Top-ranked lightweight contender William Zepeda is set to face Giovanni Cabrera this Saturday, headlining a Golden Boy show on DAZN at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. On the same night across the country, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will fight Artem Harutyunyan. A long-discussed fight between Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) and Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) hasn't materialized yet, and both will enter their respective bouts as heavy favorites. According to DraftKings, Stevenson is a -2500 favorite, while Zepeda is listed at -2000. The Mexican knockout artist has quickly climbed the lightweight rankings, defeating notable fighters like Maxi Hughes, Mercito Gesta, Joseph Diaz Jr., Rene Alvarado, and Hector Tanajara since making his US debut less than four years ago. The 24-year-old, nicknamed "Camaron," is now ranked as the No. 1 lightweight by major sanctioning bodies. Zepeda views Gervonta Davis as the toughest opponent in the division. "Davis would be a great fight and it would probably be the most complicated fight at 135 pounds because of his youth, strength, and mobility," Zepeda told BoxingScene. "I would have to work harder in the gym if that fight did come to fruition. It's going to happen. It would definitely be a more complicated fight than Stevenson. I could try to attack Shakur a little bit more as opposed to Tank, who I would need to watch for what I am throwing and not throw the same punches all the time. He's someone who knows and who studies. He's not only good on the attack but he knows exactly when to counter and take those shots. So it would definitely be more difficult. Gervonta is probably the most difficult fighter in our division. Not only can he box, but he can punch." Despite acknowledging Davis as a more challenging fight, Zepeda is keen on facing Stevenson next. "I'd like Shakur next. Our styles mesh. He's the type of fighter who doesn't really put himself in danger in his fights. I would have to go after him, and he would box. But I think it would be a very entertaining fight. We're willing to fight and I think that fight is going to happen." #WilliamZepeda #GervontaDavis #ShakurStevenson #BoxingNews #DAZN #GoldenBoyPromotions #LightweightBoxing #GiovanniCabrera #TopRanked #BoxingShowdown

Daniel Jacobs is back. Once one of the world's best middleweights, Jacobs has given both Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez plenty to think about in past bouts. However, in 2022, Jacobs was beaten by John Ryder and has not fought since. His next opponent is Shane Mosley Jr., the son of the legendary Shane Mosley, and he's expected to give Jacobs a stern test when they eventually collide. Jacobs vs. Mosley Jr. Fight Date, Start Time

• Date: Saturday, July 6
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK (Sunday)
• Ringwalks (approx): TBA

Can I watch Daniel Jacobs vs. Shane Mosley Jr. on DAZN? The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe on pay-per-view. You can sign up for a subscription and purchase here. What devices are supported by DAZN? DAZN has apps available for the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Roku. Additionally, DAZN is available via web browsers on DAZN.com (note: in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, you must download the DAZN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up from there). Undercard Bouts The full undercard lineup is yet to be announced but will be updated on DAZN's platform and website. #DanielJacobs #ShaneMosleyJr #Boxing #DAZN #GennadiyGolovkin #CaneloAlvarez #JohnRyder #BoxingMatch #FightNight #BoxingFans

Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions have added rising USA star Nathan Lugo to their roster, marking a significant milestone in Lugo’s burgeoning career. Lugo, an exceptional amateur talent, has won the National Amateur championship 23 times and multiple international gold medals. In 2022, Lugo made history by becoming the youngest fighter to qualify for Olympic trials after winning the Elite National title. Reflecting on his move, Lugo expressed his excitement, saying, “I feel very honoured coming straight out of the amateurs and immediately stepping into a powerhouse promotional company such as Queensberry. It has a very rich and amazing history within the sport and promotes the careers of today’s best boxers. I know with their guidance and leadership I will make history.” Lugo’s coach and father, Mike Lugo, echoed these sentiments, adding, “To have Nathan under the Queensberry banner and representing his family is an absolute honour. Trust that we will make them proud. With the types of high-end platforms and opportunities Queensberry provides boxers within their stable, it is only a matter of time before the name Lugo is known around the world.” David McWater, Lugo’s manager, praised the partnership, stating, “It is a true pleasure to be able to bring the highest level American amateur talent directly to a worldwide industry leader in Queensberry Promotions. Their ability to recognise and guide top-tier boxers is well documented over the course of several decades. Today, Queensberry is second to none with regards to strength within the sport. I couldn’t be happier they are bringing Nathan aboard.” Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is equally enthusiastic about Lugo’s potential. “In Nathan, we have clearly got a serious talent on our hands, as evidenced by his amateur pedigree. This signing, albeit one from the USA, follows in a familiar and successful pattern for Queensberry. Taking a top young fighter, almost from scratch, and hopefully guiding him correctly towards significant title triumphs. Nathan is such an exciting prospect and I cannot wait to get him started and give him the opportunity to shine across multiple territories. I am also looking forward to working with David McWater and his father and coach Mike as we seek to maximise Nathan’s prospects and deliver for him.” #FrankWarren #QueensberryPromotions #NathanLugo #Boxing #AmateurChampion #MikeLugo #DavidMcWater #RisingStar #BoxingProspect #FutureChampion

A popular streamer found himself in hot water after asking a "disrespectful" question to UFC legend Nate Diaz during the final pre-fight press conference for Diaz's boxing match against Jorge Masvidal. The much-anticipated bout will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, July 6. Diaz, who lost to Masvidal at UFC 244 in a bout for the BMF championship, is eager to avenge his defeat. The ten-round light-heavyweight bout features a strong undercard, including former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. At the press conference, teenage streamer N3on provoked Diaz by asking, “When you do get knocked out, are you going to retire?” Diaz erupted in an expletive-filled rant, threatening to kick N3on’s leg. “It's little s*** kids like this b**** that are changing the times,” Diaz exclaimed. Shortly after the incident, footage showed N3on being chased out of the venue, pleading for forgiveness. He later recounted the event in two posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing his fear and frustration. “WALLAHI ON MY MOTHERS HEARTBEAT I ALMOST GOT JUMPED,” N3on wrote. “F*** THIS S*** AND F*** ALL OF U FOR SAYING THIS S***. I ALMOST GOT BEATEN TO ACTUAL DEATH BY HIS BOYS F*** ALL OF U.” N3on added: “On my life I’m about to be done with this b******. I just got ran after by grown ass 40-year-olds and I ran into a road with driving cars and went into a dead end in a parking garage and I see this. I’m good off this fake ass love.” This will be Diaz’s second professional boxing match, following his unanimous decision defeat to Jake Paul in August. Meanwhile, Masvidal’s only previous boxing fight was 19 years ago, when he defeated Joseph Benjamin in a majority decision over four rounds in 2005. Masvidal is confident ahead of his second boxing match, declaring, “I’m meaner. I’m faster. I’m more explosive. And when it comes down to it, I think I’ve got the best hands in MMA.” He added, “On July 6, I get to prove that. No questions, no nothing. We’re going to find out. There’s none of that jiu-jitsu stuff, none of that hugging, it’s just straight hands.” #NateDiaz #JorgeMasvidal #UFC #BoxingMatch #HondaCenter #Anaheim #N3on #PressConference #FightNight #MMA

Artem Harutyunyan believes that Shakur Stevenson’s fans want him to lose their fight on Saturday night because they find Shakur’s fighting style “boring.” Harutyunyan (13-1, 7 KOs) shared this during the final press conference on Wednesday, where he tried to get into Shakur’s head with a series of psychological mind games. Dressed like an executive, Harutyunyan complimented Shakur nonstop, even praising his cologne, which led to Shakur laughing and revealing he wasn’t wearing any. Despite the playful banter, Shakur acknowledged the mind games and expects Harutyunyan to come in fighting hard on July 6, during their twelve-round headliner on ESPN at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. “He’s just an average guy. I said, ‘You smell good,’ but I think it was his fear,” said Artem Harutyunyan to Top Rank Boxing, recalling the face-off. Shakur, who likely has never faced such sophisticated psychological tactics, seemed amused by Harutyunyan’s approach, a stark contrast to typical intimidation tactics like trash talk and menacing looks.   Shakur admitted that Harutyunyan is really trying to win. “He’s talking about, ‘What cologne you got on? That s*** smells good,’” said Shakur. “I don’t wear cologne. I can’t miss. His head is big. Ain’t no way I’m going to miss.” Harutyunyan believes that his mind games might have had an impact on Shakur. “It was fun for me, but I got every answer for every question. Even Shakur’s fans want to see him lose, and they say he’s a boring fighter, always running away,” he stated. Harutyunyan is determined to give Newark a great fight and prove what real boxing is. He expressed confidence in making the night exciting for the fans, promising a memorable fight. As the anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Harutyunyan’s psychological tactics will give him the edge against Shakur Stevenson. #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #Boxing #FightNight #MindGames #WBC #Lightweight #Newark #ESPN #PrudentialCenter

Anthony Joshua is a transformed fighter under Ben Davison, according to former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Joshua has recorded two dominant KO wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou since partnering with Davison, showcasing a resurgence of power and aggression lost in previous bouts. Malignaggi stated, "AJ with Ben Davison is a different character, a different animal. I like what I’m seeing with Anthony Joshua." This improvement comes after back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk and a labored win over Jermaine Franklin. Joshua's first encounter with Usyk under long-time coach Rob McCracken resulted in a points loss. Seeking improvement, Joshua then teamed up with Robert Garcia for the rematch but fell to a split-decision defeat. His subsequent partnership with Derrick James yielded a less-than-impressive win over Franklin, followed by a victory over Robert Helenius. Since Davison took over in December last year, Joshua, now 35, has secured an IBF heavyweight world title shot against Daniel Dubois on September 21. He enters the contest as the favorite and eyes a potential showdown with the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury, set for December 21. Carl Froch believes Joshua’s current form could see him defeat Fury if they meet in 2025. “Timing-wise, Anthony Joshua will probably knock out Tyson Fury just cause of where they are in their careers. But what a great fight," Froch commented. Froch, who previously favored Fury, now sees Joshua’s momentum and renewed confidence as key factors. “Joshua is coming off three or four wins. He’s an athlete, looks like a machine, and takes the sport very seriously," Froch added. Joshua’s journey under Davison has reignited hopes of undisputed glory, with his potential bout against Fury marking a defining moment in his career. #AnthonyJoshua #BenDavison #PaulieMalignaggi #OttoWallin #FrancisNgannou #OleksandrUsyk #JermaineFranklin #RobertGarcia #DerrickJames #DanielDubois #TysonFury #CarlFroch

Kicking off fight week for their highly anticipated boxing match, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal held an open workout in Los Angeles. The old MMA rivals will face off live on pay-per-view from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on Saturday, July 6. Masvidal defeated Diaz via third-round TKO due to a cut over Diaz's right eye, claiming the “BMF” belt at UFC 244 in November 2019. This time, they meet in a 10-round boxing match at light heavyweight. “We’re ready to fight, nothing else,” said Nate Diaz. “It’s kill or be killed. He’s done a lot of impressive sh*t, but I’m gonna be ready for him.” Jorge Masvidal expressed confidence, saying, “At the end of the day, when I get in that ring, it’s all business. I’m gonna beat the sh*t out of Nate Diaz. I know people gotta cheer for their boy out here on the West Coast, but I’m gonna destroy that boy.” The open workout at NOVO at L.A. Live also featured fighters from the Diaz vs. Masvidal 2 undercard. Two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs makes his ring return against Shane Mosley Jr. at super middleweight. “This is my last run toward the Hall of Fame,” said Jacobs. “I’m already a two-time champion, but there’s more for me to accomplish.” Shane Mosley Jr. shared his excitement: “Every fight is the fight of my life, so Saturday night is another. I’m ready. I’m super excited. I get to fight a two-time world champion, and I’m excited for the opportunity.” In a lightweight bout, Sean Garcia faces Amado Vargas. “I’m just locked in and ready for this fight,” said Vargas. Garcia added, “I feel ready to go. This is a great opportunity, and I’ve trained really hard to show out on Saturday night.” Also on the card is a lightweight bout between Devin Cushing and Manuel Correa. “I’m so blessed to be here,” said Cushing. Correa promised a great show for the West Coast fans. Chris Avila faces Anthony Pettis, who said, “We’re coming for the knockout. This guy is getting knocked out. Chris Avila is not my level. I’m gonna show that this weekend and keep moving forward.” Among the prelims, Alan Sanchez faces Luis Lopez at welterweight, Kenneth Lopez meets Andres Martinez at super middleweight, and Jose Aguayo takes on Bryce Logan at welterweight. Plus, Steven Dunn goes up against Gabriel Aguilar Costa at heavyweight, and Luciano Ramos and Dan Hernandez clash at super lightweight. #NateDiaz #JorgeMasvidal #DanielJacobs #ShaneMosleyJr #SeanGarcia #AmadoVargas #DevinCushing #ManuelCorrea #ChrisAvila #AnthonyPettis

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez firmly believes he belongs in the top five of the pound-for-pound list after his impressive knockout win over Mexican legend Juan Francisco Estrada on Saturday night. The victory in Phoenix saw Rodriguez reclaim the WBC World Super-Flyweight title and earn his first Ring Magazine belt. Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) started the fight aggressively, staggering Estrada with a crisp uppercut in the third round and flooring him with a powerful left hand in the fourth. However, Estrada managed to knock Rodriguez down for the first time in his career with a right hand. Rodriguez quickly composed himself, finishing the round strong. The seventh round saw Rodriguez deliver a devastating left-hand body shot that crumpled Estrada, sealing the win. After the fight, Rodriguez and promoter Eddie Hearn discussed his performance and future plans. “I’m the legend slayer,” said Rodriguez. “The better the opponent, the better I perform. I’ve always felt that way. It was just a matter of time until the world saw it.”   Rodriguez expressed interest in a rematch with Estrada or a potential fight with the winner of the bout between Kazuto Ioka and Fernando Martinez. He is also open to fighting in Japan, where he has visited and appreciates the unique boxing atmosphere. “The scorecards were pretty crazy to me. I thought I was dominating the fight, even in the round I got dropped in. It was a flash knockdown, and I knew when I was going down that I was smiling. It’s just a learning experience.” Rodriguez also credited Chocolatito for their sparring sessions, which he felt were perfect for his camp. He praised Estrada as a legend and acknowledged the importance of his win. “It’s my best win so far. He’s a legend, and to dominate him the way I did says a lot about my performance and talents.” Hearn echoed Rodriguez’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of his victory and his potential in the sport. “Jesse should be mentioned with Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue, and Oleksandr Usyk. He’s 24 years old and has another four or five years of his prime. The future is bright for him.” #BamRodriguez #JuanFranciscoEstrada #EddieHearn #KazutoIoka #FernandoMartinez #Chocolatito #BoxingNews #PoundForPound #WBC #RingMagazine

Shakur Stevenson has been criticized by fans for his fighting style ahead of his upcoming bout with Artem Harutyunyan. Stevenson, who will defend his WBC Lightweight Title on July 6, has been accused of being a "track star" for his backfoot fighting technique. In his last fight, Stevenson won the vacant belt against Edwin De Los Santos but was booed for his performance. Despite his victory, fans were disappointed as De Los Santos struggled to cut the ring off while Stevenson jabbed and moved. Stevenson later revealed he had a hand injury going into the fight, but the damage to his reputation was done. Fans' perception of Stevenson has significantly dipped, with many labeling him as not being an exciting fighter. This comes at a critical time as Stevenson is in the final fight of his Top Rank contract and might explore free agency. He needs a standout performance to attract big promoters who see him as a generational talent. Stevenson himself addressed the criticism, claiming that Harutyunyan would be the one running in their fight. “It depends on how tough he is and how much punishment he can take. I know he’s going to start running, and then I got to cut the ring. This dude is a good fighter. I think a lot of the public don’t know him. So they think how good he is. Right now, I think the mode that I’m in and what I’ve got going on in my brain, I want to come in and put punishment on him. It may start out as a boxing match, and then I may start beating the…out of him. Understand, we’re going the job done by any means. In round six or seven, he’s going to start moving all around. I’ve got to cut the ring off a little bit,” Stevenson said. Harutyunyan showed his boxing skills in his last fight against Frank Martin, outboxing him for large parts of the fight before losing momentum. Harutyunyan’s strategy might involve keeping things tight, which could force Stevenson to open up more. Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed interest in signing Stevenson, highlighting potential fights with Devin Haney and Liam Paro. Hearn praised Stevenson as one of the best fighters pound-for-pound but criticized his current promotion. “If Shakur wants to pledge his future, you make a significant investment. If it’s a two, three-fight deal, he’s going to be getting a lot of money, and it’s got to work for you as well. I think Shakur, pound-for-pound, is one of the best fighters in the world. He may be unbeatable. He’s that good, but I think he’s been promoted terribly. I think some of that is because when Bob [Arum] knows a fighter is looking to leave, he’s out. For the revenue he creates for the show, he’s earned a lot of money, but he hasn’t been pushed to make him a commercial success. I like him. I think he’s a great fighter and would be an incredible addition to the Matchroom team. If he’s available, we’ll definitely be having a conversation; whether it works for both of us, we’ll have to see,” Hearn said. #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #EddieHearn #DevinHaney #LiamParo #TopRankBoxing #WBC #BoxingNews #FightNight #BoxingFans

Raymond Muratalla, an undefeated lightweight contender, is making waves in the 135-pound division. With a record of 20-0 (16 KOs), Muratalla is set to face former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs) on July 13 in Las Vegas. This fight could propel him closer to a world title shot. In an interview with BoxingScene.com, the 27-year-old ranked Gervonta "Tank" Davis as the world’s best lightweight and predicted he would knock out Vasiliy Lomachenko if their potential unification bout happens. "I think Tank is first, then Shakur Stevenson, then Lomachenko, and then Denis Berinchyk," said Muratalla. "Tank's power will be too much for Lomachenko in the later rounds." Ranked No. 2 by both the WBC and the WBO, Muratalla is eager to challenge the division’s elite. "I’m willing to fight any of the four champions. I think my power can change a fight easily, and that’s another great fight with Tank if it happens." Muratalla also expressed interest in fighting Shakur Stevenson and said, "Either the WBC or WBO is fine for me. I’ll take any of those offers." He has been called out by undefeated lightweights Keyshawn Davis and William Zepeda. Regarding a fight with Davis (11-0, 7 KOs), Muratalla said, "I like Davis. I want to fight him, too, but it all depends on Top Rank to make the fight." About Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs), he believes he’s too strong for him. "I don’t think Zepeda can trouble me with his counterpunching skill at all because I am too big, too strong, fast, and quick." Muratalla knows he needs more recognition. "It seems I have to be talking more trash to raise my profile," he said. "I think that is what is missing, and I need to start doing that more to get the fights." Muratalla is confident in his abilities and hopes to get a title shot soon. "I think I’m right there. Hopefully, I get that shot before the champions in the division unify. I deserve to be in that conversation." #RaymondMuratalla #GervontaDavis #VasiliyLomachenko #TevinFarmer #ShakurStevenson #DenisBerinchyk #KeyshawnDavis #WilliamZepeda #BoxingNews #LightweightDivision

Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxer, could be returning to the ring for a world title fight. The WBC has endorsed Pacquiao fighting for a welterweight world title, despite being 45 years old and not having fought since his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas. Pacquiao announced his retirement after losing to Ugas, but WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has opened the door for his return. "Manny Pacquiao is timeless. He's a legend," Sulaiman told Sky Sports. "We have a great precedent of former champions coming back as long as they pass successfully all the medical examinations." Sulaiman is enthusiastic about Pacquiao's potential return. "I think Manny Pacquiao can beat any fighter or can be competitive with any fighter today," he said. "To have him return to the WBC more than two decades after he won his first world championship would be sensational."   The WBC welterweight world title is vacant after Terence Crawford moved up to 154lbs. Pacquiao is eyeing a possible championship bout with Mario Barrios. "We're still in negotiation," Pacquiao said last month. "The fight has not materialized yet. But that negotiation is ongoing."   Pacquiao's comeback would be a significant event in boxing, potentially seeing him reclaim his status as a world champion. His return would undoubtedly attract massive attention and reinvigorate the welterweight division. Pacquiao has always been a crowd favorite, known for his relentless fighting style and humble demeanor. His return could provide the boxing world with another chapter in his storied career, further solidifying his legendary status. The possibility of Pacquiao fighting for a world title at 45 is a testament to his enduring legacy and incredible physical conditioning. Fans worldwide eagerly await confirmation of his next fight, hopeful that the "Pacman" will once again grace the ring. #MannyPacquiao #BoxingLegend #WBC #MauricioSulaiman #YordenisUgas #TerenceCrawford #MarioBarrios #BoxingComeback #WorldTitle #WelterweightChampion

Oleksandr Usyk continues to assert his dominance in the boxing world as he retains his position atop the updated pound-for-pound rankings. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion, holding titles from the WBO, WBA, and WBC, solidifies his status despite a recent decision to vacate the IBF title. On July 1st, Usyk announced his decision to vacate the IBF belt, a move aimed at allowing the title to be contested in the upcoming Joshua vs. Dubois fight. This decision, while relinquishing his status as undisputed champion, highlights Usyk's commitment to strategic moves within the sport. The latest Ring Pound-for-Pound (P4P) rankings reaffirm Usyk's place at the pinnacle, followed closely by Naoya Inoue, Terence Crawford, and Saúl Álvarez. Notably, Jesse Rodriguez of the US has made significant strides, climbing to 5th place after his victory over Juan Francisco Estrada. Usyk's decision underscores the complexities of maintaining multiple titles and navigating the competitive landscape of heavyweight boxing. Despite relinquishing the IBF crown, Usyk's unified status across other major sanctioning bodies cements his legacy as a formidable force in the sport. Looking ahead, the boxing world awaits Usyk's next move as he continues to navigate challenges and opportunities in his illustrious career. His strategic decisions off the canvas will play a crucial role in shaping future matchups and potential legacy-defining bouts. #OleksandrUsyk #P4P #BoxingChampion #JesseRodriguez #RingRankings #HeavyweightBoxing #TerenceCrawford #SaúlÁlvarez #NaoyaInoue

Terence Crawford is set to challenge Israil Madrimov for his 154-pound belt on August 3rd in Los Angeles. Many fans and experts, including Eddie Hearn, believe this could be Crawford's toughest fight yet. Hearn, Madrimov's promoter, warned that Crawford and his team might be making the mistake of looking past Madrimov as they anticipate a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez. Hearn, speaking with Fight Hub, emphasized Madrimov’s strengths, saying, "He’s extremely tough and hits very hard. And it's like, 'Canelo after this.' Don’t get me wrong, Crawford is the favorite in this fight, but Madrimov is a very, very tough fight." Hearn praised Madrimov’s movement, fitness, strength, and punching power, suggesting that Crawford might be underestimating him. Crawford, with an undefeated record of 40-0 (31 KOs), is daring to achieve even greater heights by moving up to a fourth weight class. His most challenging fight to date was against Yuriorkis Gamboa ten years ago, where he was briefly rocked before securing a stoppage. Unlike Gamboa, Madrimov, 10-0-1 (7 KOs), will be the bigger man in the ring, making this match-up even more intriguing. This fight is not one that Crawford needed to take, and Madrimov, being the defending champion, has everything to gain. Should Crawford win and look impressive, the likelihood of a mega-fight with Canelo becomes more tangible, with Turki Alalshikh possibly facilitating the match due to Canelo’s demands. Hearn believes that Crawford, now 36 years old, may be underestimating the challenge Madrimov presents. "I think they’re underestimating him," Hearn stated. "He’s got great movement, he’s a fit, strong guy in his prime, and he punches very hard, and that’s not an easy fight." The potential for a Crawford vs. Canelo fight hinges on Crawford's performance against Madrimov. If Crawford succeeds, fans can expect Alalshikh to push for the super fight. However, Father Time remains undefeated, and even the great Crawford may eventually slow down. #TerenceCrawford #IsrailMadrimov #CaneloAlvarez #EddieHearn #FightHubTV #Boxing #PoundForPound #TurkiAlalshikh #BoxingNews #FatherTime

Gervonta Davis knocked out Frank Martin in the eighth round to retain his WBA Lightweight Title. However, the PPV numbers tell a different story about Davis' star power. This fight, which was his first since stopping Ryan Garcia last year, sold approximately between 325,000-350,000 PPVs, a stark contrast to the 1.2 million PPVs for the Garcia fight, the highest-grossing event of 2023. The Davis-Martin card, which featured David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk as the co-main event, failed to draw the same interest. Benavidez, fighting for the first time at 175 pounds, became mandatory for either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, who fight for undisputed at 175 in October. Despite this strong main card, the numbers were underwhelming, suggesting that Davis needs the right dancing partner to draw big PPV buys. Davis' other PPV fights have shown similar results:

• Ryan Garcia: 1.2 million
• Hector Garcia: 200-250K
• Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero: 275K
• Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz: 200K
• Mario Barrios: 210-215K
• Leo Santa Cruz: 200-225K

These figures raise questions about Davis' claim to be the face of boxing. While he branded himself as such after defeating Garcia, the numbers indicate otherwise. Garcia's fight with Devin Haney sold more than 500,000 PPVs, highlighting the need for Davis to face top names to secure high purses. Reports suggest he might box Vasiliy Lomachenko next, a fight that has been long overdue, with Davis previously accused of ducking Loma in his prime. However, Lomachenko is no longer seen as the same fighter he once was. Davis also dismissed the idea of fighting Haney in Saudi Arabia, demanding two Ferraris just to consider negotiations. This attitude may prevent him from hitting the PPV highs he desires unless he fights the biggest names in the sport. Paulie Malignaggi has criticized Davis for avoiding the best, particularly Shakur Stevenson. Malignaggi said, "Now that Lomachenko is 175 years old and he still looks good, but you’re naming Lomachenko at the post-fight press conference. But now Stevenson is the prime guy, who doesn’t represent a risk that you want to take. This is my issue here. When I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko, I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko. I don’t need to see Davis and Lomachenko when it’s too late already. Now, I want to see Davis and Stevenson." A fight with Lomachenko might sell a lot of PPVs, but a bout with Stevenson is expected to be more competitive. However, Stevenson's defensive style may not attract the same number of viewers. To maintain his claim as the face of boxing, Davis needs to face the top contenders and prove his worth in the ring. #GervontaDavis #FrankMartin #Boxing #WBA #DavidBenavidez #OleksandrGvozdyk #RyanGarcia #VasiliyLomachenko #ShakurStevenson #PaulieMalignaggi

Lightweight contender William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) is set for a stay-busy fight against Giovanni Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs) this Saturday night, July 6th. The fight will take place at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast live on DAZN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. With a victory over Cabrera, Zepeda hopes to secure a title shot against one of the division’s champions. Zepeda, 28, has been in excellent form and is known for his relentless pressure fighting style, which has seen him wear down and knock out many of his opponents. His performance on Saturday will be closely watched, as fans are eager to see how he might fare against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson when the time comes for a title challenge. Cabrera, 29, is coming off a ten-round unanimous decision win over Ricardo Quiroz last March. Prior to that, he suffered a narrow split decision loss to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in July last year. Cabrera will be looking to make a statement by defeating Zepeda and getting back on the path to contention. Despite Zepeda's impressive resume, which includes wins over Maxi Hughes, Mercito Gesta, Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jaime Arboleda, and Rene Alvarado, Golden Boy Promotions has not heavily promoted this card. This lack of promotion is surprising, given Zepeda’s potential and exciting fighting style. The co-feature bout will see flyweight Ricardo Sandoval (24-2, 17 KOs) facing Angel Acosta (24-4, 22 KOs) in a ten-round contest. The undercard features several fighters who may not be well-known to casual fans but have the potential to deliver exciting fights. Here’s a look at the undercard lineup:

• Ricardo Sandoval vs. Angel Acosta
• Manuel Flores vs. Nohel Arambulet
• Joel Iriarte vs. Yainel Alvarez
• Alex Martin vs. Pedro Campa
• Gael Cabrera vs. Mychaquell Shields
• Joshua Garcia vs. Jason Buenaobra
• Anthony Saldivar vs. Roman Canto
• Daniel Luna vs. Joseph Walker
• Japhethlee Llamid vs. Ryan Allen

#WilliamZepeda #GiovanniCabrera #Boxing #DAZN #ShakurStevenson #GoldenBoyPromotions #RicardoSandoval #AngelAcosta #LightweightBoxing #BoxingNews

Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated American sensation, is gearing up to defend his WBC lightweight title against Germany's Artem Harutyunyan. With 21 wins under his belt, including recent knockouts, Stevenson faces a formidable opponent in Harutyunyan, who boasts victories over four of his last five rivals. The bout is scheduled for July 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson, born on June 28, 1997, stands at 5' 8" with a reach of 68 inches. His opponent, Harutyunyan, hailing from Germany, was born on August 13, 1990, and stands at 5' 7.5". The event will be streamed live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the UK, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK time, with the main event ringwalks set for 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. UK time.   Joining Stevenson and Harutyunyan on the fight card are other thrilling matchups, including O'Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceicao for the WBC super featherweight title and Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno in a lightweight clash.     #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #Boxing #WBC #ESPN #SkySports #PrudentialCenter #FightNight #SportsNews #BoxingChampion  

Promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled a potential matchup between Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue as a "fantasy fight," citing significant differences in weight classes as a major hurdle. While Hearn acknowledges the excitement such a fight would generate, he remains skeptical about its feasibility due to the fighters’ current and projected weight divisions.

Weight Class Difference a Hurdle

Hearn believes that by the time Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) moves up to super bantamweight (122 lbs), Inoue will likely have advanced to featherweight (126 lbs). For the fight to occur, Rodriguez would need to take a significant risk by moving up to super bantamweight now, which he could physically handle given his size. Rodriguez recently showcased his capability by defeating WBC super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Rodriguez dispatched the 34-year-old Estrada (44-4, 28 KOs) in the seventh round with a body shot. Estrada has a rematch clause for his fight with Rodriguez, and Hearn believes he might use it to force a second match. If Rodriguez wants to fight Inoue, the smart move would be to handle the rematch with Estrada and then move up to 122 lbs.

Bam’s Potential Jump to Super Bantamweight

“Jesse vs. Inoue is a fantasy fight. It’s also an incredible fight. You’re talking about a guy [Rodriguez] who has come up from light flyweight. He’s currently at super flyweight, and he’ll definitely go to bantam,” said Hearn to Matchroom Boxing. He added that Rodriguez will likely end up at super bantamweight in time, but they might miss each other if Inoue moves up too quickly. Hearn suggested that if Rodriguez wants the Inoue fight, he should jump to 122 lbs after the potential rematch with Estrada. There are no big names for Rodriguez to fight at 115 or 118 that would attract significant attention in the U.S. However, a fight with Inoue would be a major event in both Japan and the U.S.

Future Prospects

Reflecting on Rodriguez's recent victory, Hearn said, “I felt Bam dominated the first part of the fight, but then Estrada came back with the knockdown [in round six] and turned the fight on its head. Estrada was in the fight, but then all of a sudden, the body shot was absolutely perfectly placed. He couldn’t get up, couldn’t breathe.” Hearn noted that Estrada appeared thin and emaciated for the fight, suggesting that 115 lbs is no longer a suitable weight division for him. Hearn believes Estrada should move up to bantamweight or super bantamweight (118 or 122 lbs) to improve his performance. “It was a stunning finish, stunning knockout to a stunning fight, and wild scorecards as well. I don’t agree with them, but it shows you how competitive the fight was and how dramatic the fight was,” Hearn said. He expressed a desire to see a rematch between Rodriguez and Estrada, hinting at more excitement to come. #BamRodriguez #NaoyaInoue #EddieHearn #BoxingNews #FantasyFight #JuanFranciscoEstrada #SuperBantamweight #BoxingMatch #FightNight #MatchroomBoxing

Ryan Garcia has hit back at accusations that his mother was faking breast cancer before his one-year ban for Ostarine. The boxer, who faced a suspension after failing two VADA tests for Ostarine following his victory against Devin Haney, is now dealing with personal attacks. His majority decision win was overturned, leaving Haney undefeated with a 31-0 record. Despite Garcia denying intentional use of the substance, his reputation has taken a hit. Adding fuel to the fire, Ishe Smith recently called out Garcia, questioning the seriousness of his mother’s cancer diagnosis.

Garcia vs. Smith

Smith’s comments were harsh and direct. He stated, “[Ryan Garcia] Moms probably doesn’t even have cancer. The dude is a…liar. You’re a kid, bruh; I have a son who’s twelve that acts older than you. You can’t be running your own handle.” Garcia fired back angrily, saying, “Sure, bro, your mom…you don’t do anything about it.”

Lopez’s Comments

Smith is not the only boxer to make controversial comments about Garcia’s mother. Teofimo Lopez also took a jab at Garcia, referencing his mother’s cancer diagnosis and accusing Garcia of selling his soul for a deal with Gatorade. Lopez, who claimed he turned down the Gatorade contract due to issues in the contract, saw Garcia’s signing as a betrayal. Lopez clarified his stance, stating, “I’m talking to Ryan Garcia here. I know you want to fight me when you see me in person. That’s fine. I didn’t mean no bad towards your mother in that essence. If you really look into it, I did say I really do wish your mum nothing but health.” He further added, “Cancer is not something to play with. But people are going to say what they’re going to say and tell you specifically that part of it and not talk about the good that I meant. But to each his own. If you want to duke it out outside the ring, I’ve got to defend myself, brother. So you’ve got to be the stupid guy to throw first.”

Garcia’s Next Steps

Garcia needs to maintain a strong mental state during his suspension. Previously, he took a two-year break after his win over Luke Campbell, during which he admitted to drinking and smoking weed. He cannot afford to fall into old habits, especially with Haney expressing interest in a rematch. To prove his critics wrong and reclaim his place in boxing, Garcia must stay focused and in peak condition. Garcia’s recent controversies and suspension have placed him under intense scrutiny. The boxer must navigate these challenges while preparing for a possible future rematch with Haney, aiming to show that he can emerge victorious once again. #RyanGarcia #IsheSmith #TeofimoLopez #BoxingDrama #BreastCancerAwareness #DevinHaney #GatoradeDeal #BoxingControversy #RyanVsSmith #BoxingNews