Chris Eubank Jr has a shot at becoming a legitimate world champion after avenging his earlier loss to Liam Smith. In their rematch, which took place earlier this month, Eubank Jr put on a stellar performance at Manchester Arena and secured a tenth-round knockout victory. As a result, he has now climbed to the top spot in the WBO middleweight rankings, positioning himself as the mandatory challenger for a world title opportunity. The current holder of the 160lbs WBO belt is Janibek Alimkhanuly, an undefeated fighter from Kazakhstan with a record of 14-0. Alimkhanuly is scheduled to defend his title in a unification bout against IBF middleweight world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in Texas on October 14. While becoming a world champion is a lifelong aspiration for any boxer, Eubank Jr may have reservations about facing the winner of Alimkhanuly vs. Gualtieri, as they are not widely recognized in the boxing world. Eubank Jr, who has previously held the IBO middleweight title and the WBA interim middleweight belt, is more inclined towards pursuing significant fights for the remainder of his career. Eubank expressed his desire to give the fans what they want to see, emphasizing that there are numerous big-name opponents and exciting opportunities available, including world title fights and high-profile matchups.

“I want to do whatever the fans want to see,” the 34-year-old said after his latest win. “There’s some huge names out there, there’s some big opportunities. World titles, big fights, it’s all on the table.”

In recent discussions, there has been talk of a potential grudge match between Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. They were initially slated to face off in October 2022, but their pay-per-view event was canceled due to Benn failing two drug tests. Benn is set to make his long-awaited comeback in Florida and is expected to call out Eubank after the fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn is eager to initiate negotiations for a potential showdown in Britain, possibly in December, which could prove to be a highly lucrative and exciting matchup.

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, is determined to ensure fairness in his upcoming Fury vs Ngannou fight against Tyson Fury scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia, voicing concerns about potential glove-tampering by Fury. Ngannou shared his worries during an appearance on the JRE MMA Show with Joe Rogan, remarking that Fury is tricky with his gloves, and went on to accuse him of cheating. Ngannou referenced allegations made by Deontay Wilder, a three-time opponent of Fury, who had previously claimed, without substantiation, that Fury had loaded his gloves during their rematch in February 2020. Derek Chisora, another previous opponent, also claimed that Fury had cut his glove to land an eye poke in one of their matches.

“He’s very tricky with his glove. I think he cheats.”

While discussing these concerns with his team, Ngannou emphasized the need to check every glove meticulously before Fury vs Ngannou . He expressed dissatisfaction with relying solely on the U.K. commission's check on the gloves, insisting on additional scrutiny. Despite the Nevada Athletic Commission clearing Fury of any wrongdoing in the past, Ngannou remains apprehensive, advocating for either a bare-knuckle fight or thorough verification of the gloves used.

“We are talking about it with the team, and they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s the U.K. commission with the gloves,’” Ngannou said. “I’m like, ‘Bro, we’re going to get there, we need every glove to be checked.” “You don’t tell me about this commission, ‘Oh, the gloves get to be checked,’” Ngannou continued. “If you want us to fight bare hands, bare-knuckle, let’s go bare-knuckle. But don’t give me 10-ounce gloves and wear 8-ounce or 6-ounce gloves because he has no protection. No.”

Joe Rogan challenged Ngannou’s claims, questioning the evidence behind them and disputing fan-made videos suggesting that Fury had manipulated his gloves. Ngannou maintained that double-checking was necessary, given that multiple people, including Fury’s past opponents, have raised concerns about his gloves.

“But his opponent complains about his gloves,” Ngannou replied. “It might not be [true], but we have to check that. ... I think we have nothing to lose by double-checking, because it’s been more than once that people talk about his gloves, and even his opponents.” “I’m sure they talk about it,” Rogan said. “[Fury] kicks their ass.” “But in the boxing world, you have to worry about everything,” Ngannou said. “If somebody says something in boxing, you better double-check.”

Ngannou, transitioning to boxing after a successful MMA career and rejecting a new contract from UFC, has signed a profitable deal with the PFL. He is set to make $10 million from the Fury vs Ngannou fight, which will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. The Fury vs Ngannou match came into fruition after a potential bout between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fell through, leading Fury to shift his focus to Ngannou. Francis Ngannou is firm on his stance, emphasizing the importance of precaution and scrutiny in boxing, particularly when there have been recurring allegations or complaints from different quarters.

Conor Benn's upcoming fight this weekend has stirred controversy, with concerns raised about his eligibility to compete. Benn has faced two instances of testing positive for a banned substance, and the matter remains unresolved. Despite Eddie Hearn, Benn's promoter, claiming that Benn is cleared to fight in September, the British Boxing Board of Control Secretary, Robert Smith, has refuted these assertions. Currently, an appeal is underway regarding the lifting of Benn's provisional suspension by the UK's National Anti-Doping Panel, and a final decision has yet to be reached. Rather than waiting for the outcome of the investigation, Benn and Hearn pursued a license from the Texas Athletic Commission in the United States. This move was driven by the absence of a unified governing body in boxing to prevent individuals suspected of cheating from participating. Texas has granted Benn permission to fight, even though controversy surrounds the welterweight boxer. Smith firmly believes that Benn should not be seeking to continue his boxing career until a final ruling is issued on the test results. There is still a significant possibility that Benn may face suspension in the UK. Smith expressed his disappointment, saying:

“Although it’s a sport, we don’t deal with teams, we deal with individuals. And sometimes people look after themselves rather than the sport in general, which is slightly disappointing,” Smith told talkSPORT. “I understand why they do it. But no, I don’t think he should be boxing. Personally, I don’t think he should be boxing until this matter is cleared. “Hopefully, that’ll be done as soon as possible,” he added. Responding to several announcements by Hearn and Benn that he’s cleared his name, Smith gave a damning verdict on that insistence. “He hasn’t cleared it [his name]. There are a number of issues that are still outstanding, which everybody’s aware of. “We’ve decided to appeal a decision. Once the appeal has taken place, we’ll take it on board from there. “But when Eddie says he’s cleared his name, according to us, we haven’t had an explanation of how the positive test came about. So I don’t quite agree with Eddie on that one.”

Smith disputed claims made by Hearn and Benn that Benn's name has been cleared. He highlighted that several issues related to the positive test results are still pending resolution and that an appeal is in progress. This weekend, Benn is scheduled to fight Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida, under the Texas Athletic Commission's jurisdiction. However, the cloud of controversy stemming from two separate positive tests for the same banned substance, clomifene, still hangs over him. The World Boxing Council (WBC) acknowledged that contaminated supplements might have caused Benn's adverse findings, leading to the cancellation of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. last October. Benn disagreed with this explanation. Although the WBC reinstated Benn in their rankings in April, he was removed again in July due to inactivity. Benn's return to the ring this weekend is accompanied by unresolved issues and the possibility of suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control, which could raise further questions about his situation.

David Haye expresses concern about Joe Joyce's future in the heavyweight division if he experiences another defeat at the hands of Zhilei Zhang this weekend in Joyce vs Zhang 2 bout. Joyce, earlier this year, faced his first professional loss when Zhang stopped him in a surprising turn of events. As they prepare for Joyce vs Zhang 2, another loss could have dire consequences for Joyce. Before their initial encounter, Joyce held the WBO interim champion title, positioning himself for a potential future fight with the full titleholder, Oleksandr Usyk. However, the defeat against Zhang eliminated that opportunity. Haye emphasizes that if Joyce doesn't regain that honor in their upcoming bout, it could be a challenging road ahead. Haye shared his thoughts with the PA press agency, stating, "I believe Joe has the capability to secure a victory if he employs a smart boxing strategy. If he fails to do so, he might find himself excluded from the heavyweight division." He goes on to explain that it would be risky for managers or promoters to match their fighters against Joyce in minor eliminators or 10-round fights if he loses this pivotal match. Joyce's world-class skills could potentially overwhelm younger fighters entering the division, making him a formidable opponent. Haye underscores the challenges of a potential comeback for Joyce, especially given his age of 38. A long road back to the top may not be feasible at this stage in his career if he faces another setback in the rematch with Zhang.

“I believe Joe has enough to find a way to win if he boxes smart. If he doesn’t do that, he probably will get frozen out of the heavyweight division,” said Haye when speaking to the PA press agency. “What manager or promoter would want to risk their guy fighting Joe in a minor eliminator or in a 10-rounder. He would be too good for his own good. “He is a very world class fighter so young fighters coming through, he would be too much for them. No manager or promoter in their right mind would chuck their young fighter in with Joe if he loses this fight. “It would be a long road back and a long road back you can’t afford at the age of 38.”

Tyson Fury, an undefeated two-time world champion, is widely regarded as one fight away from solidifying his position as the best of his generation. Throughout his 34-fight career, Fury has delivered memorable moments in the heavyweight division, transitioning from a highly skilled mover to a formidable puncher with a strategic approach. After a contentious draw with Deontay Wilder, Fury has secured six consecutive victories, with five of them coming by knockout. It's no surprise that Fury, who believes he has conquered boxing, doesn't see any external rival capable of ending his reign. However, he acknowledges one internal challenge that he has faced before – his own battle with mental health. Fury shared his perspective on the Out Of Interest podcast, emphasizing that his most formidable opponent is himself, particularly in terms of his mental well-being. He candidly stated that the toughest battle he has ever faced is against his own mental health struggles, acknowledging that it's a lifelong challenge.

“Toughest opponent is my own self. Every single time. The only person that can beat Tyson Fury, is him himself. Mentally. The toughest battle I’ve ever had is mental health. You never, ever defeat it. You can never win against it. Ever.”

Fury's past struggles with depression and addiction, following his victory over long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko, are well-documented. He openly discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts during that dark period. After nearly three years away from the ring, Fury made a successful comeback, eventually defeating the hard-hitting American, Deontay Wilder. More recently, a Netflix series offered fans a glimpse into Fury's life, highlighting his battle with bipolar disorder, as recognized by his family. On the podcast, Fury also shared his strategies for coping with mental health challenges. He emphasized the importance of setting small short-term goals, maintaining a structured daily routine, prioritizing fitness and health, and taking life one day at a time. Additionally, he stressed the significance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“My top tips for battling mental health is this. Small short term goals, a structured routined lifestyle, fitness and health, working out and stuff, and just living one day at a time. Eating well, drinking well, and that’s about it really.”

Fury's immediate goal is to face MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Boxing enthusiasts might have started to doubt the possibility of a legacy-defining four-belt unification showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. The failed negotiations and public disputes between the two teams have dragged on for months, making Fury vs Usyk seem uncertain. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, hinted at a positive update regarding the long-awaited Fury vs Usyk undisputed clash, possibly happening later this year. While appearing on The Fight With Teddy Atlas, Brown didn't reveal specific details but suggested that talks were in progress to stage Fury vs Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

“I can’t divulge anything that’s going on at the moment, but if you had a Christmas Wishlist with one fight you wanted to see in the heavyweight division, it could very well happen.” “I’m going to say this: The Saudis will make everybody’s Christmas come true – that’s all I can say.”

Issues such as purse splits, venue selection, and rematch clauses previously derailed the Fury vs Usyk fight earlier in the year, with some observers pointing fingers at "The Gypsy King." Adding to Brown's encouraging remarks, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, also expressed quiet confidence in arranging a Fury vs Usyk bout. Fury's upcoming exhibition bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou, set to take place in Riyadh next month, received mixed reactions from boxing fans. However, the excitement would reach new heights if an historic Fury vs Usyk showdown were to follow.

Zhilei Zhang took advantage of Joe Joyce's defensive vulnerabilities in their previous bout in April. Now, the question is whether former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch believes Zhang can replicate that success. Joyce deserves credit for agreeing to a rematch only five months after his first career loss. In their previous encounter, Zhang, a southpaw, outclassed Joyce with precise punches that ultimately led to an eye injury and a sixth-round stoppage. During an interview with TalkSPORT, Froch expressed doubt about Joyce's ability to avoid Zhang's punches in the Froch vs Zhang 2. He noted that Zhang effectively timed his backhand shots, setting up Joyce and utilizing the jab. According to Froch, Joyce lacks the defensive skills necessary to protect himself in such situations.

“I just thought that Zhang was timing him nicely with that backhand. Walking him into it, picking him off with the jab and then timing him. It caused the damage on the eye. You want Joe Joyce to be able to just get his head off the centre, maybe get his guard up, block a few shots, roll and slip, but he just doesn’t do any of that. He hasn’t got it in his arsenal. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. What age is he? 38? So he’s not going to change. He’s going to come and do what he does and hope his fitness and his strength is enough to win. But Zhang I feel has got his number.”

Froch emphasized that it might be challenging to teach an older fighter like Joyce new defensive techniques before Froch vs Zhang 2. Given Joyce's age, around 38, Froch believes he is unlikely to change his approach and will rely on his fitness and strength to win. However, Froch believes that Zhang has figured out Joyce's style.

“Not get hit early on, make Zhang work. But to do that he’s going to have to defend himself, and he’s got no defence. He’s got no head movement. If he’s walking into shots, I feel like the writing’s on the wall. This is a must-win fight for him as well, otherwise where does he go? Back-to-back defeats against Zhang – he’s in trouble.”

Froch echoed the common sentiment that for Joyce to succeed against Zhang in Froch vs Zhang 2, he must avoid early punches and force Zhang to work harder. But this strategy requires improved defense, something Joyce currently lacks. Froch believes that if Joyce continues to walk into Zhang's punches, it doesn't bode well for his chances. This Froch vs Zhang 2 is crucial for Joyce; another defeat to Zhang could spell trouble for his career.

“Yeah listen if I was lumping a bet on it, I’d say Zhang is the smart money. But it’s a two horse race. Anything can happen, and Joe Joyce would’ve learnt from that. He was devastated.”

Ben Davison, the friend and trainer of former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders, has given an update on the potential return of Saunders to the boxing ring. Following his stoppage defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in 2021, there were questions about whether Saunders would ever step into the ring again. However, throughout this year, he has been hinting at a comeback and gradually working on regaining his fighting form. In a recent interview with Boxing News, Davison confirmed that Saunders has been making significant progress and is getting close to being fight-ready by the end of this year. He intends to return to the super middleweight division. Davison explained:

“It’s always been on his mind. I think the time away from the sport has made him realise he misses it and loves it. I think he feels like if it’s not before the end of this year, it’s probably not going to happen.” “So he’s put his foot on the pedal, trying to work off some of the weight he’s put on his semi retirement. So he”s working away, step by step.” “He does boxing for the love of it. He actually misses the sport and it’s looking like he is committed to a comeback.” “I think the goal will be to get down to 168, for sure. But for his first fight, let’s see. His weight has come down a fair bit, he just needs to stay consistent to get it down to where we would all like it to be.”

While Saunders aims to compete at the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds, Davison suggested that for his first fight back, they'll assess the situation and make adjustments as needed. Saunders has already made progress in shedding weight, but consistency is key to reaching their desired weight. Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his interest in arranging a rematch between Saunders and his old rival John Ryder, whom Saunders narrowly defeated for the British middleweight title in 2013.

Tony Bellew, a staunch supporter of Anthony Joshua, has expressed his desire to see Joshua vs Fury bout, he wants the two-time world champion face specific opponents next. Currently, Joshua is concentrating on revitalizing his career after facing two defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. Throughout those 24 consecutive rounds, Joshua experienced fleeting success and struggled to deliver the powerful hits that have characterized much of his career. Following this, Joshua earned a victory over Jermaine Franklin in April by points and secured a seventh-round knockout against Robert Helenius, a marginal contender, in August. There's been significant speculation about Joshua potentially battling Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, but discussions seem to have slowed due to recent changes in the boxing environment. While discussing boxing on "Froch on Fighting," Bellew—whose closeness with Joshua led Carl Froch to suggest he shouldn't commentate on Joshua's matches—mentioned who he would prefer Joshua to battle before potentially facing Wilder. He expressed his interest in a match between Joshua and Andy Ruiz, believing that Joshua would dominate this time around. Ruiz and Joshua have a history, with Ruiz stunning the world by defeating Joshua in their first match, but Joshua reclaimed his titles in their subsequent meetup.

“Andy Ruiz. I like that fight. I think he pulverises Ruiz this time. But I would like to have seen the Dillian Whyte fight, that would have been a very good fight.”

Bellew also conveyed his eagerness for a Joshua vs Fury match, expressing disappointment in the general lack of competition in the heavyweight division, which he perceives as being filled with either marginal contenders or inadequate competitors.

“But [Tyson] Fury, obviously, that’s the one I really want to see. It’s tough, the heavyweight division isn’t as deep as it should be – there are fringe contenders or you’re not very good.”

Frank Warren has suggested another British boxer, Daniel Dubois, as a suitable contender to face Joshua, proposing that a match between them would be mutually beneficial at this point in their careers.

Conor Benn is preparing for his return to the boxing ring this Saturday, but his recent drug test controversy continues to cast a shadow over his career. Carl Froch, a former boxing champion, has expressed the view that Benn should face the consequences of his actions before public trust can be fully restored. Benn's last fight took place in April 2022, but he faced the specter of two failed doping tests leading up to his ill-fated bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October. Despite maintaining his innocence, Benn was briefly under provisional suspension in the UK earlier this year, a decision that was subsequently lifted. However, the British Boxing Board of Control has announced its intention to appeal this decision. Currently free to compete, Benn is scheduled to face Rodolfo Orozco from Mexico at the super-welterweight limit of 154lbs in Florida this Saturday.

“It’s gone on for so long I’m almost switched off to it. He’s getting a lot of hate which I don’t like to see but he’s got this dark cloud over him cause he failed a drugs test. Great he’s moving on, but I want to know what’s going on with him getting a British Boxing Board of Control license.”

Carl Froch, speaking with Talk Sport Boxing, expressed his frustration with the protracted saga. He noted the public backlash Benn has faced due to the failed drug test and questioned the status of Benn's British Boxing Board of Control license. Froch also highlighted the issue of Benn choosing to fight overseas instead of addressing the licensing matter in the UK, describing it as a "grey area." He emphasized the importance of professional boxing maintaining its credibility, especially in the eyes of casual fans, and stressed the need for accountability and adherence to regulations.

“It’s a shame. It puts a grey area on why he’s allowed to fight in Florida and not Britain. But I understand, it’s a technicality. But also you have to hold professional boxing as paramount importance in terms of how it looks to the armchair fan and if it just looks like they’re pulling one over on the Boxing Board or doing their own thing and sticking their middle finger up to the correct officials and it’s bad and it shouldn’t be happening.”

Froch ultimately called on Benn and his team to engage with the Board, face any necessary consequences related to the failed drug test, and only then resume Benn's professional career.

“When are they going to sit in front of the board and take their punishment for the failed drugs test? Because my understanding is that’s what needs to happen before Connor Benn can move on with his professional career. Until then they’re just p**sing in the wind.”

Negotiations between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr have surfaced, suggesting a potential future bout for both fighters if Benn emerges victorious this weekend. However, the location for this match remains uncertain. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that, during the process of securing a license to fight in the United States, consultations with the British Boxing Board of Control were conducted to address these matters.

In a recent interview with Fighter Talk TV, Ohara Davis shared his thoughts and feelings about his upcoming fight for the vacant WBA World title at 140 pounds against Barroso. Davis expressed a sense of normalcy and the importance of staying calm and not succumbing to pressure, drawing from past experiences where he let pressure affect his performance. During the interview with Fighter Talk TV, he acknowledged the support and inspiration he gains from his stablemates, even though they look up to him, and he appreciates their energy and enthusiasm.

"If I don't win this fight I'm done as far as I'm concerned so that's going to give me even more fire to work hard and to win this fight. I feel normal just like any other Camp to be honest um I know it's a big fight you know as a world I know it's a world title fight but I think the keys to is to keep calm don't be under pressure because I've been up for so many years and I've made so many mistakes that I've learned from so now my mindset now is you know what it's just like any other fight we've got to work harder and do what I do from time I like the pressure go um from time."

Davis also spoke positively about his opponent, recognizing him as a strong and fit fighter, despite his age, and understanding that he should not underestimate him. When asked about retirement, Davis mentioned his intention to continue boxing but emphasized the need to focus on the current fight and not look past it.

"Mitchell um good fight or strong fighter fit and I know he got robbed in his last fight so in this next fight could be looking to make a statement um against me and he's old but listen man when you're old up in Venezuela is that young in England mate those guys don't eat burgers and drink beer that's why these guys are 45 years old and they're still fit as hell so I can't look at his age and say he's over the hill he's not over the hill."

Further in the interview with Fighter Talk TV, he expressed gratitude for his coach, Will, who has been patient and supportive throughout his boxing career. Davis shared that this title shot, though significant, feels like just another day in his job, emphasizing his dedication to his craft.

"He's been very patient with me you know my boxing career has been up and down and I got with Will at the down part of my boxing career so you know I'm always thankful that he waited he had faith when the fight dates I had and then they got canceled and it's taking time away from his wife and kids and his family and you know all these things and then you know is the business at the end of the day and my culture was patient enough to wait with me and to ground it out with me through the hard time."

For Full Interview:

Since Andy Ruiz Jr won the unified heavyweight world championship from Anthony Joshua in 2019, his career has seen limited action in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division. Ruiz's most recent fight was a closely contested points victory over the seasoned Cuban contender Luis Ortiz in September. However, there have been talks throughout 2023 about potential matchups with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, though none of these fights have materialized as of now. Malik Scott, the trainer of Deontay Wilder, has shared his perspective on the negotiations for a Ruiz vs. Wilder bout and claimed that the Mexican American fighter priced himself out of the contest, as well as a potential showdown with Tyson Fury. During an interview with Boxing Social, Scott accused Ruiz of using the business side of boxing as a shield.

“Andy Ruiz did business with us the same way he attempted to do business with Tyson Fury, he out priced himself.” “He wants to act like he wants this fight, but it’s just big name association. Fighters and their team, they hid behind the business aspect of boxing, and it’s the perfect time to hide behind business because everyone is in to instant gratification – and that is what Andy did.” “It’s frustrating. And the more and more I talk about it, the more it gets frustrating.”

The WBC had ordered a final eliminator between Wilder and Ruiz at the beginning of the year, but even this mandate failed to bring about a fight between the two. In terms of inactivity, Deontay Wilder has not been in action since autumn 2022 when he swiftly dispatched Robert Helenius in under a round at the Barclays Centre in New York. Despite earlier assurances to fans that a highly anticipated showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua was "confirmed" for December, this long-anticipated bout also appears to be facing uncertainty at present.

Over the weekend, a surprise twist occurred during a virtual debate between boxers KSI and Tommy Fury, hosted by streamer Adin Ross. Jake Paul unexpectedly appeared on the 'Kick' livestream, only to be promptly removed. KSI was discussing his upcoming fight against Tommy Fury, along with Tommy's father, John Fury, when Jake Paul suddenly joined the conversation. Paul immediately began to challenge KSI's boxing credentials, questioning the quality of opponents he'd faced. KSI, who has a nearly flawless record with only a draw against Logan Paul and a no-decision after an elbow strike to Joe Fournier, will be settling his rivalry with Tommy Fury in a match set for October 14th in Manchester. For a brief moment, both Tommy Fury and KSI found common ground, as they made light of Jake Paul's own boxing record. Paul tried to flip the script by asking Fury about his performance, aware that Fury had previously defeated him. Just as the exchange was heating up, Jake Paul was suddenly removed from the stream.

"Lol KSI manager freaking out behind the scenes and making Adin’s manager kick me out of the chat!" Paul wrote to his 4.6million followers after the fact. "Soft!" Taylor responded by writing" "I’d never freak out over you, you fraudulent poser. Should have not ducked if you want that KSI clout. Get your attention elsewhere by fighting crippled old men."

With the KSI vs. Tommy Fury fight drawing closer and Logan Paul also participating in the event, anticipation is building for what promises to be a sell-out crowd.

The boxing world is buzzing with excitement over the potential return of hard-hitting heavyweight Deontay Wilder. Although there was anticipation for a showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia in early 2024, discussions have stalled, altering the boxing scene in the nation. Both fighters are seeking new opponents to reestablish themselves after suffering major defeats—Joshua to Oleksandr Usyk and Wilder to Tyson Fury. In a recent interview with Seconds Out, American boxer Jermaine Franklin, who has previously gone the distance with Joshua and Dillian Whyte, expressed interest in facing Wilder.

“Yeah, I mean, anybody at the top. I feel like, with all due respect, if you’re at the top, you’re standing in the way. I’m a competitor at the end of the day and I got a family to feed.”

When asked if he would emulate the strategy used by Tyson Fury to defeat Wilder, Franklin was hesitant to commit. He acknowledged that while he has observed useful techniques from Fury, their fighting styles are distinct, making it difficult to adopt an identical approach. He emphasized the need for caution when facing Wilder's renowned punching power but stated his willingness to engage both strategically and aggressively when the opportunity arises.

“I can’t really say that cause me and Fury are two different style fighters. But I seen some things that he was doing that could help. I seen some of the things he did when we sparred. I’d utilise that. I don’t want to steal stuff from people. But we’re perfecting our prep, I view a lot of footage, I see small things to use but I wouldn’t say he gave me an overall game plan of beating Wilder.” “I mean yeah, he has power, you have to be aware of the power, you don’t want to be putting yourself in a situation where you get clobbered with the right hand, but I like to box, I like to brawl. When the time presents itself, I’ll be strategic but do what I gotta do. I”ll try to be smart about it.”

A Franklin vs. Wilder match could be a significant bout for both fighters at this juncture of their careers. It would also be an engaging contest for Wilder, who has been inactive since his last one-round fight in October of the previous year.

Frank Warren, the well-known Queensberry promoter, has high hopes for Moses Itauma, an 18-year-old heavyweight. Having sparred with notable names like Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Daniel Dubois, Itauma already shows promise in the boxing world. Before even making his professional debut, he boldly expressed his ambition to become the youngest world champion ever, aiming to break Mike Tyson's record set at 20 years and four months. Thus far, Itauma has delivered, securing four wins in his first four professional fights, with the initial two coming via first-round knockouts. Warren, although clearly optimistic about the future of the young fighter from Chatham, urges caution. Speaking to iFL TV, he emphasized the importance of Itauma focusing on one fight at a time rather than becoming fixated on beating Tyson's longstanding record. Warren encourages him to approach every fight as if it's a world title match and to put on a show that reflects that level of significance.

“I want to see him take each fight as it comes, not to keep looking down the road and thinking about how he wants to be the youngest guy to win a world title. I want him to look at that [next] fight like he is fighting for a world title and go out there and put a world title performance on. Go out there and look the absolute business, that is what I want to see from him, in every fight. I want the world to see what we see in him, because he is exciting, he’s young and I believe that he will be the face of the heavyweight division in the future.”

Up next for Itauma is a bout against Amine Boucetta from Belgium, who has a record of 7-8. The fight is part of the undercard for the rematch between Zhang and Joyce. Itauma will aim to add another knockout to his record, although Boucetta has proven to be a durable opponent, having been stopped just once in his career.

Absolutely, the boxing world is abuzz with several major developments. One of the most significant is the decision by three-division world champion Badou Jack to vacate his WBC Cruiserweight World title. He's doing this only seven months after winning it in an intense twelfth-round knockout against Ilunga Makabu. This memorable fight occurred in Saudi Arabia and was part of the same event where Tommy Fury bested Jake Paul. Now nearing the age of 40, the Swedish boxer Badou Jack is far from thinking about retirement. Instead, he's setting new career goals, specifically aiming to claim the WBC Bridgerweight Championship. A fight against Lukasz Rozanski is anticipated to be formally announced in the near future. This shift in focus by Jack likely puts an end to the rumors about Tony Bellew's potential comeback. Bellew had been linked to a possible fight against Rozanski, but that bout now seems increasingly unlikely. In the wake of Jack's decision to vacate his cruiserweight title, Don King Promotions has stepped in to fill the void. They've announced plans to stage an event where Makabu, the former champion, will go toe-to-toe with mandatory challenger Noel Mikaelian. The bout will serve to crown the next WBC Cruiserweight champion, and it's part of a lineup that promises to be one of Don King's most star-studded events in recent years. Scheduled for November 4 in Miami, Florida, the card is loaded with talent. Adrien Broner, a four-time world champion, is slated to make his return for his second fight of the year. He will be taking on Chris Howard in the welterweight division, and both fighters will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement. Meanwhile, Trevor Bryan is planning his comeback fight since his loss to Daniel Dubois and will be facing Cassius Chaney. Jonathan Guidry will also be in action, defending his WBA NABA Heavyweight Title against Puerto Rican knockout artist Jesus Escalera. The packed card and the drama surrounding the vacated titles exemplify the dynamism and ever-shifting landscape of professional boxing, keeping fans and pundits eagerly awaiting each bout.

Certainly, the boxing community seems divided over the anticipated return of Conor Benn, who is currently enmeshed in a controversy related to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. In a recent interview, Josh Taylor, the previous unified super lightweight world champion, criticized Benn's potential return to the ring. Taylor argued that Benn's return could tarnish the reputation of the sport, especially since he has previously tested positive for banned substances. Taylor feels that Benn should be sidelined from boxing until the issue is fully resolved.

“A fight with Conor Benn down the line would be huge, but he shouldn’t be fighting right now – he shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring, that guy. I think it’s pretty bad for the sport. It’s a bad look, guy popping dirty twice and still getting to box. He’s basically had a slap on the wrist and is getting away with it and is now getting back to it. I don’t think it’s a great look for the sport.”

As for Benn's career plans, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Benn might stage a comeback in a less high-profile match in the U.S. soon. Additionally, there's buzz that Benn could square off with family rival Chris Eubank Jr., who recently triumphed over Liam Smith. Negotiations for this matchup are said to be in the works, even though Eubank has expressed an interest in fights with other notable boxers like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.

After an impressive performance in his rematch with Liam Smith, Chris Eubank Jr. finds himself with several options for his next move. In their previous bout in January, Eubank had been stopped by Smith in the fourth round, but he activated the rematch clause and managed to reverse the result in a dominant fashion. In the rematch, Eubank won every round, ultimately securing a tenth-round TKO victory. This win opened the door for Eubank to call out potential opponents for his next fight. Among the names on his list were Conor Benn and former pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin. Golovkin, the hard-hitting Kazakh fighter, is no longer the champion in the middleweight division as he has vacated his belts, but Eubank still appears interested in facing him. However, Carl Froch, a former super-middleweight titlist, expressed reservations about Eubank's chances against Golovkin. Froch emphasized Golovkin's age, as he is currently 41 years old, but still believes that Golovkin's power and boxing skills could pose a significant threat to Eubank. Froch suggested that even an older and slightly past his prime Golovkin, with diminished reflexes, could potentially end the fight with a single punch.

“I don’t know, what’s Triple G done in a while? He’s 41 years old … I don’t think [Eubank] does, no. Cause the last things to go is a boxer’s power, and he’s that well-schooled that even an old, past his best, reflexes gone a little bit [Golovkin] lands a shot on Eubank Jr I think it’s fight over. So no, I don’t think he beats Triple G if I’m honest.”

Golovkin has been inactive since his trilogy defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez at 168 pounds in September of the previous year, and his future plans in boxing remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Eubank seems to be leaning more towards a fight with Conor Benn. This match had been scheduled previously but was canceled at the last minute due to a banned substance being found in Benn's system. Eubank's promotional team is confident that they can secure a British license for the fight in time for December and potentially host it in a stadium setting.

Mike Tyson has added an intriguing element to the upcoming crossover bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. The boxing legend is training Ngannou, who is making his boxing debut and is considered a significant underdog against the undefeated champion Fury. Fury, in a recent statement, expressed his disappointment that the man he was named after, Mike Tyson, will be in the opposite corner. He described it as a sad situation and mentioned that he believes Tyson should be supporting him instead of being on the opposing side. Fury further stated that regardless of what Tyson teaches Ngannou, the result of the fight will remain the same in his favor.

“I think that it’s sad, actually. The man that I am named after, a legend, has to go against me and then come out as a loser, having lost to a man who was named after him. I think that it’s sad and I think that he should be in my corner, not the opposing corner.”

When asked about going against his namesake by TNT Sports, Mike Tyson responded succinctly, stating,

"This is business, and he understands."

Indeed, it is a business venture for both fighters. Fury is expected to earn a substantial sum, likely in the tens of millions, for the bout, while Ngannou will also receive a career-high payday compared to his previous UFC championship stint. Mike Tyson believes that Ngannou will deliver a surprise on fight night, despite some skeptics viewing it as part of the promotional strategy. Tyson expressed confidence in Ngannou's abilities, highlighting his power punching and impressive speed for a heavyweight of his size (260 pounds). He expects Ngannou to exceed the expectations of many. The fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will be contested over ten rounds in a professionally sanctioned bout. However, Fury's WBC World title will not be on the line.

Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, faced Tyson Fury in a trilogy of fights, with Fury emerging victorious twice and a controversial draw in the mix. Notably, Fury is the only opponent to withstand Wilder's knockout power. Since the third bout with Fury, Wilder has struggled to find high-caliber competition, with his only match being a quick demolition of Robert Helenius in October the previous year. Tyson Fury's father, John, has offered his perspective on Wilder's current career status, suggesting that most top heavyweight fighters are reluctant to step into the ring with him, except for one notable exception. In a recent interview with FreeBets, 'Big John' claimed that former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr is the lone contender in the heavyweight division with the courage to accept a fight against Deontay Wilder. According to John Fury, other top fighters are apprehensive about facing 'The Bronze Bomber,' even though Tyson Fury managed to defeat him decisively on three occasions. John Fury emphasized that most top heavyweights, including fighters like Usyk and Joshua, are avoiding a clash with Wilder, recognizing the challenges he presents. However, he believes Andy Ruiz Jr might be willing to face Wilder if the financial terms are right and it makes good business sense because Ruiz has the courage to take on such a challenge.

“The only one out there who can challenge Tyson, and they all avoid him and they won’t fight him, is Deontay Wilder. They’re all terrified of him, and Tyson straightened him up three times!” “All those people will never get in with ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Usyk, AJ, none of them will fight ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Andy Ruiz Jr will – for a price. Because he’s got big you know what’s, and if the money is right and it makes good business sense, I can only see Andy Ruiz fighting him.” “He’s the only one who comes to mind who is in that bracket. He’s the only one who’s going to fight Deontay Wilder because there rest are terrified. They know what’s coming.”

Wilder had been in talks for a matchup with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, but those plans seem to have hit a roadblock due to changes in the country's boxing management. Discussions have also taken place for an all-American showdown with Ruiz, although financial negotiations appear to be a significant hurdle in finalizing that bout.