com/CIq2bWsp45
â Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) November 16, 2024New number one heavyweight contender named
It will never be known whether the YouTuber-turned-boxer took this approach as a result of a possible pre-fight agreement, or out of respect for his veteran opponent, but the fact that Paul refused to jump upon Tyson and seek to capitalize on the lack of footwork of the two-time heavyweight champion was a saving grace in an ultimately underwhelming main-event.
As for the undercard, Katie Taylor retained her undisputed super-lightweight throne with a unanimous-decision win (95-94 x3) in a close fight against Amanda Serrano, although the Netflix commentary team would leave you to believe that the Irishwoman had robbed her rival.
Meanwhile, Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos fought to a surprise draw in their WBC welterweight world title bout in one of the fights of the year, both men hitting the canvas in a display of boxing that put the headline attraction to shame.
Worryingly, Tyson refused to rule out a return to âactionâ in his post-fight interview but his performance should deter fans from encouraging a 58th career fight, whilst Paul refused to call out Saul âCaneloâ Alvarez in the aftermath, despite labelling him as his next target beforehand.
The fact that he earned a reported $2.22 million per punch that Tyson landed may have convinced him to steer clear of more active opposition and milk the cow that boxing has become whilst he can.