WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is set to face Joe Cordina on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the Beterbiev vs. Bivol event. Stevenson, known for his prowess in lower weight classes, has opted for a match against Cordina, despite the latter's recent loss to Anthony Cacace in May. This decision has raised eyebrows among boxing enthusiasts, questioning whether Stevenson is taking a calculated risk or missing an opportunity to face more formidable opponents.
Julius Julianis, a boxing analyst on X, highlighted the circumstances surrounding Stevenson's upcoming bout. "There is an agreement for Shakur Stevenson vs. Joe Cordina," Julianis confirmed. "Shakur has signed only this fight with Matchroom because he wants to be free in 2025 and negotiate with Gervonta Davis."
Critics argue that facing Cordina, who is not widely known in the U.S. and is coming off a recent defeat, may not elevate Stevenson's profile as he transitions to the lightweight division. Stevenson's previous opponent, Artem Harutyunyan, also entered their fight with a loss on his record, prompting some to question the quality of competition Stevenson is choosing at 135 pounds.
"It would have been nice for Shakur to raise the bar by fighting someone like Andy Cruz, Raymond Muratalla, Floyd Schofield, or Edwin De Los Santos," remarked a boxing insider, suggesting potential opponents who might have posed a greater challenge.
Stevenson, hailing from Newark, New Jersey, has enjoyed success across multiple weight classes, securing world titles at 126 and 130 pounds. However, since moving up to 135 pounds, his choice of opponents has been scrutinized for lacking the intrigue expected of a rising star in the sport.
The matchup against Cordina is seen as a strategic move by Matchroom Boxing, possibly aimed at supporting one of their less prominent fighters. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether this bout will advance Stevenson's career trajectory or leave fans wanting more from the talented young champion.
#ShakurStevenson #JoeCordina #Boxing #MatchroomBoxing #Riyadh #BeterbievBivol #SportsNews #FightNight #WBC #Lightweight #BoxingMatch
Barry Hearn, promoter for Anthony Joshua, has made it clear that delivering a fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury in early 2025 is a top priority for boxing. Despite the rivalry and anticipation that has surrounded these two British heavyweights for years, the match has yet to take place. Hearn, whose company Matchroom has been behind Joshua's career since he turned pro, emphasized the responsibility to make this fight happen.
Joshua and Fury, both former heavyweight champions, have not yet squared off in the ring. Hearn stated, “Joshua against Tyson Fury in early 2025 is the fight that we have a responsibility to deliver and we don’t walk away from our responsibilities.” The potential for this fight remains high, even if Oleksandr Usyk were to win his rematch with Fury in December.
Hearn outlined the stakes of the upcoming fights. Joshua is set to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight championship on September 21, while Fury and Usyk will battle for the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles on December 21. “Usyk is a top-class world champion,” Hearn acknowledged, “but he doesn’t have the commercial appeal of Tyson Fury. Whatever happens in Fury-Usyk, assuming AJ wins his fight, there is no bigger fight in the world than Fury and AJ.”
Hearn also addressed Joshua’s desire for a rematch with Usyk. “He wants to beat Usyk,” Hearn said. Joshua’s journey to redemption and unification is driven by his quest for legacy and victory. “The money’s great,” Hearn added, “but they want to win and they want a legacy.”
With Joshua’s future at stake and the boxing world eagerly awaiting, the Joshua-Fury showdown could be one of the sport’s biggest events.
#AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #BoxingNews #BarryHearn #JoshuaVsFury #HeavyweightChampions #Boxing2025 #UnificationFight #FuryVsUsyk #JoshuaVsDubois #BoxingLegends #FightNight #HeavyweightTitle #BoxingPromoter #SportsNews
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul faced off in New York City ahead of their highly anticipated fight scheduled for November 15. The match, originally set for July 20, had been postponed due to an inflamed ulcer that forced Tyson to withdraw. Despite the age gap, with Tyson at 58 and Paul at 27, both fighters appear more than ready to settle their differences in the ring.
The press conference was intense, with Tyson and Paul exchanging heated words. At one point, during the face-off, tensions escalated as they pushed each other, signaling that this fight is going to be anything but friendly. Jake Paul made it clear that he’s out to prove his doubters wrong: “This is about making history. I’m here to make history,” Paul said. “People think I’m going to get knocked out by this strong, powerful guy. But I’m here to show that I can fight someone as vicious as Mike.”
The fight has sparked concerns about Tyson’s safety due to his age, but Jake Paul dismissed these worries. “At the end of the day, people are always going to have something to say. I’ve proven everyone wrong before, and I’ll do it again. I respect Mike, but we’re not friends anymore until November 15th.”
Paul emphasized that this fight is personal and professional. He even hinted at his future ambitions: “I’m still on the path to becoming world champion. I want Canelo Alvarez. I’m here to show the world who I truly am.” With both fighters determined to make a statement, November 15th is shaping up to be a night to remember.
#MikeTyson #JakePaul #BoxingNews #FightNight #CombatSports #BoxingLegends #JakePaulVsTyson #ProBoxing #BoxRec #FightForHistory #BoxingWorld #TysonVsPaul #BoxingLife #FightHype #TysonFury
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary eight-division boxing champion, has emerged victorious in his legal battle against combat sports agent Audie Attar and his company, Paradigm Sports Management. The case, which has been closely watched by the boxing and MMA communities, was officially ruled in Pacquiao’s favor by the Orange County (Calif.) Superior Court.
The dispute centered around a contract that Attar and Paradigm claimed was breached by Pacquiao, resulting in an initial verdict awarding them $5.1 million. However, Judge Walter Schwarm overturned this decision, declaring the contract void due to illegality. The court found that Attar was not licensed as a manager under California law, rendering the agreement between the two parties null and void.
Pacquiao's adviser, Sean Gibbons, celebrated the ruling with a text message to BoxingScene, stating, "Knockout complete!" This victory not only clears Pacquiao of any wrongdoing but also affirms his right to negotiate without interference from unlicensed individuals. The ruling also puts to rest any potential match-up between Pacquiao and UFC star Conor McGregor, which had been discussed as part of the disputed negotiations.
Gibbons expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, saying, "Manny Pacquiao… did nothing wrong," reinforcing the boxing icon’s clean record both inside and outside the ring. The decision is a significant win for Pacquiao as he continues to navigate his storied career with integrity.
#MannyPacquiao #PacquiaoVictory #ConorMcGregor #AudieAttar #ParadigmSportsManagement #BoxingNews #CombatSports #BoxingChampion #LegalVictory #CourtRuling #CaliforniaLaw #SportsLaw #BoxingLegend #PacquiaoWins #SeanGibbons
Butterbean, real name Eric Esch, was once a heavyweight boxing sensation who thrilled fans throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. Known for his massive frame and devastating power, he boasted an impressive record of 77 wins and only 10 losses. Weighing in at a staggering 515lbs at his peak, Butterbean was a force to be reckoned with, delivering 58 career knockouts that electrified audiences worldwide.
However, life after the ring wasn’t easy for Butterbean. Following his retirement in 2013 after a series of losses, his weight ballooned to over 500lbs. In a dark period of his life, he struggled with his health and well-being, even turning down a potential fight with Mike Tyson in 2020 because he wasn’t in the right shape, both physically and mentally. “I was way overweight and just feeling down,” he admitted, revealing the depth of his struggles.
But the story doesn’t end there. Butterbean made an incredible comeback, shedding over 200lbs thanks to the help of his friend and WWE star Diamond Dallas Page. With a rigorous workout routine and a complete lifestyle overhaul, he slimmed down to 303lbs. The journey wasn’t easy, with Butterbean describing the pain as "unbearable" at times, but he persisted, finding new purpose in life. “I didn’t get to spend time with my grandkids... it’s like looking for something to live for instead of just waiting to die,” he shared.
Now, after his dramatic transformation, Butterbean has his sights set on a new challenge: a £2 million fight against social media sensation Jake Paul. Paul has made a name for himself in the boxing world with a 10-1 record, defeating UFC legends and fellow internet stars alike. A fight between the two could generate massive interest, bringing together fans from two different generations of boxing and entertainment.
As he flaunts his weight loss progress on social media, Butterbean is more determined than ever to step back into the ring. The question now is, will this dream fight with Jake Paul become a reality?
#Butterbean #EricEsch #JakePaul #MikeTyson #DiamondDallasPage #BasRutten #BoxingLegends #BoxingComeback #WeightLossJourney #BoxingFans #HeavyweightBoxing #FightGame #BoxingTransformation #BoxingHistory #BoxingChallenge
Teddy Atlas has seen the very best of boxing up close, working in the corners of some of the sport’s most legendary figures. But when asked about the greatest talent he ever trained, his answer may surprise you. Despite guiding icons like Mike Tyson and Tim Bradley, Atlas names Wilfred Benitez as the most talented boxer he ever worked with.
Atlas is best known for his early work with Tyson, helping to shape the future heavyweight champion’s raw talent. He also played a crucial role in the careers of other notable fighters like Michael Moorer, who won the heavyweight title under his guidance, and Tim Bradley, who famously defeated Manny Pacquiao in a controversial decision.
However, it’s Benitez, the youngest world champion in boxing history, who stands out in Atlas’s mind. Benitez was just 17 years old when he won the WBA light welterweight title, and he later went on to defeat legends like Roberto Duran.
Atlas described Benitez as the complete package, comparing him to a movie that sweeps the Academy Awards. “Sometimes you go to the Academy Awards and one movie wins all the awards. What are you gonna do? That would be Benitez,” said Atlas when speaking to The Ring.
“Anyone who could beat Roberto Duran, amongst many other great fighters, that’s a pretty good resume. I would say Benitez overall was the package. He was a special fighter,” Atlas added.
Benitez’s ability to outmaneuver and outthink his opponents in the ring made him a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Atlas emphasized how rare it is to find a fighter with such natural instincts and technical prowess.
In a career filled with greats, Atlas insists that Benitez stands alone as the most gifted fighter he ever had the privilege to train.
#TeddyAtlas #MikeTyson #TimBradley #MichaelMoorer #ShannonBriggs #WilfredBenitez #RobertoDuran #BoxingLegends #BoxingHistory #FightGame #BoxingFans #TheRingMagazine #GreatestBoxer #LegendaryFighters #BoxingTalent #TopTrainer
The long-awaited rematch between heavyweight titans Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has officially been set for December 21, 2024. The bout, titled "Reignited," will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Turki Alalshikh, a key financier in the world of boxing, confirmed the date and location on social media, putting to rest any doubts about the rematch.
The first fight between Usyk and Fury took place on May 18, where Usyk emerged victorious via a split decision. The rematch has been heavily anticipated, especially with the stakes being so high. Should Fury win, he will reclaim his WBC title and set the stage for a potential all-British showdown against Anthony Joshua, provided Joshua defeats Daniel Dubois in their upcoming fight in London next month.
This event is part of the broader Riyadh Season, which has been instrumental in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia. Alongside Usyk vs. Fury, Riyadh Season is also backing the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight in September and the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev clash in October.
As the heavyweight division heats up, the world will be watching closely to see if Fury can avenge his loss and set up another blockbuster fight, or if Usyk will solidify his dominance at the top of the division.
#UsykFury2 #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #RiyadhSeason #Boxing #HeavyweightBoxing #FuryVsUsyk #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #BivolBeterbiev #SaudiArabiaBoxing #TurkiAlalshikh #KingdomArena
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that early discussions are underway for a potential fight between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina. While the talks are still in the preliminary stages, the idea of Cordina moving up to 135 pounds to challenge Stevenson is being explored.
Shakur Stevenson has been actively seeking his next opponent, initially targeting WBC #1 William Zepeda. However, with Zepeda and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya aiming to push the fight to February, Stevenson is reluctant to wait that long. This delay has opened the door for other potential matchups, including one with Cordina.
Cordina, who recently suffered an eighth-round knockout loss to Anthony Cacace, is ranked #13 by the WBC. At 32 years old, Cordina is eager to take on big challenges, and moving up in weight to face Stevenson would certainly be one of them. "I've spoken to Joe about fighting Shakur Stevenson. Joe is up for it, but he also understands the challenge," said Hearn. He added, "Ideally, moving up a weight division, you'd probably want an easier fight than Shakur Stevenson, but Joe is at the age where he wants to be involved in the biggest fights in the sport."
For Cordina, this could be a career-defining opportunity. Despite being the underdog, the prospect of fighting for a world title against a high-profile opponent like Stevenson is too significant to pass up. Hearn acknowledged that the discussions are still in the early stages, but he remains optimistic about the possibility.
Stevenson's defensive skills and tactical approach have not always resonated with U.S. audiences, but a fight against Cordina could help him gain popularity in the UK. If Cordina's power translates to the lightweight division, it could pose a serious challenge for Stevenson, who might have to rely on his mobility and ring IQ to avoid getting clipped.
While nothing has been finalized, the prospect of Stevenson vs. Cordina is intriguing. It would offer Cordina a shot at redemption and provide Stevenson with a new challenge as he continues to establish himself as one of the top talents in the lightweight division.
#ShakurStevenson #JoeCordina #EddieHearn #Boxing #WBC #LightweightTitle #MatchroomBoxing #WilliamZepeda #OscarDeLaHoya #AnthonyCacace #BoxingNews #TitleFight #UKBoxing #USBoxing #BoxingMatchup #FightNight
Promoter Frank Warren is setting the stage for a potential all-British world championship unification fight between rising lightweight stars Sam Noakes and Mark Chamberlain. Both fighters have been making waves in the division, and a showdown between the two seems increasingly likely.
Noakes, who recently claimed the European championship by defeating Yvan Mendy, will next defend his title against Gianluca Ceglia on September 6. Reflecting on Noakes’ performance against Mendy, Warren expressed his belief that Noakes could have secured a stoppage in that fight. "The last fight, I genuinely feel that he could have stopped his opponent," Warren told BoxingScene. Despite not getting the knockout, Warren praised Noakes for displaying his boxing IQ, stating, "He showed another side of his ability and his great boxing brain that he’s got."
Warren sees a bright future for Noakes, who now holds the British, Commonwealth, and European titles. “He’s a top 10-rated fighter and he’s going places,” Warren said. The promoter is confident that Noakes has the potential to win a world title and believes that a clash with Chamberlain could become a major event in British boxing within the next year.
Chamberlain, who last fought in May, securing a victory over Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab, is set to face Josh Padley on September 21. Warren is optimistic about the timing of a potential unification fight, stating, “I think it’ll happen in the next 12 months. What I’d like it to be is for a world title fight.”
Warren envisions the ideal scenario where both Noakes and Chamberlain win world titles before facing each other in a unification bout. “It’d be nice if they could both win a world title and then have a unification. That’d be my dream,” he added.
If everything falls into place, British boxing fans could witness one of the most exciting domestic showdowns in recent history, with two of the country’s brightest talents going head-to-head for world title supremacy.
#FrankWarren #SamNoakes #MarkChamberlain #Boxing #BritishBoxing #WorldTitleFight #UnificationFight #YvanMendy #GianlucaCeglia #JoshuaOluwaseunWahab #JoshPadley #BoxingScene #QueensberryPromotions #LightweightChampionship #BoxingNews
In a surprising twist ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, Dubois' former sparring partner Guido Vianello has backed Joshua to come out on top. Despite acknowledging Dubois' power and danger in the ring, Vianello believes Joshua's experience and recent form give him the edge in their upcoming bout on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
Daniel Dubois, who recently claimed the IBF heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, will face Joshua in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Joshua is the slight favorite due to his wealth of experience and recent resurgence under new coach Ben Davison, Vianello's comments have added an intriguing layer to the pre-fight discussions.
Vianello shared his insights with Boxing Social, stating, "I sparred with Daniel in the training camp before my Efe Ajagba fight. He is a very strong and dangerous boxer, but we were very close in every session." He continued, "Joshua is back and in the best shape of his career, I think. With Dubois, it is a very close fight, but Joshua's experience might give him the win."
Vianello also mentioned his admiration for Francis Ngannou, noting that Joshua's experience and preparation in past fights, including his battle with Ngannou, have sharpened his skills. "I saw Joshua then, and he looks much better than in the past. With Dubois, it's a close fight, but I think Joshua, with his experience, maybe he can win."
As the fight date approaches, fans are left wondering whether Dubois’ raw power will overcome Joshua’s refined technique and experience, or if Joshua will prove Vianello’s prediction correct.
#JoshuaVsDubois #DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #WembleyFight #BoxingShowdown #AJvsDubois #GuidoVianello #BoxingPrediction #HeavyweightTitle #IBFTitleFight #BenDavison #AJComeback #JoshuaSupport #BoxingNews #HeavyweightShowdown
The British heavyweight division is set for another explosive showdown as Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke have agreed to a much-anticipated rematch. Their thrilling split draw in March left fans wanting more, and now, the two undefeated fighters will meet again with the British heavyweight title on the line. While the date and venue remain unconfirmed, there are strong rumors that this bout could feature on the undercard of the light heavyweight unification clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia on October 12.
In March, Wardley and Clarke delivered a fight that was too close to call, resulting in a split draw. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, the rematch promises to be just as intense, if not more. Fabio Wardley, with a record of 17-0-1 (16 KOs), will defend his title against the determined Frazer Clarke, who holds an 8-0-1 (6 KOs) record. This fight is expected to be one of the highlights of the year for British boxing.
In other news from the British Boxing Board of Control, the junior middleweight title fight between Sam Gilley and Louis Greene has been put back out to purse bids after a date and venue couldn't be confirmed. The two previously faced off in a brutal battle last October, with Gilley taking the win.
Additionally, a deal has been reached for Jack Rafferty to fight Henry Turner for the vacant 140lbs title. This bout will take place on October 5 in Liverpool, on the undercard of Nick Ball’s WBA featherweight title defense against Ronny Rios.
Purse bids have also been called for a super featherweight title fight between champion Reece Bellotti and the unbeaten Michael Gomez Jnr. Both fighters are in top form, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
Lastly, British flyweight champion Jay Harris is set to face Conner Kelsall in a potential triple title showdown, with details to be announced soon. Promoter Frank Warren is expected to confirm the date and venue, making it another must-watch event.
#FabioWardley #FrazerClarke #BritishHeavyweight #BoxingRematch #ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #SamGilley #LouisGreene #JackRafferty #HenryTurner #ReeceBellotti #MichaelGomezJnr #JayHarris #ConnerKelsall #BritishBoxing