Jai Opetaia expects Tim Tszyu to emerge from the lessons learned against Sebastian Fundora by dethroning Bakhram Murtazaliev as the IBF junior-middleweight champion.

The 29-year-old lost for the first time in March when, in a fight for the WBO and vacant WBC titles, Tszyu suffered a significant cut caused by Fundora’s elbow that inhibited his vision and performance from the second round.

He had agreed to fight the awkward Fundora at late notice after an injury suffered by his previous, and significantly different, opponent Keith Thurman. It was also suggested, after the fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that he lost via decision, that after seeing the cut Tszyu’s corner should not have allowed him to carry on.

Having sacrificed his title and undefeated record he seeks to win another at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, where Murtazaliev makes the first defence of the vacant title he won in April by stopping Jack Culcay. 

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the defeat by Fundora, a second in succession would prove damaging for the Australian’s career – Fundora is also nearing being rewarded for victory with a lucrative fight against Errol Spence – but Tszyu’s compatriot is ultimately backing him to succeed.

It has been a significant period for Australian boxing. On Saturday – on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Opetaia stopped Jack Massey to defend his IBF cruiserweight title and Skye Nicolson outpointed Raven Chapman to defend her WBC title at featherweight. 

Off the back of the announcement that Liam Paro will defend his IBF junior-lightweight title against Richardson Hitchins on December 7, it is possible that an often-neglected fighting culture could be celebrating the existence of four world champions by the conclusion of 2024.

“He had a bit of bad luck – he got unlucky with the cut and stuff like that,” Opetaia told BoxingScene. “But it’s all part of learning. I’m sure they’ve learned a lot, and I’m looking forward to his bounce back. I’m backing him all the way. 

“It’s good to see a fellow Aussie on the world stage. There’s not many of us that make it up here; it’s common for Poms [Britons] and Europeans and Americans, but for people down our neck of the woods it’s a long route to get here. I’m backing him all the way.

“It’s a great fight. I’ll be backing Tim.

“I just hope Tim wins. He’s a fucking Australian – we back each other. Once it’s in-house, we want to take each other’s heads off. But once it’s our nation, and he’s flying our flag, and he’s one of us, we’re supporting him all the way. I hope he fucking beats everyone.

“It would be such a good thing if the Australian market would work as a whole team. You got all these Poms; you’ve got so many Pommies fighting on the same card, and they build up the Matchrooms and stuff like that. 

“With us it’s a bit different, because if we were to have an Australian fight night, kind of like what the UFC do – they put all the Australians on the fucking same card – if we did something like that I would be honoured to be a part of that. I’d even take the pay cut to be a part of it, ‘cause it would just be such a historic thing for Australia, and that’s what it’s all about – being a part of things like that.

“We were in the fucking pub cheersing margaritas [when Paro defeated Subriel Matias]. We had a mad day, that day. That was awesome. We fucking celebrated for him.”

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has made little secret of his desire to in future stage a homecoming fight for Paro in Australia, and to potentially feature Nicolson, Opetaia and the heavyweight Justis Huni on the undercard. Tszyu, in the event of victory over Russia’s 31-year-old Murtazaliev, is expected to retain the fierce sense of independence that contributed to him angering the influential Turki Alalshikh.

“It’s always high stakes,” Opetaia continued. “Me; Tim; we’re in the peak of our careers. Every fight is high stakes. We don’t go into fights thinking, ‘Fuck – you know…’. It’s all risky business. One punch can change it all. We’re in this; putting our lives on the line; sacrificing every day. It’s all high stakes. 

“For someone outside the ring watching, it might be different to them. ‘He can do this; he can do that’. But when you’re walking in that ring, and you’re punching on in that ring, anything can happen, so we’ve gotta take this shit serious – and I’m sure he does. He always does. He always delivers. 

“[Tszyu’s independence is] good. He’s had Australia behind him – the pathways have been completely different for us. With Tim Tszyu, he’s with No Limits, who had the contract at [broadcasters] Fox, and Fox still controls everything in the boxing world in Australia, so it’s easier to market him, and especially having the Tszyu name. 

“I’m not trying to discredit him at all – he obviously does the hard work and he wins the fights. He’s a great fighter. I’ve seen him as a young kid come up through the rankings; we used to be on New South Wales teams, all the way up as teenagers, so I’ve seen his hard work. I know it’s a long process, and he deserves a bit of that build-up, and to be able to sell a fight in Australia – I’ve been on the scene for a couple of years, and that Tszyu name, that’s two generations. It’s good for Australian boxing; it’s giving other Aussies big fights; they’re big cards. It’s all positive.” 

Ahead of what could be a great “Latino Night” of boxing, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is keen on making history against Chris Billam-Smith.

Mexico’s Ramirez, 33, will have his WBA cruiserweight title on the line when he takes on WBO titleholder Billam-Smith of England. The cruiserweight unification bout is scheduled for Nov. 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ramirez believes his decision to move up to cruiserweight has paid off.

“I think it was the best decision to move up in weight, and, obviously, I won the title versus [Arsen] Goulamirian,” Ramirez told BoxingScene. “And I now have the chance to fight Billam-Smith for another title. I mean, that's the best choice that I made. It was kinda struggling the last time, and I couldn't make weight. That's why I decided to move up.”

Ramirez defeated Armenian Goulamirian with a unanimous decision in March to win the WBA 200-pound title a year after moving up from the light heavyweight division. Prior to moving to light heavyweight, Ramirez had held the WBO belt from 2016-2018 before vacating the title to move to 175 in 2019.

Following five consecutive wins at light heavyweight, Ramirez challenged then WBA 175-pound beltholder Dmitry Bivol, losing a 12-round unanimous decision. According to Ramirez, that defeat taught him to be patient.

Ramirez said his struggles with making the 175 pounds forced him to move up to cruiserweight.

“Well, the cruiserweight division is really good right now. I mean, they have me, obviously, and they have Jai Opetaia . They have other champions too. I don't remember the other names, but, I mean, all the champions, we're good.”

On the other hand, 34-year-old Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) is set to make a third defense of his WBO title he won from Lawrence Okolie in May last year. Billam-Smith is coming off a decision win over Richard Riakporhe in June.

When asked about his preparation for the Englishman, Ramirez said “Oh, well, I don't know him really well, but I've been watching a couple videos, and I've been working so hard in the gym. We’ve a plan that we've been doing for him.

“I mean, it’s been really good right now with all the training camp and what we've been doing. I think he will get really prepared for the fight. He will try to do anything. It’s been in his hands but I know what to do because I will take that night.

“I think Billam-Smith moves forward all the time, and I think that will be the key. It will be a Latino night, and I will represent all the Latino people and all the facts.”

Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at bernardneequaye@gmail.com .

Former light heavyweight king Roy Jones Jr. has called for an immediate rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol after Beterbiev eked out a majority decision win on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

Jones, who won the 175-pound undisputed championship in 1999, believes the undisputed light heavyweight title bout between Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) and Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) should’ve been scored a draw.

“Last night, we had a very fantastic fight,” Jones said on social media. “A fight that I thought could've gone either way, but what happened happened. However, it goes, nobody won or lost the fight by four points. 

“So that's ridiculous, which is why I say we need an immediate rematch.”

Bivol started well in the opening rounds before Beterbiev answered with a stronger finish. Judges Glenn Feldman, Pawel Kardyni, and Manuel Oliver Palomo scored the seesaw fight 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114.

Jones said he was impressed by both fighters’ approach.

“Both guys did a lot to change. Beterbiev showed me more than he's ever shown me before about being a boxer. He actually can walk, and I was surprised. 

“Bivol was a very good defender, which we knew. He was a good counter-puncher, which we knew. He jumped out to the early lead, I thought, but we never know. But how did it come down?

“Beterbiev did finish the fight strong or stronger. So that's why I think in my point of view, the fight should be a draw, and it's gonna be a rematch.”

Bernard Neequaye is a sports journalist with a specialty in boxing coverage. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and through email at bernardneequaye@gmail.com .

British boxer Ben Whittaker was detained at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia following a tense encounter with a fan shortly after his unusual draw against Liam Cameron at the Kingdom Arena. The incident occurred last Saturday, where Whittaker, 27, faced Cameron but the match ended unexpectedly in the fifth round due to a leg injury sustained when he fell over the ropes.

After being taken from the ring in a wheelchair to receive medical attention, Whittaker was visibly frustrated, reportedly punching a wall in anger. Despite this, he was later seen walking through airport security in Riyadh with his ankle bandaged.

According to a witness present at the airport, tensions escalated when Whittaker approached a fan attempting to take a photo. The situation quickly intensified, leading Whittaker to snatch the fan's phone and reportedly smash it on the ground. Airport security intervened, detaining both Whittaker and the fan, and both had to surrender their passports temporarily.

Whittaker later expressed his willingness to pay for the damaged phone, and the situation cooled down enough for the two to sit at a nearby café, where they exchanged contact information to resolve the matter amicably. “They literally did it at the Costa or Starbucks in front of everyone,” the witness noted.

Despite showing signs of his recent fight, with bruises and a slight limp due to his injury, Whittaker did not shy away from confronting the fan. Following the incident, he issued an apology, expressing gratitude for the fan's willingness to discuss the situation. “This was a really unfortunate event, and I’m grateful to the gentleman that he sat down to talk about it straight afterward and accepted my apology. We are in touch about replacing his phone and coming along to a future event as our guest,” Whittaker told The Sun.

The match with Liam Cameron ended anticlimactically when both fighters fell over the ropes at the end of the fifth round. While Cameron managed to get back on his feet, Whittaker remained on the canvas, clutching his right leg, which led to the fight being stopped. The judges reached a split decision draw, and Whittaker was wheeled out following the incident.

#BenWhittaker #LiamCameron #BoxingNews #SaudiArabia #KingKhalidInternationalAirport #BoxingIncident

Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer have taken their post-fight rivalry to social media, engaging in a heated exchange that has captured the attention of boxing fans. The clash began after Mayer's comments in a FightPost interview, where she claimed she had hurt Ryan during their bout. Ryan quickly fired back on X (formerly Twitter), denying Mayer's statement and escalating the tension between the two.

Mayer responded to Ryan’s denial with a pointed remark about Ryan throwing up after the fight, to which Ryan replied harshly, calling Mayer a "piece of trash" and accusing her of lying. The back-and-forth intensified as Mayer suggested Ryan had been concussed, while Ryan deflected, shifting focus to an earlier pre-fight incident involving an attack with red paint.

This feud comes after Ryan’s loss to Mayer by majority decision on September 27, 2024, following the controversial paint attack outside Ryan's hotel. Mayer has distanced herself from the attack, expressing frustration over the potential disruption it could have caused to their fight. The online argument underscores the deepening rivalry between the two, with a potential rematch or other big fight opportunities looming for Mayer.

#SandyRyan #MikaelaMayer #BoxingRivalry #FightNight #Rematch #BoxingBeef #WomenInBoxing #FightHype #PreFightDrama #BoxingNews

Pick It: Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu

• When to Watch: Saturday, October 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (1 a.m. BST)
• How to Watch: Amazon’s Prime Video

Why to Watch:
The junior middleweight division is heating up, and this fight is crucial in shaping its future. Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) returns to challenge Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) for the IBF world title, a belt Murtazaliev won with an 11th-round KO of Jack Culcay. Both fighters are in top form, with Tszyu looking to bounce back from his previous loss and Murtazaliev aiming to solidify his spot at the top. Expect fireworks as they both bring power and skill to the ring, with the winner moving one step closer to division supremacy.

Undercard Highlights:

• Yoenis Tellez vs. Johan Gonzalez: Tellez (8-0, 6 KOs) is a Cuban junior middleweight prospect on a rapid rise, with notable knockouts in his recent fights. Gonzalez (35-3, 34 KOs) brings experience and power, but has struggled in recent bouts, making this a tough test.
• Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Endry Saavedra: Tapia (17-0, 10 KOs), a middleweight from Mexico, faces a solid challenge in Saavedra as he continues his undefeated streak.

#TszyuMurtazaliev #BoxingShowdown #IBFTitleFight #JuniorMiddleweight #BoxingFans #FightNight #UndercardAction #PrimeVideoBoxing

Sebastian Fundora, who has risen to dominate the super welterweight division, now faces the possibility of losing one of his world titles. This development comes following a decision by the WBO Committee that could dramatically affect his career.

Fundora had initially agreed to make a voluntary title defense, which included a potential unification bout with WBO interim champion Terence Crawford. However, the WBO issued a resolution on October 14, 2024, stating that if Fundora does not meet the outlined conditions, he will risk being stripped of his title.

The WBO’s resolution allows Fundora to defend his title against any contender ranked within their top 15. However, he must unify with Crawford within 180 days. Failure to comply with this timeline will result in Fundora being stripped of his WBO title without the possibility of appeal.

Fundora is now at a crossroads in his career. While he can take on an interim fight before Crawford, missing the WBO’s deadline could cost him one of his prized belts. The Committee’s decision, issued from its Puerto Rico headquarters, underscores the importance of maintaining competitiveness and clarity in the division.

All eyes are now on Fundora as he navigates the delicate balance between defending his title and preserving his status as the unified champion.

Source: Official WBO Resolution @WorldBoxingOrg

#SebastianFundora #WBOChampion #TerenceCrawford #BoxingNews #SuperWelterweight #WBO #WBC #Unification

After spending most of the week in silence, Artur Beterbiev suddenly had a lot to say following his victory over Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh on October 12, 2024. Known for being a man of few words, Beterbiev's post-fight honesty and self-criticism left many fans and pundits wondering if the usually reserved light-heavyweight champion had revealed too much.

Despite his victory, which was secured by the narrowest of margins (115-113, 116-112, and 114-114), Beterbiev admitted that he was not satisfied with his performance. "I did not good today," he began. "I wanted more quality. I don’t know why. I didn’t like this fight. But I’ll be better one day." His candid reflections continued, with Beterbiev going so far as to say, “Dmitry is a world champion too. He has good skills, better than me, but today Allah chose me.”

While the judges ultimately favored Beterbiev, the body language and demeanor he displayed throughout the fight suggested that he was struggling to find his usual rhythm. His corner's urgings between rounds — "You’re not tired, Artur, nobody can beat you" — highlighted the tension in a fight where Beterbiev, for the first time in his career, seemed vulnerable and human. Bivol’s movement, precision, and boxing IQ kept Beterbiev at bay for most of the fight, forcing him into a position where he had to chase more than control the action.

Bivol, now 23-1 (12), appeared more comfortable from the outset. He controlled the pace with his jab, and his well-timed counters frustrated Beterbiev. Yet, despite this, Beterbiev's power and relentless pressure made an impression, particularly in the later rounds. In the championship rounds, Beterbiev’s corner urged him to go for the knockout, a rare occurrence for the knockout artist. By round 11, Bivol was showing signs of fatigue, and Beterbiev capitalized, though Bivol managed to survive the onslaught and even rallied in the final round.

Beterbiev’s post-fight comments reflected his disappointment. When asked if he thought he had done enough to win, he responded, "Yes, but for me it’s uncomfortable because usually I’m not waiting for the (final) bell. But today I’m even lucky too."

Despite the victory, there was a sense that Beterbiev, now 21-0 (20), was not content. His self-deprecating remarks after the fight contrasted sharply with the image of an unstoppable force he had built over the years. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability from a fighter who had previously only needed his fists to speak for him.

As fans and analysts dissect the fight and Beterbiev’s words, it becomes clear that this victory, while secured on the scorecards, may have revealed more about the fighter’s current state than any of his previous bouts. Whether Beterbiev’s honesty was a moment of humility or a sign of deeper issues remains open to interpretation, much like the fight itself.

Source: Ringside Report from Kingdom Arena, Riyadh

#ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #LightHeavyweight #BoxingAnalysis #BeterbievVsBivol #Boxing

Heavyweight boxing has its eyes set on a potential rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, with recent comments from fellow contender Zhilei Zhang adding fuel to the fire. In an interview with Seconds Out, Zhang firmly predicted that if a rematch occurs, Dubois will come out on top.

This follows Joshua’s knockout defeat at the hands of Dubois on September 21, where the former champion was stopped in the fifth round. For Joshua, who has long aimed to reclaim his world title for a third time, this loss was a significant setback in his career.

Since that stunning result, both Joshua and Dubois have been mentioned in discussions surrounding future high-profile bouts against names like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. However, attention now turns to a possible rematch between the two, which could have major implications for their careers.

Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has expressed Joshua’s willingness to take on Dubois again, signaling the former champion’s eagerness for redemption. But Zhang, a rising star in the heavyweight division, has reservations about how Joshua will perform in a second fight.

“I can’t really say I’m disappointed because, as a boxing fan myself, I look at it from a fan’s perspective. Joshua has been on top of the pyramid for years, and when you’re on top of the food chain, that definitely changes your mentality a bit,” Zhang said.

Zhang also questioned Joshua’s mental state following the loss to Dubois. “This defeat, I don’t know where it puts him mentally, but I think the rematch will be a worst-case scenario for Joshua,” Zhang added, pointing to the psychological toll it might take on the former champion.

As anticipation builds, the rematch would undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters. Joshua will be fighting to redeem his legacy, while Dubois sees another win as an opportunity to firmly establish himself among the heavyweight elite.

Boxing fans now eagerly await an official announcement, wondering how this rematch might shift the dynamics of the heavyweight division. With Zhang backing Dubois for a second victory, the potential rematch between Joshua and Dubois has become one of the most intriguing storylines in boxing.

Source: Interview with Seconds Out

#AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #ZhileiZhang #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingNews #JoshuaVsDubois #Rematch

Dmitry Bivol’s team expressed frustration with the judges' scorecards after he lost a majority decision to Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, a result that crowned Beterbiev as the undisputed light heavyweight champion.

The judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112, with two in favor of Beterbiev.

In the post-fight press conference, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs), shared his disappointment. When asked about comments by Top Rank executive Carl Moretti, who said it was a close fight but not a robbery, Hearn responded bluntly.

"I'm not throwing Carl Moretti under a bus, he’s my mate, he knew we won that fight," Hearn said. "I think he had it seven-five to us. I'm not saying it's a robbery, but I don't see how you can give Artur Beterbiev six rounds in that fight. I certainly don't see how you can give him seven."

Hearn went on to critique specific rounds, saying Bivol controlled much of the fight, despite Beterbiev finishing some rounds strongly. "Go back and watch the fight. Look at him [Bivol] taking it on the gloves. Always in control."

The fight left fans and analysts divided, with many calling for a rematch after the 33-year-old Bivol started strong, but the 39-year-old Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) finished rounds powerfully, possibly swaying the judges.

Bivol's manager, Vadim Kornilov, directed his frustration at judge Pawel Kardyni, who scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev.

"Pawel Kardyni, after he comes back from Chechnya, should be suspended," Kornilov said. "That’s my opinion. He’s always done well in previous fights, so whatever happened here, it's outrageous."

Kornilov’s reference to Chechnya drew attention, as Beterbiev is originally from the region, though he now trains in Canada. When asked to clarify, Kornilov confirmed that he deliberately mentioned Chechnya due to his frustrations with the judge's scoring.

“That was the idea,” Kornilov said, clarifying that he was not referring to Kardyni’s home country of Poland.

In a recent interview for The Stomping Ground, the boxer and current champion, Jai Opetaia,

Opetaia began the interview by commenting on the odds for the fight. “When I saw the odds for this fight, I want to say I was surprised, and I wasn’t surprised,” he said. The Australian boxer acknowledged that Jack Massey is a great fighter and a tough opponent.Referring to his performance in the ring, Jai Opetaia expressed his respect for Jack Massey.

“He is, brother, tough as nails. You know, he has dangerous power, and he’s a tough guy,” he commented. Despite the difficulty of the bout, the champion felt satisfied with his performance. “It was a good learning curve. You learn a lot from these fights, and I’m excited about the progress,” he explained.

The Australian boxer also reflected on his long journey to reach this point in his career. “I know we can do better. It has been a long journey to get to this ring, brother; this fight has been a rollercoaster,” he recalled. For Jai Opetaia, learning and progress are fundamental to his career. “It’s about learning and progress, so I’m excited about the next fight,” he concluded.

In the interview, Opetaia also highlighted the growth of boxing in Australia. “Australian boxing is growing enormously. There are so many great fighters coming out of our area and from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands,” he stated. The champion emphasized the importance of opening opportunities for other boxers. “I feel like it will really open doors for people from our area,” he said.Regarding his weight, Opetaia revealed that he made weight more easily for this fight.

“We probably made weight, probably the easiest I’ve done for this fight,” he mentioned. He felt comfortable in the cruiserweight division, although he also assured that he could move up to heavyweight whenever he wanted. “I know when I want to move up to heavyweight, I can also make weight,” he indicated.

On future fights, Jai Opetaia expressed interest in the bout taking place in Riyadh between Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez. “Are you keeping an eye on the winner of that? I imagine you just want to get to a position where you have as many belts as possible,” the interviewer asked. Opetaia responded affirmatively, noting that his goal is unification of belts. “I’m just pursuing unification of belts, so I’m really chasing those progress fights,” he explained.Junto Nakatani retains WBC bantamweight title as Naoya Inoue pursuit continues

The champion also reflected on the underestimation of the cruiserweight division in boxing. “It’s funny because people always underestimate the cruiserweight division, and they certainly have in recent years,” he stated. He recalled Oleksandr Usyk’s impact on the division and how his success became more recognized after moving up to heavyweight.

Finally, Opetaia was reflective about his journey and the future. “What does all this mean to you? Can you summarize it?” he was asked. “I’m not sure yet. I feel like we still have a lot of hard work to do,” he replied. The champion emphasized the importance of continuing to work hard and not resting on his laurels. “We are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel; I don’t know what that light is yet, but we are not there yet,” he concluded.

Jai Opetaia continues to show his determination and ambition in boxing. With his focus on hard work and progress, the Australian champion is prepared to face new challenges in his career.

British super middleweight champion, Callum Simpson, believes that Ben Whittaker found ‘an easy way out’ of his light heavyweight fight with Liam Cameron in Riyadh on Saturday. 

Whittaker was in the midst of his most serious test as a professional when he and Cameron toppled backwards over the ropes and landed awkwardly on the ring apron.

After five intriguing rounds, the fight came to an abrupt halt with Whittaker unable to continue, citing a damaged right leg.

As the M.C announced a technical split draw, the Olympic silver medallist left the arena in a wheelchair.

Cameron – who today announced he had signed with Queensberry Promotions – had quickly turned Whittaker’s heavily hyped showcase into something much more interesting. Nobody was happy with the unsatisfactory outcome. 

Simpson, 15-0 (10 KOs), was just feet away from the action and didn’t need to pore over any slow motion, freeze frame replays to come to his own conclusion.

“Other than the first round, I had him losing the rest of the rounds,” he told TalkSport. “I think Liam did the right thing,  putting that pressure on him. He unravelled straight from he second round and I had Liam winning it. At the end of the round, for me, it looked like an easy way out.

“Both the fighters went over the ropes. Obviously, one of them went out injured. Or claiming he was injured. 

“For me, he was getting beat. He wasn’t having it all his own way. For some reason tonight, Whittaker looked quite slow. His sharpness wasn’t there. The Sky commentators can’t say it but I’ll say it; it really looked like he bottled it.”

Simpson has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past 18 months. He was expertly guided through his apprenticeship on the small halls and has quickly become one of Sky Sports’ brightest hopes. In August, the 27-year-old attracted around 8,000 fans to Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium for his British title fight with Zak Chelli and the successful event guaranteed that he will continue to to be manoeuvred and built into a major attraction. 

Earlier in the evening, Simpson voiced his frustration at interviewers constantly asking him about a future fight with Whittaker whilst refusing to mention his name to the man from Wolverhampton.

Simpson still has plenty of business to deal with at super middleweight and he isn’t the type to instigate a public spat but Whittaker’s performance certainly didn’t stoke any fears in the Yorkshireman.

“It’s not that I’m not a fan of him. Whenever I met him at first I was always polite and well mannered and he’s just rubbed me the wrong way I suppose,” Simpson said. “He’s very arrogant. For me, I always try and give time to everybody and be respectful but he’s the complete opposite and I don’t really like that.

“He’s a great dancer when he’s against journeymen and people that aren’t gonna put it on him. I think there’s too much emphasis on how the fight was finished tonight instead of his actual performance. He was underperforming all the way through the fight.

“The power? honestly, I’ve felt proper light heavyweight power and, from watching him, it doesn’t look like he’s got it.”

On Friday night, Sam Gilley will defend his Commonwealth super welterweight title at London's iconic York Hall, stepping into the ring against Liverpool's Jack McGann. Gilley, with a professional record of 17-1 (8 KOs), had initially been preparing for a rematch with Louis Greene, the man he dethroned for the title last October. However, Greene was forced to pull out due to injury, leaving Gilley to face a last-minute opponent change.

Gilley, a 30-year-old East London native, recently signed with Queensberry Promotions and has been eyeing a shot at the prestigious British Lonsdale Belt. Although the withdrawal of Greene postpones those plans, Gilley will no doubt be relieved to still be fighting, especially after an inactive stretch since his Commonwealth title victory nearly a year ago.

His new opponent, Jack McGann, 10-1-1 (7 KOs), was originally scheduled to fight Ryan Maycock in a six-rounder on the undercard. However, the opportunity to step up as Gilley’s challenger for the Commonwealth title was too enticing to pass up. McGann, who has only won one fight since being stopped by Louis Greene in March, sees this as a golden chance to revive his career. The 31-year-old is eager to erase the memory of that loss and prove he belongs at the top.

Also featuring on the undercard are unbeaten cruiserweight Tommy Fetcher, 8-0 (6 KOs), and rising super featherweight Royston Barney-Smith, 11-0 (5 KOs), both of whom will be looking to continue their ascents in the sport.

Boxing fans are in for a competitive night of action as Gilley and McGann prepare to headline the York Hall card, with Gilley’s Commonwealth belt on the line.

Source: John Evans, @John_Evans79

#SamGilley #JackMcGann #CommonwealthTitle #BoxingNews #QueensberryPromotions #YorkHall #Boxing

4o

In a recent interview, renowned light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol shared valuable insights into how emotions and technical differences play a significant role in boxing, particularly when comparing his experiences facing Artur Beterbiev and Canelo Álvarez.

Bivol emphasized the importance of managing emotions in the ring, explaining that many fighters who faced Canelo allowed their emotions to affect their performance. "A lot depends on your emotions," Bivol stated. He believes that unchecked emotions can prevent boxers from reaching their full potential, and it's crucial to maintain control to execute strategies effectively.

Discussing his much-anticipated matchup against Artur Beterbiev, Bivol acknowledged the aura surrounding Beterbiev, who is often described as a "monster" in the ring. However, Bivol felt excitement rather than intimidation when preparing for the challenge. "I was excited; I was trying to use the right emotions about it," he remarked, confident in his ability to handle the pressure.

When it came to Beterbiev’s punching power, Bivol explained that Beterbiev’s strength lies not in a single knockout blow, but in the consistent power of his combinations. "It's not just one punch; he’s trying to throw combinations. Every punch in the combination is heavy," Bivol noted. This differs from Canelo, who focuses on landing powerful single punches from a distance. According to Bivol, while Canelo may have a harder single punch, Beterbiev is more relentless in his attacks, delivering hard blows with every punch in a combination.

Bivol further contrasted the two champions, noting that while Beterbiev's compact and aggressive style ensures every punch is strong, Canelo's power is more concentrated in individual punches. "Maybe Canelo’s single punch is harder sometimes than Beterbiev’s," Bivol observed, but he added that Beterbiev is physically bigger and naturally strong.

Bivol also reflected on weight divisions, acknowledging that while Canelo is considered a “small 168,” his strength is still remarkable. Bivol's admiration for both fighters is clear, as he highlights their different but equally dangerous approaches inside the ring.

As for his own approach, Bivol draws inspiration from legendary boxers such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali, adopting a technical and intelligent fighting style over raw power. This blend of mental discipline, technical skill, and ability to manage emotions is what has made Dmitry Bivol one of the most respected figures in modern boxing.

Bivol’s comparisons between Beterbiev and Canelo offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a champion, underscoring the differences in strategy and power between two of the sport’s biggest names.

Source: Dmitry Bivol's interview analysis

#DmitryBivol #Beterbiev #CaneloAlvarez #BoxingAnalysis #LightHeavyweight #Boxing

Boxing stands apart from many sports with its own set of unspoken rules and a unique culture, often demanding more from its participants than just physical prowess. Within this brutal arena, fighters face a barrage of criticism for choices that may not align with fans’ expectations. This scrutiny can range from questioning a boxer’s bravery in the ring to blaming them for injuries sustained during a fight. The pressure to conform to an idealized image of heroism can overshadow the sheer courage it takes to step into the ring.

This culture fosters a sense of tribalism, where fans can often overlook the inherent dangers of the sport. The discussion around performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) reflects this unsettling dynamic. Many fans harbor suspicions about fighters’ integrity, perpetuating a narrative that underestimates the risks taken by boxers. The naive belief that boxing is somehow free from the taint of PED use ignores the reality that safeguards are necessary to protect athletes who put their lives on the line for entertainment.

Boxing’s code requires participants to be heroes, battling not just opponents but also their own limitations. The expectation that fighters should exhibit unwavering resilience can lead to unfair judgments. Oleksandr Usyk’s accomplishments, for example, set an impossibly high standard that many fighters are then unfairly compared to. When a boxer fails to meet this expectation, they can face harsh criticism for not embodying the warrior spirit that fans glorify.

The pressure can lead to dangerous mental health ramifications. Boxers, who are already dealing with the physical toll of their profession, often lack the space to develop or redeem themselves after setbacks. Instead of understanding the challenges inherent to the sport, fans sometimes turn to scorn, perpetuating an atmosphere where empathy is in short supply.

This harsh reality became evident in the fallout from the Devin Haney versus Ryan Garcia fight. Despite Haney being the victim of a brutal beating and Garcia testing positive for a banned substance, the narrative shifted to portray Haney as the villain when he chose to sue Garcia. This reaction highlights how boxing’s unwritten code can prioritize a flawed sense of honor over accountability.

The contrasting views expressed in discussions about Haney’s lawsuit further illustrate this moral quagmire. While some argue for Haney's right to seek justice, others, like Sergio Mora, maintain that a fighter should simply endure the consequences of defeat, perpetuating the archaic notion of toughness. This mindset reduces complex issues of safety and integrity to a matter of pride.

As boxing evolves, it remains intertwined with a culture that often distorts reality. The sport’s brutal nature can lead to an unsettling desensitization, causing fans and even fighters to become detached from the human element involved. The characters that emerge from this world, with their dramatic stories and heroics, often resemble figures from a dark fantasy rather than real people.

In this context, we risk losing sight of the reality that fighters are humans with emotions, struggles, and vulnerabilities. The pressure to perform at an extraordinary level can lead to significant mental and physical tolls, as seen in Haney’s case. The harsh judgments cast upon him by fans not only undermine his humanity but also reflect a broader failure to empathize with those who risk everything in the ring.

Boxing, while an intense and often brutal sport, should not strip away our capacity for compassion. Acknowledging the struggles faced by fighters is crucial in maintaining our own humanity and understanding the sport on a deeper level. As fans, we must remember that beneath the bravado and spectacle, there are real people enduring real challenges. Embracing this perspective allows us to appreciate boxing not just as a form of entertainment, but as a complex and demanding pursuit that deserves our respect and empathy.

Source: Reflection on the culture and code of boxing

#Boxing #DevinHaney #RyanGarcia #OleksandrUsyk #SportsCulture #EmpathyInSports

Junto Nakatani, regarded as one of the premier fighters globally, successfully defended his WBC bantamweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of Filipino challenger Petch Sor Chitpattna, solidifying his path toward a potential historic clash with Naoya Inoue. The fight, held at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, showcased Nakatani’s technical prowess as he improved his record to 29-0 (22 KOs), while Chitpattna fell to 76-2 (53 KOs).

The match began cautiously, with both fighters sizing each other up. However, a powerful left hand from Nakatani in the first round signaled his intent, shaking Chitpattna early on. Despite having his hands often down, Nakatani remained composed, expertly evading Chitpattna’s attempts to engage.

As the fight progressed, Nakatani increased his tempo in the third round while maintaining a tactical approach. Chitpattna struggled to connect effectively, often finding himself swinging at air or hitting Nakatani’s arms. The defending champion continued to score with clean punches, landing effective right hooks and a long left hand in the fourth round.

Chitpattna, demonstrating resilience, pressed forward through the fifth and sixth rounds, but Nakatani’s superior accuracy and power were evident. Halfway through the sixth, Nakatani delivered a thunderous straight left that visibly stunned Chitpattna. Following this, he unleashed a flurry of punches, overwhelming the challenger.

Despite a valiant effort to counter, Chitpattna was knocked down in the final moments of the sixth round. The referee waved off the fight at 2:59 of the round, marking another impressive addition to Nakatani’s highlight reel.

In the bantamweight division, Tenshin Nasukawa also showcased his skills, improving his record to 5-0 (1 KO) with a unanimous decision victory over Gerwin Asilo (9-1, 4 KOs). The fight saw Nasukawa winning convincingly with scores of 97-92 and 98-91 on two cards.

Nasukawa’s performance highlighted his control of the fight, using his jab effectively and connecting with body shots and lead right hooks. Although Asilo was knocked down in the ninth round and Nasukawa suffered a cut from a head clash in the tenth, the former kickboxer remained in command throughout.

With both fighters securing victories, Nakatani’s path is now clearer toward a potential showdown with Inoue, promising to be one of the most significant bouts in Japanese boxing history.

Source: Reflection on the recent bouts involving Junto Nakatani and Tenshin Nasukawa.

#JuntoNakatani #NaoyaInoue #PetchSorChitpattna #TenshinNasukawa #BoxingHighlights #WBCBantamweight

Ahead of this weekend, Junto Nakatani and Japanese fight fans were gearing themselves up for a mega-fight between the WBC bantamweight champion and Naoya Inoue – with a clear plan in place. Now, those plans have gone out of the window, but Nakatani will assumably still pursue the clash, albeit by an alternate route.

Naoya Inoue recently revealed his willingness to stage an all-Japanese showdown between himself and fellow superstar Nakatani but believed that the undefeated 118lber should first face his brother, Takuma Inoue, in a bantamweight unification bout.

Unfortunately, Takuma Inoue lost his WBA bantamweight title to Seiya Tsutsumi in a fight of the year contender in Sunday’s main-event as a part of the two-day Japanese boxing festival at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, ending hopes of witnessing Nakatani face the brother of the arguable pound-for-pound number one.

Meanwhile, Nakatani headlined the Monday main-event of the festival against Tasana Salapat, who had lost just once in 77 professional contests, that defeat coming at the hands of the very same Takuma Inoue.

Though Inoue didn’t fulfil his side of the agreement this weekend, Junto Nakatani’s win was an emphatic as one has become accustomed to when tuning in to witness 26-year-old southpaw.

From the opening round onwards, it was clear to see that Salapat, known also as Petch CP Freshmart and Petch Sor Chitpattana, was overmatched, proving his easy-on-the-eye record to be a typically false one that is often seen in Thai contenders.

After buckling the legs of the challenger in the first round, Nakatani bided his time until the second to deal further consequential damage and put a number of punch sequences together to further showcase the discrepancy in skill.

Offering little in return and with minimal defence against a power-puncher such as Nakatani, Chitpattana’s downfall seemed inevitable, but it did not come as early as expected, much to the credit of the chin and front-footed pressure of Salapat, as well as the patience of the champion.

In the fifth, Salapat appeared to become aware that he would need a stoppage to win and began to exchange with Nakatani, a proposal that most in the bantamweight division would perceive to be a deathwish.

However, in the sixth, the same tactics were applied from the challenger and he was subsequently sent flying into the canvas at the hands of a brutal combination from Nakatani.

With seconds to spare in the round, an authoritative straight left-hand put an end to the contest, the game Chitpattana falling face-first in dramatic fashion to continue Nakatani’s now three-fight knockout streak since moving up to bantamweight.Devin Haney’s team demands VADA testing for a rematch with Ryan GarciaEMPHATIC FROM NAKATANI 🥊

Junto Nakatani STOPS Petch Sor Chitpattana with a VICIOUS left hand to retain his WBC bantamweight crown and remain undefeated 👑 pic.twitter.com/zX87K6Y9z7

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 14, 2024

During the aftermath, Nakatani did not disclose his ambition to meet with Naoya Inoue but did target that he will fight anybody with a title, alluding to either a date with ‘The Monster’ or the plan to unify the belts at 118lbs.

Elsewhere on today’s bill, there was an impressive win for fan-favourite former kickboxing champion Tenshin Nasukawa, who dominated the previously undefeated Gerwin Asilo to win a unanimous-decision and edge towards a bantamweight world title shot.

That came after South Africa’s Phumelele Cafu sprung the split-decision upset over Kosei Tanaka to claim the WBO super-flyweight title and Anthony Olascuaga’s defence of the WBO flyweight title was rendered as a no contest following a questionable cut suffered by Jonathan ‘Bomba’ Gonzalez.

Ariake Arena Sunday Results:

Takuma Inoue (20-1) vs. Seiya Tsutsumi (11-0-2) – WBA Bantamweight World Title – Tsutsumi UD

Kenshiro Teraji (23-1) vs. Cristofer Rosales (37-6) – (vacant) WBC Flyweight World Title – Teraji TKO11

Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1) vs. Thananchai Charunphak (25-1) – WBA Flyweight World Title – Akui SD

Shokichi Iwata (13-1) vs. Jairo Noriega (14-0) – WBO Light-Flyweight World Title – Iwata TKO3

Ryuga Sato (1-0) vs. Asato Sato (1-1-1) – Bantamweight – Majority Draw

Ariake Arena Monday Results:

Junto Nakatani (28-0) vs. Tasana Salapat (76-1) – WBC Bantamweight World Title – Nakatani TKO6

Tenshin Nasukawa (4-0) vs. Gerwin Asilo (9-0) – WBO Bantamweight Asia Pacific Title – Nasukawa UD

Kosei Tanaka (20-1) vs. Phumelele Cafu (10-0-3) – WBO Super-Flyweight World Title – Cafu SD

Anthony Olascuaga (7-1) vs. Jonathan Gonzalez (28-3-1) – WBO Flyweight World Title – No Contest

Excell James Junior (2-1) vs. Ayato Kobayashi (1-0) – Super-Lightweight – Majority Draw

In an excellent fight, South Africa’s unbeaten Phumelele Cafu won the WBO super flyweight championship, scoring a fifth-round knockdown on his way to a contentious split decision win over Kosei Tanaka.

It was a brilliant battle. Tanaka looked heartbroken by the end, although he had done himself proud, while all of Cafu’s dreams came true at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

“I’m speechless,” said a jubilant Cafu. “This is everything I ever wanted. My whole life. My whole career.”

The cards read 114-113 (twice) in his favor, while one judge marked the same score but for Tanaka.

There was little in it, in truth, but the big, crunching right hand knockdown made the difference.

Tanaka, 20-2 (11 KOs), tried to lead in the first while the South African was opting to counter.

Cafu missed several left hooks early in the second but connected with the shot as Tanaka closed the space between them in the middle of the round.

Tanaka picked and prodded with rapid straight shots, doubling his jab and leading with right hands and they landed hard blows simultaneously at the bell.

Cafu, 11-0-3 (8 KOs), had his moments in the third, and his trainer, Colin Nathan, could be heard cheering his every success, shouting “Yes” each time from the corner.

Tanaka posed a constant threat and Cafu was working hard to stay with him. The Japanese fighter started to score more regularly to the body as the fight wore on, and Cafu was seemingly trying too hard to make the left hook work.

Cafu was keeping his shape, however, and tucking up well and in the fifth detonated a terrific counter right hand that dropped Tanaka heavily.

Tanaka had tried to launch a right uppercut but Cafu released his right like an arrow and Tanaka crumbled.

Having thrown so many left hooks, it was the right hand that had shocked the champion.

As the action resumed, Cafu was measured and composed in his follow up and Tanaka managed to get his legs back under him.

Tanaka looked sharp again in the sixth but Cafu, sporting dyed purple hair to match his purple shorts, was happy to meet him in the exchanges.

The champion was busy in the seventh. He upped his volume, found a groove and his body work was increasingly relentless. Cafu shook his head to deny the effect of the body shots, but they were landing with a hurtful regularity. It was a big round for Tanaka.

“You’re giving him too much fucking respect,” shouted Nathan in the corner.

There were plenty of entertaining exchanges through the eighth and Cafu slotted in a left-right that jarred Tanaka’s head back. Good round.

Arguably the more eye-catching shots came from the visitor but Tanaka was persistently scoring and answering almost all scoring shots with his own and he maintained regular investments to the body.

Cafu, now with swelling below the left eye, caught Tanaka on the end of several right hands in the 10th but the champion’s fitness was extraordinary and he had plenty in the tank to not only stand up to big shots – including a solid right hand to the side of the head – but to outwork the challenger.

Again, the South African thumped home good punches in the 11th, but he could not prevent Tanaka walking forward and throwing his own shots and near the close of the session they both swung for the fences. It was an exhaustive battle.

Tanaka’s engine, however, did not falter. He was fresh and filled with energy and his pressure caused distress flares to signal from Cafu late on. He looked to his corner and as Tanaka came on strong, Cafu managed to see out the fight and hear the final bell.

Superb contest, and one they could do again.

Back in March, Fabio Wardley received plaudits for a gutsy display against Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Frazer Clarke, battling to a draw in one of the fights of the year. However, their rematch was far more one-sided, with Wardley defending his British title for a third time with a phenomenal first-round demolition of his rival. Now, the domestic fight fans ponder, who next for the Ipswich fan-favourite?1. Joe Joyce (16-3)

If someone had proposed a showdown between Wardley and Joe Joyce around 18 months ago, many would have predicted an annihilation from ‘The Juggernaut’ – who was seen as a serious threat to the heavyweight world titles.

Yet, back-to-back knockout defeats to Zhilei Zhang damaged Joyce both physically and mentally and a recent loss to Derek Chisora has left the 39-year-old in no-man’s-land. A return to the British title level against a respected champion could be Joyce’s last chance to show that he can achieve further success in the sport, whilst Joyce represents a gatekeeper to the world level for Wardley.

Both men are signed with Queensberry so the bout would hinge on whether Frank Warren would be willing to put Joyce in with Wardley, especially considering Joyce’s lack of defence of late and Wardley’s obvious punch power – which left Clarke requiring surgery at the weekend.

2. Lawrence Okolie (20-1)

As would be the case with Joe Joyce, a win for Wardley against Lawrence Okolie would mean that he wins the British title outright – that representing the necessary fourth victory in a contest for the Lonsdale belt.

A former WBO cruiserweight champion, Okolie recently vacated his WBC bridgerweight title ahead of a step-up to the heavyweight division, where he hopes to render his disappointing defeat to Chris Billam-Smith a distant memory and begin a new chapter in the sport’s glamour division.

Okolie has shown that he has the skills to deliver on the world stage, but his style is often critiqued for its negativity. Although unproven at heavyweight, the experienced Okolie would be a sizeable risk for Wardley but a possibly monumental win against a big-name opponent for the undefeated British champion.

3. Solomon Dacres (9-0)

The last of three British suggestions, English heavyweight champion Solomon Dacres was being mentioned with names such as Wardley, Clarke and Johnny Fisher not so long ago, until an unconvincing majority-decision win against Michael Webster saw his stock fall.

However, Dacres silenced those doubters in the rematch with Webster and dominated before securing a seventh-round stoppage win to get his career back on track and restore some momentum.

A clash between Wardley and Dacres would be another all-Queensberry affair but would be seen as the easiest of the three options for a British title fight and could even be added as a late addition to the Fury-Usyk II undercard after Wardley’s rematch with Clarke proved to be far less arduous than predicted.4. Filip Hrgovic (17-1)

With the Dubois-Joshua II undercard rumoured to be another ‘Queensberry vs. Matchroom: five versus five’, Eddie Hearn is lacking heavyweights for an appearance on the bill. Therefore, we could see Filip Hrgovic’s name called once again, despite a lack of clarity surrounding his promotional status.

Hrgovic was expected to defeat Daniel Dubois for the inaugural card in June and claim the IBF interim heavyweight title in the process to set up a showdown with Anthony Joshua but instead we witnessed a coming-of-age performance from ‘Triple D’ – who then famously went on to knock ‘AJ’ out at Wembley Stadium.

Although Wardley has impressed British fight fans, Rio 2016 medallist Hrgovic and Hearn would likely believe that the 29-year-old is a good opportunity to get back to winning ways and showcase his talent on a blockbuster card to re-establish himself as a threat to the heavyweight world champions.

In terms of world rankings, Wardley sits at #8 with Hrgovic at #9 with both the WBO and WBC, whilst Hrgovic remains at #9 with the IBF – where Wardley is placed at #12 (although these ratings are yet to be altered following the win over Clarke).5. Jarrell Miller (26-1-2)

Last but not least is controversial American contender Jarrell Miller, who has returned to the peak of the heavyweight scene after serving a lengthy ban due to multiple failed drugs test.

‘Big Baby’ gave Dubois a run for his money in Riyadh in a performance that is ageing well, before an unfortunate draw against former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. on the Crawford-Madrimov card – a fight which many felt Miller had won.

Renowned for being one of the best trash talkers in the division, a clash between Wardley and Miller would be extremely sellable and got help Warren turn his fighter into a household name if he is able to silence the loud-mouthed New Yorker.

Miller and Hrgovic would both be noticeable jumps up in competition and whether Wardley is ready for such an increase in skill remains to be seen, but the fearless nature of the hard-hitting Brit makes both proposals seem realistic.

Miller is positioned at #13 with the WBA, where Wardley is at #9 – but a win would see the latter’s star power and reputation notably increase even if his world ranking would not.

Before talks with any future opponents can begin, Wardley must make a decision on whether he wishes to remain at the British level and attempt to win his title outright or make the jump up to the world level in order to position himself for the world titles – which are expected to become fragmented shortly after Fury-Usyk II.

Regardless of whatever move Wardley opts for, it seems as though Great Britain and Frank Warren are well poised for the future in the heavyweight division, with Dubois, Wardley and Moses Itauma all anticipated to stick around amongst the best in the world.

The WBO flyweight championship fight between Anthony Olascuaga and Jonathan Gonzalez at the Airake Arena in Tokyo, Japan ended after just 2:25 of the first round following a clash of heads.

The action was warming up before the fighters leant into one another and their heads collided, leaving “Bomba” Gonzalez with a cut by his left eye.

The action resumed but as the fighters came out of a clinch, referee Robert Hoyle asked whether Gonzalez could see and the fighter said he could not, and Hoyle called the fight off and the contest was ruled a No Decision.

Southpaw Olascuaga, from Los Angeles, California, was clearly frustrated and is now 7-1 (5 KOs) 1 ND. Puerto Rico’s Gonzalez is 28-3-1 (14) 1 NC and 1 ND.