The unique pressures of fight week can play havoc with the most confident of characters. 

The endless questions, the behind-the-scenes games and good old-fashioned nerves can derail the most perfect of preparations.

But as his eagerly awaited heavyweight rematch with Frazer Clarke got closer, Fabio Wardley became more rational and increasingly self-assured.

Some believed that Clarke’s long amateur pedigree would make him the more adaptable of the two. Others thought Wardley had more room to grow.

Almost everybody assumed that, for as long as it lasted, the fight would be as competitive and hard-fought as the grueling draw the pair shared back in February. 

Almost everybody.

In public, Wardley let it be known that he was prepared for another war, but in private, the possibility of a quick finish began to loom larger and larger.

Wardley, 18-0-1 (17 KOs), took out Clarke in brutal fashion within the opening round. The result wasn’t down to a dramatic change in tactics but a deeper understanding of what happened the first time around.

“One hundred per cent,” Wardley told TalkSport. “It’s funny, because as the week drew closer and through fight week, every night me and the team will sit down. We’ll either watch the fight or watch clips that we've put together of certain moments in the fight and rehearse them and go through them and go through situations and scenarios, how things plan out and how to do them better.

“The more and more I watched it, there was way more times in the first fight that I hurt him and I didn't actually realize.

“I didn't really pay attention. I wasn't present enough in the moment.

“I think I was very overeager in the first fight. I got sucked into the event, the occasion of it all, very much so. I just went gung-ho in everything I did.

“Once I really realized, ‘OK, I hurt him here, I hurt him here, and I hurt him here,’ that box is basically ticked. I know I can damage him in a variety of ways, in a variety of areas – it's just about now when the finish comes, being composed enough to just vary it up slightly, disguise some things slightly and then get the finish.

“But whether that was to come in the first, second, third, 10th, who knows? But I knew once it came, I was going to be better prepared.”

Wardley had been a growing presence on the U.K. domestic scene for a couple of years, but the right hand that did so much damage to Clarke made him an international figure. He was almost immediately elevated into Ring magazine’s top 10 heavyweights, and fans began throwing out potential crowd-pleasing matchups.

Wardley’s next step might just be his most important. Beating an Olympic bronze medalist in such alarming fashion has made him one of the hottest properties in a busy division, but his handlers need to guard against it making them too ambitious, too quickly. Clarke is a popular character and more than played his part in that thrilling first fight, but he was also totally untested at world level.

In the past, Wardley would have been wrapped in cotton wool and guided smartly towards a title shot. Saudi Arabia’s arrival in the sport has changed the established order of things. But while the 29-year-old isn’t the type to tread water, he is also a sharp operator who understands the position he has put himself in.

By committing his future to Queensberry Promotions, Wardley has ensured that he will remain a major part in the heavyweight division for some time to come, and he is more than ready to begin mixing with the long, attractive list of fighters who are desperate for a seat at the division’s very top table.

“Ultimately, the decision [on who I fight] always has done and always will lie with me,” he said. “I've always prided myself on being very much in full control of my career and not having anyone tell me how, or which way, or how I do anything, or who I fight and when I fight them.

“I've also never really said no to anyone, so it's not been an issue. But there has been certain points where we needed to build through, and there’s building blocks and certain things I need to tick off.

“I think – I said this ringside in interviews – I’ve ticked off everything now. In terms of rounds, taking a shot, landing a shot, getting people out of there. Doing all the kind of little boxing milestones you would say that you need to tick off before you enter that world scene, I think I've done.

“So those fringe-level contenders, I think I'm shoulder to shoulder with them.”

Self-proclaimed ‘face of boxing’ Gervonta Davis stands out as one of the most talented active fighters in the sport but his recent résumé has left fans wanting. Now, he and Artur Beterbiev’s team have exchanged words after his career was critiqued.

‘Tank’ has held world titles in three weight-classes during his 30-fight undefeated career and he has scored wins over the likes of Ryan Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz and Mario Barrios in the past.

However, as the reigning WBA lightweight title-holder, fans were hopeful that the Baltimore sensation would seek to unify the 135lb titles against either Shakur Stevenson, Vasyl Lomachenko or Denys Berinchyk.

Instead, with his fellow champions appearing to have other plans, Davis has opted to defend his belt against WBA super-featherweight champion Lamont Roach, rather than fight a contender that is a natural lightweight – much to the disappointment of fight fans around the globe.

In an interview with Norbes It All Network, John Scully, trainer of recently-crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, declared that Davis would not be worthy of hall-of-fame status if he hung up the gloves at this point in his career.

“No, [if he retired now I wouldn’t consider Davis as a hall of famer], and you know what? In this era and the way that they do things – [he] probably [would be].

“For me, the hall of fame has always been the elites of the elites. You are talking Sugar Ray Robinson, you’re talking Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali.Undefeated boxer wants to fight Artur Beterbiev

“I don’t want to say any names but there are guys that are in the hall of the fame that absolutely positively there is no way on earth that they should be in the hall of fame. Zero.”

In response, ‘Tank’ has taken to social media to say the same of Beterbiev, before disregarding the talent of the Canadian-Russian.Gervonta Davis blasting Artur Beterbiev in response to a comment from Beterbiev's coach John Scully who said Tank wouldn’t get into the Hall of Fame if he retired today… pic.twitter.com/Qfjj7xxiTK

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 17, 2024

“That big strong a** goofy that he train [is] not a hall of fame fighter and he’s a**.”

Davis will fight Lamont Roach on December 14th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, topping a card that is expected to feature a salivating rematch and an intriguing additional world title contest.

Tim Tszyu will try to become a two-time 154-pound titleholder on Saturday when he takes on IBF beltholder Bakhram Murtazaliev at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Prime Video. 

Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs), the son of Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu, suffered his first career defeat in March and lost his WBO junior middleweight title to Sebastian Fundora via split decision in one of the bloodiest bouts in recent memory.

“I'm preparing for the best version of myself and being present for every single second of the fight,” Tszyu told BoxingScene. “I haven't thought much about Murtazaliev to be honest. I know he's tough and dangerous. But it's me who’s in the ring … A perfect fight would take 30 seconds but I’m not looking for the knockout. I'm just looking to show the dog in me and I’m ready to get that feeling back.”

In the Fundora fight, Tszyu suffered a deep gash around his hairline at the end of the second round following an accidental elbow. Blood incessantly flowed from the cut and affected the 29-year-old Australian’s vision for the remainder of the fight. 

“I feel like I lost a bit of concentration in the Fundora fight due to the cut in the early-to-mid rounds,” said Tszyu. “Emotions played a part, distractions. It made me lose a couple of rounds, which cost me the fight. It was a lesson learned that no matter what circumstances you’re given, there are no excuses.

That's how I approach it now. I still had the belief and felt comfortable with him at certain times and felt like I could turn the tide around and land more shots. I saw hurt in the early rounds as well. I felt like I could have gotten the job done.”

Tszyu wants to eventually run it back with Fundora, and it will be easier to do so should he beat Murtazaliev.

Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs), a 31-year-old from Grozny, Russia, scored an 11th-round knockout of Jack Culcay in April in Germany to win the vacant title he now holds. 

Robert Garcia has refused to call Artur Beterbiev’s narrow victory over Dmitry Bivol a robbery, despite scoring the fight in favor of the latter.

The majority decision win over Beterbiev, 21-0 (20), won against Bivol, 23-1 (12), in their undisputed 175-pound championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, has raised concerns over the judges scoring of the fight. But Garcia, who felt Bivol deserved the decision win, described the fight as a very close one.

“It was a very technical fight,” Garcia told Fight Hub TV. “I think the fight was very close. Personally, I haven't watched it a second time, but watching it, I thought Bivol pulled it off. But I'm not mad either.

“I'm not claiming robbery because if it was so close, it could have gone either way. I think the last two rounds probably made a big difference.”

Garcia called for an immediate rematch and said the boxing world deserves another thrilling encounter between the 39-year-old Beterbiev and Bivol, 33. The experienced trainer’s call for a rematch adds to promoter Eddie Hearn’s earlier call for the two great Russian fighters to face each other again.

“I think it was more technical than what we expected; at least what I expected,” he said. “I thought it was gonna be more of a war: some back and forth, maybe a knockdown, maybe even a knockout.

“What made the difference I think were the last three rounds which went to Beterbiev. Those combinations, he just kept throwing, and Bivol focused too much on blocking and moving around. So, I think those last rounds could’ve made the difference. It was a very close fight.”

Meanwhile, Beterbiev could now wait and face the winner of David Benavidez and David Morrell. Benavidez and Morrell are reportedly scheduled to slug it out on January 25 in Las Vegas. The Russian is also in line to face Canelo Alvarez if the super middleweight king decides to move to 175.

“I think if the fight happens, it won't be anytime soon,” said Garcia. “They'll probably go with a rematch, then the winner fights the winner of Morrell-Benavidez. So, we're talking a year or a year and a half from now. 

“I think Beterbiev will be 41 and Canelo might take a chance and say, ‘I want to fight him,’ because Canelo is a very strong fighter.”

Former world heavyweight champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Wladimir Klitschko has thrown his support behind World Boxing and its president, Boris van der Vorst, in their efforts to keep boxing in the Olympic Games.

In a 39-second video, Klitschko, a Ukrainian boxing legend, emphasized the importance of maintaining the sport’s place in the Olympics, specifically with an eye toward the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

“Boxing is one of the most spectacular and oldest sports in the Olympic program,” Klitschko said. “Speaking as the 1996 Olympic champion, I want to advocate that boxing must be safe for LA2028.”

Klitschko, who won gold at the Atlanta Games, said he believes in the vision of World Boxing and van der Vorst to preserve the Olympic dreams of future boxers. He highlighted boxing’s global reach and its alignment with the values of the Olympic Charter.

World Boxing was founded in April 2023 with the explicit goal of keeping boxing in the Olympics. On May 7, 2024, the organization held its first formal meeting with the IOC, marking the beginning of collaboration aimed at ensuring boxing’s future in the Games.

Junior middleweight titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev has maintained a low profile leading up to his showdown with Tim Tszyu in PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video on Saturday at the Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, Florida.

But one thing brought out the talkative side of Murtazaliev in anticipation of the bout: “The best part of fighting Tim Tszyu is that he won’t run,” Murtazaliev said. “He is coming to fight. I love fighting in the center of the ring. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans to watch on Saturday night.”

Roma Kalantaryan, Murtazaliev’s head trainer, echoed his fighter’s eagerness to engage Tszyu in the ring: “We had a great eight-week training camp, Bakhram is 100 per cent ready to defend his titles, and I believe he’ll be victorious,” said Kalantaryan, who prepared Murtazaliev in Oxnard, California, for this matchup. “Tszyu is a good fighter, a tough kid who knows how to box, and he does not get tired. We have fought that type of fighter many times before and we’re prepared for anything he brings. We have the advantage on reach, height and, I think, power as well. There are going to be two pressure fighters in that ring on October 19."

The 31-year-old Murtazaliev, 22-0 (16 KOs), secured his world title in his last outing, traveling to Germany to knock out Jack Culcay in the 11th round. Now, he is preparing for his biggest U.S. challenge to date, aiming to hand Australia’s 29-year-old Tszyu his second consecutive defeat.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Tim Tszyu because he talks a lot and he has a famous name in boxing,” Murtazaliev noted. “It really doesn’t matter who I fight. My mentality is always the same, and I will fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m just excited to defend my title.”

Alexandre Gaumont will look to keep his unbeaten record intact as the Canadian middleweight takes on Andres Viera in the main event, which will be broadcast in the United States on ESPN+. 

The event, held at Casino Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, is another Thursday night outing by Eye of the Tiger Management.

Gaumont (11-0, 7 KOs) weighed in at 159.6lbs, while Viera (12-8, 9 KOs) from Mercedes, Uruguay, tipped the scales at 158.8lbs. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds. Gaumont, 29, is fighting for the first time since a split-decision victory over Santiago Fernandez in May. Viera, 40, is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Roberto Javier Diaz in August, but had previously been stopped or disqualified in his last four fights.

In the co-feature, Toronto's junior welterweight Arthur Biyarslanov (16-0, 14 KOs) weighed in at 139.6lbs for his 10-round bout against Jonathan Jose Eniz (35-20-1, 16 KOs) of Dolores, Argentina, who came in at 139.8lbs.

Biyarslanov, 29, has won three fights this year, all by knockout, extending his knockout streak to eight, which dates back to December 2021. In his most recent bout, he stopped undefeated Tamas Kiliti (10-1, 6 KOs) in the third round, dropping him multiple times.

Eniz, 29, a veteran journeyman, is on a two-fight win streak and steps into the ring for the third time this year. His last outing was a 10-round unanimous decision over Sergio Donaire in Argentina.

Full weigh-in results below:

Middleweight – Eight Rounds

Junior welterweight – 10 Rounds

Junior welterweight – 10 Rounds

Light heavyweight – 10 Rounds

Lightweight – Eight Rounds

Middleweight – 10 Rounds

Cruiserweight – Four Rounds

Super Middleweight – Eight Rounds

Dmitry Bivol’s team has formally submitted a request to the four major boxing organizations (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO), asking for an immediate rematch against Artur Beterbiev. This appeal, made on Wednesday, seeks to have the organizations intervene and order a new fight between the two boxers for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.

According to the letter sent, the request is based on the belief that a large portion of viewers expected a Dmitry Bivol victory. Bivol’s team has drawn parallels to the controversial Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield I fight, where many believed Lewis had won, but the result was a draw. The goal is for the rematch to provide a clear resolution, similar to what happened in that historic bout.

Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, confirmed they are still waiting for a response from the organizations. Kornilov also emphasized that one of the key points of the appeal is to review the scorecard of judge Pawel Kardyni, who scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev. This score has generated controversy, and Bivol’s team believes it deserves a thorough review.Despite speculations, it was clarified that this action should not be interpreted as a formal protest.

It is simply a request for an immediate rematch, outlining the reasons why they believe the fight should take place again. Bivol’s lawyer, representing the boxer, stressed in the letter that the fight must happen again to clearly determine the undisputed champion.

Previously, it was reported that both Bivol and Kornilov were considering filing a formal protest after the controversy sparked by the unanimous decision in favor of Beterbiev in their first fight. Bivol’s team made it clear they were dissatisfied with the 116-112 scorecard, which they consider unjust.

Dmitry Bivol’s team remains firm in their stance and is determined to seek a fair resolution for their fighter. It is now up to the regulatory organizations to respond to this request and decide whether a rematch will take place.‼️ Dmitry Bivol’s team have reportedly now officially filed protests with all four sanctioning bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF & WBO) against the Artur Beterbiev result, seeking an immediate rematch. [According to @JakeNDaBox]

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 16, 2024Three-division world champion handed a one-year ban

Additionally, Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov confirmed they are still seeking a response regarding their request to review judge Pawel Kardyni’s 116-112 scorecard. https://t.co/J1gMO8k5zm

— Jake Donovan (@JakeNDaBox) October 16, 2024

FYI: It is NOT lodged as a “protest.” It is a request for an immediate rematch outlining reasons Team Bivol believes one should be ordered. https://t.co/ZsR6yQrJKo

Golden Boy prospect welterweight Joel Iriarte is preparing for his fifth fight in eight months, scheduled for November 2 in Las Vegas as part of the Floyd Schofield-Rene Tellez Giron undercard. 

The 21-year-old Iriarte from Bakersfield, California, is balancing his boxing career with a new venture: Opening Warm Up Athletics, his own gym.

Iriarte (4-0, 4 KOs) has built a reputation for his relentless pressure in the ring and his busy schedule outside of it. He is now channeling his passion for boxing into his community by launching a program at his gym dedicated to children with autism. This initiative combines fitness and boxing training to help these kids develop physical fitness, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

“I want Warm Up Athletics to be a place for everyone, whether you’re training to fight or just looking to get in shape,” Iriarte said. “Working with kids with autism is something I’m passionate about. Boxing is more than just a sport; it’s a tool that can empower people of all abilities.”

Iriarte aims to be not just a fighter but also an advocate. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “The gym itself is a project I’ve been working on for some time now. It’s my passion for the sport and for giving back to the community. I want to spread my knowledge. I’ve been training as a professional out of my backyard. This is my way of giving back and helping kids with neurodivergent and adaptive needs. It fills my life with balance and purpose.”

Iriarte’s commitment to this cause is personal, as he knows people facing similar challenges. “Many kids today need a little more attention,” Iriarte said. “It’s something I’ve been doing for a while, even before I went professional.”

Iriarte also collaborates with local organizations to enhance his community efforts. “I work with organizations here in town that plan events for the community,” Iriarte said. “The biggest organization I work with is called League of Dreams. They’re a nonprofit that dedicates time to help kids.”

Despite being a 17-time national title winner in the amateurs of USA Boxing, Iriarte finds added motivation in being the flag bearer for his new gym. “I am always super locked in,” he said. “As fighters, we are very self-driven. This project gives me a boost because I have a strong support system that really looks up to me and has high hopes for me. Having them behind me motivates me to perform my best and continue to make them proud and my community proud.”

In a recent interview with Box Nation, former world champion Amir Khan made clear his desire to return to the ring. The Briton, who retired after a defeat in 2022, expressed interest in a high-profile match against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao. In his statements, Khan didn’t hide his enthusiasm for the potential fight, emphasizing the magnitude that a bout between the two would have.

“Amir, what’s going on with you and Manny Pacquiao?” the interviewer asked, directly addressing Khan. “I know Manny says he wants to fight, I’ll take the fight, I mean, let’s make it happen.” Khan highlighted how significant the fight between the two retired fighters would be, pointing out that despite their retirements, a match between them would still attract many fans.

“You know how big of a fight that would be? It’d be massive. I mean, it’d be good to come back and sell out Arenas again,” Khan added.

Khan, who will turn 38 in December, hopes that the fight could be arranged early next year. Pacquiao, now 44, has yet to comment on the matter, although the Filipino legend has shown interest in staying active with exhibition fights since his retirement in 2021.Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao

The highly anticipated match between the two is not a new concept. Several years ago, the fighters announced on social media that a fight was scheduled to take place in the Middle East. However, the event was canceled due to a lack of proof of funds from the promoters. Despite the cancellation of that first attempt, Khan’s interest appears to have been reignited.

Amir Khan has not competed since being brutally stopped by his rival Kell Brook in February 2022. As for Manny Pacquiao, he retired after losing by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. However, Pacquiao has participated in several exhibition fights since then, keeping the possibility of one last big fight alive.In a March interview this year with NordicBet, Pacquiao’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, left the door open for a fight between the Filipino and Khan.

According to Gibbons, there had been interest in making the fight happen in the past, but Pacquiao temporarily retired to focus on his political career.

“There was interest in the past, and there were opportunities,” Gibbons remarked. “But unfortunately, when there was a chance to do it, Manny retired to run for president.” However, Gibbons did not rule out the possibility of the fight happening if there is a promoter willing to pay. “If someone said tomorrow that they want to see Manny Pacquiao take on Amir Khan in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, or England, then of course Manny is up for all of this,” Gibbons expressed.Undefeated boxer wants to fight Artur Beterbiev

Gibbons added that Pacquiao is likely in the final year of his career, highlighting the love Pacquiao has for boxing. “This is a final swansong for Manny,” the advisor concluded, suggesting that a fight against Khan could be an ideal opportunity to close out his legendary career.

With Pacquiao still active in exhibition matches and Khan eager to return to the ring, the possibility of the two facing off remains open. The key, as Gibbons pointed out, will be finding the right financial backing to organize an event of this magnitude.

Time will tell if we’ll finally see these two boxing legends step back into the ring in 2024.

Could circumstances bring Deontay Wilder and Kevin Lerena together?

Kevin Lerena, meanwhile, is in need of a big fight at bridgerweight, a nascent division founded by the WBC a few years back. 

With a weight limit of 224 pounds, bridgerweight is situated between the cruiserweights (200-pound limit) and heavyweights (limitless). But while the WBA has followed the WBC’s lead in creating a belt for the division, bridgerweight has not yet been able to attract or retain many notable names.

Indeed, the previous WBC titleholder, Lawrence Okolie, recently vacated his title and is headed to heavyweight rather than face Lerena. That meant Lerena has been upgraded from interim titleholder to the full titleholder.

“I’d be more than happy to give Wilder the opportunity to face me if he’s willing to make the move down,” Lerena told Phil Jay of World Boxing News .

Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) captured his first world title in January 2015 and captivated with his tremendous power — a combination of lightning speed and heavy hands that could, and often did, take a fight Wilder was struggling in and end it in his favor in an instant.

He went 9-0-1 in a series of defenses between 2015 and 2019. That draw came against Tyson Fury in 2018. And it was Fury who brought Wilder’s time at the top to an end, stopping Wilder in seven rounds in their February 2020 rematch. Their third fight was a back-and-forth battle, but Fury triumphed again with an 11th-round knockout in 2021.

Wilder came back in 2022 with a quick victory over Robert Helenius. He hasn’t won since. Wilder was rather passive while being out-boxed by Joseph Parker in December 2023, and then he was flattened in five rounds by Zhilei Zhang this June.

He turns 39 in the coming days. According to Wilder’s trainer, there are no plans to retire .

The heavyweight division is full of talent, which means plenty of potentially lucrative opportunities. If he opts to drop down to bridgerweight, though, it shouldn’t take a toll on his body. Wilder, while 6-foot-7, has often been remarkably lean. In his recent outings he came in between 213 and 214.5 pounds, which would put him comfortably within the bridgerweight limit.

In 2022, Lerena knocked out Bogdan Dinu, outpointed Mariusz Wach, and lost to Daniel Dubois.

In 2023, Lerena outpointed Ryad Merhy in a bridgerweight elimination bout and then took a unanimous decision over Senad Gashi for the interim title.

The WBC’s top 15 bridgerweights are, in order: Adam Balski, Andrew Tabiti, Merhy, Lukasz Rozanski, Kris Terzievski, Carlouse Welch, Serhiy Radchenko, Alexis Barriere, Tom Schwarz, Nikodem Jezewski, Alexander Nedbei, Bohdan Myronets, Tommy Welch, Mihai Nistor and Davide Brito.

“I hope to be back in the ring around December or probably early in the new year, so there’s plenty of time to talk to Wilder, Opetaia, or anyone else for a massive fight,” Lerena told World Boxing News.

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

The non-title heavyweight fight between former cruiser king Murat Gassiev, 30-2 (23 KOs) and unbeaten Dane Kem Ljungquist, 18-0 (11 KOs) that was set for Vienna on October 19 has been postponed as Gassiev, out of action since losing to Otto Wallin last year, couldn't get a visa. 

The fight will now go ahead October 26 in Yerevan (Armenia) - but there are reportedly some question marks still to be worked out.

Gassiev vs Ljungquist is promoted by IBA, Patriot Boxing, Ural FC and Iron & Gloves Promotion and sponsored by PJSC Gazprom.

......................................

Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak, 48-6 (32 KOs), and  Australian Floyd Masson, 14-1 (8 KOs) meet at cruiserweight November 16 in Wroclaw on a Knockout Promotion event.

Masson lost the title to Yves Ngabu last year but came back with a win against Joshua Francis in August.

Masternak came close to an upset win over Chris Billam-Smith last year but had to retire due to a rib injury. He returned in April and stopped Jean Jacques Oliver.

............................................

Danish super middle Oliver Zaren, 13-0 (4 KOs), has been added to the undercard of Dina Thorslund's defence of the WBO bantamweight title against  Terumi Nuki October 25 in Holstebro (Denmark).

Zaren, promoted by Wasserman Sports, will fight an opponent to be announced.

........................................

Swedish heavyweight champ Pezhman Seifkhani, 17-1 (12 KOs) now has newly crowned Italian title holder Eduardo Guistini, 17-3 (6 KOs), as co-challenger for the vacant EBU Silver title.

The EBU has set November 7 as the deadline for purse bids. 

Bill Haney, father and trainer of boxing champion Devin Haney, has ignited social media by launching a strong critique against boxer Ryan Garcia. Using his official Instagram account, Bill posted an image in his stories warning about the risks of steroid use, accompanied by a direct message to Garcia.

In the Instagram story, Bill Haney wrote: “@RyanGarcia, some of us rely on skills, others rely on shortcuts. We’ll keep it clean while you clean up your mess. 💉 #NoShortcuts #Cleanwins #Haneystrong.” This message directly references the controversies surrounding Garcia, who was recently suspended for doping.

The tension between the two camps is not new. Devin Haney’s team has made it clear that a rematch against Ryan Garcia will only be possible if the latter undergoes a strict Olympic-style anti-doping program. This condition was imposed due to Garcia’s recent history with banned substances. Bill Haney gave Garcia a 48-hour deadline to enroll in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program. This is aimed at ensuring a clean fight after Garcia’s doping suspension ends in April.

Simultaneously, Devin Haney also joined the discussion on social media. On his X account (formerly Twitter), Devin posted a cryptic message: “They know I’m coming…” Although Devin didn’t elaborate further, Ryan Garcia quickly responded, using the mocking tone that has characterized their rivalry: “No they don’t,” replied Garcia.

The rivalry between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney began in 2023, but it has reached its peak in 2024. Earlier this year, Devin Haney filed a lawsuit against Garcia, accusing him of assault, fraud, and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit was filed after a failed drug test affected the outcome of their fight.

The bout, which was initially decided by a majority in favor of Garcia, was later declared a “no-contest” when it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine, an anabolic steroid, both on the weigh-in day and the fight day. This scandal has severely damaged Ryan Garcia’s reputation and further fueled tensions between the two boxers and their teams.Undefeated boxer wants to fight Artur Beterbiev

With this new escalation on social media and Bill Haney’s insistence on ensuring a clean fight through anti-doping controls, the path to a potential rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia seems increasingly fraught with obstacles. Garcia’s response, or his lack of commitment to the Haney team’s demands, will be key in determining whether the much-anticipated rematch will happen.Devin Haney’s father/trainer Bill Haney firing shots at Ryan Garcia today… pic.twitter.com/oBcUTbAGRa

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 16, 2024

No they don’t https://t.co/HF7cLO8nqL

— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) October 15, 2024

Three-division champion and WBO junior lightweight ruler Emanuel Navarrete will run it back with old foe Oscar Valdez on a card that will feature another premier rematch, between Rafael Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez, Top Rank announced today.

The event will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix on December 7.

Espinoza will be defending the WBO featherweight title against the man he claimed it from last December, while Navarrete, who won a wide decision over Valdez in August last year, will make his first fight since a May loss to Denys Berinchyk.

Navarrete, 38-2-1 (31 KOs), a 2008 and 2012 Olympian, claimed his first world title in 2018 with a victory over Isaac Dogboe.

“The fans will see the same 'Vaquero,' as always,” said Navarrete. “We’re working hard to regain the aggressiveness that defines me and give all the fans the intense fight they want to see on December 7. I still have a lot to do and big goals to accomplish in boxing, including unifying my title and possibly moving back up to 135 pounds."

Valdez, a 33-year-old from Sonora, Mexico, is 32-2 (24 KOs) and said he was “thrilled” to have the opportunity to face Navarrete once more.

“Although we lost the first fight, we stayed disciplined and focused on returning stronger,” Valdez said. “I know it’s a tough challenge – but not impossible. With that in mind, we returned to the gym and studied what we did wrong in the first fight to avoid making the same mistakes. I’m excited and confident that we will be victorious this time."

Espinoza is 25-0 (21 KOs). He climbed off the floor from a fifth-round knockdown to put Ramirez, a Cuban southpaw, on the canvas during a crucial 12th round to win by majority decision in what ESPN deemed the Upset of the Year.

From Guadalajara, Mexico, Espinoza made his first title defense in June when defeating countryman Sergio Chirino Sanchez in four rounds.

“I know the fans, just like me, have been looking forward to this fight. It’s a fight that I wanted,” Espinoza said. “I’m very motivated and happy, and I’m training at 100 per cent. This night of rematches will be great for Mexico, and I’m ready to give it my all, just like I always do.

“Our first fight was extremely close, action-packed and regarded by many as Fight of the Year. Since the cards were read, my team and I have been asking for the rematch.”

The undercard will feature Mexico's junior welterweight contender Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder against Jackson Marinez (22-3, 10 KOs).

Emiliano Fernando Vargas (12-0, 10 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth win of the year in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight against Alan Ayala (11-4, 7 KOs), and Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jnr (11-0, 10 KOs) will return in an eight-round heavyweight fight.

“December 7 is going to be a special night in Phoenix, as we have two 50-50 rematches of incredible fights,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum. “Navarrete and Valdez are two of the greatest Mexican warriors the sport has seen, and I expect another toe-to-toe battle. I thought the first Espinoza-Ramirez fight was the 2023 Fight of the Year, and I expect the 13th round to pick up where the dramatic 12th left off.”

Lamont Roach Snr isn’t just shaping fighters at NoXcuses Boxing Gym, he’s also carving out a path as a promoter, committed to helping the next generation of boxers develop. His next step comes with his prospects card on Saturday—his second show to be broadcast on ProBox TV from Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Roach’s drive stems from his deep connection to the local boxing scene, where he sees potential in every young fighter who steps into the ring. He’s determined to nurture their careers, believing that giving back to the community will ultimately reward everyone involved.

"I’m all about the hometown, grassroots all the way," Roach said. "It’s important to look out for others because I believe when you give, you shall receive. These shows aren’t just about adding numbers to records—it’s about opportunity. They’re going to be seen on a platform worldwide, definitely across the country with ProBox. They’re going to get noticed and get opportunities they haven’t had before."

Roach is riding a career high. His son, Lamont Roach Jnr (20-1-1, 10 KOs), 29, not only holds the WBA junior lightweight title but is also set to face Gervonta Davis on December 14 in Houston, Texas. Now, with his partnership with ProBox, this event is more than just another fight card—it’s a gateway to the future. Roach has secured fight dates and a worldwide reach through ProBox’s distribution network, with two of his prospects—welterweight Benjamin Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) and his son, junior bantamweight Jordan Roach (1-0)—featured on the card.

"ProBox TV is the future and the present," Roach said. "There aren’t many shows on platforms and networks right now, but ProBox is doing two shows a month. I’m thankful to be partnered with them—they believe in my vision as much as I believe in theirs. They’re the next big thing, and if people don’t see it yet, they will soon. ProBox is going to take over."

Roach also emphasizes the importance of keeping fighters active, something he believes is crucial for the growth of young prospects.

"Activity is key," Roach said. "We don’t have enough of it, and being partnered with ProBox gives a platform for that activity. In 2025, it’s going to be even bigger. We’re looking to showcase more talent in the area and have multiple shows like this one, but 2025 is going to be huge."

The excitement isn’t just among the fighters—trainers are feeling it too. The seriousness of the moment isn’t lost on anyone, especially as they approach the upcoming card.

"People are excited about the opportunity itself," Roach said. "It makes me proud to know I’m reaching them, and they realize what’s at stake. The coaches are thankful that we’re doing something like this for local fighters. It feels good, and the seriousness is real."

It has recently been reported that EA Sports is working on a new boxing video game. The company has taken note of the success of Undisputed, a new boxing game that has generated significant interest within the gaming community. At the same time, it recognizes that there is a market for boxing games, especially with the resurgence of interest in the sport in various regions of the world. The rise of boxing in the Middle East, along with renewed interest in the UK, presents opportunities for a successful launch.

According to Mike Straw on “The Mike Straw Show,” sources close to him have confirmed that EA Sports is once again working on a recognized franchise. The company has restarted development on Fight Night, although there is no specific release date. Despite hopes for the game to be released this year, sources suggest that the release window could extend to three to four years. Players may have to wait until 2027 to see the game on current generation consoles like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

As Fight Night progresses, EA Sports is also working on UFC 6. Unlike the boxing franchise, which requires individual licenses, UFC has a contract that mandates compliance with certain release dates. This could result in UFC 6 hitting the market before Fight Night. Despite these challenges, EA has the freedom to create a boxing game without commitments to specific organizations.

Similarly, Straw noted that there are rumors about a potential crossover between Fight Night and UFC, which could attract even more players. EA has high expectations for both titles and is striving to meet public demands. The development of Fight Night has been intermittent, but the company assures that it has not been canceled; it has simply been on pause.

An exciting aspect of the development of Fight Night is the possibility of including recognized boxers like Tyson Fury or Jake Paul. EA has been in talks with the teams of both athletes, which could elevate the game’s profile. Additionally, EA would not face issues acquiring licenses, as they have good resources to invest in this. The inclusion of famous figures could attract a broader player base.EXCLUSIVE: Brit vows to give Fabio Wardley ‘a boxing lesson’ despite Clarke KO

As Fight Night moves toward its final development stages, fans must be patient and maintain realistic expectations. The franchise has faced challenges in the past, but it now seems to be in a better position to return to the market.EA Sports have reportedly now put a new Fight Night boxing game “back on the table” and are working on reviving the franchise after seeing the level of interest in the Undisputed boxing game. [According to @MikeStrawMedia]

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 16, 2024

Emanuel Steward, Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis – just some of the influential boxing figures that come to mind when the name ‘KRONK’ is mentioned.

A style of fighting, a mentality, and a pillar of boxing around the globe, the Detroit gym trained over 40 world champions and gained a worldwide reputation for building and crafting some of boxing’s biggest names, but the famous gold and red resonated with fans for more than just it’s fighters, until it’s devastating closure.

Now, the gym is hopeful of a comeback.

The KRONK gym opened in 1921, but it was during the 1970’s where a plethora of local Detroit talent descended upon the world stage, each from humble beginnings representing a humble gym, and the KRONK name soon became a well-known boxing enterprise. Led by Steward and spearheaded by Hilmer Kenty, Thomas Hearns and Mickey Goodwin, Kenty became KRONK’s first world champion in 1980 with a stoppage win over Ernesto Espana for the WBA lightweight title, only for Hearns to follow suit just five months later with a second-round knockout of Jose Cuevas for the WBA welterweight crown.

The success of Hearns and others throughout the 1980’s rippled throughout the gym and saw them explode onto the world scene, by the 1990’s, KRONK became an attractive proposal to the top fighters in the world, even if just for one training session in order to experience a taste of life under Steward.

After years of continued success led by Hearns, eventual three-time heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis became KRONK’s new poster boy once Hearns’ time at the top came to an end, and ‘The Lion’ represented a new example of what it meant to be a part of the now booming stable in downtown Detroit.

An Olympic gold medallist with a traditional style, Steward converted a soft Lewis jab into one of the strongest the world had ever seen, utilizing the left-hand power of the British-Canadian by changing his jab into a punch with mean intentions rather than just a set-up shot – but also using it to open up opportunities for a signature straight right-hand.In the rematch with Hasim Rahman, Lennox Lewis controlled the distance with jab, beautifully mixing in the left hook which would later set up the finish.

What’s your favourite rematch win?#boxingpic.twitter.com/0OYBkHMSRZ

— Steve Boxman (@SteveBoxman) August 27, 2024

The versatility of Lewis saw Steward also transition as a trainer, changing from encouraging a front-footed aggressive approach to a more rounded, patient and selective strategy that was destructively efficient at the correct times.

However, despite their fabled success inside of the ring, KRONK could not escape the local struggles outside of it and the gym closed down in 2006 – thieves stealing copper pipes from the site when it was on its knees ultimately proving to be the final straw – a sign of the times in Detroit.

Steward’s death in 2012 devastated the world of boxing but it left KRONK lost. How could an institute that is epitomised by its trainer survive and be reborn without him?

Many investors have previously attempted to return KRONK to greatness, but now there is a team who hopes of bringing KRONK back to big-time boxing, and they have a plan to make it happen. After working closely with Emanuel’s wife, Marie Steward and his daughter, Sylvia Steward, Paul Bhatti now finds himself leading a diverse team that is committed to returning KRONK to the bright lights of boxing.

After 31 years in the IT industry, Bhatti & Team successfully purchased the Intellectual Property (IP) of the KRONK brand. Bhatti, the Manchester-born and Metro Detroit-based boxing fanatic, is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and he admitted to that this was an opportunity that he could not refuse.

“Having had pictures of KRONK fighters on my bedroom wall as a kid, to get the opportunity to officially own the KRONK IP with my amazing team, is an absolute honour! We are all focused to execute upon on our vision, to bring KRONK back into the mainstream.”

So, what is it exactly that KRONK needs? The answer is simple. As ever, KRONK needs world champions, and it needs to eventually breed its own.

As Bhatti confirmed with , talks are already underway for KRONK to bring back some of the elite trainers from the KRONK lineage, to ensure that boxing fans around the world will once again be thrilled with the exciting KRONK style that Emanuel Steward made famous. Like Steward before them, Bhatti and Team are committed to first perfect the foundations before rushing to a return to the peak of the sport.

To maintain and instil the same morals into every member of the KRONK family, employees or fighters is to ensure that every decision is carried out in the manner that Emanuel Steward would wish for. A key move from Bhatti has been to keep the Steward family at the heart of the business. Marie has been named as a Founder Emeritus whilst Sylvia, one of two of Steward’s daughters, has been brought on board as a business consultant.

Though both Marie and Sylvia are family members by blood, John Lepak was an integral part of the KRONK family that saw it boom during its heyday and he is a critical addition at the core of the relaunch, believing the newly formed team, in which he acts as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), to be capable of doing his mentor, Steward, justice.

“Life has truly come full circle. Starting out as a 16-year-old kid running errands for Emanuel, training in the original gym, working alongside so many of our great champions, and eventually serving on the promotional team for some of the highest-grossing fights in boxing history, I truly thought I had reached the mountain top.

“This opportunity presents another mountain to climb. While no one will ever be able to duplicate what Emanuel did, I believe he left KRONK in a position where we can now grow the brand in areas he had dreamed of”

Meanwhile, Bhatti has recognised the importance of adapting with the times and looking towards the future as much as reminiscing of past successes, adding Amer Abdallah. A former undefeated world champion kickboxer and a respected figure in the combat sports world, Abdallah has played a pivotal role in the development of boxing in the Middle East, he assumes the position as a Managing Partner and Vice President of International Business, as KRONK looks towards global expansion and the opening of gyms overseas.

“The relaunch of the world’s most iconic brand in boxing gives me tremendous pride to be involved with. KRONK will be expanding around the globe and will continue to build upon its rich history and legacy.”

Yet, despite the exciting appointments, the names mean nothing without a plan of action and thankfully that is what Bhatti is most excited about.

When asked of what he and KRONK are working towards in the immediate future, Bhatti identified the current focal areas of his strategy, and much like any boxer kickstarting their career with victories against journeymen, explained that he is looking for ‘foundational wins’ before jumping the gun and competing at the world level.

“Our vision for KRONK’s resurgence is clear and methodical. We’re starting with foundational wins, like launching a revitalized website and introducing an updated merchandise line, to help re-establish our brand’s presence. We’re also actively exploring strategic licensing opportunities to unlock new revenue streams, and we’re reviewing prime locations in the heart of Detroit for our new flagship gym.

“These steps are critical for reintroducing KRONK to a new generation of fans and markets, building on our legacy while positioning the brand for growth in today’s landscape.”

Whilst Bhatti and the new KRONK team are infectiously ambitious, it is important to note that the road to the top is an arduous one and will likely take years of dedication and diligent decision-making. KRONK has the branding that could prove key to success, and if Bhatti and his new team can accomplish half of what Steward did then they will surely be proud of their restoration job.

Yet, as Steward famously stated, ‘those not fit do not survive’ in the world of boxing and KRONK will need to prove that they are more than just a name if they are to make the return that they are envisaging.

British boxer Adam Azim is confident that his upcoming fight against Ohara Davies will be key in proving he’s a world-class boxer. While preparing for this significant challenge, Azim is also setting his sights on high-profile matchups in 2025, including potential fights against Harlem Eubank and Dalton Smith.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Azim expressed his interest in these future bouts, though he acknowledges that they are more likely to happen next year. “Those two fights might happen next year, Harlem and Dalton,” the young boxer said. He emphasized the importance of securing the fight against Davies first before thinking about other opponents. “There are two big names I want to fight next year, but I’ve got to get this fight done, which is Ohara Davies,” Azim added.

The fight between Azim and Davies is set for this Saturday at the Copper Box Arena in East London. Given Davies’ punching power, Azim considers him a more dangerous opponent than Eubank, whom he also hopes to face in the future. “It’s a more dangerous fight, but I know not to try and get hit in there. My aim is to hit and not get hit,” explained Azim.Adam Azim’s rivalry with Dalton Smith has a long history.

He was scheduled to fight Harlem Eubank earlier this year, but an incident delayed the bout. The fight was planned for June 15, but Azim suffered an injury while running, which forced the match to be postponed. His trainer, Shane McGuigan, explained that the “freak accident” occurred when Adam Azim twisted his ankle after stepping in a pothole.

Due to this delay, Eubank sought other opponents. However, both Azim and McGuigan believe that the fight could still happen in the future. “I don’t think we’re going to fight each other this year, doesn’t look like it. He’s got a fight coming up. He might want to fight again by the end of the year, but it looks like it’s going to happen next year,” Azim said.

Davies, for his part, presents himself as a dangerous rival with experience in world title fights. Although Davies has suffered past defeats at the hands of Josh Taylor, Jack Catterall, and Ismael Barroso, his power remains a serious threat to Azim. “It’s a step up. It’s a bigger fight, I believe, and with bigger fights, there’s greater risk, but there’s also greater reward if you come out and look spectacular,” McGuigan remarked.

Adam Azim, on the other hand, is fully focused on this bout. He is determined to show that he’s ready to face the best in the world. “I’ve matured as a fighter. I’ve improved a lot. My game—I’ve got reflexes, fast hands, but I also bring other things in, like my inside fighting as well,” Azim stated.

By securing a victory over Ohara Davies, Adam Azim believes he can position himself as a strong world title contender. His goal is for that opportunity to come sometime in 2025. In the meantime, Azim remains focused on his upcoming fight, knowing that a decisive win will bring him closer to his ultimate goal. “My eye is just fully focused on Ohara Davies,” Azim concluded.

Though it is not a prerequisite of them happening, rematches, by their very nature, tend to be examples of things fans want to see repeated. This hunger can be due to a controversy, either in the scoring of a fight or the way it ended, or it can be due to Fight One being so good and competitive it would be a shame not to do it again. 

Whatever it is, rematches, on the whole, are fights people want to see and come with a level of expectation the first fight possibly lacked. We now know, after all, how the two fighters involved will shape up when in a ring together. We know how they will move. We know what is at stake. We also have a decent idea of what to expect when the punches start to fly; as good an idea as you can hope to have in a sport like boxing anyway. 

When a rematch deviates from these expectations, it has a way of shocking us. We arrive expecting one thing and are then delivered something else, with the script, already written and rehearsed, suddenly of no use, out the window. 

This bait and switch was perhaps no better exemplified than on Saturday (October 12) in the British heavyweight title fight between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. Six months ago, those two men went to war for 12 rounds in London and three ringside judges were unable to split them, leaving both dissatisfied with a draw. Yet, in their rematch on Saturday, with only the month and location now different from fight one, Wardley stopped Clarke with a brutal volley of punches in the first round, reframing the original fight, so close and competitive, as effectively irrelevant. 

It was, for Wardley, a win better than he had even imagined. For not only did that one-round victory over Clarke ensure he retained his title and established his superiority over a rival, but, so savage was it, it also put an end to this rivalry indefinitely. Just like that, it was done, over. There was no need for judges, no need for arguments, and now no need to see these two heavyweights ever share a ring again. 

As for those watching, there was a mix of exhilaration and disappointment. Exhilarated, on the one hand, to be spared controversy and see a fight settled decisively, there was also an element of the anticlimax given the thrilling nature of the first fight between these men and how high the levels of anticipation had been for this, the rematch, as a result. 

If granted the choice, of course, we, as fans, would forever choose the short and conclusive route over the long and controversial. That goes without saying. In fact, if ever unsure about this, we need not have waited long on Saturday to be reminded of the stark difference. For what followed Fabio Wardley’s one-round destruction of Frazer Clarke was a brilliant 12-round battle between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the only downside of which was the fact that after 12 rounds nobody really had a clue who had won. This became clear in the aftermath when everybody had an opinion and a scorecard they were desperate to share, with the winner one Russian in the eyes of some people and another Russian in the eyes of others.

Indeed, it was while wading through these conflicting and ultimately meaningless opinions and theories that I stumbled upon an interesting thread regarding Wardley and Clarke; the one fight on which we could all comment with some degree of certainty. This thread, started by Tom Gray, had invited people to give examples of rematches, like Wardley vs. Clarke II, which were a fraction of the length of the first fight and shockingly one-sided. What then followed were countless examples of this trend, each uniquely fascinating and each demonstrating that even a rematch, this repeat performance, doesn’t necessarily go the way both form and history would have us believe.  

Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling

Fight One: As well as the Fight of the Year for 1936, Schmeling’s 12th-round stoppage of Louis at Yankee Stadium was also a huge upset, one that reverberated around the sporting world. Dropped in both rounds four and 12, Louis would lose as a pro for the first time at the hands of the unheralded German, who time and time again exploited a flaw he had noticed in the American’s style. 

Fight Two: When they reunited in 1938, Louis had won 11 fights on the spin and now grown into his role as world heavyweight champion. Again at Yankee Stadium, he cut through Schmeling inside the very first round, producing one of the most iconic revenge wins in boxing history. 

Rocky Marciano vs. “Jersey” Joe Walcott

Fight One: After being dropped in the opening round, and finding himself behind on points, Marciano had to pull out his famous “Suzie Q” punch in round 13 to turn this 1952 fight on its head and stop Walcott. Out of nowhere, a terrifying right hook suddenly caused Walcott to slump to his knees, with his arm draped over the rope, motionless and counted out. 

Fight Two: Having met initially in September of 1952, Marciano and Walcott reconvened the following May and now Walcott was 39 years of age. If the first fight represented “Jersey” Joe’s last stand, this rematch represented The End, and he was duly knocked out inside the very first round by Marciano. 

Matthew Saad Muhammad vs. John Conteh

Fight One: Saad Muhammad and Conteh contested the WBC light-heavyweight belt in 1979 and went the full 12 rounds, with Saad Muhammad taking a unanimous decision and retaining his title. The scores, all in his favour, were close and, in the eyes of some, controversial. They were also soon immaterial when the decision became void and a rematch was ordered due to Saad Muhammad’s cornermen using an illegal substance to stop the bleeding from a cut.

Fight Two: They met again in March of 1980 and on this occasion Saad Muhammad nailed Conteh with two vicious right hands in round four and refused to let him off the hook. Conteh went down again off a left and would go down a total of five times before the referee finally called the fight.

James “Bonecrusher” Smith vs. Tim Witherspoon 

Fight One: Witherspoon and Smith first boxed in Las Vegas in 1985 and that night Witherspoon dominated the fight over 12 rounds. This, unlike other examples on the list, was not a close or competitive bout and indeed the rematch they shared would not be an immediate one, for there was, at the time, frankly no need.

Fight Two: Since beating Smith in ’85, Witherspoon had boxed four times, and so too had Smith, and their rematch came 18 months after fight number one. This time Witherspoon, rather than outbox Smith for 12 rounds as he did in Vegas, was to find himself caught cold in round one and knocked out by “Bonecrusher”.  

Virgil Hill vs. Fabrice Tiozzo

Fight One: Light-heavyweights at the time, Hill and Tiozzo crossed paths in Paris in 1993, with Hill winning a split decision after 12 rounds. He was helped to achieve this by two knockdowns, one in the first round, and one in the second, and with the win he spoiled Tiozzo’s 25-0 record. 

Fight Two: Hill and Tiozzo wouldn’t meet again until 2000, making it seven years after their first fight, and would do so again in France, only now as cruiserweights. This time, too, there would be no need for any ringside judges as Hill, never deemed a puncher, surprisingly dropped Tiozzo three times in the first round and finished him there and then. 

Roy Jones Jnr vs. Montell Griffin

Fight One: Tougher than Jones had expected, yet still a fight he was on course to win, this 1997 defence of his WBC light-heavyweight belt ended in round nine when Jones hit Griffin after Griffin had taken a knee. That transgression led to a disqualification and inevitably a rematch. 

Fight Two: Clearly out to prove a point, Jones attacked Griffin in their immediate rematch as though wanting to do more than simply beat him. In fact, judging by the manner in which he set about him in round one, it was hard not to feel as though Jones wanted to humiliate his opponent and make the disparity between them abundantly clear. This he managed to achieve, too, stopping Griffin in the very first round. 

Enzo Maccarinelli vs. Mark Hobson

Fight One: When Maccarinelli and Hobson came together in 2006, the expectation was that it would be a good, evenly-matched affair between two of Britain’s best cruiserweights at the time. Placed on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe’s classic win over Jeff Lacy, they more than earned their spot, too, producing a thrilling 12-rounder full of tasty exchanges and momentum swings. The win went the way of Maccarinelli in the end, but it was close; close enough to warrant a replay.

Fight Two: Coming seven months after fight one, by now Maccarinelli was the WBO cruiserweight champion, a belt he won with a ninth-round stoppage of Marcelo Dominguez. Hobson, meanwhile, had boxed twice in that same period, beating both John “Buster” Keeton and Pavol Polakovic. They met again at Manchester’s MEN Arena, only this time Maccarinelli hurt Hobson early and finished the fight inside one minute and 11 seconds of the first round.

Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams

Fight One: After trading knockdowns in round one, Martinez and Williams battled doggedly for 12 rounds and were hard to split when the bell rang to end their fight in 2009. The scorecards, all over the place, reflected this, and many, including Martinez, were not best pleased when Williams was declared a majority decision winner. 

Fight Two: Since losing against Williams in Atlantic City, Martinez had returned there to beat Kelly Pavlik and claim the WBC and WBO middleweight titles, while Williams, on the other hand, had forced an injury stoppage of Kermit Cintron. They met for a second time on the Boardwalk and now Martinez was determined to leave nothing to chance. Fighting at a catchweight of 158 lbs, he cracked Williams with a devastating left hand in round two from which Williams, out cold, was unable to get up. 

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs. Roman Gonzalez

Fight One: This fight in 2017 broke Gonzalez’s 46-fight winning run and announced Sor Rungvisai on the world stage. It was, as anticipated, a quite brilliant fight, full of two-way action, and at the end of it Sor Rungvisai, the southpaw, came away with a hard-earned majority decision win. 

Fight Two: No longer a secret, Sor Rungvisai approached the rematch with Gonzalez, just six months later, with a renewed confidence and ferocity. This enabled him to set a pace Gonzalez couldn’t match and also drop him twice in round four, the round in which the rematch was destined to end. Suddenly he had made Gonzalez look old, finished. (Little did we know.)

Naoya Inoue vs. Nonito Donaire

Fight One: Still arguably Inoue’s toughest fight, and the closest he has ever come to losing, when these two bantamweights clashed in 2019, Donaire displayed the kind of courage and cleverness essential whenever someone confronts the fearsome Japanese superstar known as “Monster”. Though hurt on occasion, and though he eventually lost a 12-round decision, Donaire offered enough during the fight to not only give Inoue cause for concern but also have those of us watching the fight wish to one day see it again. 

Fight Two: Rather than an immediate rematch, the rematch between Inoue and Donaire arrived two and a half years later in 2022. By that time Inoue was considerably better, and more experienced, whereas Donaire, the old man in fight one, had only got older. As a result, it came as no real surprise when Inoue bludgeoned Donaire inside just two rounds, with any errors made in fight one eradicated in an instant. 

Manchester light heavyweight amateur boxer Conner Tudsbury has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, marking a significant step in his boxing career. Under the guidance of Eddie Hearn, Tudsbury will make his highly anticipated professional debut in mid-2025. At just 24 years old, this young talent is recognized as one of Britain’s top boxing prospects and is eager to showcase his skills in the professional ranks.

Tudsbury began his boxing journey at the age of eight, training at the renowned Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club. There, he honed his technique and discipline, leading him to represent both England and the Great Britain team. Among his notable achievements is a bronze medal earned at the Youth World Championships in Hungary in 2018.

In this new phase of his career, Tudsbury will train at the VIP Gym in Astley, working closely with respected coaches Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis.

Expressing his excitement about the signing, Tudsbury stated, “I’m thrilled to sign with the biggest promotional company in the world. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I want to be as active as possible, work my way up, and learn the tricks of the pro game.”

Tudsbury emphasized his confidence in his coaching team, highlighting the great respect that Moore and Travis have earned in the boxing world. “I’ve grown up with them, so I know they’re great people and great coaches. They’ll take me far,” he said.

Eddie Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, shared his enthusiasm for Tudsbury’s signing, noting, “Conner had an excellent schooling at the famous Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club before excelling for England and Team GB. He possesses all of the attributes to quickly establish himself as a fan favorite – frightening power and slick skills.”

Hearn also expressed confidence in the support that Moore, Travis, and fellow manager Sam Jones will provide Tudsbury, stating they will help him further develop his abilities. He eagerly anticipates seeing Tudsbury in action in 2025.

Sam Jones, one of Tudsbury’s managers, confidently declared that within 18 months, his boxer would solidify his position as the best light heavyweight in Britain. “He possesses frightening knockout power to complement his brilliant boxing skills, so I really believe the fans will love him,” Jones concluded.

As 2025 approaches, Conner Tudsbury is preparing to make a significant impact in the professional boxing scene with the backing of his top-tier team.

#ConnerTudsbury #MatchroomBoxing #ProfessionalDebut #BoxingProspect #LightHeavyweight #BoxingNews #EddieHearn #FutureChampion #BoxingLife #AmateurBoxing