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Nov 04 2024

Conor Wallace agrees co-promotional terms with Matchroom

 

 

 

The Irish light heavyweight Conor Wallace has signed a co-promotional agreement with Matchroom.

 

Wallace, 28, is based in Australia, and to that end also promoted by Tasman Fighters and Goldstar Promotions.

 

He fights Asemahle Wellem, 23 and of South Africa, on December 11 at the Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, and hopes that those guiding his career can secure him a world-title fight in 2025.

 

“I’m very excited,” he said. “I’ve dreamed about being a world champion since I was a young boy. That is my ultimate goal.

 

“I’m looking forward to some huge nights ahead with Matchroom, Tasman Fighters and Goldstar – and I’m fully focused on the job at hand on December 11.”

 

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has an increasing interest in Australian fighters, as has been demonstrated by him overseeing fights involving Liam Paro, Skye Nicolson and Jai Opetaia, and he said: “This is a fantastic signing for us – and one we are thrilled to be alongside Mick Francis at Tasman Fighters and Spencer Brown at Goldstar.

 

“There is no denying Conor’s ability and certainly it is going to be hard to stop him. I can see an incredibly bright future for him in the ring and there are many big fights ahead in a division that promises to deliver more fireworks in 2025.”

 

Francis is the figurehead of the Australia-based promotional organisation that rivals the influential No Limit, and he said: “Having Eddie Hearn and Spencer Brown supporting Tasman Fighters and Conor Wallace is a game changer.

 

“I can’t think of a better partnership in boxing and it gives Conor the opportunity to fight here in Australia and around the world as the home side. We are all looking forward to the future.”

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Nov 04 2024

Naoya Inoue: Boxing's Pound-for-Pound King Signs Lucrative Deal with Riyadh Season

Naoya Inoue is widely regarded as the pound-for-pound number one in boxing and is one of only three fighters to have achieved multi-divisional undisputed champion status since the inception of the four-belt era. Following his remarkable success, Inoue has seized the opportunity presented by the recent influx of Saudi investment in boxing, signing a lucrative deal with Turki Al-Alshikh and Riyadh Season.

Inoue has been on an incredible run over the past few years, extending his streak to 23 consecutive world title contests, all of which he has won. He has ascended through the ranks from light-flyweight to super-bantamweight, but it was at 118 pounds where he truly made his mark, defeating the legendary Nonito Donaire twice before knocking out Paul Butler to claim the undisputed bantamweight title in late 2022.

Since his victory over Butler, Inoue moved up to 122 pounds, where he halted unified champions Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales, becoming the undisputed super-bantamweight champion. He has successfully defended his title twice in 2024, demonstrating his dominance in the sport. "Moving up another division and dominating a fighter like Fulton is stupendous. Goodness me, Inoue is the monster everyone is saying he is," noted one observer.

Looking ahead, Inoue is scheduled to make a third defense of his titles against Australia’s Sam Goodman on Christmas Eve. In conjunction with this, it has been announced that he has signed a deal with Riyadh Season reportedly worth around £15 million, although there are no requirements for him to fight in Saudi Arabia as part of the agreement.

Turki Al-Alshikh expressed his pride, stating, “Inoue is the best and strongest boxer of all time. He has a great interest in Japan and the Japanese market. I hope he will be a good and important ambassador for Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Season.”

Inoue has indicated that he is open to the idea of fighting in Saudi Arabia but emphasized that his 2025 plans remain undecided, despite promoter Bob Arum's comments suggesting otherwise. “I think it’s all about timing. This year’s fight against Goodman has been decided. I don’t know what will happen next year. If I can fight in Saudi Arabia, I’ll just live up to those expectations,” he said.

There are also possibilities for Riyadh Season to host events in Tokyo to support their new recruit or stage a highly anticipated fight in the United States in early 2025, potentially against Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

For now, Inoue is focused on his upcoming bout against Goodman on December 24, but what unfolds in 2025 could be a pivotal moment for boxing, as the sport’s biggest stars may consider signing official and lucrative deals with Al-Alshikh’s Saudi promotion.

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Nov 04 2024

Ekow Essuman targets best welterweights

 

Ekow Essuman wants to test himself against the best welterweights on the planet after grinding out a tough, exciting win over Ben Vaughan in Birmingham last night. 

Essuman, 21-1 (8 KOs), and Vaughan shared ten of the most uncompromising rounds of the year. Their welterweight fight started quickly and violently and only built in intensity as it went.

Vaughan, 10-1 (3 KOs), can be proud of the way he performed but Essuman’s experience and renowned stamina kicked in during the late rounds and the former British champion deserved the majority decision he was awarded. 

“They they don't call me ‘The Engine’ for no reason but, I told you, it's

a Spectre model so I'm more like haunting people in the ring,” Essuman told Queensberry after the fight. 

“I hit him with some shots and his eye closed up and I was thinking, ‘How can he still see me? How?’ But you know, it is what it is, so we kept it rocking.”

At the time, the uncharacteristically flat performance Essuman put in during his British and Commonwealth title fight with Harry Scarff last November looked like the signalling the beginning of the end of his time at championship level but his resurgence this year has been remarkable.

Rather than fading quietly away or attempting to cash out, Essuman decided to force his way back to the top of the domestic pile.

In July, he outlasted the undefeated Owen Cooper in an up and down thriller. After being dropped heavily in the ninth, he rallied to stop Cooper in the tenth and final round. Last night, he got the better of another hungry young fighter in Vaughan. At 35 years old, Essuman has forced himself through two fight of the year contenders and more than erased the memory of the disappointing night he endured against Scarff.

“It feels good but Frank [Warren, his promoter], you need to put me in there with the the top of the top lads, not these unbeaten prospects,” he said. “There’s no point me derailing people's careers at the beginning. I can derail them whilst they're at their best.

“I want that world title contender match. I want to push to the top. I said it two fights ago.”

When Essuman says that he wants to push for the top, he means the very top. 

Essuman has targeted a shot at the man widely regarded as the best welterweight on the planet, IBF champion, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. 

Beating Cooper and Vaughan isn’t enough to earn him a world title shot just yet, but it should be enough to snare him a major fight. 

He was ranked extremely highly with the IBF before losing to Scarff but is still positioned inside the top ten with the WBO and that may make him an enticing prospect for one of his domestic rivals.

On his night, Essuman is a problem for any of the fighters currently campaigning in a deep British welterweight division and if he can get a meaningful victory over one of them, his world title dream will move much closer. 

“He's the one at the top, so he's the name I'm going to call,” he said of Ennis. 

“Whoever, but as long as they're at the top. That's the whole point. Yes, I'm a prizefighter but I'm not just fighting these young guns for the sake of fighting a young gun. I'm not a little gatekeeper. I’m moving on.”

 

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Nov 04 2024

Xander Zayas’ next fight: Slawa Spomer is in consideration

 

Xander Zayas could face a fellow unbeaten junior middleweight in his next fight.

That 154lb-opponent is Slawa Spomer, 19-0 (10 KOs), a 32-year-old from Germany.

During a meeting of the WBO ratings committee at the sanctioning body’s convention in Puerto Rico, a member of Team Spomer said that they were in negotiations with the WBO’s first-rated junior middleweight. That would be Zayas.

Top Rank confirmed that Spomer is under consideration.

“He’s in the rankings and we like his style,” Carl Moretti, the vice president of boxing operations for Top Rank, told BoxingScene. 

Spomer is rated 12th by the WBO. He hasn’t fought in more than a year. In October 2023 Spomer scored a 10th-round technical knockout over the 20-0 Milan Prat.

Zayas is also 20-0 – and, in his case, has 12 KOs. The 22-year-old is from Puerto Rico and lives in Florida. He won a wide decision over Patrick Teixeira in June and then shut out Damian Sosa in September.

In addition to the opponent, the date and location for Zayas’ next fight is still to be determined, Moretti said.

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Nov 04 2024

Darius Fulghum assures fans that his booming best is still ahead

Super middleweight Darius Fulghum is gearing up for a dominant 2025, promising growth, development and plenty of knockouts.

Fulghum, a 28-year-old Houston native, secured a third-round technical knockout over veteran Christopher Pearson on Saturday night. His calculated aggression left no doubt about his intent while giving fans a preview of the excitement he believes is destined to come.

“I expect a lot of growth, a lot of development, but I want the fans to expect a lot of knockouts,” Fulghum said in the ring after the fight. "You’ll never see me running around the ring. I want to be right in their face and take it to every guy I face."

Fulghum looked sharp throughout the bout, though some might point to Pearson, 33, appearing past his prime. Pearson, who went 10 rounds with Trevor McCumby in January, struggled to find his footing against Fulghum’s relentless pressure.

“Tough guy,” Fulghum said of Pearson. “He’s a vet. He knows how to shell up. His defense is solid.”

Fulghum set the tone early, backing Pearson onto the ropes and landing a left hook that forced him to a knee by the end of the first round.

“My whole game plan was to find openings and get him out of here for the fans,” Fulghum said.

Despite Pearson’s reputation for durability, he mounted little offense as Fulghum's precise shots eroded his defenses. Referee Mike Ortega stepped in during the third round, stopping the fight as Pearson absorbed unanswered blows.

With his record now at 13-0 (11 KOs), Fulghum credited Golden Boy Promotions for guiding his career. “I learned so much, and shout out to the matchmakers here at Golden Boy,” he said. “They're doing a great job moving my career, giving me the right type of opponents. This guy, Christopher Pearson. He's tough, and these fights are going to help me get to where I want to go.”

Pearson’s record fell to 17-5-1 (12 KOs)..

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Nov 04 2024

Rescheduled Brian Norman Jnr-Derrieck Cuevas title fight to land in March 2025

Brian Norman Jnr was supposed to make the first defense of his WBO welterweight title in Derrieck Cuevas on November 8, only to pull out of the bout several weeks ago because of a hand injury.

At the time, Norman’s team said it was aiming to reschedule the bout for the first quarter of 2025. Now it has become more specific with the timing.

“It’s rescheduled for early March,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of boxing operations for Top Rank, which promotes Norman. Moretti spoke during a Thursday meeting of the WBO ratings committee at the sanctioning body’s convention in Puerto Rico.

Tuto Zabala III, of All Star Boxing, which promotes Cuevas, said the promotion is moving forward with the fight.

“Just confirming that we do have a deal in place,” Zabala said during the meeting.

Norman, 26-0 (20 KOs), won the interim WBO world title in May when he knocked out Giovani Santillan in 10 rounds. Norman was upgraded to the full titleholder once Terence Crawford vacated his welterweight belt; Crawford now competes as a junior middleweight.

Cuevas, 27-1-1 (19 KOs), has won four straight since a December 2020 split decision loss to Damian Ezequiel Bonelli at junior middleweight. He stopped the 15-2-1 Esneiker Correa in two rounds, the 13-1 Damian Rodriguez in two rounds, the 28-5-2 Alberto Mosquera in four rounds and the 14-1 Marlon Aguas in six. The bouts with Rodriguez, Mosquera and Aguas were all held at or near the 147lbs limit. Cuevas will end 2024 without a single ring appearance.

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Nov 04 2024

Gabriela Fundora ushers in new era at Golden Boy, proves her ring skill

Gabriela Fundora, at just 22, made history on Saturday night, becoming the youngest undisputed women’s flyweight champion in history with a seventh-round TKO over Argentina's Gabriela Celeste Alaniz at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.

Fundora, who hails from Coachella, California, and is the younger sister of junior middleweight titleholder Sebastian Fundora, celebrated more than just her victory. Her win, in fact, symbolizes a new era for Golden Boy Promotions.

Draped in gold shorts, Fundora paid tribute to her promoter, Oscar De La Hoya – the Hall of Fame fighter and eponymous “Golden Boy” himself – whose legacy she embraced with her ring attire and claim on a new moniker.

“Honestly, I have no words,” Fundora said in the ring. “But, actually, I want to dedicate this fight to Oscar. This is why I wore the gold shorts. He’s making a new era – Golden Boy is now welcoming the ‘Golden Girl.’ This fight was for him.”

De La Hoya, impressed by Fundora’s relentless performance, did not hold back his praise on the DAZN telecast afterward. “I think every fighter should emulate her heart,” De La Hoya said. “When she has somebody hurt, she goes stronger and stronger. Every round that passes by, she wants the knockout. We have a star on our hands. She's a great person, great fighter and a great ambassador for women's boxing.”

Fundora’s approach was deliberate, following a plan crafted with her father, Freddy. “She was coming in, a little bit overpowering, but my corner just said to relax, stick to our game plan, and that’s what we did,” Fundora said. “I told my dad, this was the punch I wanted to use to get her knocked out.”

With the win, Fundora extended her record to 15-0 (7 KOs), while Alaniz suffered her second career defeat, falling to 15-2 (6 KOs).

Noting the roar from the crowd that affirmed the fight’s exciting finish, Fundora relished the result. “Listen to how the crowd was – that explains it all,” Fundora said. “I think everybody enjoys a knockout.”

After facing criticism in the past, Fundora believes she silenced any remaining doubters with her skillful display. “There are a lot of people who say I don’t know how to box,” Fundora said. “I think we proved it. We got her a little tired, and then that punch came out beautiful.”

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Nov 03 2024

Queensberry Promotions signs multi-year exclusive broadcast deal with DAZN

Queensberry Promotions has entered into a multi-year media rights agreement with DAZN, making the sport entertainment platform the exclusive broadcast rights holder of their boxing events.

The deal, which is expected to start in April next year, would see fighters from Queensberry stable such as, Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang, Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz and female boxer Chantelle Cameron, broadcast exclusively on DAZN.

“This is a hugely proud moment for Queensberry, as we join forces with leading platform DAZN on an exclusive basis,” said George Warren, Queensberry Promotions CEO. Queensberry has undergone an unprecedented growth period over the past 18 months, and firmly established ourselves as a leading promotional and events company.

“Now with DAZN in our corner, we can further accelerate our positioning on a global scale. This deal is also fantastic news for boxing fans across the world as we combine our best-in-class stable of fighters with what we consider to be the most ambitious streaming platform in sport.” 

“ I could not be more pleased that Queensberry is joining DAZN. This is a brilliant move for our fighters and, most importantly, for the fans. Their ambition and passion for the sport of boxing aligns perfectly with that of our own and we now look forward to putting on the biggest nights possible together.”

For DAZN, the deal with Queensberry would make their brand the topmost broadcaster in boxing having already sealed deals with other top promoters.

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Nov 03 2024

O’Shaquie Foster beats Robson Conceicao, this time officially

 

O'Shaquie Foster gained his revenge on Saturday night, doing just enough at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York, to eke out a split decision victory over Robson Conceicao and regaining the WBC junior lightweight belt that he had dropped to him via controversial decision in July.

While that first fight generated outrage, with many observers feeling Foster was a clear winner, this felt throughout like a much closer contest, and none of the scorecards – 115-113 twice for Foster, and the same score for Conceicao – were off the mark. The rematch was also a better fight, with both men keen to do more to leave the outcome less in doubt.

Criticized for his inactivity in the first fight, Foster, 23-3 (12 KOs), came out more aggressively at the start of Round 1, as he sought to push the pace early. But Conceicao was ready for him and dug to Foster's body as his high guard blocked many of Foster's punches.

By Round 3, Conceicao, 19-3-1 (9 KOs), was the one dictating the pace, working behind a busy, stiff jab to the chest and face, as both men sought to find a home for a sweeping right hand. 

A nice series of left-rights from Conceicao caught Foster's attention in the fourth, although Foster responded to a 1-2 from Conceicao with a sharp left hook counter. The Brazilian appeared to be in control through four, but by the fifth, Foster appeared to be more successfully judging his timing and distance, rolling and countering as Conceicao sought to land straight right hands. 

If it wasn't necessarily the most explosive or exciting of contests, it was turning into an entertaining and intriguing one, with both men combining determined offense with first-rate defense. By Round 7, the momentum appeared to be shifting toward Foster, who was walking Conceicao down, even as Conceicao sought to keep him on the back foot with stiff jabs and strong, straight right hands.

Almost every round appeared close, however, with the eighth a perfect microcosm: Foster dominated the first half as Conceicao began to look tired, but then his punch output dropped enough over the final 90 seconds for Conceicao to firmly work his way back into it.

Much as Foster appeared to be the one with greater energy now, he was giving Conceicao openings by just trying to walk him down without working behind a jab. Even so, Conceicao was clearly tiring, his hands no longer in a high guard but low by his waist as he relied on upper-body movement for his defense.

The single best punch of the night came in the 10th, a short Foster right hand landing on the side of Conceicao's jaw and clearly staggering him. But Foster was unable to find the opportunity to press the advantage, and Conceicao recovered.

The championship rounds saw both men looking to overcome their fatigue, with Conceicao doing all he could to smother Foster, and Foster trying to find space in which to operate. Conceicao let it all hang out in the closing stages, but he only had the strength now to throw arm punches with little snap behind them.

“I'm happy because I know what I did in the ring today. I know I did a good job,” said Conceicao afterward. “For me, he's a good fighter, and I can't speak poorly of him. But I know I did a good job today in the ring.

“I thought I had him for a moment,” said Foster. “He's a veteran. He's been around the game a long time and he knows how to survive.”

Conceicao said that, after he gave Foster a rematch, he hoped Foster would return the favor. But the American's thoughts are already elsewhere.

“I want the winner of Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez,” Foster said.

 

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Nov 03 2024

Tim Tszyu can take inspiration from a few fighters who rebounded from setbacks

Rebounding from a defeat is arguably the most difficult aspect, both physically and mentally, for any participant in a sport as brutal as boxing.

Over the years, numerous fighters have suffered devastating defeats that ended their careers after they were somehow changed in the ring – or simply failed to return to it altogether. But for some, a setback can be a learning experience that only makes them stronger for having gone through it.

The psychological effects alone – most notably the doubt it can invite into a fighter’s mind – are troubling enough. The recent brutal stoppage defeat of Tim Tszyu at the hands of Bakhram Murtazaliev – a second consecutive loss after Tszyu began his career undefeated – seems to be evidence of this.

Previously, in March, Tszyu had lost a junior welterweight unification bout to Sebastian Fundora. Many expected Australia’s Tszyu to come back stronger, with an emphatic win over Murtazaliev. Rather, the fight turned out to be a nightmare for Tszyu, who took as concussive a physical beating as his career did against Murtazaliev.

While some industry players blamed Tszyu’s abysmal performance on his promoters, who’s at fault isn’t as important as the damage done. Many wonder if Tszyu can recover from back-to-back losses – and beatings – to become a titleholder again. But vindication lies in the womb of time, and only it can determine whether Tszyu can ultimately overcome.

As the wait begins, we’d like to highlight a few somewhat recent examples from which Tszyu can draw inspiration, fighters who managed to bounce back from similarly precarious career circumstances.

Marco Antonio Barrera

Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera, 67-7 (44 KOs), who won multiple titles from junior featherweight to junior lightweight between 1995 and 2007, and who defended a 122lbs belt on nine occasions, notably lost a 1996 bout to Junior Jones by disqualification.

Barrera went on to lose an immediate rematch five months later. But he continued on, recording four consecutive wins and reclaiming the belt, against Richie Wenton, in the process. After several back-and-forth performances, Barrera moved up in weight and won featherweight and junior lightweight titles.

Despite suffering a setback at the early stage of his career, Barrera fought back, regained his composure and went on to earn a place among boxing’s legends.

Kostya Tszyu

Tim Tszyu doesn’t have to look any further than his own family tree for an example of career resilience. Kostya Tszyu, 31-2 (25 KOs), Tim’s father, had a setback at the early stage of his bright career when he lost a junior welterweight title to Vince Phillips in 1997. But Kostya proved his mettle, fighting his way back to win a vacant junior welterweight belt two years later.

Kostya became a unified junior welterweight champion two years after the Phillips loss and made the last stop of his at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He remains one of Australia’s greatest boxing heroes, long after an early career slip that history has mostly forgotten.

Mario Barrios

Mario Barrios suffered his maiden career defeat to superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis in June 2021, losing his junior welterweight title to an opponent who had moved up two divisions to challenge him. Barrios was knocked out in the 11th round after suffering knockdowns in Rounds 8 and 11.

The defeat forced Barrios to move up to 147 to take on Keith Thurman, who had previously been a welterweight titlist, in an eliminator for a world belt – but he then lost that fight by unanimous decision. Barrios, 29-2 (18 KOs), wasn’t deterred, working his way back to the top.

Currently, he’s on a three-fight winning streak and holds a welterweight title after having been elevated to full belt-holder status upon Terence Crawford vacating the belt.

Barrios, 29, will make his first defense of the belt on November 15 on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard.

Regis Prograis

After losing his first attempt to win a title in 2019, Regis Prograis didn’t allow the result to affect his ultimate path. If anything, Prograis came out of that majority decision loss to Josh Taylor even stronger than before.

Over his next three fights, Prograis knocked out Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna to land a shot at a vacant junior welterweight belt. Prograis won his second attempt at a world title with an 11th-round stoppage of Jose Zepeda in November 2022.

He has since defended that belt against Danielito Zorrilla, but after suffering consecutive defeats to Devin Haney and Jack Caterall, the 35-year-old Prograis, 29-3 (24 KOs), is now contemplating retirement. You never know, though: Maybe he’ll return and surprise us all – and perhaps even himself – with yet another comeback.

Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at bernardneequaye@gmail.com .

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Nov 03 2024

Queensberry Promotions announce partnership with DAZN

The renowned boxing promoter Queensberry Promotions, known for its role in developing world champions and led by veteran Frank Warren, has announced an unprecedented agreement with DAZN, the international sports platform. This multi-year deal will establish DAZN as the new and exclusive home for Queensberry events, ensuring fans unparalleled access to elite boxing matches.

Starting April 1, 2025, DAZN will become the exclusive broadcast partner for Queensberry Promotions worldwide. The collaboration promises to bring Queensberry fighters’ matches to a global audience, marking a new era for high-level boxing.This agreement not only positions DAZN as the epicenter of Queensberry Promotions fights but also strengthens fan access to professional boxing.

During the official announcement, Frank Warren, who has been in the boxing business for nearly five decades,

“I’ve never being afraid about shaking things up and working with new media, pay-per-view, and satellite television,” he commented. He also highlighted his pride in having promoted some of the biggest names in the sport. “I’ve been lucky enough to promote some of the biggest names in boxing,” he emphasized.

For Warren, the alliance with DAZN represents a unique opportunity to expand boxing and offer quality content on a global level. He reiterated his commitment to the sport and his vision to strengthen boxing through strategic partnerships, affirming that working together will be essential for the development of professional boxing.

“They have a worldwide platform, and for us, that is very, very important to do what Queensberry is doing—to be expanding and building, working together for the betterment of boxing as I believe it will be,” Warren stated.Lawrence Okolie wants Anthony Joshua fight

With DAZN and Queensberry Promotions, fans around the world will gain access to high-quality fights and closely follow the careers of the most talented boxers. The partnership between Queensberry and DAZN aims to set new standards in sports broadcasting and deliver a unique experience for the audience.Queensberry is coming to DAZN 

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Nov 03 2024

Ohara Davies: ‘Josh Taylor needs to consider his future; people think he’s a joke’

Ohara Davies believes that his former foe Josh Taylor needs to consider his future in the sport before he further tarnishes his reputation.

 

Davies, who recently decided to hang up his gloves after defeat to Adam Azim last month, believes Taylor should consider doing the same. Davies was vocal in the build-up, suggesting that he had fallen out of love with the sport, and seemed happy to see the back of the game he once loved. He believes he is seeing similar signs in Taylor. 

 

The Scot, now 33, achieved what many only can dream of in 2021 when he defeated Jose Carlos Ramirez to unify all four belts in the junior lightweight division. Davies believes that after achieving such a feat, Taylor no longer has the hunger of old.

 

“I don’t know where his mind is at, or where his heart is at,” Davies told BoxingScene. “Sometimes when you’ve won it all and been undisputed champion, the love for the game can go. I think that with Taylor we’re seeing that. He isn’t the same. He hasn’t got the same fire as he had when he was in the World Boxing Super Series and when he won undisputed. He hasn’t got the same fire – that hasn’t been there for a few years now.”

 

After climbing to the top of the 140-pound division, Taylor’s performances seemed to plummet. He was seen by many to have been fortunate to beat Jack Catterall and then lost his title after being outclassed by Teofimo Lopez.

 

A further fight with Catterall saw a better performance from the Scot, but this time Taylor was handed a second consecutive defeat. Davies believes these performances and results are damaging Taylor’s reputation, with the former undisputed champion once regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.

 

“Taylor is not the same fighter he was,” Davies said. “I think he needs to sit down and ask himself, ‘Is it worth it? Am I going to further tarnish my reputation?’ Because that has been tarnished after the Catterall fights and the Teofimo Lopez fight. The Taylor that we all know was a fierce fighter; walked through anyone, beat anyone, unbeaten, undefeated, undisputed. Now a lot of people are looking at him like a joke, like he’s a joke fighter, like he’s a walkover. 

 

“That’s not the Taylor that we all know. Sometimes you need to sit down and ask yourself, ‘Is it worth it? I’ve made the money, I’ve won it all, why am I harming my reputation any further?’ But it’s up to him to sit down and decide. I hope he makes the right choice.”

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Nov 03 2024

Floyd Schofield speaks out after victory over René Téllez Girón

Following his recent triumph in the ring, Floyd Schofield has taken to social media with a strong message. The undefeated American boxer, who now holds a record of 18 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, made it clear he’s ambitious about facing the biggest names in his division. On his official X account (formerly Twitter), Schofield took aim at some of the top contenders and revealed an unexpected change to his contract just moments before his fight.

On November 2, Schofield faced Mexican fighter René Téllez Girón in a match held in Las Vegas, USA. During the fight, Schofield showcased his technical skill and resilience, defeating Téllez Girón by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.Floyd Schofield revealed he had initially prepared for a 10-round fight but was notified in the locker room that his contract had been altered to 12 rounds.

In his post on X, Schofield expressed, “We were scheduled and trained for 10 rounds, but in the locker room they changed my contract to 12 rounds and had us initial. So keep sleeping on KID if you want. All this experience he is gaining will make him the greatest ever.”

Schofield, who has knocked down 12 of his 18 opponents, has caught the public’s and critics’ attention with his impressive skills and determination. At just 21 years old, the boxer sees the future as a challenge full of opportunities, where he hopes to face the best of his generation.

Schofield’s post on X also included a direct challenge to notable figures in current boxing. In his message, he tagged Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Keyshawn Davis, sending a clear message: “@Gervontaa @ShakurStevenson @KeyshawnDavis8… you all can get it. Time is on our side, not yours.”

Among the possible opponents Floyd Schofield could face next are renowned names such as Keyshawn Davis, Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Díaz, and Tevin Farmer. Each of these matches would represent a significant challenge for Schofield, who continues to climb the ranks and aims to establish himself as one of boxing’s future stars.We were scheduled and trained for 10 rounds, but in the locker room they changed my contract to 12 rounds and had us initial.

So keep sleeping on KID if you want. All this experience he is gaining will make him the greatest ever. @Gervontaa@ShakurStevenson@KeyshawnDavis8 ……

 

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Nov 03 2024

Queensberry Promotions and DAZN to join forces from April

Queensberry Promotions has officially announced a partnership with DAZN, set to begin on April 1, 2025.

Frank Warren's promotional company is currently enjoying a strong run, featuring a roster of leading heavyweights, including Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Lawrence Okolie, and Zhilei Zhang.

Warren, an International Boxing Hall of Famer with an impressive 47 years in the industry, has recently collaborated with TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). However, today marks the formalization of his new partnership with DAZN, as shared on both DAZN Boxing and Queensberry Promotions’ social media channels.

Warren has previously worked with various platforms, including ITV, Sky, and his own channel, BoxNation. Speculation about a potential collaboration with DAZN began earlier this year.

Warren, along with Queensberry, DAZN, and Riyadh Season, has already collaborated on events broadcasted on both TNT and DAZN. Today’s announcement confirmed that “Queensberry is coming to DAZN. Starting April 2025, @DAZNBoxing will become the global broadcast partner of @queensberrypromotions. Together, we’ll deliver the biggest match-ups to fans worldwide.”

The announcement graphic featured the date: April 1, 2025. With this partnership, DAZN joins forces with other promoters like Matchroom and Golden Boy Promotions, further solidifying its position in the boxing landscape.

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Nov 03 2024

Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch

Ben Whittaker’s manager, Lee Eaton, has confirmed that a rematch between Whittaker and Liam Cameron is on the horizon. This follows their previous encounter on October 12, which was part of the undercard for the main event featuring Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

The initial bout ended unexpectedly in the fifth round when both fighters collided and fell onto the top rope, leading them to tumble out of the ring. The impact caused Whittaker to sustain injuries, ultimately preventing him from continuing the fight. The bout was declared a split decision draw, leaving fans disappointed and eager for a rematch.

Due to his injuries, Whittaker had to be taken from the arena in a wheelchair and will not fight again this year, as confirmed by his promoter, Ben Shalom. However, Whittaker recently updated fans on social media, stating that his recovery is progressing well.

Eaton took to X to share that he has already had discussions with Cameron’s lawyer about securing the rematch. “Had a good chat with his lawyer last night—interesting convo. The rematch will happen, I’m sure of it,” Eaton wrote.

For now, fans will need to monitor Whittaker’s recovery, but all signs point to a potential rematch against Cameron in 2025.

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Nov 03 2024

Fighting Words: Boots Ennis’ and Bam Rodriguez’s current obligations and future temptations

The November 9 doubleheader in Philadelphia featuring Jaron “Boots” Ennis headlining in his hometown and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in the co-feature is a mixed bag.

 

 

It’s just a question of which weight division will host those collisions.

 

Ennis, 32-0 (29 KOs), was left with a bare cupboard at welterweight following last year’s fight between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr for the undisputed championship. Ennis was seen as the top remaining contender, but Crawford departed for junior middleweight. Spence is also expected to move up and challenge unified 154lbs titleholder Sebastian Fundora next.

As Crawford vacated his titles, Ennis was among the many welterweights to get an upgrade. 

Ennis had been the interim IBF belt holder dating back to January 2023, when he first defeated Chukhadzhian via shutout, taking the decision 120-108 on all three scorecards. He defended the interim belt with a 10th-round knockout of Roiman Villa in July 2023, then became the full titleholder in November 2023. Ennis returned after a yearlong layoff and made his first defense this past July. He was supposed to face Cody Crowley but instead sent late replacement David Avanesyan packing after five rounds.

The cupboard is beginning to be restocked, though what’s within isn’t necessarily as appetizing as what’s available elsewhere.

The three other titleholders elevated after Crawford exited were Eimantas Stanionis (WBA), Mario Barrios (WBC) and Brian Norman Jnr (WBO).

 

 

Ennis sought to make a unification fight with Norman, in part to avoid this insipid rematch with Chukhadzhian. They couldn’t reach an agreement, however. Depending on your stance: Either Norman wanted more money than Ennis’ promoter, Matchroom Boxing, felt was appropriate, or Matchroom offered less money than Norman’s team felt was appropriate.

Barrios and Stanionis are both affiliated with Premier Boxing Champions. Stanionis’ next fight will likely come against his mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov. The WBA has ordered a purse bid, scheduled for November 8, to try to make Stanionis vs. Giyasov happen.

 

 

 

 

“I'm not looking past [Chukhadzhian], but after I do my thing and win in spectacular fashion, I want the rest of the welterweight belts, and to stay busy,” Ennis told Manouk Akopyan of BoxingScene . “If they are playing around, maybe we'll be at 154lbs, maybe not. We'll see.”

 

 

The IBF has Chukhadzhian, 24-2 (13 KOs), at No. 1, a vacancy at No. 2, Sasaki at No. 3 and Conor Benn – who is also with Matchroom, was suspended in the United Kingdom after testing positive for banned substances, and is aiming for a fight with middleweight Chris Eubank Jnr – at No. 4.

After that comes Lewis Crocker, Paddy Donovan, Rocha, Giyasov, Nicklaus Flaz, Josh Wagner, Curiel, David Papot, Vitaly Petryakov, Kenneth Sims Jnr and Christopher Guerrero.

Fighters shouldn’t be expected to move up or down in weight classes unless they are comfortable doing so. They should be accepted for competing where they feel they are at their best. But it is also exciting when a fighter changes divisions to chase the allure of tougher challenges and bigger paydays, as if they are hunters following their next meal into new and more dangerous territory.

That new territory for Ennis could be junior middleweight, one of the deepest weight classes in boxing. The titleholders there are Crawford (WBA), Fundora (WBC and WBO) and Murtazaliev (IBF), and they are joined by contenders Serhii Bohachuk, Charles Conwell, Erickson Lubin, Israil Madrimov, Vergil Ortiz Jnr and, presumably, Spence. On the fringe for now is Tszyu, who will need to rebuild after his drubbing at the hands of Murtazaliev.

 

“That weight is poppin' right now,” Ennis said. “Everybody up there. Hopefully, you might see me up there. You never know.”

The situation is quite different for Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has already faced – and emphatically beaten – three of the top junior bantamweights of this era.

 

 

The only member left of the modern-day “Four Kings” is Roman Gonzalez, though imagining him in with Rodriguez may bring a squeamish feeling to those who worry whether a post-prime “Chocolatito” would be in too much danger against Rodriguez.

But first, Rodriguez, 20-0 (13 KOs), must fight his mandatory challenger, Pedro Guevara, who holds the WBC’s interim belt.

Guevara, 42-4-1 (22 KOs), has been around the sport for ages. At 35, this could be his final campaign for the throne. He lost a split decision to John Riel Casimero back in 2012 for a junior flyweight title. Two years later, in December 2014, Guevara won his first and only world title, knocking out Akira Yaegashi in seven rounds for the vacant WBC belt at 108. He lost it in his third defense, dropping a split decision to Yu Kimura in November 2015.

 

 

The junior bantamweight division isn’t as loaded as it once was, but there are some good fights available if Rodriguez defeats Guevara and opts to remain at this weight.

 

 

There are also several options three pounds north at bantamweight, whether that’s Nakatani (WBC); his fellow Japan-based titleholders Ryosuke Nishida (IBF), Seiya Tsutsumi (WBA) or Yoshiki Takei (WBO); or a number of solid contenders, including multiple fighters who used to own world titles themselves.

For now, it seems as if Rodriguez’s goal is to remain at 115.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2 and @UnitedBoxingPod . He is the co-host of the United Boxing Podcast . David’s book, “ Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing ,” is available on Amazon.

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Nov 03 2024

Whyte Questions Joshua's Performance and Looks to Future Rematch

In an interview with talkSPORT, Dillian Whyte expressed his confusion over Anthony Joshua’s recent performance against Daniel Dubois. The fight, held at Wembley Stadium, was a surprising turn for Joshua, who was knocked down four times before ultimately losing to Dubois. Whyte pointed out that this defeat raised several questions about Joshua's preparation and mindset leading up to the bout.

Whyte commented on the various factors contributing to Joshua's lackluster showing. While some analysts suggested that issues with Joshua's corner’s instructions played a significant role, others noted unusual behaviors from the former champion in the days leading up to the fight. Whyte emphasized that something seemed off, hinting at deeper issues that may need to be addressed as Joshua seeks to bounce back.

Adding to the complexity of the heavyweight landscape, Whyte discussed his mixed feelings about Deontay Wilder, stating, “I really hate Deontay Wilder, but I have been stopped by AJ. I have never been stopped by Wilder, so I’d still love to get that one back.” This sentiment underscores Whyte's desire to settle scores with both fighters, particularly as he remains hopeful about a future clash with Joshua.

The anticipation for a rematch between Joshua and Whyte has been building since their first encounter in 2015, where Joshua claimed victory. However, their planned rematch last year was thwarted by an adverse result in Whyte's drug test. Despite these setbacks, Whyte is optimistic about facing Joshua again, especially now that Joshua is in a rebuilding phase following the loss to Dubois.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, provided insight into the former champion's plans, revealing that Joshua is eager for a rematch with Dubois in February. However, minor physical issues could delay his return to the ring. Hearn explained that timing is crucial; for Joshua to fight Dubois in February, he would need to start training soon. Yet, Hearn also mentioned that Joshua might choose to wait for the outcome of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 before making a decision on his next move. If Fury wins, a monumental clash between Joshua and Fury could be on the table for May, marking a potentially historic moment in the heavyweight division.

As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, Dillian Whyte remains patiently focused on the opportunity to rekindle his rivalry with Joshua. With both fighters at critical junctures in their careers, the coming months promise to deliver exciting developments that could reshape the future of heavyweight boxing.

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Nov 03 2024

Steward: One Slip Cost Fury the Fight, It Won’t Happen Again

 

Sugarhill Steward has emphasized that he and Tyson Fury have already established a game plan to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in their highly anticipated rematch on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout will see Fury and Usyk clash for the WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles, just seven months after Usyk's victory in their first encounter, where he edged out Fury in a thrilling match.

The pivotal moment came in the ninth round, where Fury faced a near stoppage that ultimately shifted the fight in Usyk's favor. In the aftermath, Fury’s corner, consisting of Steward, assistant trainer Andy Lee, and Fury’s father John, received criticism, but Steward remains steadfast that only minor adjustments are necessary.

"What went wrong was Tyson got caught in the ninth round, and that knockdown cost him the fight," Steward explained to BoxingScene. “For me, the most important thing is to avoid getting caught again. You learn from mistakes, and it’s simple: don’t make the same mistake twice.”

He added, “Tyson knows he’s learned lessons before in life. Getting knocked down is part of that journey, and it’s how you respond that defines you. I’m as confident as I was before. He didn’t know he was going to get caught—if he did, he wouldn’t have let it happen.”

When asked if facing Usyk in the ring had complicated the rematch, given Usyk’s insights from their previous bout, Steward replied, “They’ve both shared the ring, so both gained valuable experience. The key is still the same: don’t get caught.”

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Nov 03 2024

Youngest undisputed champion in boxing history crowned

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, boxer Gabriela Fundora, nicknamed “Golden Girl,” made history by becoming the youngest undisputed champion in women’s boxing history. The 21-year-old fighter claimed victory with a seventh-round technical knockout over Gabriela Celeste Alaniz, achieving this feat at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. This triumph not only secured her the four main titles in the flyweight division but also solidified her place in boxing history.

Fundora’s height and reach advantage worked in her favor, allowing her to stay composed and strategic in every exchange. Despite Alaniz’s efforts, showcasing good footwork and speed, she was forced to fight at close range due to Fundora’s physical advantage.

The fight was stopped in the seventh round when referee Robert Hoyle intervened after a series of powerful punches from Fundora. Alaniz had been knocked down twice, and her corner decided to throw in the towel to prevent further damage.

Fundora

This victory brought Fundora to a record of 15-0, with seven wins by knockout. On the other hand, Alaniz suffered her first knockout loss, now with a record of 15-2, with seven knockouts.Irish boxing legend set for the jungle

Fundora’s accomplishment has generated significant excitement in the world of women’s boxing. She has set a new standard for future generations of female boxers, and her story is just beginning. Likewise, this victory reinforces Oscar De La Hoya’s efforts to revitalize Golden Boy Promotions and showcase female talent in the sport.💣 Gabriela Fundora stops Gabriela Alaniz to become the Undisputed Flyweight Champion pic.twitter.com/FM4PCJI0eA

 

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Nov 03 2024

Shabaz Masoud was so good against Liam Davies even the judges weren’t able to rob him

Save for being knocked out in round one, or badly injured, there aren’t many worse ways to lose than the way Liam Davies lost against Shabaz Masoud last night (November 2) in Birmingham. It wasn’t that the defeat was particularly punishing, or that Davies was humiliated, but more that the disparity in skill between the two unbeaten rivals throughout the 12 rounds they shared left Davies with more questions than answers. Wounds, of course, can be licked and will in time heal. But doubt, especially in one so confident, is sometimes the far greater affliction. 

Even the split decision three ringside judges somehow managed to produce at the end of it all will neither console Davies nor allow him to forget how he felt in there with Masoud. That, as a token gift, will serve only to paper over the cracks.

Some defeats, like knockouts, leave ample room for delusion. One can, in the instance of a knockout, blame it on a mistake, or a shot from the gods, or some other detail easy to rectify if they could only do it all over again. Here, though, with Davies and Masoud, there was no doubt about the winner of this fight either at the end of it or, in truth, from the halfway mark. In fact, the only question, which Masoud answered unequivocally, was whether it would be possible for Masoud to sustain the great form he showed in the first half of the fight into the second half of the fight. Beyond that, this was very much a case of one round resembling both the previous and the next, with Masoud almost always in control. 

One could argue, given the fact both were unbeaten and Davies entered the bout as favourite, Masoud’s performance ranks up there with the best we have seen in a British ring this year. For not only did he beat Davies last night in Birmingham but he did so in a manner so comprehensive the interest in these two fighting again, at least immediately, would be minimal – yes, despite the split decision verdict. To even entertain this, as an idea, before the fight would have seemed ridiculous, particularly in light of how well-matched these two super bantamweights were and how few were certain of a winner. Yet now, having watched them spend 36 minutes in a ring together, one can only assume that a rematch would go the same way as the first fight, with Masoud in control and Davies growing increasingly frustrated. 

Which is why, when focusing once more on that split decision verdict, it is so maddening to reach the end of a performance like Masoud’s against Davies and still not be totally sure he would be rewarded for his brilliance. Chief culprit last night, by the way, was Marco Morales, who somehow scored the fight 115-113 in favour of Davies. Yet Morales was not alone. Even the scorecard of Jean Marie Natus, which had Masoud winning but only by two rounds (115-113), seemed completely inconsistent with what everybody else had watched unfold. The third card, meanwhile, which was delivered by Terry O’Connor and had Masoud winning by 116-112, was, to my mind, about as far as you could stretch your generosity to Davies without either your eyesight or morals being called into question. 

It is true, we should never let the poor work of judges detract from the fine work of a fighter, but still it is hard not to feel for Masoud, someone whose dominance should have been reflected at the end of it all. Now, because it was not reflected in the scores, people will see him edging Davies on a split decision and if yet to watch the fight will presume the fight was as close as many anticipated it would be going in. 

However, the beauty of Masoud’s performance last night was that he confounded these expectations and made Davies, someone who has looked so good in the last couple of years, appear at least a level or two beneath him. It started right from the outset, too, when Masoud instantly found his range and timing and repeated a prescription of left crosses from a southpaw stance whenever Davies advanced. Time and time again this shot pinged back the Telford man’s head and each time it did he became ragged, clumsy, and even more likely to find himself hit with it again. 

In round two, Davies got busier, sensing already the need for urgency, but Masoud remained calm, content to pick him off on the way in. By now the fight very much had the look of bull versus matador and Masoud, armed with gloves rather than a sword, moved superbly on the back foot, making Davies miss before spearing him with that sharp counter left whenever he sniffed an opening. 

The third, a round in which Davies threw Masoud to the floor in frustration, was a far messier one. Davies, stalking, couldn’t get off with anything clean, and would often smother his own work, while Masoud, happy to just throw the left hand, was now varying the trajectory of this punch; sometimes shooting it high, and sometimes stabbing it towards the Davies body. 

More frustration followed in rounds four and five for Davies. In the fourth he picked up a cut by his right eye, the result of so many left crosses hitting that area, and then, in the fifth, he was warned by a pernickety referee, Marcus McDonnell, for aiming his punches too low. He clearly wanted to be able to work up close, yet even in moments when it did become an inside battle it was always Masoud who came out on top, often using his right hook to catch Davies in the pocket. 

Any success Davies did have arrived in round six, the round in which he landed a solid right hand, his best shot so far, and rallied after it with a combination. It was all a bit frantic, of course, for he knew he was behind, but at least in the sixth he managed to slow Masoud down and keep him still, even if in the final 20 seconds of the round Davies found himself nailed by yet another big left hand.  

Which is to say, any fear of Masoud flagging or undoing his earlier good work disappeared no sooner than it emerged. By round seven, in fact, normal order had resumed and Masoud, so composed, was back in control. In the eighth, too, he began the round by landing a lovely one-two on Davies as he ambled forward, after which Davies, again in frustration, banged his gloves together and beckoned him forward for more. 

As for the ninth, this was a better round for Davies and one you could perhaps give him if wanting the fight to appear closer than it was. In this round he landed a left hook which seemed to momentarily unsettle Masoud and he also tried even harder to rough him up and move him around physically. This then led to an exciting 10th round, which featured the best exchange of the fight and Davies, coming on strong, throwing everything he had at Masoud. That left him open to counters and Masoud, always cool under fire, needed no second invitation, catching Davies with increasing regularity whenever he let loose.

Desperation remained the theme in rounds 11 and 12, with Davies even told before the 12th by his coach, Errol Johnson, “You’ve got to stop him, son.” In fairness, he tried. He really did. Yet so smart was Masoud, and so quick and accurate was his back hand, the more Davies tried, the more he put himself in danger of being punished for both encroaching and thinking this fight would generate anything other than a Masoud victory. 

By the end all he could hope was that three ringside judges would be able to take the play away from Masoud on his behalf. 

Sadly, two of them nearly did. 

“This has been a long time coming,” said Masoud, now 14-0 (4), in the aftermath. “Everyone doubted me for years and said I wasn’t good enough. But this is my moment. Liam had his. He is a great fighter and I respect him as a fighter. But today is my day. Last time was his day. There’s big respect between both of us. We’re two fighting men.”

“I don’t think the cut helped but well done to Shabaz,” said Davies, now 16-1 (8). “I want him to enjoy his moment. He’s done it tonight and fair play to him. Tonight’s Shabaz’s night. I’ll be back. I’ll take it on the chin. It’s hard to take, but I’m happy, I’m healthy, and I’m going home. It could be worse. This isn’t the end of me. I’m 28 years old and I’ll be back.”

One can only pray the opposite is true of Marco Morales, the judge who saw Davies as a winner in last night’s fight and in turn failed to recognise the mastery of the man in the opposite corner.  

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