Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are all of the talk in the United Kingdom right now as the two Britons prepare to descend upon Wembley Stadium for a third all-British heavyweight title affair in as many years. Now, one of the country’s most accomplished fighters has named what he believes will be the difference maker as former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis looked ahead to the weekend’s action.

As Daniel Dubois has risen through the levels, he has had to prove that he is more than just a devastating puncher and that he has both the ability and heart of a true world champion. Whilst many have slandered the IBF’s decision to upgrade ‘Triple D’ from interim champion to world champion, few can argue that he has shown as much spirit and determination as any fighter when stopping both Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, following criticism that Dubois lacked the grit to ever achieve world honours.
 

Now Dubois will appear on the biggest possible stage – a record-breaking clash against Britain’s long-standing poster boy – and the defending champion will be made to prove his worth once again.

Speaking with , Lennox Lewis declared that this fight is Dubois’ opportunity to finally earn the respect of the British public that he so craves.

“I think that this is a fight where he [Joshua] can actually put things together and it is a good test for him because Daniel Dubois has been on the outside for a while, and he wants to be at the top. He realises that Anthony Joshua has got that [respect] right now, Tyson Fury has got that right now, so he wants the people to be talking about him as well. In order for people to be talking about him, he has got to do the work and go in there, impress people, and win the fight.”
 

However, defeating a resurgent Anthony Joshua will be no easy feat for Dubois and the challenger will understandably step through the ropes as the favourite with the bookmakers, considering Dubois’ lack of head movement against Hrgovic and AJ’s recent knockout of the year contender against Francis Ngannou.Teofimo Lopez Confirms That He Is Working With A New Trainer “I’m Just Warming Up.”

In order to upset the odds, Lewis went on to claim that the winner of this meeting will be the man who is able to establish his jab, a philosophy that carried Lewis to tremendous success throughout his fruitful career.

“The person that secures his jab in the fight will win the fight because every great heavyweight had a great jab.”

Joshua-Dubois will take place on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium, topping a bill that features a number of 50/50 affairs that are likely to have world title implications for a host of British fighters across a variety of weight-classes, as Hamzah Sheeraz, Joshua Buatsi and Mark Chamberlain hope to edge closer to their own shots at world honours.

#JoshuaDubois #LennoxLewis #Heavyweights #boxing #boxingnews #boxingfans #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois

Middleweight Troy Isley, inspired by his parents’ work ethic and values, is steadily moving closer to a title shot.

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Isley is set to co-feature in the Nov. 8 card at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, where he will face 30-year-old Tyler “Herc” Howard (20-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Isley (13-0, 5 KOs) grew up watching his parents, Kevin Johnson and Taninia Isley, work tirelessly to provide for their family. 

“My dad was always around, taking me to practice and picking me up,” the 26-year-old Isley said. “He worked two jobs, but he was always there. My mom, though, was always working – two, sometimes three jobs. I didn’t understand it as a kid, but now I realize she was doing everything to make sure I had what I needed.”

Isley’s mother works as a caregiver and holds a part-time job at Trader Joe’s, refusing to retire despite years of hard work.

His father, now retired, spent more than 20 years working for Mercedes-Benz and Trader Joe’s, instilling in Isley discipline and resilience.

As a professional boxer, Isley’s focus has shifted to the demanding work of his sport. He regularly travels to training camps in Las Vegas and Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his team, led by Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, and is determined to achieve his ultimate goal. "I want to be a two-time world champion and make sure my family never has to worry about anything again," Isley said. "That’s what I’m working for."

Returning home after a fight is always a joyful occasion for Isley, whose strong family support keeps him grounded.

With his first professional fight near his hometown on the horizon, Isley is eager to share this special moment with his loved ones. Yet he remains grounded in his blue-collar roots, emphasizing that there is more work ahead.

Looking at the current state of the middleweight division, Isley sees a prime opportunity to make his mark. With aging WBA titleholder Erislandy Lara and Janibek Alimkhanuly struggling to generate widespread attention, the division is open for a young fighter to make a name for himself.

#TroyIsley #TylerHoward #Boxing #Middleweight #Family #HardWork #TitleShot #RoyJones #Sports #Inspiration #BoxingTraining #Dedication #ProfessionalBoxing #VirginiaBoxing #BlueCollar #FutureChampion

Unbeaten New Zealander Andrei Mikhailovich will take on Kazakhstan’s IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly  on Friday, October 4, at The Star in Sydney, Australia.

Eleven years ago, Daniel Geale defeated Anthony Mundine at Sydney’s Entertainment Centre for the same title.

Alimkhanuly-Mikhailovich had been due to headline a July 13 show at Palms Casino in Las Vegas, but was canceled ahead of the weigh-in when Janibek was hospitalized due to dehydration. Mikhailovich’s promoter No Limit Boxing won the subsequent IBF purse bid and elected to stage the fight in Australia.

“In the Olympic Games in Sydney, two Kazakh boxers won gold,” recalled Alimkhanuly. “ Bekzat Sattarhanov and Yermakhan Ibraimov inspired many Kazakhs. I grew up with a dream to glorify my country like them. I am very happy that I will box in Sydney. I want to show the world my flag in Sydney once again, as our Olympic champions did in 2000. The fight with Andrei is very important to me because he is an official contender for my title. He is like a cloud for me now. I must quickly get rid of the cloud to see the sun. Everyone knows and understands that he is easy work for me. I will knock him out very quickly.”

Janibek is 15-0 (10 KOs) and a former 2016 Olympian. Mikhailovich, 21-0 (13 KOs) was born in Russia but brought up in New Zealand, turning pro in 2018.

#JanibekAlimkhanuly #AndreiMikhailovich #Boxing #IBFChampion #Middleweight #Sydney #Kazakhstan #NewZealand #Olympics #KO #Unbeaten #TitleFight #BoxingNews #Sports #FightNight

Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr. said he’s trying not to pay too much attention to his knockout streak ahead of Friday’s clash with tough Philadelphian Joey Dawejko.

Torrez is 10-0 (10 KOs) and the 25-year-old from California has already stopped Donald Haynesworth in one round and Brandon Moore in five in 2024.

Dawejko is 28-11-4 (16 KOs).

It’s hard to say I haven’t recognized [the knockout streak], but it’s not something I search for,” said Torrez. “Growing up in the amateurs and pros now, I noticed that the more you look for it, the less likely it is to come.”

Asked how Friday – in Glendale, Arizona, as part of the bill topped by Jaime Munguia and Erik Bazinyan – might go, Torrez added: “I think fireworks happen. I’m really excited for Friday night because I think he’s going to come to fight. He’s ready to show out for the crowd and likewise for me. I think it’s going to be a really cool battle. I don’t think we’re going to take steps back too much. I’m excited to put on a show for Arizona.”

Dawejko, who earlier this week told BoxingScene he’s fighting to give his family a better future, said: “It feels great. It’s amazing. I fought on Top Rank cards a few times. I’m happy to be back now, especially since I’ve been training and doing what I’m supposed to do. He’s a great prospect, silver medalist in the Olympics. I think it’s the right time in both of our careers for this fight. Obviously, they called me to test this guy. Taking this fight was easy for me because I’ve been in there with everybody and am used to fighting different styles. I’m ready to show him how the pros work. I’ve focused on training this whole camp. My roofing business took a back seat so I could focus on what I have to.”  

#RichardTorrezJr #JoeyDawejko #HeavyweightBoxing #KnockoutStreak #Boxing #Glendale #Arizona #FightNight #Prospect #BoxingNews #MunguiaBazinyan #Sports #Olympics #BoxingFans #Family

Trainer Jay “Panda” Najar is targeting the biggest and best fights for his fighter, William Zepeda.

According to Najar, bouts versus Vasiliy Lomachenko and Gervonta “Tank” Davis are ones that could catapult Zepeda’s career. The Mexican-based coach says his top priority would be for his charge to face Ukraine’s Lomachenko, the three-division titlist who currently holds the IBF lightweight belt. 

“I would probably like Lomachenko just because of the name he's had, just because of what he's done in boxing history,” Najar told BoxingScene.

For now, the undefeated Zepeda, 28, 31-0 (27 KOs), will have to settle for former IBF junior lightweight belt-holder Tevin Farmer, who he faces on Nov. 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Farmer fight will be Zepeda’s third this year following stoppage wins over Maxi Hughes and Giovanni Cabrera in March and July respectively.

Prior to the Farmer announcement, Team Zepeda negotiated a potential bout versus undefeated WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. However, Zepeda wanted to wait until at least November to fight as he was expecting to become a father before then. Stevenson decided to go ahead and fight Joe Cordina on October 12 with the prospect of fighting Zepeda early next year. That Cordina fight is now off as Stevenson sustained injuries to his right hand during a sparring session. It’s possible Stevenson will head directly into a Zepeda fight next year, provided the latter is to come away with a win on November 16.  

Another matchup Najar would welcome is against undefeated WBA boss Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Davis, a three-division champion widely considered among the best fighters in the world, represents the holy grail for Najar. 

“We're interested in all of the fights. We're interested in whatever opportunity is given to us. Gervonta Davis is the big name at that weight division. So, we're just looking for him to give us an opportunity,” said Najar.

Najar hailed Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) for his devastating performances over the years and cautioned that Zepeda would need a great game plan to topple him. 

“It's a very tough fight. It's a strong fight where we have to be very careful against a fighter who gives up rounds and finishes his opponents in a devastating manner. So, we have to be very careful. We have to make a great game plan, have great sparring. But, I think it's a very tough fight for both fighters.”

#WilliamZepeda #VasiliyLomachenko #TankDavis #JayNajar #BoxingNews #FightTalk #BoxingShowdown #ZepedaVsLomachenko #ZepedaVsTank #BoxingFans #BoxingWorld #BoxingCommunity #FightNight #BoxingUpdates #BoxingRumors

The International Boxing Federation is inserting itself into the business of titleholders like none of its three peers this year, stripping heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk days after he became the first undisputed champion in a generation, and then taking away the belt of none other than Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

More than two decades after a racketeering trial that found former IBF head Bob Lee guilty of bribery, the sanctioning body has operated as the biggest stickler among the others – WBC, WBA, WBO – in regard to obeying its bylaws regarding mandatory title defenses and related obligations.

This week, the IBF ruled that its new junior lightweight titleholder Anthony Cacace went outside the rules by agreeing to a fight with former featherweight titlist Josh Warrington.

In response, the IBF not only ruled that Cacace-Warrington is a non-title fight but also said Cacace will lose his belt in defeat. By steering clear of mandatory contender Eduardo Nunez now, Cacace will be obligated to fight Nunez by year’s end or lose his belt.

In an extended conversation over the IBF’s stringent responses on Tuesday’s edition of ProBox TV’s “Top Stories,” former world titleholders Chris Algieri and Paulie Malignaggi sought to make sense of the inexact policies that sanctioning bodies lean upon to make – or not make – impactful decisions.

“The IBF is the quickest to strip … I wish there could just be a standard that was set for everyone,” Malignaggi said.

Algieri said he’s bemused by the treatment of Cacace, asking, “Why does his belt become vacant if he loses? The belt’s not even on the line.”

The discretionary rules reminded Algieri of his own shoddy treatment by the WBO, which originally green-lit him as its 140-pound titleholder in 2014 to fight WBO welterweight belt holder Manny Pacquiao, and then reversed course and informed Algieri days before the fight that he would be stripped once he stepped into the ring with Pacquiao.

“There’s always things playing out behind the scenes in terms of why this fighter’s getting stripped and why this fighter holds on to it: It’s the almighty green [money]," Algieri said.

“Cacace is not as marketable. It looks like [the IBF] is propping him up for a loss. It all looks fishy. I don’t trust it. It doesn’t pass the sniff test. This is boxing. I know how this stuff works.”

The sanctioning bodies collect a 3 percent fee from fight purses, so the more popular the titleholder, the bigger the purses, and the richer the organization's cut is.

That scenario has been pointed to repeatedly as a key factor why the WBC wouldn’t strip Alvarez of his super middleweight belt despite the long wait of previously top-ranked, unbeaten former WBC super middleweight titlist David Benavidez.

Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) became so fatigued by the process that he moved up to light heavyweight, hoping the WBC will back his effort to fight the winner of the Oct. 12 undisputed title fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in Saudi Arabia.

It’s why Malignaggi wonders why the IBF was so slow to strip Alvarez of his belt for not fighting mandatory William Scull, who will now fight for the 168-pound belt against Russia’s Vladmir Shishkin next month in Germany.

“They stripped Usyk so quickly because they wanted [Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois] to fight [Saturday in front of more than 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium] … it makes you think,” Malignaggi said. “That’s where the double standard comes in.

“I’m all for stripping guys when they’re not fighting their mandatories and keeping the wheel turning – I think what’s happening in [Alvarez’s] division is completely disgraceful. But there’s a proper way to do it.”

The IBF most horrifically found its rankings system twisted in the case of unbeaten welterweight titleholder Jaron “Boots” Ennis, who less than two years after routing Karen Chukhadzhian by three 120-108 scores is now obligated to fight him again in a title defense.

Sanctioning bodies often don’t include rival bodies’ belt holders in their own rankings, making unifications difficult and leading to some preferential treatment.

“The frustrating thing about the sanctioning bodies is that there’s no consistency,” Malignaggi said.

One current interesting case is how the WBO will treat its “super” champion Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), who is facing a counting clock of less than 10 days to inform WBO/WBC junior middleweight belt holder Sebastian Fundora whether he intends to fight him by year’s end or not.

But Crawford also wants a shot at Alvarez, who may not get back to Crawford during this shortening window.

While Crawford should be held accountable to making a decision or not under the deadline, a WBO official told BoxingScene this week, “The parties can certainly request for an extension.”

“The problem is boxing is just like real life – it’s all networking, it’s all connections, it’s all nepotism,” Malignaggi said. “So if you have a good relationship or if you bring in some more money, suddenly you see rules being bent while others may get stripped right away. I wouldn’t mind it being consistent, with standards that are upheld.”

#AnthonyCacace #IBF #BoxingNews #Fighters #SportsUpdate #BoxingCommunity #BoxingWorld #Championship #FightGame #SportsNews #TitleFight #Athletes #ProfessionalBoxing #BoxingLife #SportsHeadlines

Erik Bazinyan has feasted on fringe super middleweight contenders, but he’ll face the toughest test of his 11-year career Friday night when he faces Jaime Munguia, one of the division’s top fighters. 

Bazinyan (32-0-1, 23 KOs) and Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) will fight Friday at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona headlining a Top Rank on ESPN card.

Munguia will be fighting for the first time since suffering the first loss of his pro career against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May. Munguia was knocked down but not out, climbing off the canvas to fight 12 strong rounds against the super middleweight king. 

Bazinyan’s last fight took place two days before Munguia’s, but it was a forgettable one. The Quebec, Canada-based, Armenian contender fought tooth and nail against Shakeel Phinn and was fortunate to escape with a split draw. 

Now Bazinyan is looking to do what Alvarez couldn’t – score a stoppage win against Munguia – and then leverage his newfound opportunity to call on Alvarez as the Mexican superstar seeks viable opponents for his May 2025 return. 

“My goal is to knock out Munguia and say, ‘Bring on Canelo,’” Bazinyan told BoxingScene. “If the knockout comes, it will be a big statement. It's time for only the biggest fights from now on.”

Before the uneven fight against Phinn, Bazinyan boasted wins against veteran gatekeepers Ronald Ellis, Alantez Fox and Marcelo Coceres. With the victories, Bazinyan evolved into a top-ranked contender by the four major sanctioning bodies – No. 2 (WBO), No. 4 (WBA) No. 6 (WBC) and No. 7 (IBF). 

Oddsmakers have installed Munguia as a -1200 betting favorite, and Bazinyan a +700 underdog, according to DraftKings. 

“I'm very excited. It's the best opportunity that I've gotten in my career,” said Bazinyan. “I've gotten many offers before, but I was young. I'm 29 now. I'm mature physically and mentally. I’m ready. It's now or never.”

Bazinyan doesn’t believe that Munguia is taking him lightly based on his questionable last performance. 

“We'll see – let the people sleep on me,” said Bazinyan. “I wasn't myself in that fight against Phinn. I was dealing with sinus issues two weeks before the fight. I was sick for 10 days. It was a bad training camp for me, and it showed in the fight. I felt like a beginner and didn't have any energy after the second round. It was supposed to be an easy fight, but I did not want to make excuses right after. I also hurt my hand in the second round and it was swollen for more than a week. If I was 100% I would not have any issues beating him, but it's OK. It happened. No excuses. I'm a man. I'm thankful I didn't lose.”

After watching the tape, the Marc Ramsay-trained Bazinyan thought he won the fight six rounds to four. The close call has also led to newfound energy for Bazinyan. 

“Training for the biggest fight of my career has made a big difference,” said Bazinyan. “It's going to change my life and career. The timing couldn't be any better. I am disciplined and energized. When I win, I can become one of the faces of Armenian boxing.”

Munguia, meanwhile, is looking to prove that he merely fell short against one of the best fighters of his generation. To better prepare for his Top Rank promotional debut , Munguia has reunited with Hall of Fame fighter turned trainer Erik Morales after a two-fight stint with Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach. 

“Munguia did very well against Canelo,” said Bazinyan. “He did what he could do. He's a very tough guy. He has a good chin. But he's beatable. He gets hit a lot. I'm going to pick up my shots and will surprise him.”

Bazinyan is also trying to disrupt the Mexican contender’s plans of facing stablemate Christian Mbilli, who is also trained by Ramsay, and, like himself, is represented by Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger. Top Rank, who co-promotes Mbilli along with Estephan, is keen on making a Munguia vs. Mbilli matchup in 2025 . 

Munguia, 27, will be fighting for the third time this year; his other fight was a four-knockdown, ninth-round KO win against John Ryder in January. He’s also pocketed a close Fight of the Year award-winning war against Sergiy Derevyanchenko in 2023, but Bazinyan is trying to escape a firefight if he can by outboxing the hard-charging Munguia. 

“I don't think it'll be the smartest thing to do [to engage in a war] because he has more experience,” said Bazinyan. “That's his style. He just fights. He doesn't move. I have to be smart. I can fight. I can box. I'm not a one-way fighter. So it's not going to be easy to just do something and beat me."

#ErikBazinyan #JaimeMunguia #CaneloAlvarez #BoxingPredictions #BoxingKO #FightNight #BoxingNews #CaneloVsBazinyan #BoxingShowdown #BoxingWorld #KO #BoxingCommunity #Middleweight #BoxingUpdates #FightHype

BoxingScene’s Midweek Mailbag: Your Canelo-Berlanga post-fight thoughts (and ours) 

By BoxingScene staff

In this week’s mailbag, BoxingScene tackles your opinions and questions following Canelo Alvarez’s unanimous decision victory over Edgar Berlanga, talking about the fight itself and what could and should come next for both Canelo and Berlanga.

Want to be featured in the mailbag? Comment or ask a question in the comments section below. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. We also may select readers’ comments from other BoxingScene stories.

EVEN IF CANELO RETURNS TO 175, HE’LL STILL DUCK DAVID BENAVIDEZ

This cherry-picking coward [Canelo] will challenge the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev winner so he can continue to duck the true action fight against David Benavidez.

-Nightfall

David Greisman’s response: Count me among the many who’ve long wanted to see Canelo vs. Benavidez, and who has been annoyed by Canelo’s recent slate of opponents . But you lost me when you derided a potential fight between Canelo and the winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev.

Whoever ends that October 12 fight with their hands raised in the air will be the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Bivol and Beterbiev have accomplished far more in that division than Benavidez, who, to be fair, only arrived at 175 in June with a decision victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Benavidez was otherwise the top remaining challenger at 168 after Canelo defeated the three super middleweight titleholders to become that division’s true champ.

CANELO IS RUNNING OUT OF HALF-CREDIBLE OPPONENTS AT 168

In another two to three fights, Canelo will run out of even half-credible punching bags, and people will refuse to pay for these silly shows. What is he going to do then? Grow a pair when he is even older and even more diminished?

-BrankoB

David Greisman’s response: Our team at BoxingScene was wondering something similar, discussing Canelo’s next opponent in this roundtable . I agree with you that the cupboard is running bare in terms of appealing super middleweight foes for Canelo. There is a second tier of contenders and rising prospects, but they haven’t done enough yet where I’d want to see them take on the champ.

What happened is that Canelo became the undisputed champion by plowing through the three top names (Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, Plant) but never quite cleaned out the division. Instead, he froze out David Benavidez in particular, as well as David Morrell. Both Davids have gone on to 175.

Canelo is essentially in the “retirement tour” phase of his career where he’s focusing more on money. The problem is he’s doing that while also still proclaiming himself to be one of the best in the world, yet he’s sidestepping the additional expectations and responsibilities that come with being king.

My buddy Abraham Gonzalez of FightsATW.com believes that Canelo’s next step could be to take his tour on the road. As Abe told me, a fight between Canelo and Chris Eubank Jr. in the United Kingdom would be disappointing for a ton of us, and yet it would do huge business at Wembley Stadium.

I hope Abe is wrong. But I wouldn’t be surprised if his prediction comes true.

WHY DIDN’T BERLANGA PRESS THE ACTION MORE?

I don’t understand how you can have that level of size, youth and strength advantage and not press the action. I have no idea what Berlanga thought he was doing by retreating to the ropes and corners.

-Oldskoolg

Lucas Ketelle’s response: So why did Edgar Berlanga spend a good chunk of Saturday night’s fight backing up against the seemingly smaller Canelo Alvarez? The answer is both straightforward and layered.

In a nutshell, Berlanga wasn’t strong or quick enough to counter Alvarez’s superior skills and experience. On the flip side, Alvarez wasn’t too old, small or slow to be beaten by youth alone. That is the answer.

Berlanga made attempts to adjust. Initially, his confidence was high, but once he got dropped, his attitude shifted — maybe he was just trying to survive, but he didn’t completely throw in the towel either. His second strategy was to get gritty, using headbutts and late punches. Alvarez, however, met him with equal aggression, rendering that plan ineffective.

Next, Berlanga tried the classic outgunned approach: relying on power and timing rather than speed, and lowering his output to try and land a big shot. He positioned himself on the ropes, hoping to catch Alvarez with a right hand or another decisive blow if Alvarez overcommitted. But Alvarez, knowing this was Berlanga’s only chance, wasn’t about to give him that opportunity.

Berlanga was fully aware of what was unfolding but either lacked the physical tools, the experience in such a high-stakes fight, or simply struggled to adjust to the moment against a high-level opponent. Yet credit where it’s due — he stuck it out and fought through. He did what he thought could work, and to his credit, it got him through the fight, defying many doubters in the process who didn’t think he could see the final bell.

CANELO IS SUCCEEDING DESPITE A LACK OF ONE-PUNCH POWER

Canelo has just never had power at this weight. He has to hit opponents a ton of times to stop them (Caleb Plant). And the fact that opponents can take his power means they are less cautious and land more of their own. Canelo was always a 40% power-based fighter with those big, bludgeoning shots he’d send through.

He’s doing great, though, considering this and his age. Canelo is the best fighter of our age. So many huge fights, and he’s still beating younger guys in his decline.

We saw exactly the same thing with David Benavidez when he went up in weight. Suddenly the monster wasn't the same.

-Roberto Vasquez 

Owen Lewis’ response: I hear your point on Canelo’s power — aside from a few highlight-reel KOs, he’s never been a one-punch guy. That said, if our standard for a lack of power is “has to hit opponents a lot of times to get a stoppage,” I’ve got news for you: save Naoya Inoue and the biggest-punching heavyweights, hardly anybody has that kind of power. 

Canelo’s brand of it is certainly sneaky, manifesting only in single knockdowns recently, but there’s a reason few fighters come directly at him. Those shots hurt, and the quickness of his counters clearly scares his opponents. Unless you have a Golovkin-level chin, Canelo’s power can knock you out, and if it doesn’t, it’s still plenty capable of forcing you to abandon your offense to avoid getting slept. 

So many of Canelo’s opponents tasted that first hard counter and fought the rest of the fight on the back foot. If he didn’t have power, we’d see far more fighters assaulting him with body shots or marching forward in the championship rounds.

As for Canelo’s age, I think we sometimes treat him with kid gloves. He’s only recently turned 34. He was 31 years old when he last fought a truly risky opponent in Bivol, back in May 2022. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk are recording arguably career-best victories at 36 and 37. Usyk, to me, is giving Canelo a real run for his money for Fighter of the Generation. Usyk’s career may be shorter and narrower than Canelo’s, but he’s also never lost, never ducked a rival, never had to serve a suspension for testing positive for a PED, and continues to seek the best possible opponents (he’s saying he’d fight Joshua for a third time, for God’s sake) and has won his biggest fights as the B-side. 

By the end of their careers, I expect Crawford and Inoue to have arguments as the best of the bunch as well. Canelo has been, and remains, a sensational fighter, but beating the likes of Berlanga — a +1000 underdog at DraftKings — doesn’t raise his stock.

BERLANGA IMPRESSED WITH HIS LOSS TO CANELO?

I give Berlanga more props than I gave him before. Now that Berlanga vs. Plant fight looks interesting.

TURKI ALALSHIKH IS GETTING UNFAIRLY CRITICIZED

Lately, every article that mentions Turki Alalshikh also intimates Saudi Arabia's lack of moral intention, as if to purposely define Turki's contribution to boxing by his country's politics.

Conversely, when writing about Bob Arum, nobody feels the need to bring up the U.S. government's threats to the newly elected Mexican president because she intends to remove corrupt judges on the Exxon-Mobil payroll.

Not once did the article mention that Turki put on the best back-to-back match-ups in a decade.

-Factsarenice

David Greisman's response: First, thank you for your response to last week’s mailbag. Your comment is in reference to a letter, and our response, about the idea of a Saudi-owned boxing league.

There are a few important things missing from your comment, however.

First and foremost: Turki Alalshikh’s entry into boxing is on behalf of, and funded by, Saudi Arabia. Alalshikh is chairman of the board of directors of the General Entertainment Authority, which is part of the Saudi government. Sela, which is often listed as co-promoting the Riyadh Season events, is owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

Alalshikh is not just a promoter from Saudi Arabia. He is a promoter for Saudi Arabia. Top Rank, run by Bob Arum, is a private company that does not officially represent, and is not funded by, the United States government.

Yes, we can enjoy getting the big fights we wanted, and also some of the fights we didn’t know we wanted. But we must also recognize how unlikely it is that Riyadh Season and its backers are profiting from them. Not financially, at least.

That brings us back to the “why” of it all. When we bring up sportswashing, it is because Saudi Arabia — via Alalshikh and the related entities — is funding sporting events, and investing in leagues, with a primary goal of distracting from the ongoing narrative about the country’s leadership.

Want to be featured in the mailbag? Comment or ask a question in the comments section below. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. We also may select comments from other BoxingScene stories.

#CaneloBerlanga #BoxingScene #BoxingFans #FightThoughts #PostFight #Canelo #EdgarBerlanga #BoxingNews #BoxingRecap #FightAnalysis #BoxingUpdates #FightNight #BoxingCommunity #BoxingDebate #SportsTalk

Chris Colbert's comeback campaign is coming to ProBox TV.

"Primetime" Colbert (17-2, 6 KOs) will take on Omar Salcido (19-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout on Oct. 9 to headline ProBox TV's "Wednesday Night Fights" series at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

Colbert, 27, will be coming into the fight looking to revive his career after losing two out of his last three fights.

In December, Colbert was knocked out by Jose Valenzuela in the sixth round of their rematch. Nine months prior, Colbert had scored a controversial unanimous decision against Valenzuela, which led to the sequel. Valenzuela went on to leverage his win against Colbert into a title shot against Isaac Cruz, whom he beat via split decision in August for the 140-pound WBA title.

The only other loss of the Brooklyn, New York, native Colbert's nine-year career came to former 135-pound titleholder Hector Luis Garcia in February 2022. 

Salcido, a 24-year-old Mexican based in California, last fought in December and scored an eight-round decision win against Luis Coria. Salcido made his United States debut in the fight before in October on a ProBox TV card, losing to Jose Nunez via unanimous decision. 

Also set to be featured on the card for his third consecutive ProBox TV appearance is 2016 Mongolian Olympian Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (10-0, 5 KOs) against Frency Fortunato (15-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight contest.

Additional bouts include David Navarro (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. Mykell Gamble (7-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight, Charles Harris Jr. (9-1, 7 KOs) vs. Roberto Kevin Escobar Tapia (6-3-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior welterweight clash and the return of touted light heavyweight prospect Najee Lopez (11-0, 8 KOs) against an opponent yet to be determined.

#ChrisColbert #OmarSalcido #ProBoxTV #BoxingShowdown #FightNight #BoxingNews #October9 #BoxingFans #BoxingMatch #FightPredictions #BoxingUpdates #BoxingWorld #BoxingCommunity #MainEvent #FightCard

PHOENIX – Jaime Munguia repeated his objection to Canelo Alvarez’s assertion that he carried him – this time without any ambiguity.

Asked Tuesday during an appearance at a Phoenix gym just days before his super-middleweight fight Friday against Canadian Erik Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena in nearby Glendale, Munguia told Boxing Scene through an interpreter, “Truth is, I found it disrespectful.”

Munguia repeatedly dealt with the question late last week during  media appearances, including one at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas before Alvarez scored a one-sided decision over Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena.

Days later, Munguia spoke like an attorney presenting a key piece of evidence to a jury.

“He didn’t knock out Berlanga,’’ Munguia noted Tuesday.

The “carried” question was raised last week when Alvarez, who had promised to stop Berlanga within eight rounds, told reporters that he  backed off and settled for a unanimous decision over Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) on May 4 because he didn’t want to embarrass his fellow Mexican.

A sequence in the 12th round when Alvarez rocked Munguia prompted the discussion.

Munguia wasn’t asking for any favors, and said he’s certain Alvarez would have achieved the stoppage if the opportunity had truly been there.

“It was a good fight,’’ he said then. “It was a close fight. That’s what I think.’’

Then he watched the Canelo-Berlanga fight, which was similar to his May 4 bout against Canelo in a couple of ways. Canelo won both by decision. He knocked down each challenger: Munguia in the fourth round and Berlanga in the third. On the scorecards, however, Munguia was closer than Berlanga. 

Against Berlanga, Canelo won in a runaway — 118-109, 117-110, 118-109. Against Munguia, not so much — 117-110, 116-111, 115-112.

“It was a good one for the fans,’’ Munguia said.

Munguia emphasized that he performed better than Berlanga.

“I had a better performance in several ways,’’ Munguia said. “I threw more punches.’’

Erik Morales, who is back as Munguia’s trainer, is also skeptical about the Canelo claim that he carried Munguia, who had Freddie Roach in his corner in May.

“I just don’t believe it,’’ said Morales, a Mexican legend and four-division champion from Tijuana who has gone back to work with Munguia after winning a seat in Mexico’s federal government as a representative for the State of Baja.

Meanwhile, it looks as if Munguia is already on Berlanga’s radar.

At a press conference following Canelo’s victory, Munguia was the first name mentioned as a future foe by Berlanga promoter Eddie Hearn.

“Of course, I am ready to fight anybody,’’ said the 27-year-Munguia, who is fighting for the second time within a year in the Phoenix area – he stopped John Ryder in January at Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns’ home arena.

“I’m just entering my prime.’’

#JaimeMunguia #CaneloAlvarez #BoxingDebate #FightNight #BoxingRivalry #BoxingNews #BoxingCommunity #BoxingWorld #FightTalk #CaneloVsMunguia #BoxingAnalysis #FightBreakdown #BoxingShowdown #BoxingChampions #SportsDebate

Maybe you had to be there … .

In a lively Monday edition of ProBox TV’s “Top Stories,” hosts Paulie Malignaggi and Chris Algieri delved into the quality of Canelo Alvarez’s victory over Edgar Berlanga, and projected what it means for the four-division champion’s future.

While former 140-pound champion Algieri discussed the entertainment value of the latest Canelo fight week in Las Vegas, and how at age 34, the magic remains, Malignaggi objected to Alvarez performing as a “bully” against “no-hopers.”

“Someone who says they love boxing wants to fight the best,” Malignaggi said. “You’ve got to set an example for the sport.  … He can still do a lot, but he likes to be the bully. 

“Berlanga fought just enough to keep (Alvarez) off him and Canelo does leave you alone. (When Berlanga landed a good punch), he would never go follow it up. (Dmitrii) Bivol did. He was assaulting and attacking (Alvarez).”

That difference in the class of opposition is what stirred Malignaggi, who said Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) “was never in threat of losing … tell me where Berlanga tried to win the fight.”

Instead of seeking an opponent like Bivol or even unbeaten recent super-middleweights David Benavidez or David Morrell, Alvarez turned to an unproven power puncher who’d never been near a pay-per-view main event.

“Do you love boxing or love being the bully? (Alvarez) is too good to be on these retirement tours.”

Algieri agreed the bout never took a turn to force viewers to consider Alvarez could lose, but said watching the veteran champion from Mexico have his way with Berlanga was entertaining.

“He didn’t quite dog-walk (Berlanga), but he domesticated him,” Algieri said, describing the victory that included a third-round knockdown as a “carbon copy” of recent single-knockdown victories over John Ryder and Jaime Munguia.

It was a case of, “You stay there, I’m going to bust you up along the way. (Alvarez) said it afterward, ‘Knockouts are special. Winning is what it’s all about.’

“Canelo at 34 is not the Canelo of old who posted knockouts of the year in 2015 (James Kirkland) and 2016 (Amir Khan). That guy is gone. This guy is not the same finisher. He walks you down but throws his combinations one at a time – 30 punches a round. He looked good, though. He’s the best 168-pounder around and this version is still fun.”

Algieri described the third round knockdown – a left hook landed right on the chin – as “brilliant.”

While Alvarez didn’t post the landmark 40th knockdown he said he was chasing before the fight, he did cross the threshold of more than 500 professional rounds. With Alvarez being a pro since age 15, Algieri said it needs to be factored into the viewing of Canelo fights that “he’s 34 going on 40 … he’s an old 34.”

Industry experts reached Tuesday believe Alvarez-Berlanga will surpass 500,000 pay-per-view buys after selling out T-Mobile Arena with more than 20,000 in attendance. 

“He’s the money train, and the train keeps rolling,” Algieri said. “He’s fun to watch, and we’re going to miss him when he’s gone.”

Malignaggi embraced that point, adding, “He still has a responsibility as a champion. He can (take these types of fights) if he’s not a champion. He shouldn’t keep the belts hostage.”

Malignaggi doesn’t expect Alvarez to fight Bivol or fellow 175-pound champion Artur Beterbiev or Benavidez. He said the more likely path is a date against WBC No. 1 contender Christian Mbilli or fellow four-division champion Terence Crawford, who’d be moving up 21 pounds from his fighting weight of last year.

“There’s a little bit of an argument,” over who’d win Alvarez-Crawford, “enough” to make the fight, Malignaggi said.

Algieri argued Alvarez may still opt to fight Benavidez at 168 pounds, with a rehydration clause preventing the unbeaten Phoenix fighter from packing on the 25 extra pounds Alvarez has alleged will happen.

“(Alvarez) could take that fight as his last stop … he’s crafty and counter-punches well enough to give pressure fighters (like Benavidez) pause,” Algieri said to Malignaggi. “If (Alvarez) out like that – even if he loses – what will you say?”

#CaneloAlvarez #BoxingVictory #FightRecap #BoxingDebate #CaneloWin #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #BoxingCommunity #BoxingWorld #PoundForPound #FightAnalysis #BoxingChampions #CaneloLegacy #FightTalk #BoxingUpdates

The highly regarded Cameron Vuong likely impressed the onlooking Turki Alalshikh with a typically flashy display atop a quirky three-fight show that followed the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua public workouts in London.

In Beeston, England’s Joe Underwood Hughes encountered a foe who had not come to roll over. Hughes survived an early onslaught, lead right hands launched from audacious angles finding the target, before having a better second round as he pushed Vuong back, even landing the odd jab.

But Vuong (6-0, 3 KOs) upped the pace in the third. More rights thudded through Hughes’ high guard and, by the fourth, Vuong was planting his feet and firing both hands with bad intentions. Hughes was bleeding from a wound above the left eye when more blood started to seep from his nose after a straight right clattered home.

Hughes is known for his courage and, as the fifth began, he tried to reset. By now, however, Vuong had invited his left uppercut to the bludgeoning, and the prospect, who would step back then spring forward with both hands firing, seemed on the brink of a stoppage win.

Hughes had a better sixth. At times, he tried to go punch for punch with Vuong, and he landed a good left hook before being countered by a better right. Then he had an even better seventh as Vuong seemed to tire.

The 22-year-old Vuong endured a tricky beginning to the eighth, but he was still in control and finished with a flourish, drilling Hughes (8-4, 1 KO) in the final seconds with both hands.

“I would have loved to get him out of there, but it wasn’t to be,” said Vuong. “I get another eight rounds, and the education continues.”

Sheffield-born “Prince” Aadam Hamed cruised to 3-0 (1 KO) as his father and former world featherweight champion Naseem Hamed watched from ringside. Santiago Garces (4-33-5, 2 KOs), a Colombian based in Southampton, England, was tasked with the role of opponent, one who was not supposed to win nor collapse too quickly, and he played it well. After four rounds, Hamed won by a 40-36 score.

Southpaw Hamed opened with a long, spearing jab and made the most of his obvious height and reach advantages from the get-go. There were flashes of his father in Hamed’s work – the rapid hands and the showboating feet – but there are certainly enough rough edges to keep his coach Jamie Moore busy.

Garces walked into a left hand towards the end of the opening session, the effect of the punch causing him to stagger. Hamed was perhaps guilty of telegraphing his intentions at times, and though his jab was slick and sharp when he chose to deploy it, he then struggled to judge the distance of his trailing left.

These are early days, however. Hamed, who took this fight on six days’ notice, has little in the way of amateur seasoning and is learning on the job while in the spotlight. He finished strongly, scoring with a sharp one-two and varying his attack downstairs before unleashing some flashy moves before the final bell.

“Big up, my pops,” Hamed said, “I hope I can be half as good as he was one day.”

London’s Chris Kongo (16-2, 7 KOs) was taken the full six by Huddersfield southpaw Jacob Quinn (8-5-1). Kongo was rumored to have been under consideration to step in to face Josh Kelly on Saturday night when Liam Smith was forced to withdraw and didn’t quite have things all his own way. At the end, it was scored 59-55 for Kongo.

While weighing a career-high 157 pounds, Kongo – who trains alongside Anthony Joshua – boxed with authority but was never really forced out of his comfort zone, despite the southpaw Quinn’s best efforts.

Kongo scored with a wicked left hook in the second round, a blow that momentarily wobbled Quinn and was likely the best of the fight. Quinn responded in the third, a left to the body that got Kongo’s attention if not his complete respect.

#CameronVuong #ChrisKongo #AadamHamed #LondonBoxing #FightNight #BoxingWins #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightRecap #BoxingCommunity #VictoryInLondon #BoxingUpdates #BoxingShowdown #BoxingWorld #BoxingEvents

The biggest story of Wednesday’s open workouts in London was that Anthony Joshua, who eventually took to the ring with young boxers from his old Finchley amateur club, turned up late.

Some wondered if it was mind games, if the former champion was looking to stamp authority on this promotion early. The reason was, of course, nothing of the sort. He merely got caught in the notorious London traffic. And even if he was trying some kind of curious game play, it was wasted because Saturday night’s opponent, Daniel Dubois, had long left the Wembley Arena venue.

That venue was decorated to resemble Buckingham Palace and the ring fully kitted out to stage three professional contests that were to follow the workouts.

“There’s three fights happening here tonight, 10 out of 10, it feels good,” a noticeably relaxed Joshua said when asked about the setting. “The canvas feels good, the size [of the ring] is good, I feel like I’m standing here for my fight. If someone could wrap my hands, do my gloves, I could fight today.”

Joshua was then asked about his emotions. “There are no emotions,” he said, “I’m just here.”

Before saying a swift goodbye to those in attendance he revealed what he expected from the rest of Fight Week. “More media, more talking, more training most importantly, and walking to the ring in front of 96,000 people ready to show people my gladiatorial spirit,” he said.

Let's hope he makes it to the venue on time.

#AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #BoxingShowdown #FightTalk #BoxingNews #JoshuaVsDubois #BoxingRumors #BoxingCommunity #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingFans #FightNight #BoxingWorld #BoxingUpdates #BoxingLegends #FightReady

As fight night draws closer, Josh Warrington has put the disappointing news that Anthony Cacace’s IBF super featherweight title won’t be on the line when they fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night behind him. Warrington has quickly switched his attention to taking the Irishman’s name and building his own legacy. 

Although Warrington, 31-3-1 (8 KOs), hasn’t won a fight since beating Kiko Martinez to become a two-time IBF featherweight champion in March 2022, and isn’t ranked by the governing body at super featherweight, there were hopes that his long history with the IBF would count in his favour. However, those were dashed officially on Monday. 

The IBF have ruled that should Warrington win, the title will become vacant. Should Cacace win, he must defend the title against his mandatory challenger, Eduardo Nunez, within 180 days or by March 20, 2025.

Of course, Warrington would have loved the opportunity to win a world title in a second weight division but the knowledge that he is fighting one of the most dangerous 130lbs fighters in the world is motivation enough. 

A victory over Cacace would all but guarantee him a future shot at a super featherweight title but, at 33 years old, Warrington is determined to see out his career by fighting the biggest and best names available.

“Listen, it's one of those things, isn't it? I went to the stage where I just want to fight names,” Warrington told BoxingScene a couple of days before the IBF had made their final decision public. 

“It's my own bit of history.  It's my own little bit of legacy. 

“I think at a certain stage, yeah, It's nice to be seen as the two, three, four, five, six-time world champion but, ultimately, it comes down to who you've boxed and who you've beat, I think.”

#JoshWarrington #IBF #BoxingNews #BoxingOpinions #FightTalk #BoxingUpdates #BoxingCommunity #BoxingFans #IBFRuling #BoxingWorld #SportsHeadlines #BoxingDiscussion #WarringtonTalks #BoxingDecisions #FightAnalysis

Joseph Parker is growing impatient in regard to his next opponent. The New Zealander, in London to be ringside for the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua showdown, defeated Deontay Wilder in December and Zhilei Zhang in March but is still none the wiser on who comes next.

"I was told there was there was a fight in September, then October, and now I'm told there was a fight in December," Parker said at the Wembley open workouts. "I’ve been training since April and I’ve put on about 20 pounds… of muscle, I hope. I’m ready to fight anyone, anywhere, seriously. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to go."

After outpointing Wilder, Parker did the same to Zhang. It has long been reported that "Big Bang" will trigger his right for a return but Parker indicated there are other names in the mix to face him on the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury undercard. 

"Zhang wants the rematch, he has that rematch clause," Parker said. "I’m not sure what everyone else wants. I think there’s talk of Agit Kabayel, [Martin] Bakole, there’s lots of names. I’d like it locked in so I know who I’m training for."

Parker believes that Fury will get his revenge over Usyk on December 21. "He’s a lot more focused and I think it will change everything," Parker said of Fury. "He’s more determined to put on a better performance."

As for Dubois-Joshua, Parker likes the man who outpointed him in 2017. "I feel like Joshua in the first five or six rounds, he’s looked very dangerous in his last fights," Parker said. "I feel [if] Dubois [wins it will be] late rounds, he showed a great chin against Filip Hrgovic and great determination – and that power in the late rounds. He’s a live underdog and he’s got a lot to prove.

"Joshua has the power in the right hand but he can also box. When I fought him he was able to nullify what I was doing."

Dubois has been on the crest of a wave, most notably while walking through the best that Filip Hrgovic could muster in March and winning via stoppage.

"Joshua has a lot more power than Hrgovic," Parker observed. "I feel like if he lands like Hrgovic landed, Joshua will stop him. But if Dubois lands clean, he will test AJ’s chin – and can AJ then show the grit and determination to come back and win after being hurt."

Whoever wins, 32-year-old Parker, who has earned a title shot, hopes to be ready and waiting. "I would love to fight the winner. I feel like, now, I’ve got a lot more power. I feel like I could knock people out."

#JosephParker #ZhileiZhang #AgitKabayel #MartinBakole #BoxingNews #FightTalk #BoxingUpdates #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingCommunity #FightPredictions #BoxingFans #BoxingWorld #BoxingShowdowns #FightNight #BoxingEvents

The pound-for-pound top three in the sport seems set as Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, although if there were any fighter to penetrate that trio it would likely be rising super-flyweight sensation, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. Yet, in spite of his budding superstar potential, it has now been confirmed that the WBC super-flyweight champion will next appear on an undercard.

‘Bam’ announced himself onto the world stage when he defeated Carlos Cuadras on just six days’ notice to claim the WBC 115lb crown aged just 22-years-old but since then he has proved that his victory was no fluke. Rodriguez trumped both Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before dropping down to flyweight and becoming a two-division world champion by defeating Christian Gonzalez Hernandez for the WBO strap.

However, it was last December where the Texan established himself as a threat to the pound-for-pound throne, stopping previously undefeated Briton Sunny Edwards in a title unification that many had deemed as a 50/50 affair during the build-up.

This year, success has continued for Rodriguez, and he showed even further improvement as he dominated and halted the legendary Juan Francisco Estrada to reclaim his WBC super-flyweight title – a win that convinced promoter Eddie Hearn that the now 24-year-old is right amongst the cream of the crop, as per World Boxing News.

“The problem with the lower weight classes is they often don’t get the respect of the higher ones. For me, Jesse should be mentioned with Terence Crawford, Inoue, Usyk. He’s gone through Cuadras, gone through Rungvisai, stopped Edwards, KO’d Estrada. He’s already on the pound-for-pound list, but I think he is top five pound-for-pound now. He’s 24 years old, he has another four or five years of his prime, and we’re honoured to represent him.

“You saw the crowd in there, we’re in Phoenix, not in San Antonio, and as many Mexicans as there were in there, Bam had huge support and he’s a real star. The rematch is there, there’s opportunities in Japan, there’s opportunities to go back to San Antonio and also to come back to Phoenix. The future is bright, he wants to try unify the division, El Gallo has the option to rematch and we’ll see how that plays out.”Anthony Joshua Responds After Tyson Fury Predicts Daniel Dubois Beat Him

Yet, despite those plaudits from Hearn, Rodriguez will fight on an undercard for his second outing of the year, as he faces WBC interim flyweight champion Pedro Guevara, as confirmed on the latter’s Instagram.

The bout is expected to be the co-main event on a Jaron Ennis undercard on November 9th in Philadelphia, assumably when ‘Boots’ defends his IBF welterweight title in a rematch against Karen Chukhadzhian. Although, Hearn failed to win the purse bid for that contest and will therefore need to agree a deal with Chukhadzhian’s team to stage the event in Ennis’ hometown, unless the 147lb poster boy is planning to vacate the belt and move up to super-welterweight to face an alternate opponent on that date.

#JesseBamRodriguez #BoxingNews #FightAnnouncement #BoxingFans #UndercardFights #FightDate #BoxingUpdates #NextFight #BoxingCommunity #FightTalk #BoxingEvents #UpcomingFight #BoxingWorld #FightNight #BoxingHeadlines

Willy Hutchinson has predicted an easier fight against Joshua Buatsi than the night he defeated Craig Richards.

The Scot, 26, revived his career when in June, as the underdog, he earned scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 119-109 to defeat Richards and record his finest win.

Victory that night means that on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, on the undercard of the IBF heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, he will fight the respected Buatsi for the WBO interim light heavyweight title.

An even more significant and high-profile a victory would put him on course to challenge the winner of October’s contest, for the undisputed title, between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, but he is again the underdog against the 31-year-old Buatsi – Buatsi defeated Richards via narrower scores in 2022 – regardless of his conviction that he will again win.

“Buatsi’s good,” the 26-year-old told BoxingScene. "He’s a good, strong fighter, but he’s on similar lines to Craig Richards. I said it about Craig Richards and I’m going to say it about Buatsi – I’m going to punch absolute holes in him. 

“I really don’t [think Buatsi’s better than Richards]. In fact, for styles, I think Richards is better. I think Richards was the more awkward fighter. Buatsi will come and engage, and I’ll knock him out.

“I’ve never really watched him box. I’ve never seen him box. When he went to the [Rio 2016] Olympics, I can remember watching him when he got the bronze and when he got beat. That’s the only fight I ever watched. 

“It’s all in God’s hands. We’ll see.”

The typically composed Buatsi demonstrated that he dislikes Hutchinson when in June they came face to face to promote Saturday’s fight.

“I know him,” Hutchinson continued. “We was meant to be friends; we sparred. We sparred together.

“I did [like him] until we were fighting. I wanted to shake his hand, and he tried to act the hard man when he’s supposed to be a born-again Christian. I thought, ‘Man, what you doing that for?’ I don’t know what crap was coming out of his mouth.

“He’s very, very upset because I busted him when I was a little boy. When I was 20 year old I give him the biggest hiding of his life. This was in sparring. But sparring’s sparring – it means nothing. 

“It was that long ago, I just remember beating him up – and that’s the truth.”

#WillyHutchinson #JoshuaBuatsi #BoxingNews #FightPredictions #BoxingFans #FightTalk #BoxingUpdates #BoxingCommunity #PunchingPower #BoxingRivalry #FightNight #BoxingEvents #BoxingWorld #FightStrategy #BoxingHeadlines

As Wembley Stadium prepares to host the highly anticipated heavyweight clash this weekend, Anthony Joshua has delivered his response to Tyson Fury's prediction that Daniel Dubois will retain his IBF heavyweight title against him.

In a gripping all-British heavyweight showdown, Joshua is aiming to become boxing’s fifth three-time world champion in the division. The former unified champion faces Dubois, who recently won the IBF title by halting Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. Despite Dubois' impressive form, Fury, his fellow heavyweight rival, has voiced confidence that Dubois will prevail.

Fury’s endorsement of Dubois’ chances came directly from an interview with Dubois' promoter, Frank Warren, who confirmed that both Fury and Warren believe Dubois will successfully defend his title. This prediction has added an extra layer of intrigue to the bout, with many questioning whether Joshua’s revamped style under trainer Ben Davison will be enough to counter Dubois’ power.

Joshua, however, appears unfazed by Fury’s prediction. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, he addressed the challenge head-on, stating, “Yeah, he is a good fighter is Dubois, so it is a 50/50. I think that certain people are going to back him and some are going to back me and I can’t take anything from it. I have just got to focus on myself and prove myself right.”

This fight marks a significant moment in Joshua’s career, especially after his recent transition to working with Davison, which has revitalized his performance and confidence. The former champion, who faced criticism following defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and underwhelming victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, is now seen as a top contender once again.

As the fight week excitement builds, tonight’s undercard at Wembley Arena will feature Cameron Vuong, Chris Kongo, and Nathan Lugo, setting the stage for a thrilling main event. With a record-breaking attendance anticipated, all eyes will be on Joshua and Dubois as they prepare to settle their score in the ring.

#TysonFury #AnthonyJoshua #BoxingFans #FightFans #boxing #boxingnews #news

Trainer John Pullman weighed in on the upcoming Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois fight, highlighting the timing and growth of both fighters as factors that make the matchup “really interesting.”

The IBF heavyweight title will be on the line Saturday at Wembley Stadium in what serves as a crossroads for Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) and Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs). Dubois, 27, is coming off victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, while Joshua, 34, is on a three-fight knockout streak since teaming up with trainer Ben Davison.

The bout not only has major implications for the British heavyweight scene but also adds clarity to the global heavyweight division. Pullman, who previously worked with heavyweight contender Gerald Washington, said: “This fight is really interesting, especially considering the point it’s happening in both fighters’ careers. Dubois seems to be growing up after that tough loss to Joe Joyce. Usually, when a fighter gives up in a bout, mentally and spiritually, it’s hard to come back. But Dubois seems to have taken a hard look in the mirror, surrounded by strong people like his father and new trainer Don Charles, who dragged him through the mud, if you will.”

Pullman pointed to Dubois’ resilience in his recent bouts as evidence of his maturity.

On Joshua, Pullman noted a similar up-and-down career trajectory but credited his recent form to his partnership with trainer Ben Davison.

When asked about the potential impact of Dubois’ controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk, Pullman acknowledged the psychological challenge of thinking you’ve won a fight, only to realize you haven’t.

As for keys to victory, Pullman emphasized the importance of Dubois’ defense.

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.

Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion and one of boxing’s brightest stars, encountered an unexpected hurdle last night when Polish authorities detained him. The incident occurred as Usyk was attempting to board a flight to Valencia, Spain, where he is set to prepare for his highly anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21.

Usyk, who has achieved monumental success in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, was travelling with his trainer, Sergey Lapin. The duo had just completed an exhausting 14-hour journey from Kyiv, the capital of war-torn Ukraine. This grueling trip included a lengthy 557-mile (896 km) drive.

According to ESPN, the complication arose when an airline official deemed Usyk and his trainer unfit to travel. Despite Usyk’s explanations that their fatigue was due to the extensive travel rather than any impairment, a language barrier exacerbated the situation. Their insistence that they were capable of flying did not initially sway the officials, leading to Usyk's detention.

On social media, Usyk addressed the situation, expressing gratitude for the support he received and clarifying the misunderstanding. “A misunderstanding took place,” Usyk said. “It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach, and regalia.”

The incident has been swiftly resolved, and Usyk is expected to begin his training camp in Valencia shortly. His focus is now on preparing for the rematch against Fury, aiming to defend his undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Despite the hiccup, Usyk remains a respected figure in boxing, not only for his in-ring achievements but also for his sportsmanship and dedication. As he gears up for one of the biggest fights of his career, fans and supporters continue to rally behind him, looking forward to what promises to be an electrifying clash with Fury.

#OleksandrUsyk #BoxingFans #FightFans #boxing #boxingnews #news