Back in May, Oleksandr Usyk handed Tyson Fury a first career defeat as he achieved his goal of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion with a legendary performance. Now, the Brit seeks to level the scores in the rematch and he has now revealed that he has watched their first encounter back around a hundred times.

Both men put their undefeated records on the line when the heavyweight duo met earlier this year, and it seemed as thought it was ‘The Gypsy King’ who would come out on top after he was cruising to victory during the mid-rounds.

However, the eighth and ninth rounds proved pivotal for the Ukrainian technician, as Usyk somehow managed to turn the tide and assume control of the contest in the nick of time to reverse the scorecards and claim a famous split-decision win.

Since suffering the defeat, Fury has admitted that he feels as though he took his eye off of the ball during his first fight against Usyk and feels confident that a more focussed approach in the rematch will be enough to achieve redemption.

In an interview with Queensberry Promotions, Tyson Fury

“I have watched it a thousand times, well probably not a thousand but maybe a hundred times.”Amateur sensation to challenge for WBA world title in fourth professional bout

“I thought it was a very good fight. I thought that I did fantastic, I thought Usyk did fantastic, it was what it was. It is just someone’s opinion isn’t it, who won the fight, because like we see in a lot of these fights recently, especially in fights that people think are close, some people might have one man winning it and some might have the other man winning it.

“I think that I won, he thinks that he won. I have seen him doing his view where he says ‘I thought I won it by a point’, one of the judges had me up by a point and one of the judges had him up by a point.

“It is an opinionated thing if it goes the distance and that is what you have got to deal with. If something goes the distance, then you are relying on three people’s opinions, and they might not all see it the same.”

“I was happy. I didn’t get the decision that I wanted, I didn’t get the victory but I didn’t take it out of the judges hands so I had left it to someone’s opinion and it went against me. Am I going to cry about spilt milk? No. Have I cried about it at all? No.”

Usyk-Fury II will take place on December 21st at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with yesterday’s press conference kickstarting the excitement ahead of another blockbuster event in the Middle East.

Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has the chance to avenge the lone defeat of his career when he steps through the ropes to take on unified heavyweight champion and arguable pound-for-pound number one, Oleksandr Usyk. However, ‘The Gypsy King’ has now declared that he would swerve any potential undisputed title contest with IBF title-holder Daniel Dubois, if he is able to claim redemption against his Ukrainian rival.

Fury went toe-to-toe with Oleksandr Usyk in a battle to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the century and the first of the four-belt era.

An instant classic ensued and the Brit appeared to be well on his way to a legendary win until Usyk was able to turn the tide during the eighth-round and bank the latter stages to edge a phenomenal split-decision win.

Since then, Usyk has vacated his IBF world title and Daniel Dubois has assumed position as world champion, strengthening his credibility as a heavyweight worthy of the mantle with a knockout win in first defence against Anthony Joshua in a changing of the guard display.

As such, Dubois remains hopeful that he will get a shot at the victor of the upcoming rematch between Usyk and Fury, aiming to join the elite club of undisputed heavyweight champions.

However, in an interview with iFL TV, Tyson Fury outlined why he does not wish to challenge for an IBF world title and therefore the undisputed throne, believing the sanctioning body to be ‘racist’ and threatening to burn their belt if he was ever named as their champion.‘I would rather fight @DynamiteDubois for BRITISH TITLE than the IBF belt’ – @Tyson_Fury has absolutely RIPPED into the IBF, over falling out of the TOP 15❌ ahead of Usyk rematch.#UyskFury2#TysonFury#Uysk#DanielDubois#boxing#riyadhseason#fight#boxer#gypsyking#fighter… pic.twitter.com/Pcclxy1QSL

— IFL TV (@IFLTV) October 23, 2024

“I will beat Daniel Dubois, but I will tell you what it is – I won’t be boxing him for his belt. I would rather box him for the British title than for the IBF.

“I don’t want anything to do with it, you couldn’t give it me as a present.Evander Holyfield reveals who hit him the hardest

“I would probably get back home and burn it, then put it on a video on YouTube, that is how much it means to me because they’re biased, obviously. They are a biased company who don’t like ‘The Gypsy King’ for whatever reason,

“They must be racist towards Travellers or something because it doesn’t add up, it is not joining together.

“You have just lost a split-decision to who some people say is the pound-for-pound number one person in the world but I am not in the top 15 of their ratings, even though I have just boxed for their belt.

“Does that make any sense? It doesn’t does it.”

“If they are not biased and they do like me, then why don’t they come out and say why I am not in their ratings then?

I’m not good enough to be in the top 15? I have just lost to the ‘best fighter in the world’ by a point but I am not good enough to be in the top 15.

“I would advise everybody to never fight for their belt again.”

Usyk-Fury II will take place on December 21st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with yesterday’s press conference kickstarting the build-up to what is expected to be another historical encounter between the two standout heavyweights of this generation.

In a recent interview with BoxNation, Frank Warren once again addressed the controversy sparked by Ben Shalom’s comments. Shalom insinuated that the gloves used by Fabio Wardley in his victory over Frazer Clarke should be investigated. Warren had already dismissed those accusations, calling them baseless and ridiculous. He also labeled Shalom’s remarks as “stupid and slanderous statements.”

Warren, speaking in a firm tone, was asked about Chris Eubank Jr.’s comments, which appeared to have been influenced by Ben Shalom. According to Warren, it was Shalom who put Eubank in that position, leading to comments that Warren considers defamatory. Likewise, Warren criticized Shalom’s lack of directness.

“He says that rubbish. You know what happened with Eubank, that was set up by him. For him to set up Eubank to say what he said, make those slanderous remarks—which he’ll pay for. What is that? What is that then? Is that the way you do it, sneaky bastard? You haven’t got the guts to say something to somebody’s face? Because I certainly pulled him up on it afterwards, couldn’t even look at me,” Warren stated.When asked if he plans to take legal action against Ben Shalom, Frank Warren was clear:

“It’s being dealt with,” he assured. He reminded that he was the licensed promoter for that event, under the supervision of the British Boxing Board of Control. “We were responsible for the gloves until they were handed over. Any insinuation about the gloves is completely untrue,” he clarified. Warren demanded a public apology for the comments, calling them “ridiculous.” However, he warned that if such an apology is not forthcoming, he will take “the necessary measures.”

Despite the controversy, Frank Warren made it clear that he prefers to focus on what’s important: the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk and the exciting upcoming fights.

Finally, Warren took the opportunity to refute Simon Jordan and the rumors of alleged harassment towards Ben Shalom, supposedly orchestrated by him and Eddie Hearn. “This is boxing. I don’t even know why we’re having this ridiculous conversation,” Warren said, expressing disbelief. To him, the harassment issue is absurd, and he clarified that his way of handling conflict is direct. “If someone’s rude to me and doesn’t excuse themselves, I deal with it man to man,” he said.George Groves tips prospect to be ‘the future of boxing’

Warren also reflected on his early days in boxing, highlighting how difficult it was back then, with limited TV options and restrictions on sporting venues.

“Do you know when I started out in boxing, remember they’ve all got TV deals, there was only one TV company. I never had no TV deal, nothing. There was just the BBC. And not only that, the venues in London were the Albert Hall, Wembley, and the smallest venue was York Hall. (The cartel) had exclusives on all of them, you couldn’t use them. (I didn’t) cry about it, get on with it,” he concluded.

The undisputed strawweight champion, Seniesa Estrada, shocked the boxing world by announcing her retirement at the age of 32. The boxer, known as “Superbad,” leaves the sport with an undefeated record of 26 wins, no losses, and 9 knockouts. Estrada has been a key figure in the development of women’s boxing, and her retirement has sparked widespread reactions and respect within the boxing community.

Estrada made the decision to retire at the peak of her career, just seven months after unifying the division’s four major belts. Her last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Yokasta Valle, making her the first woman to become the undisputed champion in the strawweight division. In an Instagram post, Estrada expressed that after 23 years dedicated to boxing, she was ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.

The champion, originally from East Los Angeles,

Bob Arum, president of Top Rank, expressed his admiration for Estrada, noting that the promotion would miss working with her. “Seniesa Estrada is a spectacular person and fighter,” said Arum, who had been her promoter since 2022. “I know she can look forward to a happy and productive life outside the ring.”

In her emotional official farewell, Seniesa Estrada made it clear that her career has been a rollercoaster of experiences. “Thank you for giving me life,” she wrote in a letter addressed to boxing. Throughout the text, she highlighted the positive impact boxing had on her life and the opportunity to inspire others. However, she also made it clear that she was at peace with her decision. “I won’t miss you,” she confessed, acknowledging that after 23 years of complete dedication, she had achieved everything she set out to do.George Groves tips prospect to be ‘the future of boxing’

In her final words, she thanked her fans, friends, family, and team, emphasizing how they had overcome gender barriers in a male-dominated sport. Seniesa Estrada also expressed her faith in God, thanking Him for giving her peace at this crucial stage of her life. She affirmed that, although her boxing career had come to an end, she was confident that her name would continue to resonate in the future.

“I know that I will shine bright at whatever I choose to do next,” Estrada concluded, closing the chapter of her boxing career with gratitude and confidence in the future.Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por SENIESA (@seniesa_superbad)

Moses Itauma, one of the most promising British boxers, expressed openness to a future fight with Johnny Fisher. During the press conference ahead of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch, Itauma and Fisher

Moses Itauma, with a 10-0 record, showed respect for Fisher. Itauma mentioned that they had

The friendship and mutual respect between Fisher and Itauma were evident when they recalled a time they agreed to go out for Chinese food together, something they have yet to do. Itauma joked, “One day we’ll have it. Maybe a Chinese after.”

Likewise, Johnny Fisher also expressed his willingness to fight Itauma. Fisher, with an impressive record of 12 wins and 11 knockouts and 0 loses, warned any future opponent about the challenge of defeating him. “I think I’m not a Man City, I’m an AC Milan, and not a Liverpool, but I am a cold night away in Stoke,” Fisher said, referencing the toughness needed to beat him in the ring.

Fisher, whose father Big John has gained popularity on TikTok, will face Australian Demsey McKean on the December 21st card. This fight will be part of the highly anticipated event in Saudi Arabia, where Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will contest their rematch. McKean, a former sparring partner of Anthony Joshua, holds a record of 22 wins with just one loss.Aqib Fiaz cleared after BBBofC investigation

Although Fisher is focused on his upcoming bout, he does not rule out a future showdown with Itauma. “I will fight anyone. Anyone out there, I will fight,” Fisher said during the press conference. “And to beat me, you’ve got to pull your socks up and put it on to beat me,” he added defiantly. Despite his confidence, Fisher also praised Itauma, describing him as a “great talent” and acknowledging the significance that fight would have for the British public.

Both boxers made it clear that while they maintain a cordial relationship, they wouldn’t hesitate to face each other if the opportunity arises. A fight between Johnny Fisher and Moses Itauma would not only grab the attention of British boxing fans but could also establish one of them as a future star on the international boxing scene.

The December 21st event, taking place in Saudi Arabia, promises not only an epic rematch between Fury and Usyk but also high-caliber bouts on the rest of the card. The possibility of a future clash between Johnny Fisher and Moses Itauma adds even more excitement to the coming months in the boxing world.

On Wednesday, Tyson Fury appeared at a press conference to promote the much-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. The fight will take place on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, where both boxers will compete for the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight titles. This bout will be Fury’s opportunity to even the score, after Usyk defeated him in May and became the unified champion.

At the press conference in London, 36-year-old Fury spoke about what will be key to his victory. He assured that his focus will be on staying concentrated and fighting smarter to secure the win. “I don’t have much to change from the fight that Usyk won in May. A little more focus and I’ll win,” the Brit declared. The boxer, who suffered his first professional loss on May 18 in Riyadh, is determined to regain his status in the boxing world.Tyson Fury emphasized that he will not make drastic changes to his strategy.

He plans to rely on his offensive style, focusing on hitting, moving, and staying in control of the fight. Fury stated that he will go forward, hitting and moving without retreating. Fury mentioned that he aims to knock out Oleksandr Usyk in the ninth round, with an eight-count. He believes his combinations of jabs and body uppercuts will be key to breaking down the Ukrainian champion.

The fight, which will be the main event on a high-profile card, promises to be one of the most anticipated of the year. Tyson Fury, known by his nickname “Gypsy King,” is eagerly awaiting the chance to redeem himself in the ring, promising a better version of himself.

With his charismatic presence, Fury appeared confident in front of the media, wearing a cap with his famous nickname. As the fight date approaches, anticipation continues to rise in the boxing world, with fans eager to see if Tyson Fury will be able to complete his revenge and reclaim the title. Likewise, this could position him better and open the door to a possible fight against Anthony Joshua.𝙍𝙀𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙀𝘿 🔥#UsykFury2 | #RiyadhSeason | December 21, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikhpic.twitter.com/rFuv8Tsuca

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 23, 2024

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have developed one of the most skilled heavyweight rivalries of the century, although it was Fury who was trumped when they met back in May, it was the unified champion who appeared at the press conference dressed as ‘The Hitman’ ahead of their rematch.

Usyk and Fury went toe-to-toe in a battle to crown a first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century and the first of the four-belt era when they meet in May but the result was not entirely conclusive – a split-decision win for the Ukrainian being the outcome.

Since then, Usyk has received plenty of plaudits, with many labelling as the heavyweight great of this generation, yet despite his legendary win, Tyson Fury will still have hope that he can avenge the loss given the success he had before the pivotal ninth-round.

Furthermore, ‘The Gypsy King’s’ success in rematches after difficult initial contests against both John McDermott and Deontay Wilder will serve Fury well, although drawing up the adjustments that he would need to make to outthink Usyk is an almighty, migraine-inducing task.

At the press conference ahead of the ‘Riyadh Season’ event, it was clear to see that Tyson Fury was not the only fighter keen to make a change ahead of the rematch, as Oleksandr Usyk donned the stage with a changed appearance – sporting a shaved head as he imitated ‘Agent 47’ from popular 2007 film, ‘Hitman’.USYK JUST SHOWED UP AS AGENT 47 FROM HITMAN AT THE FURY PRESS CONFERENCE 😭 pic.twitter.com/r4P1nAvg1X

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 23, 2024

When asked of his new look, Usyk offered a short response…

“I don’t know.”Teófimo López accuses Turki Alalshikh of deliberately harming Canelo Alvarez event

And when asked of what was in his accompanying suitcase, the undefeated technician responded with a typically deadpan but comical reply.

“It is just [for] character.”Oleksandr Usyk on his new LOOK! 😂#UsykFury2 | #RiyadhSeason | Dec 21 pic.twitter.com/0p2aRHQ9xS

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 23, 2024

However, he then proceeded to open the suitcase and took out a picture of his first fight with Tyson Fury – which he asked his opponent to sign, before joking that fans will “find it tomorrow on eBay”.Oleksandr Usyk REVEALS what is in his briefcase 😂#UsykFury2 | #RiyadhSeason | Dec 21 pic.twitter.com/cpClq5uDCO

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 23, 2024

Usyk-Fury II will take place on December 21st at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, topping a bill that features a salivating super-welterweight showdown between Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov, as well as intriguing heavyweight match-up’s involving popular British duo Johnny Fisher and Moses Itauma.

The WBO super lightweight champion, Teófimo López, has pointed to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh as responsible for the conflict between two major sporting events on September 14 in Las Vegas. That night, Canelo Álvarez’s fight against Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena coincided with UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere, headlined by Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.

López, a close friend of Canelo, stated that the overlapping dates hurt his compatriot. Although Canelo’s event generated $17 million in ticket sales and 650,000 pay-per-view buys, UFC 306 surpassed those figures with $22 million in ticket sales. According to Teófimo López, Alalshikh, a member of the Saudi royal family and leader of the Riyadh Season festival, a UFC sponsor, intentionally scheduled the event on the same date to affect Canelo.

“The Turki guy [Turki Alalshikh], I just think that for someone that wants to… This is why… You got to look at the signs. For someone who wants to make boxing great again… You don’t schedule the same event with the UFC and Canelo Alvarez [on] the same night,” López stated.The conflict between Canelo and Alalshikh, according to Teófimo López, stems from a previous dispute.

In August, a potential fight between Canelo and Terence Crawford was discussed, but negotiations failed due to Canelo’s high financial demands. López implied that Alalshikh retaliated by choosing the Las Vegas Sphere and using his influence to draw more attention to the UFC event.

“You don’t go back around and dig at it by saying, let’s get to the Sphere because we have the funds,” López stated.

Although UFC 306 was announced in June, a month before Canelo confirmed his fight with Berlanga, López argues that the coincidence was not accidental. While he didn’t claim it was a deliberate plan, he suggested that careful business decisions were made to generate more revenue and overshadow Canelo’s fight.Gareth A. Davies questions how much Tim Tszyu has left after ‘brutal’ defeat

“As a business standpoint, there’s things that you gotta’ look at and see the pros and cons,” López explained.

Teófimo López concluded that Alalshikh should have avoided scheduling the UFC event on the same night, especially since Canelo typically fights on Mexican Independence Day. For the boxer, the clash of both events was part of a business strategy to favor UFC over boxing.‼️🚨😯Teofimo Lopez REVEALS “Turki Alalshikh TRIED TO GET REVENGE ON CANELO BY HOSTING UFC EVENT IN VEGAS SPHERE THE SAME NIGHT AS HIS FIGHT AGAINST BERLANGA😧🇲🇽🥊🧑🏻‍🦰 pic.twitter.com/ka96CMe9Ep

— Ray Bama (@armoredmaybach) October 22, 2024

This weekend will feature an unprecedented showdown between Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis. Tony Bellew, in his exclusive column for DAZN,

Bellew emphasized the importance of both fighters accepting this challenge. According to the former world champion, both Catterall and Prograis could have waited for a world title shot but chose to face each other now. Tony Bellew highlighted that the winner of this contest will be in a prime position for a major fight in 2025. “Boxing needs more of its fighters to be bold and take risky fights,” Bellew noted.

The fight between Catterall and Prograis presents a clash of styles and different moments in their careers. Catterall has been on the rise since his fight with Josh Taylor in 2022, where he proved himself to be a world-class fighter. Although he didn’t win the bout, his performance stood out, and since then, he has secured notable victories over Taylor and Jorge Linares. Tony Bellew believes that a win over Prograis would cement Catterall as one of the best fighters in his country.

Prograis, on the other hand, is looking to reaffirm his status in the division after his loss to Devin Haney last year. Although losing to a fighter of Haney’s caliber is nothing to be ashamed of, Bellew thinks Prograis has a lot to prove in this fight. Like Catterall, Prograis’ biggest moment came against Josh Taylor in 2019, where he lost in a close decision. However, Bellew sees this fight as the perfect opportunity for Prograis to reestablish himself as one of the best in the world.

Tony Bellew anticipates a close contest, with both fighters leaving everything in the final rounds to secure victory. “Catterall is the fighter in form,” said Bellew, who believes that Catterall’s confidence and ability to press the fight could give him a slight edge. In his final analysis, Bellew leans toward a Catterall victory, though he stresses it will be a tough and competitive fight until the end.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson – Full Fight Card

While the Catterall vs. Prograis fight may not be for a world title, it has potential. Both fighters will be looking to stake their claim on the world stage, and the outcome of this bout could set the stage for a major showdown in 2025.Another 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙘 fight week in Manchester 🇬🇧#CatterallPrograis | Oct 26 | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/YRGpQPnUWs

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 23, 2024

Naoya Inoue, one of boxing's pound-for-pound stars, has already cemented his place as a two-division undisputed champion. Now, as rumors swirl about a potential move to featherweight, promoter Bob Arum has shared plans for Inoue’s next three fights, hinting at a future showdown that could be the biggest in Japanese boxing history.

Inoue, dubbed "The Monster," became an undisputed bantamweight champion after knocking out Paul Butler in 2022. He then swiftly dominated the super-bantamweight division, claiming another undisputed title after defeating Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales. Despite calls for him to test his limits at featherweight, Inoue has remained committed to the 122-pound division, defending his titles against Luis Nery and TJ Doheny in 2024.

Next up for Inoue is a December 24th clash against unbeaten Australian and IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman, with an official announcement expected soon. However, the real buzz surrounds a potential 2025 fight against fellow Japanese star and bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani.

Bob Arum has confirmed that plans for an Inoue-Nakatani showdown are in the works, marking what could be a historic event for Japanese boxing. “Hopefully, they both keep winning. And it will be the biggest fight in the history of boxing in Japan,” Arum told Boxing News. He added that the bout, if all goes to plan, would be staged at the iconic Tokyo Dome.

Before this highly anticipated matchup, Inoue is expected to fight again in April 2025 in the United States, potentially sharing a card with Nakatani. The hope is that both fighters will continue their winning streaks, building towards the massive Tokyo Dome showdown that could rival any event in Japanese boxing history.

With the official announcement of Inoue’s December fight looming and excitement building for a future clash with Nakatani, the world will be watching as "The Monster" continues to carve his name into boxing’s elite.

#NaoyaInoue #InoueGoodman #JuntoNakatani #Boxing #JapaneseBoxing #TokyoDome #BoxingNews #BobArum #Featherweight #UndisputedChampion

Tim Tszyu's dream of reclaiming the super-welterweight throne was derailed in shocking fashion over the weekend, with a devastating defeat to Russia's Bakhram Murtazaliev. Tszyu, who had hoped to secure an easy win and move toward a showdown with Terence Crawford for the undisputed 154-pound title, was instead overpowered from the opening bell, suffering four knockdowns within three rounds before his corner threw in the towel.

This unexpected outcome has left many in the boxing world questioning what’s next for Tszyu, including respected journalist Gareth A. Davies. In an interview, Davies expressed concern over the punishment Tszyu has endured in recent fights, pointing to his losses to both Murtazaliev and Sebastian Fundora. He questioned whether Tszyu has enough left in the tank to continue competing at the highest level.

"I was a bit worried about Murtazaliev’s assault on Tim Tszyu at the weekend. He got badly beaten up," Davies said. "I am a little bit concerned about how much punishment Tim Tszyu is taking... There’s an element of wondering, how much has he got left?"

Following the first knockout loss of his career, some are suggesting that Tszyu return to Australia to rebuild his confidence before seeking another world title shot. One potential opponent is Michael Zerafa, a domestic rival who has been vocal about wanting to settle unfinished business with Tszyu.

Meanwhile, Murtazaliev, now a respected IBF super-welterweight world champion, has become a marked man in the division, with contenders like Erickson Lubin eyeing an opportunity to hand him his first career defeat.

#TimTszyu #Boxing #Murtazaliev #SuperWelterweight #GarethADavies #MichaelZerafa #BoxingUpset #IBF #BakhramMurtazaliev #BoxingNews

The latest junior middleweight rankings from Ring Magazine have sparked controversy following Bakhram Murtazaliev's stunning victory over Tim Tszyu this past weekend. Despite Murtazaliev’s impressive performance, many feel his ranking does not reflect his recent dominance in the division.

Murtazaliev, the undefeated IBF champion, dismantled Tszyu in just three rounds, dropping the Australian four times before Tszyu’s corner threw in the towel. This upset was seen by many as a major statement from Murtazaliev, who was previously ranked 10th by Ring Magazine. However, even with the victory, the Russian was placed third in the updated rankings, which some believe undervalues his performance.

The top two spots are held by Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, a decision that has drawn significant debate. Crawford’s position as number one seems justified based on his recent history, having defeated Madrimov in 2023 for the WBA and vacant WBO interim light middleweight titles, becoming a four-division world champion. While Crawford’s credentials are unquestioned, critics argue that his ranking at junior middleweight, where he’s had limited activity, could be challenged by more active and dominant fighters in the division.

Madrimov, ranked second, has not fought since his loss to Crawford, which has fueled the outcry. His placement ahead of Murtazaliev and even Sebastian Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC junior middleweight titles, has left many fans questioning the logic behind the rankings.

Sebastian Fundora, who defeated Jermell Charlo to capture his two titles, is currently ranked fourth. Many feel that his consistent performances, alongside Murtazaliev’s latest win, should place them higher than Madrimov, who hasn't claimed a title at 154 lbs.

Murtazaliev’s swift rise from 10th to third in Ring Magazine's rankings is a notable improvement, but for many, his dominant display against Tszyu should have placed him closer to the top. With both Crawford and Fundora holding significant belts, Murtazaliev’s future fights may be critical in determining whether he can climb even higher.

Meanwhile, Tszyu’s future remains uncertain after suffering his first career knockout defeat. Some are suggesting he return to Australia for a tune-up fight before re-entering the title picture, while domestic rival Michael Zerafa has called out Tszyu for a potential grudge match.

For now, boxing fans will continue debating whether Murtazaliev's performance warrants a higher ranking and if the current junior middleweight landscape is accurately reflected in Ring Magazine's updated standings.

Ring Magazine 154-lb Rankings (October 21, 2024):

1. Terence Crawford
2. Israil Madrimov
3. Bakhram Murtazaliev
4. Sebastian Fundora
5. Vergil Ortiz
6. Serhii Bohachuk
7. Tim Tszyu
8. Jesus Ramos
9. Charles Conwell
10. Brian Mendoza

#BoxingRankings #BakhramMurtazaliev #JuniorMiddleweight #RingMagazine #TimTszyu #SebastianFundora #TerenceCrawford #BoxingDebate #BoxingNews #MurtazalievVsTszyu

Promoter Ben Shalom has set the boxing world abuzz by pitching a high-stakes 'BOXXER vs. Matchroom' event for 2025, reminiscent of the successful Matchroom vs. Queensberry card earlier in the year. Inspired by Turki Al-Alshikh’s blockbuster events, Shalom hopes to see his promotional outfit, BOXXER, square off against Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom in a five-fight card that could redefine rivalries in the sport.

Speaking to iFL TV, Shalom outlined his vision, teasing a potential main event between long-time rivals Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, a grudge match that fans have been clamoring for. This fight, rumored to be set for May 2025, could serve as the headline for a much-anticipated card, should both promotional teams agree to the challenge.

Shalom’s proposal follows the aftermath of Matchroom’s stunning defeat against Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions during the Bivol-Zinad undercard in June, where Eddie Hearn’s team was whitewashed. Daniel Dubois’ upset win over Filip Hrgovic was one of the most significant results of the night, triggering a cascade of frustrations for Hearn. Now, Shalom sees this as the perfect opportunity for Hearn to bounce back.

Potential BOXXER vs. Matchroom Matchups

Shalom suggested a list of potential fights, providing an exciting glimpse of what could be one of the biggest promotional battles in boxing history:

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn
A highly anticipated showdown years in the making, this fight is a guaranteed headliner, bringing together two of the sport’s biggest names with a storied family rivalry.

Dalton Smith vs. Adam Azim
An intriguing battle between two rising British stars, Smith’s technical prowess against Azim’s blistering speed and power could be a show-stealer.

Johnny Fisher vs. Frazer Clarke
A heavyweight clash between two of Britain’s most popular fighters, both known for their knockout power and growing fanbases.

Jai Opetaia vs. Chris Billam-Smith
The cruiserweight division could see fireworks as IBF champion Opetaia faces Billam-Smith, who is fresh off his victory over Lawrence Okolie.

Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper
A potential women's fight of the year, as rising star Caroline Dubois takes on two-weight world champion Terri Harper in a battle of youth versus experience.

Viddal Riley vs. Chev Clarke
Cruiserweight prospects collide in what would be a high-octane, hard-hitting affair.

Shalom's Vision for 2025

Shalom emphasized that the timing of such an event is crucial. He believes 2025 is the right moment for this epic clash, stating:
“For me, next year will be the right time. There is a huge amount of fights that can be made, and if we could do it as a Matchroom-BOXXER card, I am ready to go.”

While tensions between Shalom and rival promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have escalated in recent months, particularly during the Beterbiev-Bivol fight week, Shalom remains undeterred in his pursuit of organizing this grand spectacle. Should both teams agree, the event could not only revive the competitive spirit between these promotional powerhouses but also deliver some of the most exciting matchups in recent memory.

With rumors swirling about a massive bill in February and the potential Eubank-Benn clash in May 2025, boxing fans will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation.

#BoxingShowdown #EubankBenn #BenShalom #EddieHearn #BOXXERVsMatchroom #BoxingRivalry #BoxingNews #MatchroomBoxing #BOXXER #FightNight

The highly anticipated press conference for the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has been confirmed. The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. in the UK. This will be the official launch of the promotion for their much-awaited fight, which is set to take place on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In their first encounter, held on May 18, 2024, at the same venue, Usyk surprised many by defeating Fury via split decision after 12 intense rounds. Usyk, undefeated with a record of 22 wins and 0 losses, currently holds the heavyweight titles from The Ring, the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and the World Boxing Association (WBA Super).

The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23. The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. in the UK.

Fury, on the other hand, will be looking to redeem himself after that loss and add another victory to his record, which currently stands at 34 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. This rematch is crucial for Fury, as a victory could bring him closer to a highly anticipated bout against Anthony Joshua, which could take place in 2025. However, Usyk, fully aware of his standing as one of the best heavyweights in the world, is determined to keep his undefeated streak intact.

In addition to the main event, the Usyk vs Fury 2 card will feature several exciting matchups. One of the most anticipated is the heavyweight contest between rising star Moses Itauma and experienced fighter Demsey McKean. There will also be a thrilling British clash between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen, both vying for prominence in the heavyweight division.

In the light middleweight category, former WBA world champion Israil Madrimov will take on Serhii Bohachuk. Additionally, Dennis McCann, the current European super bantamweight champion, will defend his title against mandatory challenger Peter McGrail.

Finally, Isaac Lowe will kick off the event with a featherweight bout against Scotland’s Lee McGregor, who comes in strong after winning his last two fights by knockout.Usyk vs Fury 2 – Card:

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: For Usyk’s WBA Super, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles.

Serhii Bohachuk vs Israil Madrimov: Light middleweight bout.Adam Azim wants world title fight next

Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean: Heavyweight bout.

Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen: Heavyweight bout.

Dennis McCann vs Peter McGrail: For the European super bantamweight title.

Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Featherweight bout.🗣️ Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will meet at a launch press conference (5 pm UK/12 pm ET) on Wednesday, October 23 to promote their Dec 21 bout in Riyadh for the unified WBA/WBC/WBO Heavyweight title. pic.twitter.com/PnYAbtTrre

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) October 22, 2024

Adam Azim has made his ambition clear to fight for a world title in his next bout. During a recent interview with Sky Sports Boxing, Azim and his promoter, Barry McGuigan,

McGuigan praised Azim’s performance in his latest fight, mentioning in a podcast that the boxer delivered an impressive showing. “On the Toe2Toe podcast, which will be available for download later today, we mentioned that we were very happy that Adam got the rounds in,” McGuigan stated. Although he acknowledged that Azim could have finished the fight in the fifth round, he highlighted the value of the extra rounds.

“He knows he could have stepped it up a bit earlier and finished the fight in the fifth round, but those extra rounds were invaluable,” he added.

Azim’s growth over the past year was also a key point in the interview. According to McGuigan, the work done with coach Shane McGuigan has been crucial in developing Azim’s aggression, his ability to press forward and close the distance, and his counter-punching skills. “Traditionally, he’s a technical boxer with great footwork and speed, but he hits extremely hard, especially with that left hook, though his right hand is a bomb too,” McGuigan explained.During the interview, Adam Azim was asked about his immediate plans, and he responded clearly: he wants to fight for the IBO world title.

“There’s a vacant IBO world title, and I want to target that next. Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll take it,” Azim declared.

It’s important to note that the IBO world title is not recognized as a major world title and doesn’t hold as much significance as some of the other top titles. However, as of 2023, the IBO title has been unified with three of the four major governing bodies in boxing — the WBA, IBF, and WBO — across several weight divisions.

The young boxer emphasized his goal of continuing to develop and taking on more significant opponents, mentioning that fights against rivals like Harlem Eubank and Dalton Smith are on the horizon but should happen at the right time.

Adam Azim, who solidified his place as a world contender after his victory over Ohara Davies, expressed his willingness to take on big fights. “If I’m offered a big fight, I’ll take it with both hands,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of timing and making sure everything is in place, including the possibility of a Pay-Per-View event.

For his part, Barry McGuigan stressed the importance of not rushing decisions and making sure his fighter is fully prepared to face elite competition. “It’s easy to make the mistake of rushing in and getting your fighter beaten when he’s not ready,” McGuigan warned.Bill Haney reveals what he believes his son is owed by Ryan Garcia after De La Hoya taunt

Although he acknowledged that Adam Azim has the ability to defeat boxers like Liam Paro, José Valenzuela, or Alberto Puello, he emphasized that the current focus is on allowing him to continue developing gradually.

“I’m not saying Adam isn’t ready because he could beat guys like Liam Paro, José Valenzuela, or Alberto Puello right now, but we still think he’s developing. It’s better to take those fights when it’s the natural next step,” McGuigan said.

McGuigan also commented on the need to keep Azim active, especially after he lost ten months of training due to an ankle injury.

“Harlem Eubank and Dalton Smith are both possible future fights, no question, but we want to get him out again before Christmas. He damaged his ankle and was out for 10 months, which is time we can’t get back. We need to keep him busy. I had 12 fights in my first year as a pro. So we want him to be busy, because activity especially when you’re young is absolutely essential. Adam’s 22, so he’s got all the time in the world, but in British boxing, we want it now, not tomorrow,” the promoter concluded.

With a world title in sight and the support of an experienced team, Adam Azim seems to be on the right path to becoming one of the major figures in international boxing.

Michael Buffer, the iconic voice of boxing, surprised the world with an unexpected invitation for Samantha Irvin after she announced her departure from WWE. Buffer expressed his desire for the talented announcer to explore a career in boxing following her exit from World Wrestling Entertainment.

Samantha Irvin announced her departure from WWE, which sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Although her decision was partly fueled by rumors of pregnancy with former WWE superstar Ricochet, Irvin’s focus seems to lie beyond that.Michael Buffer, who has been a key figure in the presentation of boxing matches worldwide, joined the conversation after Irvin’s announcement.

On his official X account, Buffer

“NO!💔 My wife and I are so sorry to hear this as I’m sure millions of other @WWE fans are. Samantha is brilliant & super professional as announcer + her musical talent as a singer & flautist are amazing! All the best to her moving forward w/her career & perhaps we’ll see her in future events including boxing & MMA!” Michael Buffer wrote on X.

These words suggest that the legendary announcer hopes Irvin will consider transitioning into the world of boxing.

Irvin’s farewell message,

“WWE Universe, my time has come to an end as your Monday Night ‘Raw’ ring announcer,” Irvin wrote. “I love you all tremendously and this does not mark the end of my art, I have a lifetime more to

She thanked both past and present WWE superstars for their dedication and commitment to entertaining fans. Irvin acknowledged the physical and emotional effort required to be part of the sports entertainment industry.

Samantha Irvin also expressed gratitude to several backstage members of WWE. She highlighted Brian “Road Dogg” James, Scott Armstrong, Gabe Sapolsky, and George Carroll Jr. for giving her the opportunity to showcase her talent. Additionally, she thanked WWE Director HHH and Mark Henry, who gave her a big break in the company. Irvin assured them that she always tried to make them proud with her performance.Bill Haney reveals what he believes his son is owed by Ryan Garcia after De La Hoya taunt

It’s worth noting that Irvin made it clear her departure from WWE does not mark the end of her career. The talented announcer left the door open for new professional opportunities. Furthermore, Michael Buffer’s invitation for Samantha Irvin to join the world of boxing has piqued curiosity among fans of both sports. Buffer’s public recognition of Irvin’s skills as an announcer and her potential in a new arena could open an unexpected door for the former Monday Night Raw host.

With this possibility in the air, Irvin’s transition into boxing could be one of the most exciting surprises in the world of sports entertainment in the coming months.NO!💔 My wife and I are so sorry to hear this as I’m sure millions of other @WWE fans are. Samantha is brilliant & super professional as announcer+her musical talent as a singer & flautist are amazing! All the best to her moving forward w/her career & perhaps we’ll see her in… https://t.co/ZzUD9XfjIj

— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) October 21, 2024

pic.twitter.com/RpkLIYkpNN

— Samantha Irvin (@SamanthaTheBomb) October 21, 2024

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, former boxer and now trainer George Groves introduced a new prospect. Groves, who rose to fame in the boxing world, believes this young talent will be the “future of boxing.”

George Groves, who fought in the 75-kilogram division as an amateur, has a remarkable track record. He won the Senior ABA Championship in 2006 and 2007, triumphing in several international arenas. During his amateur career, Groves accumulated 66 wins in 76 fights, with 40 of those victories coming by stoppage. One of his most notable achievements was his victory over James DeGale, who later went on to become an Olympic and world champion.

Groves currently works as a trainer at the Dale Youth Academy. This gym is well-known in the boxing community for having trained figures such as Groves himself, Olympic gold medalist James DeGale, and heavyweight Daniel Dubois.Now, George Groves has taken on the role of trainer for Lucas Roehrig, a young boxing prospect aiming to make a name for himself in the cruiserweight division.

During the interview, Groves expressed his excitement about Roehrig’s potential. According to Groves, the young boxer has shown phenomenal talent and has significantly improved over the past few years as an amateur. The trainer is fully confident that now is the time for Roehrig to shine as a professional and climb to the top of the boxing world.

Roehrig, 21, is preparing for his new stage as a professional. The boxer debuted on November 27, 2011, against Isaac Okoh, and currently holds a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 5 knockouts. This talented fighter has gained experience facing tough opponents and has also sparred with IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

With George Groves’ support, Lucas Roehrig seems to have a bright future ahead. As he continues his career at the Dale Youth Academy, both Groves and boxing fans will be eager to see how the young boxer progresses on the global professional boxing stage.Meet the new talent George Groves is looking to take to the top 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dFAIrBbVNl

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 22, 2024Amateur sensation to challenge for WBA world title in fourth professional bout

https://t.co/zKj1jili1s

— Lucas Roehrig (@LucasRoehrig) October 22, 2024

Evander Holyfield, a legendary four-time heavyweight world champion, has faced some of boxing’s biggest names, including Larry Holmes, Lennox Lewis, and Mike Tyson. Yet, according to Holyfield, the hardest punch he ever endured didn’t come from any of them—it came from George Foreman.

In a recent interview with ESNEWS, Holyfield revealed that during his 1991 fight against Foreman, he felt like Foreman had knocked out all his teeth with a single punch. Despite winning the fight by unanimous decision, Holyfield admitted that Foreman’s power left a lasting impression.

“The guy that hit me the hardest was George Foreman. He hit me one time in the eleventh round, and I came back to the corner and I said, ‘Did he knock all my teeth out?’” Holyfield shared.

The 1991 bout occurred during the second phase of Foreman’s career, as he sought to become the oldest world champion in boxing history. Though Foreman lost the fight to Holyfield, he achieved his goal three years later, winning the heavyweight title at 45. Holyfield, who managed to remain undefeated against Foreman, continued his legendary career with a series of memorable fights, including a loss to Riddick Bowe in 1992 and later avenging it.

Holyfield’s journey through boxing includes iconic victories like his 1996 win over Mike Tyson, regaining the WBA title. Their infamous rematch in 1997 ended with Tyson being disqualified for biting Holyfield’s ear, cementing their rivalry in boxing history.

Though Holyfield retired in 2011, he briefly returned to the ring in 2021 for an exhibition match against MMA fighter Vitor Belfort, where he was knocked out in the first round. Now 62, Holyfield remains a beloved figure in the sport, having been the only undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.

Holyfield’s potential return to the ring had also been rumored, with reports suggesting a possible matchup against YouTube star KSI. However, those plans were ultimately scrapped, and Holyfield has since fully stepped away from boxing.

Meanwhile, his old rival Mike Tyson has been generating buzz with his own return to the spotlight, as he gears up for a controversial fight against YouTube star Jake Paul, scheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Texas.

#EvanderHolyfield #GeorgeForeman #HardestPunch #BoxingLegends #HeavyweightChampion #MikeTyson #BoxingHistory #BoxingComebacks #FightNight #RiddickBowe #JakePaul #KSI

Fighters crossing over from the world of MMA into professional boxing has become the norm in recent years, with notable names such as Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou encouraging an influx at the lower echelons of the sport. However, one undefeated mixed martial artist now faces a lifetime ban from boxing after a horrific debut.

Idris ‘Aggressor’ Abdurashidov boasts a record of 3-0 in Muay Thai and 4-0 as an MMA fighter, having scored a second-round stoppage win over Kazakbai Tilenov on his debut with popular MMA franchise ONE Championship last month.

This month, the Russian decided to try his hand at boxing and stepped through the ropes to take on Bagher Faraji (2-0) at the Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand.

After dominating all four rounds, Iran’s Faraji was well on his way to handing Abdurashidov a first professional defeat in combat sports until the debutant threw a brutal head kick in the final round of the contest, sending Faraji crashing headfirst into the canvas.

Instantaneously, a decision was made, and Abdurashidov has been banned from boxing professionally. There have also been calls for the ‘Aggressor’ to be banned from ONE Championship as well.

Yet, amid all the speculation, Abdurashidov did not seem remorseful in an Instagram post after the incident, labeling the kick as a “machine gun.” He wrote, “So he [I] debuted in professional boxing, and disqualification for life. This kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun.”

Underneath the post, fans expressed their outrage at Abdurashidov’s lack of regret, with one user stating that the moment was “classless.”

“You were getting embarrassed, and you had to cheat. Classless, and I’m glad you’re banned for life. 0-1 boxing.”

“The leg kick and running away from the ring. If it had continued for another thirty seconds, you would have been knocked out.”

It remains to be seen whether Abdurashidov will be reprimanded by ONE Championship, although the viral nature of the incident will likely require a response from the respected combat sports promotion.

#IdrisAbdurashidov #BoxingDebut #MMAtoBoxing #CombatSports #BoxingNews #Disqualification #ONEChampionship #Controversy #HeadKick #SportsDrama

The Cuban invasion into professional boxing has been long anticipated, and now the proud boxing nation is poised for a landmark contest as one of their most accomplished amateurs seeks to achieve world honors in just his fourth professional bout.

Julio Cesar La Cruz, an Olympic gold medalist in both the light-heavyweight division at Rio 2016 and the heavyweight division at Tokyo 2020, has established himself as one of Cuba’s most impressive amateur talents, boasting an incredible five world championships while dominating the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions for almost 15 years.

In May 2022, ‘La Sombra’ made his professional debut in Mexico, scoring a knockout win over Deivis Casseres. He followed that performance with a second stoppage victory against Juan Rodolfo Juarez three months later. However, the now 35-year-old has fought only once since, banking ten rounds against Austine Nnamdi in a clash in Guinea in December 2023. That win crowned La Cruz as the WBA Gold bridgerweight champion.

Following a meeting with the IBA, the WBA has announced that La Cruz will challenge Muslim Gadzhimagomedov for the WBA bridgerweight title, as well as the less recognized IBA bridgerweight strap. The showdown is set to take place in Dubai this December, acting as a launchpad for regular fights between contenders on the IBA circuit and WBA-ranked world title hopefuls, as detailed on the WBA website.

“Another point to be discussed was the development of the IBA Champion’s Night, whose events have had the support of the WBA and include bouts for both regional and world titles of the pioneer organization. Fighters such as Albert Ramirez, Albert Batyrgaziev, and Muslim Gadzhimagomedov have had the opportunity to fight and win WBA championships in this great project.

“In addition, this occasion marks a step forward towards achieving a unified WBA-IBA fight in December, featuring Gadzhimagomedov facing Julio La Cruz in the ring in Dubai during the annual IBA congress. This congress will be significant as it aims to relaunch a league project similar to the old World Series of Boxing (WSB), offering opportunities for fighters from the IBA circuit to compete against boxers from the WBA rankings.”

As a result, Julio Cesar La Cruz will become the first Cuban boxer to fight in a world title contest while representing the CBF (Cuban Boxing Federation), and he will do so on his fourth different continent in as many professional outings.

#JulioCesarLaCruz #CubanBoxing #WorldTitleFight #BoxingHistory #OlympicChampion #Bridgerweight #WBA #IBA #BoxingNews #CombatSports