Adam Azim has spent the past few months honing his skills in the gym, blissfully distant from boxing politics and repetitive questions about other fighters. On Saturday night, the unbeaten super lightweight returns from an eight-month injury layoff to face Ohara Davies at the Copper Box Arena.

The 22-year-old is ready for the peace of his training to be disrupted.

“It's been such an extremely long period of time where I've not fought in the ring due to injuries and making the fight happen. Initially, I was meant to fight Harlem Eubank, but now I'm facing Ohara Davies, which I see as a bigger and more dangerous fight,” Azim, 11-0 (8 KOs), told BoxingScene.

“In life, everything happens for a reason, and I've obviously got a bigger, better thing, which is this fight now.”

As fight week approaches, Azim anticipates a line of interviewers, eager to ask more about his promoter, Ben Shalom, and his run-ins with Dalton Smith and Eddie Hearn than his upcoming bout with Davies.

While it may be frustrating, Azim has become accustomed to it, effortlessly slipping back into his stock responses.

“These guys have been chasing the Dalton Smith fight for a while,” he said. “The media has been eager to see that match. The truth is, I'm not in a rush. I don't need Dalton; he needs me. These fighters need me because I've got a bigger profile.”

Azim acknowledges that fans want to see him tested, and he understands why his junior welterweight peers are eager to fight him. However, he insists that he will not let anyone else dictate his timeline.

“Obviously I'm still young, and they know that,” he said. “If anything, they’ll probably throw money at me, thinking I’ll take the bait. No, I’m not that person. I'm focused on my legacy. I want to improve and be the best to come out of the UK—that's my ambition.”

Despite the chatter, Azim knows that Davies, 25-3 (18 KOs), poses a legitimate challenge. Historically, the heavy-handed Londoner would have been an unlikely opponent for an exciting unbeaten prospect returning from injury, given his difficult style and unfiltered approach, which can get into an opponent’s head.

There are many reasons this fight makes sense for Azim. He has known Davies since childhood and has observed him in training and sparring. While fighting a friend is never easy, that familiarity allows Azim to approach the bout more calmly.

“Since it’s been so many years, I don’t remember how the sparring went; I was only nine or ten at the time,” Azim recalled. “When I watched Ohara train, I was just a kid, so I never thought, ‘I'm going to beat him.’ It was purely about learning from him.

“When I step into the ring, there’s no friendship—it’s pure war. But once we’re out, we’re still friends. The next morning, I’ll probably call him up and say, ‘Let’s go grab something to eat.’ I respect him, but when we’re in that ring, it’s like Dan Azeez and Joshua Buatsi—they were good friends and had to fight each other. There’s respect after the match.”

In January, Davies suffered a shocking first-round stoppage loss to Venezuelan fighter Ismael Barroso, a disappointing outcome for someone who had long waited for a chance to prove himself at the world level. This weekend’s fight serves as a make-or-break opportunity for Davies.

While Azim has made a name for himself with a series of quick finishes, he knows Davies will be on high alert from the opening bell. However, he doesn’t expect Davies to enter the ring with an all-or-nothing mentality.

“Ohara has always been a dangerous opponent, so I don’t think he’ll approach this fight with desperation. Obviously, he still has that loss to Barroso in the back of his mind, but he’ll focus on winning. He’s always been a dangerous opponent, and I respect that,” Azim stated.

As fight night draws near, Azim is focused and ready to make his comeback in what promises to be an exciting match-up.

#AdamAzim #OharaDavies #BoxingNews #SuperLightweight #InjuryComeback #LegacyChaser #BoxingMatch #CopperBoxArena #FightNight #BoxingCommunity

Tim Tszyu’s younger brother, Nikita, will step into his corner for Saturday’s fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev after the last-minute withdrawal of his long-time cut man, Mark Gambin.

Tszyu, 29, challenges Murtazaliev for the Russian’s IBF junior middleweight title at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. This fight marks Tszyu’s return to the ring following his first defeat, where a significant cut contributed to his loss via split decision to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas in March.

Following that bout, Gambin faced criticism for allowing Tszyu to continue fighting after sustaining a cut caused by Fundora’s elbow in the second round, which jeopardized Tszyu’s status as the WBO champion. Despite the controversy, Tszyu has remained loyal to Gambin, who will miss this fight due to emergency surgery for an inflamed appendix. However, Gambin is expected to return for Tszyu’s next bout.

In Gambin’s absence, the 26-year-old Nikita Tszyu will join their uncle and trainer, Igor Goloubevk, in his brother’s corner, taking on a role described as “bucket boy.”

Their father, Kostya Tszyu, a celebrated boxing legend, will also be ringside in Orlando. This will be his first appearance at any of Tim’s fights since his professional debut in December 2016, and it marks a significant reunion for Nikita and Kostya after 11 years apart.

A decision regarding who will fill the role of cut man for the fight against Murtazaliev, 31, is still pending.

#TimTszyu #NikitaTszyu #BakhramMurtazaliev #IBFTitleFight #BoxingNews #FamilySupport #CutMan #CaribeRoyale #BoxingCommunity #JuniorMiddleweight

Liam Williams, a former two-weight world title challenger, has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 32. His decision comes amid growing concerns about concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.

Williams made the decision to retire following a first-round loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in February, fully aware of the risks associated with the sport. “I know that boxing is brutal,” Williams told Michael Pearlman for the BBC. “After the Sheeraz fight, I came back to my dressing room feeling down and devastated by my performance.

“I trust the people around me, and when they tell you it’s over, you have to listen. It was very hard to hear.”

Having experienced three or four concussions in the past 18 months, Williams is prioritizing his health and family over a potential return to the ring. “I don’t want to box just for money and risk a head injury I can never recover from,” he explained. “I’ve got a lovely family and partner. If I can’t enjoy my life with them due to brain damage, what would it be for?”

With 31 professional fights under his belt and an extensive amateur career, Williams recognizes that he has given more to the sport than he has received. He is increasingly aware that both fights and training are becoming more challenging.

In 2022, Williams suffered a concussion during sparring in preparation for a fight against Chris Eubank Jr. Nevertheless, he chose to proceed with the match. “I probably shouldn’t say this,” he admitted. “But a doctor advised me not to fight Eubank because I had been concussed again. There was a lot of money on the table, and I had sold £200,000 worth of tickets from my house. I didn’t want to let people down, so I didn’t say anything.

“I had no punch resistance against Eubank. Obviously, I should have listened.”

Over his nearly 13-year professional career, Williams captured the British and Commonwealth super-welterweight titles and the British middleweight title. Known for his aggressive, all-action style, he scored notable victories against fighters like Mark Heffron, Gary Corcoran, Alantez Fox, and Andrew Robinson. He challenged Liam Smith for the WBO’s interim super-welterweight title in 2017 but could not continue past the ninth round due to a double laceration to his right eyelid. Later, he faced Demetrius Andrade for the WBO middleweight title in 2021, recovering from an early knockdown to push the American to a points decision.

“Because of concussions, I’ve had to retire,” Williams said. “It’s the right decision, but I did have a moment of weakness. I watched a fight and immediately messaged my manager, saying, ‘Get me a fight.’ The next day, I called him back and told him to forget I’d said anything.”

Being fully aware of the dangers of both boxing and retirement, Williams has begun envisioning his future. He has built a fitness gym at his home and is currently focused on personal training. While he has considered returning to boxing as a trainer, he insists he is “in no rush” to make that transition.

#LiamWilliams #BoxingRetirement #CTE #ConcussionAwareness #HealthFirst #BoxingNews #FitnessJourney #PersonalTraining #FormerChampion #BoxingCommunity

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Wales has a rich boxing legacy for a nation of its size, boasting champions like Joe Calzaghe, Jimmy Wilde, and Steve Robinson, who have proudly represented their country on the global stage. Now, one of Wales’ more recent contenders, Liam Williams, has decided to hang up his gloves at the age of 32.

Williams transitioned to the professional ranks following a stellar amateur career, quickly challenging for the British super-welterweight title in just his 14th professional bout. The Clydach-born 154-pounder achieved this milestone with a second-round knockout of Kris Carslaw and followed it up with another knockout victory over Gary Corcoran. Williams appeared to be on course for a world title shot after adding the European title to his accolades by halting Gabor Gorbics.

However, back-to-back bouts against Liam Smith resulted in consecutive defeats for Williams, the first of which ended due to a severe eye injury while he was leading on the scorecards. This setback dashed his dreams of a super-welterweight world title shot. Undeterred, ‘The Machine’ moved up to the middleweight division, where he became a two-weight British champion by knocking out Mark Heffron for the vacant Lonsdale Belt.

After one successful title defense, Williams added three more wins to extend his knockout streak to seven consecutive stoppages, positioning himself for a long-awaited world title challenge. Unfortunately, he fell short against the undefeated Demetrius Andrade for the WBO middleweight title but returned home to a hero’s welcome before facing off against Chris Eubank Jr. in a grudge match in 2022.

A nightmare start led to a unanimous-decision loss for Williams, yet he felt he still had plenty to give in the division. He bounced back with victories over Nizar Trimech and Florin Cardos, both ending in early knockouts. However, at the beginning of this year, he faced the highly-rated Hamzah Sheeraz, who dominated Williams, handing him a first-round defeat—the first time Williams had ever been truly stopped in his career.

Today, Williams confirmed his decision to retire from boxing, citing concerns over his health and remaining ability. He has chosen to prioritize his family, acknowledging that a world title may no longer be within reach. "I trust the people around me, and when they tell you it’s over, you have to listen," he told the BBC. "It was very hard to hear."

Williams recounted his struggles with concussions, stating, “I had three or four in 18 months. I don’t want to box just for money and risk a head injury I can never recover from. I’ve got a lovely family and partner. If I can’t enjoy my life with them due to brain damage, what would it be for?”

He expressed concern over his diminishing punch resistance: “Heavy sparring, heavy hits—my resistance to punches is not as good, and the risks are just too great. Some hits you can’t come back from.”

With a heartfelt farewell, everyone at boxing is congratulating Liam Williams on an outstanding professional career and wishing him the best in whatever comes next.

#LiamWilliams #BoxingRetirement #HealthFirst #ConcussionAwareness #WalesBoxing #BoxingLegacy #FamilyFirst #BoxingCommunity #FormerChampion #CareerEndingDecision

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has become one of the most talked-about fighters of 2023, reaching new heights of superstardom as he ventured into the world of boxing. Although the Cameroonian has returned to MMA, Ngannou is not finished with boxing just yet and has named potential opponents for his return to the ring.

‘The Predator’ established himself as one of the hardest punchers in UFC history, racking up an impressive 10 knockouts in his 12 wins within the promotion. However, he made headlines when he became the first reigning UFC champion to switch promotions since 2004, signing with the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL), which allowed him to explore professional boxing first.

Ngannou made a splash in the boxing world when he stepped into the ring against then-WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, taking on the monumental underdog role in what many viewed as a mismatch. To everyone’s surprise, Ngannou provided one of the most shocking moments in combat sports history by dropping ‘The Gypsy King’ before ultimately losing a controversial split decision.

Just months later, Ngannou returned to the boxing ring to face Anthony Joshua, but the fight concluded in a manner many anticipated, with ‘AJ’ scoring a decisive knockout within just two rounds.

Now, as Ngannou prepares for his first MMA fight in nearly three years, he is already eyeing a return to boxing. In an interview with the MMA Club, he expressed interest in fighting heavyweight knockout artist Deontay Wilder. “I don’t have a name now [who I would like to fight]. I think it depends on the landscape [when I return], but why not a name like [Deontay] Wilder or a rematch with Fury? I don’t know. I am down for everything that makes sense,” Ngannou stated. “He [Wilder] is a very good name that I would be interested in.”

Ngannou is set to face PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in his debut with the organization this Saturday, with the full card available for purchase and live viewing on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

#FrancisNgannou #BoxingComeback #DeontayWilder #TysonFury #PFL #MMA #HeavyweightDivision #CombatSports #KnockoutArtist #Superstardom

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When the bell rang to end Jack Catterall’s rematch with Josh Taylor in May, he and his team were confident he had done enough to even the score with his rival. However, past experiences taught them not to take anything for granted, especially after witnessing Taylor awarded a split decision victory in their controversial first fight in February 2022.

This time, when the referee lifted Catterall’s arm in victory, it not only marked a personal triumph for the 31-year-old but also lifted a significant weight from his shoulders. After enduring over two years of frustration since the first fight, this win was crucial for Catterall’s future in boxing.

Catterall, now 29-1 with 13 KOs, quickly returned to the gym after the victory; he has lost time to make up for. On October 26th, he will face two-time junior welterweight titleholder Regis Prograis at Manchester’s new Co-Op Live Arena.

Catterall’s manager, Sam Jones, hasn’t noticed a dramatic change in Catterall’s demeanor since settling the score with Taylor but understands the significance of the win. “Not really, if I'm honest, because Jack's very laid back, isn’t he? It’s nuts,” Jones explained to BoxingScene. “Deep down, within him, it’s a huge weight off his shoulders because he got wronged and he put it right. That fight cost him money, belts, legacy—everything. It cost him a lot.”

Since signing with Eddie Hearn, Catterall has embarked on a new chapter in his career, which Jones describes as successful and enjoyable. “I’ve been in boxing almost 10 years, and it’s the most I’ve enjoyed being in boxing. He’s enjoying being active and has a fantastic promoter backing him,” Jones said.

Despite his level of skill, Catterall’s rise to become a headline attraction has been a slow burn, raising questions about why it has taken so long. Campaigning in the 140-pound division popularized by Ricky Hatton, Catterall made his debut shortly before Hatton’s retirement after a loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko. Although he showcased his talent on BoxNation and maintained an unbeaten record while climbing to number one in the WBO rankings, he never gained the recognition he deserved.

Those who believed in Catterall never gave up on him, and he remained committed to his career. Jones joined forces with Catterall after the draw with Taylor and left no stone unturned to secure the rematch. Now, he aims for Catterall to fight the best opponents and maintain his status.

“I’m not going to say I was laughed at when I said Jack can be a headliner, but believe me, Jack can be a headliner,” Jones stated. “When he walked out against Josh Taylor, it was one of the best ring walks I've seen in British boxing. The atmosphere, his ring walk; everything was fantastic. It meant the world to him, and I thought right then and there, ‘This guy's going to headline shows.’”

Facing Prograis is a significant challenge, but Jones remains focused on the ultimate goal: a world title. “Regis Prograis is a phenomenal talent. We’ve got to beat him, but the mission is to win a world title,” Jones said. “We wanted to keep Jack active and keep him paid because Jack spent a lot of time out of the ring through no fault of his own. So what do you want to do? Fight fighters that no one wants to see? No. Everybody wants to see this fight, so we got it made. That’s what we’re in the business of doing—getting fights done that fans want to see.”

#JackCatterall #JoshTaylor #RegisPrograis #BoxingNews #WorldTitle #Manchester #BoxingFans #CombatSports #SportsUpdates #BoxingCareer

Artur Beterbiev made history on Saturday by defeating Dmitry Bivol to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion, but the victory wasn’t without its controversies. Many observers had differing opinions on the outcome, with some scoring it for Beterbiev, others for Bivol, and some calling it a draw. Given the contentious nature of the decision, a rematch appears likely, with Bivol already requesting another shot at Beterbiev—a move that boxing fans are generally in favor of.

With Beterbiev now holding all the belts in the light heavyweight division, he’s become a highly sought-after champion. Alongside Bivol, other fighters are eagerly positioning themselves for a shot at the title. One notable name is undefeated light heavyweight contender David Benavidez, who has held the WBC interim light heavyweight title since June 2024. The former WBC super middleweight champion boasts a perfect record of 29 wins and is looking to add more championships to his collection.

The Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight was compelling not only for its high stakes but also because both fighters entered the ring undefeated. A matchup featuring another pair of undefeated fighters—Beterbiev and Benavidez—would undoubtedly capture the attention of boxing fans.

Speaking to ProBox TV, Jose Benavidez Sr., David's father and trainer, outlined their ambitions. "David’s next fight is against David Morrell on January 25th," he confirmed. "Everyone is super excited about it. We’ve been trying to make that fight for three years, but I believe David Morrell needed a little more experience to show the world that he deserves this fight. David called him and said, ‘Hey, I want to make this fight. Let’s make it happen.’ It got made right away."

Looking ahead, Benavidez Sr. has his sights set firmly on Beterbiev. "Hopefully, we can get an opportunity to fight Beterbiev. He just won on Saturday, so hopefully, we can get that, but right now, we’re focused on David Morrell. We need to look impressive to move to the next level."

However, several factors could influence whether a Beterbiev vs. Benavidez matchup becomes a reality. If Beterbiev loses a rematch with Bivol, it could reshape the landscape of the division. Similarly, if Benavidez cannot overcome Morrell, who is also undefeated, it could alter his plans significantly.

For now, it seems that David Benavidez and his team are keenly focused on Artur Beterbiev as a potential opponent. If the stars align, this fight would be a highly intriguing matchup for boxing fans around the world.

#ArturBeterbiev #DavidBenavidez #DmitryBivol #BoxingNews #LightHeavyweight #UndefeatedFighters #BoxingFans #ChampionshipFight #CombatSports #SportsUpdates

The super-bantamweight division continues to heat up as Naoya Inoue, one of boxing's brightest stars, is on the brink of announcing his next opponent. However, a looming legal battle may overshadow the excitement. Inoue, who has rapidly transitioned from bantamweight to become a two-division undisputed champion, appears set to face Australia's undefeated Sam Goodman (19-0) on Christmas Eve in Tokyo.

Goodman has earned his place as the WBO and IBF mandatory challenger, and his clash with "The Monster" has been in the works for weeks. But WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev and his team have thrown a wrench into those plans, threatening legal action if Inoue bypasses him once again. Akhmadaliev, who had stepped aside for Inoue's previous bout against TJ Doheny, is now demanding his turn at the titles.

His attorney, Patrick English, sent a formal objection to the IBF, stating Akhmadaliev’s right to be the next in line as the long-overdue WBA mandatory challenger. The ultimatum is clear: either Inoue faces Akhmadaliev, or the WBA title may be vacated, which would see Akhmadaliev automatically elevated to champion status.

Inoue’s team, led by promoter Bob Arum, had originally intended for a busy schedule with the potential U.S. return for Inoue in 2024. However, Akhmadaliev’s interference might force the Japanese star to choose between maintaining his undisputed status or fighting the undefeated Goodman as planned. Either way, boxing fans are eager to see how this situation unfolds, as both Akhmadaliev and Goodman pose serious threats to Inoue’s dominant reign.

With the legal battle brewing, one thing is for certain: Naoya Inoue’s next step will have far-reaching consequences for the super-bantamweight division and his legacy as a multi-division undisputed champion.

#NaoyaInoue #BoxingNews #SuperBantamweight #Akhmadaliev #SamGoodman #InoueVsGoodman #BoxingChampionship #WBA #IBF #WBO #UndisputedChampion #CombatSports #PoundForPound #FightNight #BoxingDrama

Junior bantamweight Jordan Roach of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, may be 21 years old, but he’s already earned a nickname that reflects his cool composure in the ring: ‘The Iceman.’

Roach returns to action on Saturday against 37-year-old Robert Ledesma of San Antonio, Texas. The fight will stream on the ProBox TV app and is promoted by Roach’s father and trainer, Lamont Roach Snr. Roach is also the younger brother of WBA junior lightweight champion Lamont Roach Jnr.

Roach (1-0), with just one professional bout, fights with the calm and confidence of a seasoned veteran. He earned his nickname during tournaments, where his ability to deliver in clutch moments became clear. The father of his teammate, welterweight Benjamin Johnson, coined the nickname, as Roach explained.

“Ben [Johnson]’s father called me that in the corner one time, and it stuck,” Roach said. “Before they released open scoring, they’d say, ‘Hey, you need this last round. Go out there and get an eight count,’ and I’d do it. They started calling me the Iceman, saying I’m clutch like that.”

Roach recalls an amateur fight against Raimier Walker when the nickname came in handy. “I lost the first round 5-0, and they told me to turn it up. By the end, it was a clean sweep,” Roach said. In another bout, Roach remembers his corner pushing him even though he had the fight under control. “They told me I needed the last round, but the scores ended up being 30-26,” Roach said.

As Roach prepares to face Ledesma (3-12-1), his icy demeanor remains unchanged. “I’m always going be that [the Iceman],” Roach said. “You’ll see it from the start—it’s not an alter ego. It’s in me, always.”

Against Ledesma, Roach will be aiming for the first stoppage of his career. His cold-blooded focus might be the key. “People tell me my face is the same the entire time—just cold,” Roach said. “When I’m about to fight, I’m locked in. I don’t have to hype myself up. It’s just time for business.”

The Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois rematch is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated fights of 2025. Their first encounter in September shocked many, as Dubois' victory came in devastating fashion, surprising those who had expected an easy win for Joshua as part of his comeback toward another shot at the undisputed heavyweight title.

With the rematch on the horizon, several intriguing questions emerge. Will another loss signal the end of Anthony Joshua's career? Could a second victory for Dubois catapult him into a clash with Oleksandr Usyk for further unification? And, if Joshua wins, will a trilogy fight be next to settle the score?

What is certain, however, is that a rematch is inevitable, especially given the interest from fans and the significance of the stakes involved.

Turki Alalshikh recently confirmed his preferred date for the rematch, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will take place on that exact day. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has set a deadline, ensuring that the fight happens within a specific timeframe.

Why is the IBF stepping in with a deadline? The answer lies in Daniel Dubois' status as the current IBF world heavyweight champion. As champion, he has a mandatory fight due by June 21, 2025, and he needs to conclude any optional defenses at least 60 days before that, which means the last possible date for the Joshua rematch is April 22, 2025.

This means the pressure is on for all parties to finalize the rematch by April, with many expecting an announcement well before then. If Turki Alalshikh’s preferred timeline is followed, we could see the rematch happen in February. Regardless, the rematch cannot go beyond the April deadline imposed by the IBF, so expect to see developments soon.

Meanwhile, the buzz around the rematch leaves many wondering who Fabio Wardley will face next following his stunning first-round knockout of Frazer Clarke. Wardley’s win cements his position in the British heavyweight scene, and fans are eager to see what challenges await him in 2025.

#JoshuaDuboisRematch #AJvsDubois #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #HeavyweightBoxing #Boxing2025 #IBFTitle #TurkiAlalshikh #WardleyKnockout #FrazerClarke #BoxingRematch

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Despite his impressive amateur resume, welterweight Benjamin Johnson of Springdale, Maryland, steps into the professional ring with a chip on his shoulder.

Johnson faces Kevin Pantoja in a four-round bout at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, promoted by his trainer Lamont Roach Snr’s NoXcuses Promotions. The fight will air on ProBox TV on Saturday.

Johnson, 1-0 (1 KO), spent just 2:23 in the ring during his pro debut, showcasing the fast, aggressive hands that earned him multiple national titles. However, the 19-year-old Johnson feels an edge, believing he is overlooked outside his NoXcuses Boxing Gym teammates.

Pantoja, 1-1 and 27 years old, has never been stopped as a professional - something Johnson aims to change.

“People underestimate me,” Johnson said. “It’s been that way since my amateur days.”

He added that this underestimation fuels his motivation in the gym. Johnson is determined to prove his worth, not just to himself but also to those who doubt him or even worse don’t acknowledge him. “I never felt like I got the recognition of being that guy, so I feel like I'm underestimated,” Johnson said of his amateur career and now his pro career.

Johnson views this fight as a crucial step in advancing his career, drawing comparisons to feared puncher David Benavidez by some of his teammates and being touted as one of the most pro-ready prospects in the country by others. 

“I’ve been training my ass off,” Johnson said. “It’s about making a statement. The way you win shows people what you’re capable of, and I’m ready to show my best.”

1 Some people think Beterbiev won

Punctuated by a big finish in rounds 11 and 12, Beterbiev’s performance was one of aggression, forward motion, and heavy punches, and this, for some, was enough to earn a decision. Despite a slow start, and despite being outboxed at times, he came on strong when it mattered and did the greater damage. 

2 Some people think Bivol won

Although on the retreat for most of the fight, Bivol displayed remarkable poise, composure and combination punching through large portions of it and this, for some, was enough to earn a decision. Until the championship rounds came along, he appeared on course to execute his game plan and leave with the belts. 

3 Beterbiev starts slow, finishes strong

Much was made pre-fight of Beterbiev’s tendency to start slow and this was again the case against Bivol, particularly in the first three rounds. To his credit, though, he was as impactful in the final three rounds as he was impotent in the first three, capitalising on his body attack and pressure to get Bivol where he wanted him. 

4 You can’t judge a fight on a fighter’s face

In an effort to give weight to their argument, some of the people who scored the fight in Beterbiev’s favor have used the state of Bivol’s face at its conclusion as evidence of the winner’s superiority. To do this is wrong, however. It is wrong because a lot of the damage done to Bivol’s face was done late, at the point at which it is widely accepted Beterbiev came on strong and Bivol flagged. It is also wrong because Beterbiev is clearly the puncher of the two and was expected to do the greater damage when he landed. 

5 Beterbiev and Bivol don’t play games

After waiting almost an hour and a half, and enduring performances from not one but three washed-up musicians, it came as a relief when Beterbiev and Bivol finally made their way to the ring. Better yet, whereas some fighters would have chosen to milk their entrances and prolong an already painful process, these two did quite the opposite. First Beterbiev jogged to the ring and then Bivol, just as eager, did the same. We knew at that point that the world’s two best light heavyweights were cut from a different cloth. 

6 A different kind of toughness

Any fighter who sets foot in a ring and trades punches with an opponent can be considered tough, yet there are different levels of toughness in a sport that both requires and tests it. In the case of Beterbiev and Bivol, you saw examples of durability, obstinance and stoicism in every round. You saw Bivol eat Beterbiev right hands in a way no opponent had previously managed, and you also saw Beterbiev motor forward undeterred despite being tagged by combinations, certain that this approach would pay dividends late on. 

7 They are the best

If it wasn’t clear beforehand, and it should have been, there can now be no doubt that Beterbiev and Bivol are the two best light heavyweights on the planet. After all, to produce a fight of such high quality, the two fighters involved have to be elite, almost perfect. And these two, regardless of who deserved the victory, were as good as it gets. 

8 A rematch will be just as close

Like all the best rivalries, it is hard to imagine a rematch between these two being any different than the first. It will be a close-run thing, irrespective of who wins, and there will always be an element of controversy simply because they are so well matched and so different in terms of style and how they carry themselves in the ring. 

9 Sometimes you need a knockout

As thrilling as it was to see two masterful technicians go about their work for 12 rounds, there was then a sinking feeling afterwards when it dawned on you that this fight would now be decided by three men sitting outside the ring. It seemed almost inappropriate for a fight of that quality to be decided in such a haphazard way. Moreover, with it being so close, and with it now coming down to opinion, no truly satisfying resolution could ever be found. 

10 Both reacted to the decision with humility

Rather than make a scene, or cry robbery, Dmitry Bivol took the first loss of his pro career with dignity and even expressed his frustration at not doing better. Beterbiev, too, was every bit as humble, resisting the temptation to boast or give the impression that he won the fight clearly. “I did not good today,” he said in the ring after the decision. “I wanted more quality. I don’t know why. I didn’t like this fight. But I’ll be better one day.”

It meant so much for Canelo Alvarez to reign as an undisputed super-middleweight champion.

From Vladimir Shishkin’s line of thinking, that equates to there being an obvious play should he achieve his life’s dream Saturday in Germany by becoming the IBF super-middleweight champion and defeating William Scull, the fighter who in effect forced the sanctioning body earlier this year to strip Alvarez of his fourth belt.

“After the fight, I’ll be calling out ‘Ginger Boy,’” Shishkin (16-0, 10 KOs) told BoxingScene Monday in reference to the red-headed Alvarez. “I see that all happening here. I think (regaining his lost belt) … that’s (Alvarez’s) motivation.”

The assignment is not so attractive.

Because Scull’s German promoter carries the promotional rights, they’re taking the bout to Falkensee, Germany, outside Berlin, and there’s no U.S. television deal in place, prompting a Shishkin publicist to joke he’ll provide what footage he can on his Instagram Live feed.

Shishkin trains under the Kronk Gym banner with Tyson Fury trainer “SugarHill” Steward in his corner.

Shishkin left Russia and came to Kronk in Detroit five years ago, logging eight fights since and defeating the likes of former 168-pound champion Jose Uzcategui.

Promoted by Detroit’s Dmitry Salita, who also has multiple-division women’s champion Claressa Shields in his stable, Shishkin was deprived of fighting for the belt while streamed by DAZN when a deal to secure that arrangement crumbled.

Making Saturday’s fight an obscure option on the boxing fan’s calendar doesn’t mean the fight isn’t immense.

Shishkin’s team says it’s already been contacted by recent super-middleweight title challenger Edgar Berlanga to be a next opponent should the more aggressive and powerful Shishkin defeat the more crafty and sophisticated Scull.

Former champion Caleb Plant also looms.

Victory Saturday “has already happened in my mind … my skills will get the best of (Scull),” Shishkin said. “I don’t study my opponents too much. I check (them) in the opening (rounds) … I’ll get a knockout for sure.”

Standing as a champion coming off a title-fight knockout will certainly bring the bright 168-pound spotlight to Shishkin.

“It has been an honor to work with and witness Vladimir’s ascent over these past six years. He has made remarkable progress throughout his career as he has consistently sought tough opponents and challenges as he’s risen up the world rankings. His journey reaches its first pinnacle on Saturday night as he attempts to achieve his dream in professional boxing,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. 

“With a win, Shishkin will make his case to fight Canelo Alvarez and the other big names in the super middleweight division, a division with a wealth of talent. Good luck and may the best man win.”

Mexico’s four-division champion Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) is being pointed at a May return bout, with fellow four-division champion Terence Crawford, top-ranked WBC contender Christian Mbilli and the Scull-Shishkin winner all jockeying for attention.

Shishkin credits his emergence into this spot for the work he’s put in under Steward.

“My style (was lacking) … I’m no drugs, no smoke, no party and (heading to Kronk/Steward) has made (boxing) like chess, like science,” Shishkin said. “I love it. I think I would’ve quit boxing if not for ‘SugarHill.’ It’s not just work. It’s smart work.”

And all of it has happened away from family and friends in Russia.

He’s denied himself a homecoming until he becomes a world champion.

“It’s everything. I’m ready to die for my dream,” Shishkin said. “It’s why I’ve come to Berlin.

“Since I’ve been 15, I’ve been alone with no parents. I haven’t seen them in five years. I will return to my motherland.”

Should he do so with a new IBF belt, it’s guaranteed the offers to return to the U.S. for a title defense will arrive quickly and in bunches.

“I’m ready,” Shishkin said.

Welterweight prospect Elijah Flores extended his perfect record with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Omar Rosario last Friday at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Facing Rosario in his hometown, Flores secured a decisive win on the judges’ scorecards, handing Rosario his second professional loss. The card was part of MVP’s “Most Valuable Prospects 9” card.

“Defeating a dangerous fighter like Rosario in his hometown is a huge accomplishment for me,” Flores said. “I knew it would be a tough fight, but I came in prepared, and it feels great to get the win in front of such passionate fans. Fighting in Puerto Rico, on DAZN, was an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on such a big platform.”

Amaury Piedra, president of Boxlab Promotions (Flores’ promoter), said the win over Rosario is a testament to Flores’ preparation.

“He went into a hostile environment against a very tough, skilled opponent and showed that he belongs at the top of the welterweight division,” Piedra said of Flores, 9-0 (3 KOs). “We’re thrilled with his progress, and the future is very bright for him. We’ll be looking for more big opportunities for Elijah as he continues his rise in the sport.”

Looking ahead after his win over Rosario, 13-2 (4 KOs), Flores said he is ready for more challenges.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym and continuing to improve,” he said. “There’s a lot more I want to accomplish, and I’m ready to take on anyone they put in front of me.”

Open bidding for the next bout of “The Monster?”

The IBF on Tuesday ordered an October 29 purse bid for undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue’s mandatory defense against Australia’s Sam Goodman, with the sanctioning body reporting “an agreement could not be reached.”

Japan’s Ohashi Promotions is the promoter of record for Inoue, 28-0 (25 KOs), although powerful American promoter Top Rank also has a major stake in the four-division and undisputed 122-pound champion.

Officials at Ohashi and Top Rank either were unavailable or declined comment on the matter Tuesday morning.

The expectation, according to one boxing official, has been that plans were “full steam ahead” to stage Inoue’s mandatory defense against Goodman, 19-0 (8 KOs), on Christmas Eve in Tokyo.

The IBF had given the sides more than one month to negotiate from September 12. The parties still have time to come to an agreement before bids are due on the morning of October 29.

If they can’t strike a deal, all other major promoters are free to post a winning bid and stage a bout featuring one of the world’s most popular fighters and arguably the globe’s top pound-for-pound boxer.

Inoue, 31, is coming off a seventh-round TKO of TJ Doheny on September 3, a body shot ending what had been a lackluster showing by his standards. He’s knocked out or stopped nine consecutive opponents dating to his 2019 fight of the year versus Nonito Donaire.

Goodman, 26, has a March 2023 victory by decision over Doheny on his resume, and he also defeated Ra’eese Aleem and Miguel Flores last year to boost his rise to mandatory position.

It’s believed Inoue is angling beyond an expected victory over Goodman toward a showdown with countryman and unbeaten bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani following his successful Monday title defense.

Inoue is also expected in 2025 to move to featherweight, where the wealth of four champions are interested in meeting him.

First, a promoter needs to emerge to stage his fight with Goodman.

The IBF also on Tuesday issued tentative approval for a flyweight title eliminator between Nicaragua’s Felix Alvarado, 41-4 (35 KOs), and Argentina’s Tobias Jeremias Reyes, 16-0-1 (15 KOs), for a fight scheduled to take place in Nicaragua on December 20, according to the IBF.

Alvarado is currently the IBF’s No. 3 contender and Reyes is No. 5 – with both of the top two spots vacant under champion Angel Ayala Lardizabal (18-0, 8 KOs) of Mexico.

Signed bout contracts are due to the IBF by October 30.

Chris Colbert is set to make his ProBox TV debut when he headlines a 50-50 bout against Omar Salcido tomorrow on “Wednesday Night Fights” at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

Colbert tipped the scale at 136.8lbs, the heaviest of his career – though it’s important to note that the fight was originally scheduled for October 9. The event was pushed back a week after Hurricane Milton affected the Tampa area. Salcido came in slightly lighter, at 136.0lbs.

Colbert, 17-2 (6 KOs), 28, from Brooklyn, New York, is hoping to regain momentum. At one time a main event staple on Showtime, he appeared to be headed for big fights until he suffered an upset loss to Hector Luis Garcia in February 2022.

Since then, Colbert has fought only twice, both times against Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela. Colbert won the first fight, which many pundits disputed, only to be knocked out in their rematch in December. Although he remains extremely talented, Colbert now has to earn his way back to the position he once held.

Salcido, 19-1 (13 KOs), 24, will be making his second appearance on ProBox TV, with his only loss coming on “Wednesday Night Fights” against Jose Nunez. Since that defeat last October, Salcido defeated Luis Coria via unanimous decision in December. From Mexico and now residing in Lakeside, California, Salcido will be making his 2024 debut.

The televised card begins at 8 p.m. ET (5 PT) on the ProBox TV app.

Full weigh-in results are as follows:

Lightweight – 10 rounds

Chris Colbert (136.8lbs) vs Omar Salcido (136.0lbs)

Light heavyweight – eight rounds 

Najee Lopez (176.0lbs) vs Ismael Ocles (173.4lbs)

Junior lightweight – 10 rounds

Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (130.0lbs) vs. Frency Fortunato (129.8lbs)

Junior lightweight – eight rounds 

David Navarro (127.2lbs) vs. Mykell Gamble (128lbs)

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.

Middleweight Alexandre Gaumont, headlining his first event in front of his home crowd, will face Andres Viera on Thursday at Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.

Gaumont, 11-0 (7 KOs), a 29-year-old from Gatineau, says he has added new elements to his team and training regimen in anticipation of a moment like this one. He’ll take on Uruguay’s Viera, 12-8 (9 KOs) in the main event of a card that will stream on ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET).

“It’s been a dream of mine to headline at home, so I want to thank Camille Estephan and the entire Eye of the Tiger team for making this happen,” Gaumont said. “I also want to thank everyone who will be there for me on Thursday. Since my last fight, I’ve hired a nutritionist and a physical trainer to be in the best shape of my life. I’ve worked hard, and everything is in place to put on a great show for you.”

In the co-main event, Russian-Canadian junior welterweight Arthur Biyarslanov, 16-0 (14 KOs), who has trained with Artur Beterbiev, will make a quick return from last month’s stoppage of Tamas Kiliti to take on Jonathan Eniz, 35-20-1 (16 KOs).

“The last time I came to Gatineau was [in 2016] for an Artur Beterbiev fight,” Biyarslanov said. “Being around him, training with him and seeing everything he’s accomplished since then motivates me to take my game to the next level as well. On Thursday … it’s my turn to be on the path to a world championship fight by showing the people of Gatineau what I’m capable of. I don’t plan on missing this opportunity.”

The undercard features the separate returns of former junior welterweight title challenger Steve Claggett, 38-8-2 (26 KOs) and cruiserweight Pascal Villeneuve, 4-2-1 (2 KOs), a fighter from Quebec’s Outaouais region who will be boxing for the first time in more than eight years.

Most recently, Claggett lost a unanimous decision to 10-pound titleholder Teofimo Lopez Jnr in June.

“I’m more motivated than ever, and I have a point to prove,” Claggett said. “I already knew I could compete at the world level with guys like Teofimo Lopez, but now that I’ve experienced it, I know that with the right adjustments, I can win those fights. You’ll see it on Thursday, but this is far from the end for me.”

Additionally, top prospects Mehmet Unal, 10-0 (8 KOs), Luis Santana, 12-0 (6 KOs), Shamil Khataev, 12-0-1 (3 KOs) and Moreno Fendero, 7-0 (5 KOs) will also be in action.

The controversial YouTuber and boxer, Jake Paul, has responded with a countersuit in the ongoing legal battle with British promoter Eddie Hearn. This comes two years after Hearn filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Paul.

TMZ Sports reported that Paul claims Hearn’s lawsuit is baseless and an attempt to silence his right to free speech. Paul labeled Hearn’s lawsuit as “complete nonsense,” arguing that he doesn’t owe the British promoter a single penny. Furthermore, he stated that he should be the one receiving compensatory and punitive damages, as well as coverage of legal fees resulting from the lawsuit.

The countersuit documents claim that “any alleged damages are vague, uncertain, imaginary, and/or speculative,” discrediting the arguments presented by Hearn’s legal team. According to Paul, his statements neither defamed nor caused any real harm to Hearn or his company.

Additionally, sources close to Paul say that when Hearn’s team contacted him after the controversy, the boxer agreed to remove the interview where he made the controversial statements. Despite this gesture, Hearn chose to proceed with the defamation lawsuit. Paul’s team insists that the boxer will not give in to Hearn’s intimidation tactics.

The dispute between the two began in April 2022, following the fight between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. On that occasion, Serrano was represented by Jake Paul through Most Valuable Promotions, losing to Taylor, who was promoted by Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. After the fight, Paul insinuated that the judges had been bribed to favor Taylor, which led Hearn to file the defamation lawsuit.The Ring magazine publishes its Top 10 Pound-for-Pound

Jake Paul is scheduled to face Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Likewise, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will be competing in a rematch on the same card. It is worth noting that Hearn has heavily criticized the fight between Tyson and Paul, stating that he will only watch the Taylor and Serrano fight before leaving.‼️ Jake Paul is reportedly now counter-suing Eddie Hearn, claiming Hearn’s defamation lawsuit over him accusing Matchroom of paying judge Glenn Feldman in 2022 is an attempt to silence his right to free speech using intimidation tactics. In his defence, Paul states: “The…

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 15, 2024

We are, as of this article’s publication on October 15, exactly one month away from Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.

As hardcore boxing fans, we dream of the occasional moments when the whole world stops and pays attention to our sport. Paul vs. Tyson represents such a moment.

There is always, however, a “be careful what you wish for” element to the outside world remembering boxing exists.

There’s the relatively harmless stuff that comes with a fight so massive that it crosses over to the mainstream — like having to accept that the Stephen A. Smiths of the world who watch boxing two or three times a year are granted platforms to spout off like experts and reach an audience infinitely wider than anyone who actually studies the sport.

Then there’s the unfortunate, but relatively modest, downside of a massive event failing to live up to its hype. The ultimate example of this came on May 2, 2015, when Floyd Mayweather fought Manny Pacquiao. It smashed pay-per-view records (and crashed pay-per-view carriers along the way), and hundreds of thousands of households that had just ordered their first boxing PPV witnessed action ho-hum enough to convince them to make it their last boxing PPV.

But Paul vs. Tyson has a whole different level of “be careful what you wish for” to it. Because, yes, boxing is most definitely crossing over into the mainstream. The fighters’ faces will be plastered everywhere that week. And the audience will be the largest to tune in for live boxing in at least 40 or 50 years, going back to the era when it was still possible for heavyweight title fights to air on network TV. Certainly, there’s a chance Paul-Tyson proves to be a glorious night that ignites new interest in boxing. But there’s also a very real chance, particularly if a 58-year-old living legend gets seriously hurt for all the world to see, that it is the most disastrous event in boxing’s long and disaster-rich history.

We’re all set to get what we often wish for: a world that has largely moved on from boxing blessing us with its full fixation. But this may be entirely the wrong way to go about attracting that fixation.

Promoter Eddie Hearn certainly thinks so. His statement to TalkSport last Friday was as blunt and harsh as they come.

“I think it’s a huge shame that one of the biggest legends of the sport comes back 20 years after everybody knew he shouldn't be boxing anymore,” Hearn reportedly said. “At 55 or however old he is. He’s 58? Jesus Christ, he’s nearly 60. Like, you have no respect for the sport of boxing if you put Mike Tyson in a ring at 58 years of age. And if he gets hurt, then it’s on those people. … I’ll watch Katie Taylor [vs. Amanda Serrano in the co-feature] and then I’ll leave. I can’t watch that.”

It’s not uncommon for one boxing promoter to rag on another promotion’s fighter or event. So if you want to interpret Hearn’s comment as some sort of strategic slagging of a product that isn’t his, fine. But it reads like a genuine emotional reaction to me. “I can’t watch that.” There’s no mincing of words. I believe him.

And Hearn speaks for a lot of people who care about Mike Tyson’s health and/or who care about the health of the sport of boxing. There’s an enormous group that wants nothing to do with this fight, and there’s a perhaps even larger group with mixed feelings about it. And the closer it gets, the more I expect people from that latter group will find themselves with a case of cold feet.

The fight was originally supposed to happen on July 20, you’ll recall. Then Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight — the sort of medical issue that prime athletes don’t have to worry about much, but 35-years-past-their-prime athletes frequently do — and medical experts advised him to rest, recover, and postpone. 

Now it’s back on the schedule. But 31 days is a lot of time for someone’s cold feet to once again kick this thing to the curb. I’m not saying Paul vs. Tyson isn’t going to happen on November 15. A great deal of money and planning has been poured into this, and if Tyson can pass whatever tests the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation administers, the bout figures to go ahead. But there’s still wiggle room between now and then for a 58-year-old man to experience some sort of 58-year-old man problems and for someone close to him to decide that all the money in the world isn’t worth it.

If Paul vs. Tyson happens, then I will, unlike Hearn, be watching when the opening bell rings. How many of my fingers will be blocking my eyes? That’s an open question. And my sense of the fight itself is that Tyson will be dangerous for a round or two, and if it gets past that, it’s all Paul. So I think there’s a strong chance I’ll be watching at the outset and find myself so filled with sadness a couple of rounds in that I walk away.

Again, that’s if it happens. I’ll believe for sure that it’s happening when I see the two boxers in the ring together on November 15, and not a moment sooner.

A few other observations about Paul-Tyson one month out:

The reason I believe the viewing audience will be so massive — I’m estimating about 30 million in the U.S. — is that the fight is on Netflix. Anyone who pays for a Netflix subscription (or is still able to steal one from a family member) can watch this. It’s not on pay-per-view. Ya know, assuming Netflix execs don’t pull a DAZN and put up an additional paywall at the last second after specifically advertising otherwise.

I can’t find betting odds on Paul vs. Tyson at any of the regulated U.S. sportsbooks, even though all parties have made clear that this will be a sanctioned fight, not an exhibition. (At various unregulated sportsbooks, Paul is about a -275 favorite, meaning you’d have to bet $275 on him to win $100.) One of two things is happening here: Either betting operators are as unconvinced as I am that the fight will happen on November 15 and they don’t want to have to refund all the wagers if it gets postponed again or canceled, or they’re waiting for state regulators to give them the official go-ahead to take bets on the fight because it’s such a non-standard sporting event.

Speaking of betting, Paul recently proposed a side wager to Tyson: If “Iron Mike” can get through four rounds, Paul will pay him an extra $5 million; if Tyson can’t get through four rounds, he’ll have to get a tattoo that reads “I love Jake Paul.” Tyson reportedly turned him down, saying he’d need an upside of about $20 million to take the bet. Admittedly, I don’t have a strong grasp on tattoo psychology; I wouldn’t make a bet that carries a risk of getting a tattoo because I don’t have any tattoos and don’t want any tattoos. But Tyson already has plenty of tattoos, including one on his face. What’s one more? Then again, maybe $5 million is no big deal to the former heavyweight champ. I guess there are two psychological elements to the bet I can’t relate to: getting tattoos, and going on multi-million-dollar swings in life.

As I wrote back in April ahead of the original July date, this is the most important boxing undercard in recent memory, because of how many millions of casual viewers it will reach. And it looks like matchmakers Eric Bottjer and Mike Leanardi recognize that. I’m not sure I need to see Neeraj Goyat vs. Whindersson Nunes, but the rest of the card offers a perfect variety pack of what boxing has to offer. Taylor-Serrano II features two of the best female boxers of all-time in a rematch to the very best women’s fight I’ve ever seen. Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos is a solid glimpse at world-level men’s boxing, and Ramos is better than his record suggests and always competitive in defeat. And it would be foolish not to shine the spotlight on at least one promising prospect, which is where Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington comes in. This is an appetizing boxing sampler platter: one hot prospect, one 12-rounder, one women’s megafight, and the ultimate circus sideshow.

If we have 31 days until (the scheduled) fight night, that means we have 23 days until the Netflix premiere of “Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson.” Seems like a waste of shoulder programming money to me, when they could have instead launched the “Netflix Boxing with Raskin & Mulvaney” podcast for pennies on the dollar. But, hey, even the high-powered executives at Netflix make mistakes, I guess.

Eric Raskin is a veteran boxing journalist with more than 25 years of experience covering the sport for such outlets as BoxingScene, ESPN, Grantland, Playboy, Ringside Seat, and The Ring (where he served as managing editor for seven years). He also co-hosted The HBO Boxing Podcast, Showtime Boxing with Raskin & Mulvaney, The Interim Champion Boxing Podcast with Raskin & Mulvaney, and Ring Theory. He has won three first-place writing awards from the BWAA, for his work with The Ring, Grantland, and HBO. Outside boxing, he is the senior editor of CasinoReports and the author of 2014’s The Moneymaker Effect . He can be reached on X or LinkedIn , or via email at RaskinBoxing@yahoo.com.

In a recent video of his YouTube channel “Froch on Fighting,” Carl Froch

Froch mentioned that, despite Eubank Jr. being a good boxer, he does not have enough ring activity to improve. According to Froch, fighting only once a year is not enough to stay competitive. In his last fight, even though Eubank Jr. secured a victory, Froch pointed out that his performance was disorganized, exposing several weaknesses, such as leaving his chin unprotected and receiving too many punches. This, according to Froch, reinforces his belief that Eubank Jr. is not ready for the world stage.

“He showed that he’s a bit disorganized, not fit for the world level.”

Froch also criticized Eubank Jr.’s apparent lack of interest in becoming a world champion. Instead, he argued that Eubank Jr. seems more interested in earning money in the easiest way possible and enjoying his celebrity status. Froch referenced Eubank Jr.’s friendship with footballer Neymar and his tendency to participate in activities like poker and other events outside of boxing.

“I don’t think he’s that interested in becoming a world champion, he just wants to make money.”Eubank Jr.’s Approach to Big Fights

Despite the criticism, Froch acknowledged that Eubank Jr. has the potential to generate significant earnings from high-profile fights, specifically mentioning a possible bout against Conor Benn. For Froch, this fight would be highly lucrative, perhaps even taking place in Saudi Arabia, though he expressed his desire for it to happen in Britain due to the

“Let’s be honest, he’s not good enough for the world level, and that’s why I mentioned Conor Benn, because that’s the big fight, it could be the big money fight. It could probably even happen in Saudi Arabia too. I’d love to see it in Britain, because Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. have that history, and it would be nice to see these two fight in Britain, but we’ll see,” Froch said.

Froch also expressed concern over Conor Benn’s recent behavior. According to him, Benn talks as though he is already an elite fighter, but his record does not back up that confidence. Froch emphasized that Benn hasn’t fought in Britain for several years and, though his style is exciting, he has yet to face top-tier opponents.

“First, I want to say I know Conor Benn, I’ve seen him a few times and he’s a lovely guy, a charming young man.”Fabio Wardley gets updated world ranking following Frazer Clarke demolition

“When I say charming, it’s not just for show, obviously he’s a fighter, he wants to get in the ring, cause damage, knock his opponent out, and he fights excitingly. But he hasn’t fought anyone, and he talks like he’s a street killer, and I don’t get it. I get that he has to sell the fight and try to hype it up, but the fight is already there, it’s Eubank versus Benn, or Benn versus Eubank, the names are already there,” Froch stated.Carl Froch Talk about the challenges for Conor Benn in the fight

Regarding the potential fight between Benn and Eubank Jr., Froch warned that it could be more difficult than Benn expects. He pointed out that Benn would have to move up to 160 pounds to face Eubank Jr., who is naturally bigger and stronger. Though Benn has expressed confidence, saying he will easily defeat Eubank Jr., Froch suggested the young fighter should be more cautious with his words. According to Froch, Eubank Jr. is a tough opponent who has shown resilience in the past, something Benn might be underestimating.

“Benn has to go up to 160 pounds. I think it will cost Conor Benn against Chris Eubank at 160. Eubank can hit hard, he’s quite tough. I’ve sparred with him many times, and he’s given me good rounds. Chris Eubank Jr. is tough in the ring.”

“Conor Benn talks like this fight is easy, like it’s a mismatch and that he’s going to destroy him. I get that he has to sell the fight, but be careful what you wish for.” When you’re there and reality hits you in the head and face, and Eubank Jr. starts throwing punches and leaning on you with his extra weight, because he’s naturally bigger, this could be tougher than Benn thinks.

Froch also expressed skepticism over Benn’s recent inactivity and questioned the circumstances surrounding his drug tests and his current status with the British Boxing Board of Control, which has yet to grant Benn a license to fight in the UK.

“I understand Eddie Hearn is trying to sell it, saying it will be an easy fight for Benn, but I don’t see where he gets that confidence. Benn hasn’t been active, he hasn’t fought anyone.” “And can you answer me something? What’s going on with the drug testing? Is he suspended? Is he serving a ban? Because as far as I know, he still doesn’t have a license from the British Boxing Board of Control to fight, he still can’t box.”

Despite his criticism of both Eubank Jr. and Benn, Carl Froch made it clear that he is excited about the potential fight between the two. He said he would like the fight to take place in Britain. Although he recognizes the limitations of both fighters, Froch believes the history and rivalry between their families make this an attractive matchup. However, Froch stressed that Benn needs to be more active in his career and clarify his legal situation before the fight can be confirmed.