2024 has proven to be a turning point for world boxing, with Saudi investment ensuring that the biggest possible fights in the sport become makable and also introducing concepts such as the ‘5 vs. 5’ promotional battles. Now, Hearn has laid out five proposed contests for a showdown between his Matchroom fighters and those of Oscar De La Hoya’s ‘Golden Boy’ stable.

Hearn and co. went toe-to-toe with Frank Warren’s ‘Queensberry Promotions’ but fell well short of expectations, resulting in an embarrassing whitewash for Team Matchroom – with Daniel Dubois’ knockout of Anthony Joshua adding additional salt to their wounds just three months later.

Frank Warren has now signed a broadcasting deal with DAZN, which will allow both he and Hearn to stage cards on the same platform and open up further opportunities for ‘5 vs. 5’ bills down the line.

The promotional duo are expected to rematch during 2025 and were ready to do so on February 22nd, but an injury to Anthony Joshua has resulted in that event being pushed back.

Instead, Hearn is now flirting with the idea of going up against another fierce rival in Oscar De La Hoya and ‘Golden Boy Promotions’, particularly after the latter revealed that he ‘would love to’ be involved in a card of that nature against the Brit.

On social media, Hearn named five potential match-up’s that he and De La Hoya could make for a ‘5 vs. 5’ show, three of which involve current world champions, that he labelled as ‘easy work’.Ben Whittaker return date revealedBoots v Ryan, Shakur v Zepeda, Ortiz v Madrimov, Zurdo v Opetaia, Catterall v Ramirez = easy work! https://t.co/PcIwoQ9oAC

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) November 6, 2024

“Boots [Jaron Ennis] v Ryan [Garcia], Shakur [Stevenson] v [William] Zepeda, [Vergil] Ortiz v [Israil] Madrimov, Zurdo [Ramirez] v [Jai] Opetaia, [Jack] Catterall v [Jose Carlos] Ramirez = easy work!”

Despite Hearn’s suggestions, it is rumoured that Shakur Stevenson will face William Zepeda on the February 22nd card headlined by Daniel Dubois.

Meanwhile, five of the other eight names mentioned are already scheduled to fight within the next few weeks – meaning any possible event against De La Hoya would be unlikely to happen before April 2025, especially considering Ryan Garcia’s ongoing ban.

Riyadh Season has staged a plethora of major boxing events throughout 2024 and November’s card is another that is a must-watch for all true fans of the sport. However, less than two weeks away from fight night, a change has been made to the undercard.

Bournemouth’s WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith will headline the bill as he seeks to upset the odds once again in a unification showdown against WBA title-holder Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.

That fight lines up with the theme of the show, being promoted as ‘Latino Night’ – a nod to the six fighters in appearance of Latino heritage, as well as lead promoter of the event and former six-division world champion, Oscar De La Hoya.

One of these Latino participants is Oscar Duarte Jurado (27-2-1), who’s defeat to Ryan Garcia in late 2023 separates a run of twelve knockouts win.

https://www.twitter.com/ESPNRingside/status/1731163614759760173

The Mexican was scheduled to take on 2012 U.S. national amateur champion, Kenneth Sims Jr. (21-2-1), who was hoping to prove that he is capable for challenging for world honours in the super-lightweight division.

Although, it has now been officially confirmed that Sims Jr. has been ruled out of the fight due to an undisclosed injury.Anthony Joshua replacement for Daniel Dubois fight named

Instead, Duarte will take on former sparring partner and WBA world title challenger, Batyr Akhmedov (10-3), who has stopped his opponent in all but one of his ten career victories.

One of Akhmedov’s three career defeats came at the hands of Sims Jr. – to whom he lost a majority-decision to in a fight of the year candidate, whilst his other losses were controversial ones in world title contests against both Mario Barrios and Alberto Puello.

https://www.twitter.com/KOJournals/status/1790063143139353000

Consequently, the record of the Russian contender is a deceptive one and he could easily be an undefeated fighter if he had a bit more luck on his side.

Yet, at 33-years-old, it appears as though Akhmedov may finally have been given the rub of the green as he lands a huge opportunity on a mammoth show in Saudi and could well be involved in the fight that steals the show, as two knockout-artists go head-to-head in a salivating affair on November 16th.

Oleksandr Usyk has established himself as both the cruiserweight and heavyweight great of this generation but as the career of Ukrainian mastermind edges towards it’s close, there remains one lone match-up that will still tickle his interest following his rematch with Tyson Fury.

Earlier this year, the 37-year-old scored a legendary win over previously undefeated WBC title-holder Tyson Fury to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first of any kind since 1999.

Now, the pair are set for a rematch and if the contest is half as entertaining as their first encounter, then fans will surely be satisfied.

Yet, considering his extraordinary amateur career, as well as his unbeaten runs at cruiserweight and heavyweight, Usyk undeniably has miles on the clock and has nothing left to prove.

As a result, many fans are questioning whether the southpaw technician would continue in the sport if he was to defeat ‘The Gypsy King’ for a second time.

However, speaking with Champion, Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas admitted that a proposed rematch with current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois remains as the only tempting proposal in the sport for his fighter – hoping to remove any doubt of his win in their controversial first meeting.

“When Oleksandr beats Tyson for the second time, there will be no more interesting boxers left in his weight category, except for Daniel Dubois. He is the IBF title holder. Many people still remember the first fight and that controversial blow. It would be a perfect rematch, a fight for the title of absolute world champion,”Ohara Davies labels former undisputed champion as a ‘joke’

Dubois famously floored Usyk for almost four minutes when they went toe-to-toe in Ukraine last year but the referee ruled the shot as a low blow and saved Usyk’s blushes.Debate time again:

Was this punch from Daniel Dubois on Usyk, actually a low blow? pic.twitter.com/1Yl2a6z9FX

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) May 16, 2024

Since then, Dubois has turned a new corner and become the most in-form fighter in the division, with knockout wins over each of Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, claiming and defending the IBF crown during that time.

Usyk-Dubois II would likely be a second undisputed heavyweight title showdown in as many years and the younger Brit would assumably have more backers this time around.

Although. Usyk must first get past Fury on December 21st before he can considering an attempt at derailing the progress of the destructive ‘Triple D’.

Daniel Dubois is awaiting a new opponent after Anthony Joshua, who was considered a candidate for a rematch, decided not to pursue the fight. The match is scheduled for February 22 and could take place during the Riyadh Season, an event organized by Queensberry Promotions. Anticipation is building as Dubois, now 27, will face an experienced and seasoned challenger, set to test his recent progress in the heavyweight division.

The leading candidate to face Dubois in this anticipated showdown is former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker. Currently, Parker is not ranked by the IBF, as he holds an interim title with the WBO. However, he has expressed interest in challenging Dubois after the possibility of Joshua seeking revenge for his September defeat faded away.

According to BoxingScene, sources close to the negotiations consider Parker an ideal candidate for the fight. Promoters aim to match 27-year-old Dubois with the strongest possible opponent. Parker’s WBO ranking is not seen as an obstacle for the IBF to include him in their listing.

With a record of 35 wins, 3 losses, and 23 knockouts, Parker has shown a significant career resurgence, securing victories over fighters like Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in the past year. Both The Ring and TBRB (Transnational Boxing Rankings Board) currently rank him just one spot below Dubois, who holds a record of 22 wins, 2 losses, with 21 knockouts.

“Dubois looked great versus Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua,” Parker stated to TalkSPORT. “But there’s a difference. I’m fresh, I’m hungry, and ready to go. I’ve been waiting since March for a big fight, let’s get it on now.”

Other opponents, like Zhilei Zhang and Fabio Wardley, were considered, but Zhang awaits a final eliminator in the IBF, and Wardley was ruled out by Frank Warren, Queensberry Promotions’ promoter, considering him a future option still lacking sufficient experience. Anthony Joshua decided not to face Dubois in February, viewing the date as too soon for another fight.

If confirmed, the fight between Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois would be one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, with both fighters in excellent form and the promise of a thrilling showdown.

In a recent edition of the Toe2Toe podcast, former boxer and analyst Barry Jones

During his appearance on the podcast, the Toe2Toe host raised the possibility of Wardley facing Dubois soon. However, he noted that Frank Warren, promoter of both fighters, has suggested that an immediate fight between them might not be the best option. According to Warren, it would be ideal to build greater anticipation and make this matchup a high-profile bout rather than rushing it.

Barry Jones supported this view and suggested that, while Fabio Wardley is already quite talented, he could benefit from more experience before taking on an established champion like Dubois. “He doesn’t need to take that leap of faith,” Jones remarked. “Going from where he is now to a world level is a big jump.”

The host commented that Wardley’s performance in his last fight has left a strong impression, leading fans to speculate about his future. However, Jones emphasized that Dubois is an experienced opponent who has shown great resilience under pressure and possesses a solid technical foundation.

According to Jones, these qualities would pose a significant challenge for Fabio Wardley, who, although he has a promising future, could face difficulties in such a demanding fight at this stage of his career.

Despite the risks, Jones acknowledged the appeal of a fight between Wardley and Dubois. He highlighted that Wardley has a unique story of personal triumph, having moved from amateur boxing to become a world-level contender in a short time.

“His story is arguably the most unique if he wins a world title. It’s one of the most unique stories in boxing.”BOXXER sign Commonwealth Games gold medalist

“He’s an exception to the rule; that path won’t be a common path from white-collar to world champion,” Jones concluded.

Daniel Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion, has already shown willingness to fight Wardley, as he stated in an interview with Talksport. Dubois made it clear that he has no issue facing Wardley, opening up the potential for an exciting showdown in the future. Both fighters are represented by Queensberry Promotions, which facilitates the organization of this fight, promising significant interest among boxing fans.

For now, Barry Jones’s advice for Fabio Wardley is to remain patient, gain more experience, and, when the right time comes, embrace the challenge of facing an experienced champion like Daniel Dubois.Does Fabio Wardley need to take a ‘leap of faith’ for a Daniel Dubois fight? 💭 pic.twitter.com/9CTgx1AsNB

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 5, 2024

A highly decorated talented amateur boxer has made the leap to professionalism by signing a contract with Queensberry Promotions, backed by renowned promoter Frank Warren. With an impressive background in amateur boxing and a strong commitment to his military career, this athlete is ready to make his mark in the professional ring.

Now part of the Queensberry Promotions roster, 29-year-old commanding and standout amateur boxer George Crotty from Hertford aims to build a successful career in the super middleweight category with the support of veteran Frank Warren.

With an impressive amateur career spanning 149 fights, Crotty has amassed 122 victories and a series of significant honors. He was a member of the Great Britain team on the podium but unfortunately failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In 2020, he was named Boxer of the Year in Britain and is also a former ABA senior champion. His achievements include a gold medal at the Three Nations and multiple international, schools, and youth titles.

Crotty has served ten years in the Royal Navy, a commitment he will continue even while competing in professional boxing. With his amateur background in the light heavyweight division, Crotty plans to move down to the super middleweight category, taking advantage of the elimination of daily weigh-in requirements.

“I wanted to join the 150 Club as an amateur, so I am a bit gutted about that,” said Crotty, who will now train under the guidance of Sab Leo in Hertford.Similarly, George Crotty expressed his excitement about joining Queensberry Promotions, led by Warren, whom he considers the leading promoter today.

“I am really excited to be signed by Frank and Queensberry because I feel like they are the biggest and are taking over at the minute,” he commented. He also expressed his admiration for the British talent competing under the Queensberry Promotions banner and his pride in joining that elite group.

Crotty enters professionalism as an experienced boxer and does not plan to abandon his agile, high-speed style. “I think that what I will bring and won’t change is my hand speed. You have people say to you that you’ve got to slow your feet and plant your shots, but as long as you are fit enough to do it for 12 rounds, it is a strength,” said Crotty, who is inspired by fighters like Joe Calzaghe and Dmitry Bivol.

Although he is turning professional, Crotty will remain active in the Royal Navy. His plan includes maintaining his unit’s values in the ring and considering incorporating elements of his military training into future performances.51-year-old Ike Ibeabuchi to make shock professional comeback next month

“Probably not for my debut, but when I am fighting for an English or British title, a couple of the lads will walk with me,” he mentioned.

Crotty explained that after joining the Royal Marines a decade ago, he was discovered as a boxer and assigned to the Combined Services boxing team. His skills in the ring allowed him to represent the Royal Marines and eventually compete with the Great Britain team.

“So I really got looked after by them, and hopefully I can help them drive recruitment by making a name for myself in boxing,” he stated.For his part, Frank Warren, who leads Queensberry Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Crotty:

“I am thrilled to sign George as a professional super middleweight, and I am certain he will represent the Royal Marines with distinction. He is such an experienced boxer already, and it will be a slightly different process to guiding a typical prospect because he has accomplished so much at such a high level,” said Warren.

“I am very much looking forward to getting George started, and I am sure there will be considerable interest in his professional journey,” concluded Warren.

With a solid amateur foundation, a military career supporting his values, and the opportunity to compete in professional boxing, George Crotty promises to become a prominent name in the super middleweight division.GB Podium Squad Member and Royal Marine Commando George Crotty turns professional with Queensberry!

Full-story: https://t.co/qIuWHUPpsEpic.twitter.com/mjkoRp9n11

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) November 4, 2024

A new figure in amateur boxing has signed a long-term contract with BOXXER, one of the most influential promoters in professional boxing. This recent addition aims to leverage this opportunity to make a name in the elite, bringing high-profile fights and championship titles to his homeland. This signing represents a decisive step in his career, backed by the international reach and resources offered by Sky Sports, BOXXER’s ally platform.

BOXXER, a major promoter in the global boxing scene, has signed a long-term contract with Scottish talent Sam Hickey. Hickey, 24, originally from Dundee, seeks to bring world titles and high-profile fights back to Scotland after making a mark in the amateur field. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and earned bronze at the European Championship the same year, becoming the first Scot in 16 years to achieve a European medal in his category.Sam Hickey will fight in the middleweight division under the guidance of Robert McCracken.

The promising athlete has chosen to compete in the middleweight division, under the direction of his coach and manager Robert McCracken. McCracken, a recognized figure in boxing, has guided numerous elite British boxers and will be a crucial support in Hickey’s professional career. In his recent professional debut, Hickey impressed the audience with a clear points victory over John Henry Mosquera at the BOXXER High Voltage event at the Copper Box Arena in London on October 19.

“I’m delighted to have signed with BOXXER,” expressed Hickey after the agreement was confirmed. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. Sky Sports are one of the biggest broadcasters in the world, and to box on their platform under the BOXXER banner is going to be great exposure for me and for people who want to follow my journey.” Hickey also highlighted BOXXER’s work with other talents, like Lauren Price and Joshua Buatsi, who have found solid support in this promotion in their professional careers.

“I want to go all the way to become a world champion while representing Scottish and British boxing,” added Hickey. In his statements, he mentioned his desire to emulate renowned Scottish boxers like Ken Buchanan, and more recently, Scott Harrison, Ricky Burns, and Josh Taylor. “I want to bring world titles and massive fights back to Scotland,” he said confidently.Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s director, highlights Sam Hickey’s potential.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s founder and CEO, expressed satisfaction with signing Hickey, whom he considers a rising star. “We’re delighted to have secured Sam’s signature,” Shalom stated. “Sam has a very bright future ahead of him, and with the backing of BOXXER and Sky Sports, he can go all the way!” The partnership with BOXXER will provide Hickey with top-tier infrastructure, media exposure, and the opportunity to face some of boxing’s great talents.

By joining BOXXER, Hickey becomes part of a world-class team of boxers, including champions and prominent figures. Among them are Chris Billam-Smith, Chris Eubank Jr., Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Lauren Price, and others like Ben Whittaker and Caroline Dubois. With this signing, Hickey can compete at the highest level and establish himself as a notable figure in British and international boxing.NEW SIGNING! ✍

2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist @sam_hickey20 has signed a promotional deal with @Boxxer 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sXFXBPKFTw

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 5, 2024Exclusive: Frank Warren responds after criticism of DAZN partnership

𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿 ✍️

We’re excited to announce @sam_hickey20 has joined the BOXXER stable on a long-term promotional contract 🥊

The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist will be an exciting addition to the middleweight division 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏅@SkySportsBoxing | @peacockpic.twitter.com/NugWWVLQMw

— BOXXER (@boxxer) November 5, 2024

Only one thing in mind for @sam_hickey20 as he embarks on his pro career – Bring a world title back to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🔥

Lock in for an exciting ride 💥@SkySportsBoxing | @peacockpic.twitter.com/K7BAEkJ5t5

— BOXXER (@boxxer) November 5, 2024

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Ben Shalom, promoter of Ben Whittaker, revealed the anticipated date for the British boxer’s return to the ring. Whittaker, known for his skill and speed, suffered an accident in his last fight against Liam Cameron, which significantly impacted his physical condition and forced him into a temporary retirement.

The fight between Whittaker and Cameron, held on the undercard of the highly anticipated match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, ended unexpectedly. Both boxers fell onto the ropes and slid out of the ring, a moment that surprised the spectators. The impact was particularly severe for Whittaker, who, after the accident, had to leave the ring in a wheelchair.

In the interview with Sky Sports, Shalom detailed the severity of the incident. According to the promoter, Whittaker suffered an ankle injury after falling out of the ring, though his primary concern at the time was that Whittaker hadn’t sustained a neck injury. Shalom noted he was confident Whittaker had badly hurt his ankle, but his main worry was for his neck, given a prior injury that had significantly impacted the boxer’s career.

Shalom explained that, in the fall, Whittaker bore the full weight of Cameron, who weighs 174.6 pounds and stands 6’2″. This detail worsened the impact of the fall, making the accident even more dangerous for Whittaker. Due to the extent of the injury, Shalom confirmed that the boxer will not fight again this year, though they are already planning his return for the early months of 2025.Ben Whittaker could potentially face Liam Cameron in a rematch scheduled between February and March in Wolverhampton.

The promoter emphasized that the rematch with Cameron is the main fight on everyone’s mind. “We’ll not fight this year but are looking for a big homecoming in February or March against Liam Cameron potentially. That is the fight that is in the front of my mind and in the front of his mind,” Shalom declared. However, Shalom stressed the importance of Whittaker fully recovering his physical condition before returning to the ring.

Ben Whittaker’s manager, Lee Eaton, confirmed that he has recently been in talks with Liam Cameron’s attorney to schedule the rematch between the two.51-year-old Ike Ibeabuchi to make shock professional comeback next month

Meanwhile, the British boxer has provided updates on his recovery through his social media. In a recent post, Whittaker informed his followers that he completed his latest session with the physical therapist and that his recovery is going as planned. This has given hope to his fans, who are eager to see him in action once again.Ben Whittaker to return in Wolverhampton in February or March 

Memory updated

Here's the revised article without the phrase "boxing world":

As excitement builds for Bam Rodriguez’s upcoming fight, fans are buzzing with the potential for him to face Naoya Inoue in the future. On November 9, Rodriguez will step into the ring in Philadelphia to defend his WBC super flyweight title against Pedro Guevara. This isn't just another title defense; it’s a critical moment that could shape the course of his career.

At just 24 years old, Rodriguez has already made a name for himself as a two-division world champion, quickly rising through the ranks and unifying titles. Known for his speed and skill, he faces a significant test against Guevara, a seasoned veteran who won’t be an easy opponent. A victory in this fight could set Rodriguez up for a big year in 2025, with opportunities to challenge some of the sport's elite.

DAZN commentator Chris Mannix has weighed in on the potential matchup with Inoue, stating that for Rodriguez to make this superfight a reality, he needs to move up to the 118-pound weight class. Currently fighting at 115 pounds, Rodriguez’s next steps will be crucial, as unifying titles is essential, but the ultimate goal seems to be a showdown with the knockout artist, Inoue, who reigns at 122 pounds.

Fight night in Philadelphia promises an electrifying atmosphere, not just for Rodriguez but also for fans eager to see IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis defend his title against Karen Chukhadzhian in the main event. With so much on the line, Rodriguez knows that his performance against Guevara could pave the way for even bigger challenges ahead.

As the date approaches, the anticipation for Rodriguez’s fight—and the potential clash with Inoue—continues to grow. If he can secure a victory on November 9, fans will be one step closer to witnessing what could be one of the biggest matchups in the sport.

Queensberry Promoter Frank Warren has been at the forefront of the recent surge in boxing events during Saudi Arabia's ‘Riyadh Season.’ However, he has now confirmed the unfortunate postponement of one of the most anticipated upcoming cards.

Back in June, Warren notably outperformed rival promoter Eddie Hearn in the ‘Queensberry vs. Matchroom’ showdown, where all five of Warren’s fighters secured victories over their Hearn counterparts. Just three months later, Daniel Dubois made headlines again, dramatically knocking out Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF heavyweight world title, ending Joshua’s impressive run.

Despite the defeat, Joshua has called for a rematch with Dubois, aiming to become boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion. The two were set to meet again on February 22nd, headlining another ‘five vs. five’ event.

However, recent reports have ruled Joshua out of the February date due to injuries, leaving Warren to find a new opponent for Dubois. In an interview with iFL TV, Warren revealed that the February 22nd card will not feature the anticipated ‘five vs. five’ format, explaining that the planned rematch has been pushed back.

“You’re going to love it [the Dubois card]. I promise you, everybody is going to love it,” Warren said. “It won’t be a five vs. five. That is going to be pushed back, but it is going to be a great card.”

Warren also expressed optimism about future ‘five vs. five’ events, especially after signing a broadcasting deal with DAZN.

“I am looking forward to the five vs. five, especially now that we are all under the same umbrella. It is going to be easier to arrange,” he added. “We can do them in Riyadh, where they originated from, or we might do one here. Who knows? You can do them at different levels now, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

As for the February 22nd card, potential matchups being discussed include Chris Eubank Jr.’s grudge match with Conor Benn, a unification clash featuring pound-for-pound star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, and a world title opportunity for undefeated British middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz.

WBA super-welterweight champion Terence Crawford is hailed as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation, finally receiving the recognition his skills deserve. However, despite reaching the peak of superstardom in boxing, there’s a chance we may not see ‘Bud’ step into the ring again.

Crawford made history by becoming the first multi-divisional undisputed champion of the four-belt era, achieving this feat with a knockout of long-time rival Errol Spence Jr. in a career-defining clash for all four welterweight titles last year.

Since then, Crawford has been vocal about his desire for further success, repeatedly calling out undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, who fights three weight classes higher. Unfortunately for Crawford, those calls have gone unanswered.

Instead, the Omaha sensation moved up to super-welterweight and secured a narrow unanimous decision win against then WBA title-holder Israil Madrimov, marking his closest fight to date and earning him the status of a four-division world champion.

Now, Crawford continues to demand a shot at Alvarez in hopes of becoming a three-weight undisputed champion. However, there is understandable disinterest from Alvarez, as a matchup with Crawford presents a ‘lose/lose’ scenario for the Mexican superstar.

Initially, Saudi investor Turki Al-Alshikh showed interest in making the fight happen, but Crawford’s struggles against Madrimov diminished the potential value of such a showdown. Nevertheless, Al-Alshikh remains optimistic, proposing a bout with the highly-rated super-welterweight knockout artist, Vergil Ortiz Jr.

However, Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, expressed doubts about Crawford accepting that fight. After speaking with Crawford, Garcia shared, “I have a feeling he wants that big fight against Canelo, and if he doesn’t get it, he may never fight again. He doesn’t need to prove anything at this stage of his career.”

Echoing this sentiment, Al-Alshikh stated, “I don’t think Crawford will fight anyone except Canelo. We will make an offer for Ortiz, but I’m not sure if he’ll take it. We have an agreement to set up a big fight with Ortiz if Crawford doesn’t accept.”

If a lucrative proposal from Canelo never materializes, Crawford still has the opportunity to become a three-weight undisputed champion in his own weight class by challenging lanky unified title-holder Sebastian Fundora (WBC & WBO) and Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF). However, the question remains: will he fight, or will he wait for Canelo?

When the great heavyweights of the 1990’s are mentioned, the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis understandably stick out. However, amongst those superstars there was a plethora of under-appreciated talent beneath, none more so than Ike Ibeabuchi. Now, at 51-years-old, ‘The President’ is set to make a shocking comeback to professional boxing.

Regarded as one of the strongest punchers amongst the star-studded crop of heavyweights at the time, Ike Ibeabuchi was honing in on a shot at the heavyweight world title after winning his first 16 professional contests and scoring numerous eye-catching knockout wins along the way.

Then, in 1997, the Nigerian jumped up in competition and stepped through the ropes for his toughest task to date, going toe-to-toe with fellow title hopeful David Tua in what turned out to be a heavyweight classic.

Ibeabuchi and Tua broke the record for punches thrown in a heavyweight bout covered by CompuStat, throwing 1,730 total punches between them, 975 being thrown by Ibeabuchi (avg. 81 per round) – that being an individual record for a heavyweight.David Tua vs Ike Ibeabuchi. June 7, 1997. pic.twitter.com/2BUBhk7lj4

— b0xingfan (@b0xingfan) August 4, 2023

As a result, it was Ibeabuchi who claimed the unanimous-decision win and proved himself as a worthy contender for the WBC heavyweight world title, held by Lennox Lewis at the time.

Instead, Ibeabuchi attempted to gain further experience at the world level and scored a trifecta of increasingly difficult knockout wins against Tim Ray, Everton Davis and Chris Byrd to better prepare himself for a title shot – although it would never come.Exclusive: Frank Warren responds after criticism of DAZN partnership

In July 1999, Ibeabuchi was arrested and eventually sentenced to prison for battery with intent to commit a crime and attempted sexual assault, leaving him imprisoned until his release in November 2015.

Five months later, Ibeabuchi was arrested once again after violating the conditions of his probation, ending hopes of a comeback to boxing as he was forced to serve an additional four years behind bars until release in September 2020.

Four years on and it seems as though Ibeabuchi (20-0) will finally get the boxing comeback that he has been craving, officially scheduled to take on 47-year-old Ayman Farouk Abbas (4-10-1) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on December 7th in a six-round affair.

Farouk’s most notable result is a split-draw against America’s Christopher Lovejoy (20-1) in Egypt last year, despite being knocked down and appearing to lose all six rounds.In what can only be called a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, Christopher Lovejoy knocks down Farouk in a thriller where he is robbed on the scorecards with a ‘draw’ 

oy received when he and Farouk meet next month. Although, if Ibeabuchi is half the fighter that he was the last time he fought professionally, the judges will not be required.

The only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing, Manny Pacquiao’s legacy is truly cemented, and he will be regarded as an all-time great for years to come. However, ‘Pac-Man’ has been rumoured to be making a comeback to the sport in an attempt to further improve upon his phenomenal accomplishments, and after displaying his current hand-speed, it is easy to see why.

Winning a first world title in the flyweight division in 1997, Pacquiao was able to achieve continued success as far as super-welterweight, where he outpointed Antonio Margarito for the WBC crown at 154lbs in 2010.

After losing out to Floyd Mayweather in ‘The Fight of the Century’, Pacquiao continued to operate at welterweight for the remainder of his career and defeated both Jessie Vargas and Keith Thurman for the WBO and WBA world titles respectively, the last of which he won at 40-years-old – making him the oldest welterweight champion of all-time.

Yet, after defeating Thurman in 2019, Pacquiao underwent a two-year spell of inactivity, during which time he became the only fighter to have held world titles in four different decades, but he did not look the same when he came back and lost to Yordenis Ugas.

Three years on from that hard-to-watch performance, Pacquiao is once again being rumoured with a comeback and made his ring return back in July in an exhibition against Rukiya Anpo – unfortunately, the now 45-year-old failed to impress once again.

Although they have quietened down since that exhibition, there are rumours that the three-time Ring magazine Fighter of the Year will return to the professional ring and face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, recently telling ESPN of his goal to finish his career in style.Daniel Dubois reacts to Anthony Joshua rematch being cancelled

“I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years,”

“I want to go out making history.”

With the newfound investment from Saudi Arabia, there is every chance that Barrios-Pacquiao could still take place, and the hopeful veteran has now been seen shadowboxing and displaying mind-boggling hand speed despite his age.

https://www.twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1853123654336369035

For now, Barrios will instead proceed with a fight against WBC #8 Abel Ramos on the Paul-Tyson undercard later this month, but Pacquiao remains hopeful that he could face the Texan in 2025.

Ryan Garcia is currently serving a one-year ban from boxing following the controversial aftermath of his showdown against Devin Haney earlier this year. Despite his suspension lasting until April, ‘King Ry’ has seemingly announced an exhibition fight scheduled for January.

Renowned for his lightning-fast hand speed and trademark left hook, Garcia has risen to prominence as one of the most recognizable fighters in the sport, even without holding a world title. The 26-year-old had a chance to claim a championship when he faced Haney in April, but he missed weight by three pounds, losing the opportunity to compete for the belt and incurring a fine from the WBC super-lightweight champion.

On fight night, Garcia showcased his potential as a world-class contender, knocking Haney down for the first time in his career, ultimately securing a majority-decision win—a highlight that would be short-lived.

Soon after his impressive victory, it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight. This led to the result being overturned to a no-contest and resulted in Garcia receiving a one-year suspension from professional boxing.

However, it seems Garcia’s ring return is on the horizon, as he took to social media to announce an exhibition boxing event in Dubai set for January, where he will face undefeated French lightweight Jaber Zayani (18-0). Although not widely known, Zayani has served as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao in preparation for Pacquiao’s bout with Keith Thurman in 2019 and was linked to an exhibition match against Pacquiao in Saudi Arabia in 2022.

For Garcia, this outing could serve as a vital opportunity to shake off any ring rust ahead of his professional comeback, with a highly anticipated rematch against Devin Haney rumored for April, alongside a potential clash with WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez.

Renowned boxing promoter Frank Warren has announced that Hamzah Sheeraz will compete for a world title on February 22. The news was

Despite the high expectations, Frank Warren did not confirm whether Sheeraz will face current champion Janibek Alimkhanuly or another contender. In the middleweight division, there are currently three main champions, and the promoter left open the possibility that Sheeraz could face any of them. Alimkhanuly, with an undefeated record of 16 wins and 0 losses, stands as a likely option. However, Carlos Adames, with a record of 24 wins and one loss, is also a possible candidate for this anticipated fight.Hamzah Sheeraz enters this challenge with a flawless record of 21 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws.

Over his 21 fights, he has demonstrated great power, with 17 wins by knockout, establishing himself as a highly effective fighter. His last appearance in the ring was on September 21, 2024, when he faced Tyler Denny in London, UK. In that fight, Sheeraz dominated, winning by technical knockout in the second round and reaffirming his undefeated status in the division.

Other potential opponents include Chris Eubank Jr., with a record of 34 wins and 3 losses, and Denzel Bentley, with 20 wins, 3 losses, and one draw. However, the opportunity to face an established champion like Alimkhanuly or Adames could solidify Hamzah Sheeraz’s standing in the global boxing landscape.Told by Frank Warren that Hamzah Sheeraz’s next fight will be for a world title on the same card as Daniel Dubois’ return on Feb 22nd in Riyadh, though he did not confirm whether or not this will be vs Janibek Alimkhanuly or another champion.

In a recent interview with Boxing King Media, IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois

This victory, which solidified Dubois as one of the division’s greats, had created considerable excitement about a second showdown. However, Dubois made it clear that a rematch won’t be happening in the near future.

During the interview, the Boxing King Media interviewer discussed the impact Dubois’ victory over Joshua has had on his career. The reporter praised the champion, calling him “The King Slayer,” a nickname Dubois seems to have embraced with pride. “It feels good, it sounds great, and yeah, I’m getting used to it,” said the British boxer, who now enjoys renewed respect among fans and the boxing world.Daniel Dubois also spoke about how his life has changed since winning the title.

Though he maintains a low profile, he acknowledges that being a world champion has increased his recognition. “There are more people recognizing me, asking for photos and autographs,” he commented, adding that he hopes to gain even more renown by collecting all the belts and becoming the undisputed champion. This is, without a doubt, his main goal.

The champion also

The interview also covered Daniel Dubois’ relationship with his team, including his trainer Don Charles and advisor Kieran Farrell, whom he thanked for helping him strengthen his skills and personality both inside and outside the ring. When asked about his potential rematch and whether he has recently spoken with Joshua, Dubois was blunt: “Not really. He’s in his lane, and I’m in mine. He’s been at the top for a long time, so whatever he does next is up to him.”Dillian Whyte calls for Anthony Joshua rematch

Instead of Joshua, New Zealander Joseph Parker has shown interest in facing Dubois, who doesn’t rule out the possibility. “I’d love a big fight, whoever wants it,” said Dubois, focused on defending his title.

Finally, Dubois expressed gratitude to his promoter, Frank Warren, for his constant support throughout his career, even in his toughest moments. “Frank’s a veteran, a fighter outside the ring. He’s always ready for an opportunity and has supported me a lot,” Dubois stated.

While savoring his victory over Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois prepares to keep climbing and establish himself as the undisputed champion he so eagerly aspires to be.

Daniel Dubois is on the hunt for his next opponent following a streak of three impressive victories. The 27-year-old handed Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic their first defeats and was elevated to IBF Heavyweight World Champion. His first title defense saw him dominate Anthony Joshua in the fifth round, solidifying his status as one of the division's top contenders.

While an immediate rematch with Joshua was initially targeted, it has now been confirmed that ‘AJ’ won’t be ready for a February showdown, leaving Dubois to prepare for a fight without him.

In a recent interview with Boxing King Media, Dubois was asked if he had spoken to Joshua since their fight. “Not as such. I’m in my lane and he’s in his. He’s been at the top for a long time now. Whatever he decides to do next, it’s on him,” he stated.

When asked about potential challengers, including Joseph Parker, Dubois expressed his eagerness to face any contender, particularly aiming to become a four-belt champion. “Whoever it is, I’d love a big fight. Whoever wants it can get it. Right now, whoever wants it can get it. I’m going to get back into training soon and sharpen my mind for whoever they want to throw in with me. But I want to get all the other belts and become undisputed… Put them in front of me, and I’ll knock ’em down and send them into retirement.”

The other three world titles are currently held up until December 21 when Oleksandr Usyk rematches Tyson Fury. If Fury can reverse the outcome of their first fight, a trilogy may be in the works. However, should he lose again, it’s understood that Joshua will seek a long-awaited clash in the summer of 2025.

In the meantime, this leaves Dubois with a voluntary defense. Top heavyweights like Parker, Zhilei Zhang, Agit Kabayel, and Martin Bakole will likely be eager to step into the ring with him.

In an exclusive interview conducted by Louis Hart, a member of our team, renowned boxing promoter Frank Warren spoke about his recent partnership with DAZN as Queensberry Promotions’ exclusive broadcast partner. The conversation focused on the impact this alliance will have on British and global boxing.

Starting on April 1, 2025, DAZN will be the exclusive platform for Queensberry fights, enabling these bouts to reach an international audience and creating a new stage for high-level boxing. Warren, the founder of Queensberry Promotions and a Hall of Fame inductee, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal. “We’re delighted,” he said. “It’s a great partnership with DAZN, and starting April 1st, we’ll be putting on major shows. This gives us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and bring events to a global level, not just in the UK.”This agreement also allows Queensberry to

In the past, Frank Warren had been critical of DAZN, but the platform’s global expansion changed his perspective. In the interview, he explained that the decision to partner with DAZN came from the trust he has in their management team. “They’ve shown that they have a great management team, with people I’ve worked with before at BT and IMG,” he noted.

“Salam Black, the main financier, his vision and their vision has obviously given us a lot of impulse to do this deal. We wanted this deal. Their global brand has certainly built up in the last couple of years; it’s changed in a big way.”

“We focused on building in the UK the strongest promotional business we’ve done that and now we’re moving on to the next stage at the next level,” Warren stated.Reflecting on the evolution of sports broadcasting, Frank Warren recalled how media has transformed boxing since its early days.

“My very first show was on BBC television and in those days they were the only game in town,” he mentioned. Warren remembered how, early on, only the BBC broadcast boxing, and his first event aired on that channel. Later, on ITV, he fought to have fights broadcast live, as back then they aired with a 24-hour delay.

He then joined Sky, when it had only 3 million subscribers, and helped build stars like Ricky Hatton. On BT, which later became TNT, he also established a significant space for boxing. Now, with DAZN, he feels they are advancing toward the future of the sport.

DAZN, while also broadcasting other sports globally, has a specialization in boxing in the UK, which Warren sees as a significant advantage. According to the promoter, the British audience remains one of the most passionate in the world.Update provided on Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron rematch

Frank Warren highlighted that DAZN, as a global platform, will drive boxing forward, especially in the UK, where there is an enormous passion for the sport, as seen in recent events at Wembley. Along with Matchroom, he considers them to be the biggest boxing promoters in the UK and possibly in the world.

The deal between Queensberry and DAZN has also raised concerns in some industry sectors. Simon Jordan, a commentator on the Jim White show, expressed his worry about the potential monopoly that could result from the concentration of boxing broadcasts among fewer broadcasters. However, Warren dismissed this opinion.

“Simon Jordan’s in talk to his opinion for me his opinion and what he’s got to say about how boxing’s evolving and whatever I couldn’t give a flying toss about. Because everything he said about boxing up to now has been completely and utterly wrong,” Warren concluded.

With this agreement, Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions are preparing to bring British boxing to a global scale and enter a promising era alongside DAZN, solidifying their presence on a platform that continues to gain relevance in combat sports broadcasting.

Egis Klimas, Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter, recently sat down with Boxing King Media and hinted that Usyk may already have his eye on his next challenge if he emerges victorious against Tyson Fury in December. Despite a career full of heavyweight triumphs, Usyk is still hungry to prove himself.

Usyk, with signature wins over Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, will face Fury again on December 21 in Riyadh. The 37-year-old Ukrainian will look to replicate his earlier split decision win over the towering 6-foot-9 Brit. But what happens next if Usyk gets his hand raised once more? Retirement seems unlikely. Instead, Klimas revealed that Usyk has another target: a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

“Would we set up a fight with Dubois if Usyk beats Fury? Absolutely,” Klimas stated. He emphasized that the previous fight left unfinished business, recalling the controversy surrounding a beltline punch that many insisted was clean, although the referee ruled it a low blow. “The referee gave us recovery time, and any smart fighter would use that opportunity,” Klimas noted.

Since his defeat to Usyk, Dubois has rebounded impressively. He’s notched notable victories, taking down Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, and he stunned the boxing world by stopping Anthony Joshua this past August. Entering 2025, Dubois is riding high, and with Usyk approaching 40, some believe the Londoner might finally be in a position to turn the tables.

While Usyk’s upcoming rematch with Fury remains the main focus, Klimas made it clear that a second showdown with Dubois could be next on the horizon. Usyk, as always, remains determined to leave no doubt.

#UsykFury2 #HeavyweightBoxing #DanielDubois #OleksandrUsyk #BoxingNews

In a recent statement, British super lightweight fighter Ohara Davies has launched strong criticisms at a former rival. Davies has called on the former undisputed world champion to reassess his future in boxing after a series of losses that, in his opinion, have tarnished his reputation.

Currently, Davies is also considering his future after a recent loss to the rising star Adam Azim. Nevertheless, Davies believes that his former rival, Josh Taylor, should consider the option of retiring after the losing streak he is facing.

Taylor, who was once one of the most respected figures in boxing, has fallen from grace after consecutive losses to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall, which, according to Davies, have turned him into a “joke fighter.”It’s worth noting that Ohara Davies and Josh Taylor fought in 2017, in a match marked by tension and hostility.

On that occasion, Taylor convincingly defeated Davies, achieving a knockout victory in the seventh round. This triumph was a turning point in Taylor’s career, as he then catapulted to the global stage and achieved the undisputed title in the super lightweight division.

However, Taylor’s career has taken an unexpected turn in recent years. In 2022, he faced heavy criticism after beating Jack Catterall in a highly contested fight, where many believed Catterall was the true winner. The controversy surrounding that fight called Taylor’s dominance into question and cast doubts on his ability to stay at the top.

Following this fight, Taylor faced constant pressure, which intensified even further after his loss to Teofimo Lopez in New York in 2023. Subsequently, the Scotsman fell again to Catterall earlier this year, which confirmed his decline in the eyes of many fans and experts.WBO world champion set to change weight division

Although Taylor has not given any indication that he’s considering retirement, Ohara Davies believes he should question whether it’s worth continuing. In an interview with BoxingScene, Ohara Davies

Davies pointed out that Taylor has lost the ferocity that once defined him, recalling a time when he was an undefeated, undisputed champion feared by his opponents. In contrast, he now perceives that many see the Scotsman as a “joke fighter” who has lost the respect he once commanded in the ring.

“The Taylor that we all know was a fierce fighter; walked through anyone, beat anyone, unbeaten, undefeated, undisputed,” Davies added. “Now a lot of people are looking at him like a joke, like he’s a joke fighter, like he’s a walkover,” Davies concluded

Ohara Davies’ criticism clearly reflects the challenge Josh Taylor faces in restoring his former prestige. Although he has shown no intention of retiring, his former rival’s comments add pressure at a delicate moment in his career. Bearing the weight of being a former undisputed world champion, Taylor faces the dilemma of either risking his legacy, redeeming himself, or considering retirement to preserve his place in boxing history.