Originally slated to be the main event, Matt Conway of Pittsburgh was set to square off against Long Island's fan favorite, Alex Vargas (13-0, 5 KO's). Unfortunately, Conway had to withdraw from the fight due to a training-related fractured elbow. Puerto Rican-born Julio Rosa, now based in Orlando, Florida, has courageously accepted the challenge, making the Vargas-Rosa super lightweight bout the new main event. This clash will determine the holder of the vacant WBA Continental USA Championship, offering both fighters their first opportunity to claim a title in their professional careers. Alex Vargas, aiming for his 10th appearance at The Paramount in Suffolk County, is determined to secure the most significant victory of his career by clinching his first regional title. Winning this championship will propel him up the super lightweight rankings and mark a pivotal moment in his professional journey. Vargas maintains his dedication to the mission of becoming the new WBA Continental Champion. On the opposing side, Julio Rosa (8-3, 4 KO's) is no stranger to the taste of success, having won four of his last five bouts. Despite his recent majority decision loss, Rosa remains determined and hungry to return to Orlando with the WBA title in his grasp. This main event title fight is a reflection of his eight years of dedication to the sport, both in the amateur and professional ranks, all in pursuit of his dream of becoming a world champion. Expressing his gratitude, Julio Rosa acknowledged the role of Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for opening the doors to this championship opportunity. Representing Bayamon, Puerto Rico, a proud boxing hub eager for triumph, Rosa is poised to make the most of this moment in New York on October 28th. He is resolute in his commitment to giving his all in pursuit of his dream of one day becoming a world champion in the 140-pound division. This compelling bout promises to be a significant stepping stone in the careers of both Vargas and Rosa, with the winner taking home the WBA Continental USA Championship. Boxing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this clash of determination and skill in the super lightweight division.

Burt Young, best known for his iconic role as Paulie in the legendary Rocky film series, has passed away at the age of 83. While there have been unverified reports suggesting that Young may have had a successful amateur boxing career during his time in the Marines and even alleged professional bouts, these claims remain unsubstantiated. Burt Young's career as an actor extended beyond the boxing ring, where he portrayed the beloved character, Paulie, Rocky's brother-in-law, and later, his devoted cornerman. It was this role that truly endeared him to audiences worldwide and earned him a well-deserved nomination for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Young's contribution to the world of entertainment goes far beyond his work in the Rocky series. His versatile acting talent and memorable performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry. He will be remembered not only as a talented actor but as a part of cinematic history. The passing of Burt Young marks the loss of a true talent and a beloved figure in the world of film. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. Burt Young's legacy will live on through his memorable performances, especially as the endearing and gruff Paulie in the Rocky series, which has touched the hearts of generations.

In an eagerly anticipated event, the Monte Carlo Showdown is just around the corner, taking place in only 15 days. South Africa's Sivenathi "The Special One" Nontshinga is set to defend his title against the formidable Mexican, Adrian Curiel Dominguez. The match is scheduled to be held at Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco. Nontshinga, the sole legitimate world titleholder in South Africa, solidified his position in July with a resounding unanimous points decision victory against Filipino Reggie Sugarnob in East London. This victory served as irrefutable proof that his initial title win, achieved via a split points decision in Mexico against Hector Flores, was no fluke. Notably, Nontshinga is under the management of Eddie Hearn, the renowned British boxing promoter, who signed him shortly after he clinched the world belt in September the previous year. Hailing from Chicken Farm near Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, Nontshinga is set to make his debut under the Matchroom Boxing banner. His opponent, Adrian Curiel Dominguez, boasts an impressive record with 24 wins, three undefeated outings, and nine knockouts in his 12 fights. Both fighters are 24 years old, adding an intriguing element of youth and vigor to the upcoming clash. Boxing enthusiasts worldwide can catch this compelling showdown, as the fight will be broadcast by DAZN Global in the UK and DAZN in the US. The main attraction of the event features Welshman Joe Cordina defending his IBF junior lightweight belt against American contender Edward Vazquez. The team supporting Nontshinga will include Collin Nathan's assistant, as well as Nontshinga's father, Thembani Gopheni, and trainer Bernie Pailman. Pailman showcased his skills as a cut-man during Lerato "Lights Out" Dlamini's intense battle, helping him secure a victory on points despite a severe cut just under his right eyebrow in round nine of the IBF featherweight elimination fight against Tomoki Kameda in Japan on October 7. Collin Nathan, well-versed in the unique weather conditions of Monaco, having been there three times with Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler in 2014 and 2015, is confident about the training camp's progress. He assured fans, saying, "Our training camp is going well; we will be ready and prepared for a tough fight. Adrian is tough, a come-forward fighter who is very aggressive, but we will still win the fight." Boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the Monte Carlo Showdown, anticipating an electrifying battle between Nontshinga and Dominguez.

"Prograis Anticipates a Stronger Performance from Devin Haney in Upcoming Bout" WBC light welterweight champion, Devin Haney, has high expectations for his performance in the upcoming match against Regis Prograis, believing that he will fare much better than his previous fight against Vasily Lomachenko. In his last bout, Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) showed signs of fatigue in the later rounds, possibly due to the weight cut he underwent to reach 135 pounds. With his move up to the 140-pound division to face Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs), this weight issue may no longer be a concern. However, Haney's physical appearance at a press conference raised eyebrows, resembling that of a 154-pound fighter. Shedding the excess weight may pose a challenge for him, potentially affecting his performance as it did against Lomachenko. Nonetheless, if Prograis replicates his last impressive performance against Danielito Zorrilla, Haney could face an uphill battle. Prograis is not underestimating Haney and has no intentions of relying on Haney's past fight with Lomachenko as a reference point. He acknowledged that this will be a different fight, emphasizing that Lomachenko's technical skills far exceed his own. Prograis also expressed his interest in more significant fights after facing Haney. He considers a rematch with Josh Taylor less appealing business-wise, as there are bigger opportunities on the horizon. When asked about a potential fight with Ryan Garcia, Prograis showed interest, noting that it would be a more significant bout, given Garcia's marketability despite not holding a championship belt. In the context of Prograis' career, the notion of avenging his loss to Josh Taylor is becoming less relevant, as Taylor's prime may have passed. Prograis pointed out that the best time to seek revenge was right after their 2019 bout, but Taylor did not express interest in a rematch. As for Terence Crawford's chances against Canelo Alvarez, Prograis believed the weight difference was a significant factor and cautioned against trying to match fighters across weight classes. He expressed his desire to see fights between himself and Ryan Garcia or Teofimo Lopez, showing his support for fellow fighters and his belief in their potential. Prograis also had faith in Jermall Charlo's abilities but emphasized the need for him to regain focus after a two-year hiatus from the ring.

Light heavyweight contender Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) has emphatically denied allegations of faking an injury that led to the postponement of his highly-anticipated bout against Joshua Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) at London's O2 Arena. Azeez, a 34-year-old from London, is determined to reschedule the fight before Christmas. In an interview with Sky Sports, Azeez shed light on the unfortunate turn of events, stating, "I'm obviously not in the best of spirits, but it is what it is. The fight is off, and we're looking to get a new scheduled date in the diary." The back injury that forced him to withdraw from the match arose during his final intense training session. Azeez explained, "I was having my last real hard session, and after the session, I could feel a pain in my lower back, and it got worse and worse from there." Despite initial hopes that he could manage the discomfort with painkillers, Azeez quickly realized that the injury impeded his mobility, both standing and sitting, making him unfit to compete. He expressed, "I was not clear to box after that. I got some rehab to do, and it looks positive. I thought it would be much longer than expected, so I'm quite pleased about that." Azeez stressed the commonality of minor injuries in the sport but emphasized the severity of this particular setback. He said, "Everyone knows you always get niggles, and I've been in fights where you get injuries. I thought it was just another niggle, and I had a few days until the fight, but it just got worse and worse to the point where I couldn't move, and that's when it was concerning for me." Addressing the allegations that he fabricated the injury, Azeez expressed his dismay, particularly regarding speculations from within the industry. "That's one of the things that's been most upsetting. I'm hearing the narrative of three weeks out," he said, adding, "The show was going to be off, but that's really hurtful. For someone of my integrity, the type of fighter I am, I would never, ever stage an injury." Azeez reiterated his commitment to the sport and his fans, asserting, "People have worked hard to buy a ticket to come, and people have traveled far. I just wouldn't do that. It's nothing to do with [promoter] Boxxer or Buatsi; I got the injury just the other day. It was hurtful, especially coming from people in the industry. You'll have your people on social media and your keyboard warriors, but when you have people in the industry who know the game and the industry talking about conspiracies, that's really, really poor. I was enraged." In conclusion, Azeez addressed the hope of rescheduling the match against Buatsi, saying, "I'd really like it to happen before the end of the year. That's what it's looking like. Once we get the scans and results back, hopefully we can actually put a date to it." He also alluded to potential competition-driven motivations behind the speculation of his injury, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the sport and his integrity.

Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza, Formerly Called 'Weasel' by Conor McGregor, to Depart In a surprising turn of events, Stephen Espinoza, the President of Showtime Sports, who once faced the brunt of Conor McGregor's "weasel" jibe, is reportedly set to step down from his position. This decision coincides with the forthcoming shutdown of Showtime Sports by the end of the year, marking the end of Espinoza's impressive 37-year career in the sports and corporate world. In a recent statement, the 53-year-old expressed, "The company's decision is not a reflection of the work we have done in recent years, nor of our long and proud history. Unfortunately, in a rapidly evolving media marketplace, the company has had to make difficult choices allocating resources, resetting priorities, and reshaping its content offering. While today's news is certainly difficult and disappointing, it is entirely out of our control." One of the pivotal moments in Espinoza's tenure was the promotion of Conor McGregor's epic 2017 bout against Floyd Mayweather, which was broadcast on Showtime. This fight led to the now-infamous altercation on stage during the global promotional tour. McGregor's outburst was triggered by his belief that his microphone had been tampered with to favor his opponent's narrative in the lead-up to the bout. Ultimately, Mayweather emerged victorious, extending his professional record to an astounding 50-0 with a 10th-round TKO stoppage in the light-middleweight contest. Earlier this year, it was revealed that McGregor, the Irish MMA superstar, had to extend an apology to Espinoza to secure access to the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia event. Reflecting on the encounter, Espinoza shared in August, "We did run into each other backstage at Tank vs. Ryan. He came up and said hello; we literally almost bumped into each other. He was respectful, and I think I reciprocated with the same level of respect. He could sense that I wasn't overly effusive in my reception. I wasn't overly enthusiastic." In a surprising twist, McGregor reportedly offered an apology during this encounter, saying, "If I offended you, I'm sorry, but maybe we can do it all again." It's worth noting that the fight between Mayweather and McGregor went on to achieve remarkable success, amassing five million Pay-Per-View sales and generating revenue in the ballpark of £400 million. This accomplishment secured its place as the fourth biggest fight of all time, even when adjusted for inflation.

Rumors are circulating in the boxing world that Floyd Mayweather Jr., also known as "Mr. TBE," is set to return to the ring for another exhibition match before the year's end. The speculated date for this event is December 9th, and his opponent is said to be the recently retired former four-division champion, Mikey Garcia. Additionally, the card is rumored to feature Keith 'One Time' Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) facing Danny Garcia (37-3, 21 KOs), this time in the junior middleweight division. The significance of Mayweather's potential return is not lost, as he played a pivotal role in elevating Showtime Boxing to new heights. The timing is interesting, considering the recent news of Showtime Boxing's discontinuation, with Paramount opting not to feature boxing on its network in 2024. Reports have emerged indicating negotiations between Amazon, DAZN, and Premier Boxing Champions to take over the distribution of boxing shows. The opponent choice of Mikey Garcia adds intrigue to the event. Although Garcia retired some years ago, his return to the ring suggests a financial incentive. Garcia's popularity among fans and his occasional appearances in the boxing scene have kept him in the spotlight. If this matchup materializes, a catchweight around 155 pounds is expected, benefiting both fighters. Another bout rumored for the December 9th card is a junior middleweight clash between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman. Both fighters have been inactive for over a year, with Thurman seeking high guarantees for his fights and Garcia carefully selecting his return opportunities. Given their advanced careers and the welterweight division's evolution, a move to junior middleweight makes strategic sense. As Showtime Boxing prepares to close its doors, this potential exhibition card signifies a memorable send-off for a network that has been a prominent figure in the boxing world for over 37 years. The December 9th event promises to provide an exciting spectacle for boxing enthusiasts.

In the lead-up to the epic showdown between reigning WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou, John Fury, Tyson's father, has his sights set on an unexpected target: boxing legend and Ngannou's coach, Mike Tyson. The crossover clash between 'The Gypsy King' and 'The Predator' is scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Ngannou's professional boxing debut. A surprising twist in the tale is that Ngannou has been receiving guidance from 'Iron' Mike Tyson in preparation for the fight. John Fury, who named his son after the famed knockout artist, feels slighted by the former champion's involvement and believes that Mike Tyson has betrayed the sport of boxing. He intends to voice these sentiments directly to Mike Tyson when they inevitably come face-to-face in Saudi Arabia. "Me? Mike Tyson, I'm going to the top of the tree, and he's a traitor, and I'm going to tell him so in Saudi next week. Next week, he'll be told," Fury asserted in an interview with Mirror Fighting. Notably, John Fury has recently made headlines for his confrontations at his son Tommy Fury's recent boxing event. Tommy Fury headlined the event against social media sensation KSI, securing a majority decision victory despite a lackluster performance. John Fury is unafraid of confrontation and plans to bring the same energy to Saudi Arabia. "You watch, there will be no backward steps here from this kid," John Fury added. "Nobody is bullying me, and I'm not bullying them. I will stand, look any man in the eye and say, 'Listen, let's get it on, if you want to fight me I'm feared of no man.' The only thing I'm feared of in my life is God almighty. If you've got two arms, two legs, and a head, I'm not frightened of you." The Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou bout is set to take place on October 28, available for viewers in the United States via ESPN+ pay-per-view at a price of $79.99. The clash between two different fighting disciplines is drawing significant attention and anticipation from fans around the world.

Evander Holyfield, a two-weight undisputed world champion, has offered a surprising revelation about the hardest puncher he ever encountered during his remarkable boxing career. Despite sharing the ring with legends like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe, Holyfield pointed to George Foreman as the man who packed the most power. When asked by RingTV about the most powerful puncher he faced, Holyfield singled out the legendary George Foreman. Notably, this accolade comes despite Holyfield's battles with heavyweight icons, some of whom were known for their knockout prowess. Holyfield specifically referred to his 1991 clash with Foreman for the undisputed heavyweight world championship when 'Big George' was already in his forties. Holyfield commended Foreman's incredible punching power, acknowledging that he absorbed a significant amount of it during their bout. In that memorable contest, Holyfield managed to secure a decision victory over Foreman, who later went on to become the oldest man to win the world heavyweight championship, a record that still stands. In the same interview, Holyfield also gave credit to Foreman for having one of the best chins among his opponents. He vividly remembered the intense exchanges in their fight, where he connected with a barrage of punches, including a staggering 17 punches in a single instance. Though Holyfield concluded his professional boxing career in 2011, he has remained in the public eye through various endeavors. He ventured into reality TV and even humorously launched an ear-shaped candy with his old rival, Mike Tyson. Notably, Holyfield was part of the last undisputed heavyweight world title fight in 1999 against Lennox Lewis. The heavyweight boxing landscape, which has long awaited a new undisputed champion, seems poised for change. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have reportedly agreed to terms for a four-belt unification bout in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step toward the resurgence of undisputed champions in the heavyweight division. However, a specific date for this historic showdown is yet to be confirmed.

WBC light welterweight champion, Regis Prograis, is gearing up for a significant showdown against challenger Devin Haney, scheduled for December 9th at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, with the fight headlining on DAZN PPV. Prograis has been fine-tuning his technical skills in preparation for the bout, as he intends to challenge Haney in his own domain—outboxing. However, Prograis is mindful of past mistakes in his fight strategy, notably in his bout against Josh Taylor in 2019. He initially brawled with Taylor, playing to his opponent's strengths, and only later made adjustments to switch to an outside game plan, ultimately costing him the fight. Interestingly, Prograis has not taken inspiration from Vasily Lomachenko's approach against Haney, despite Lomachenko's strong showing in the championship rounds by pressuring his opponent. Lomachenko combined boxing with brawling, which ultimately led to his loss to Haney in May. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Prograis expressed his belief that he is superior to Haney and conveyed his view that Haney's success has come more easily. The anticipation is growing for their December clash, with fans eager to see whether Prograis can execute his outboxing game plan and potentially secure victory over Haney. In this high-stakes encounter, Prograis is setting his sights on a triumphant performance that could reshape the landscape of the light welterweight division.

An unexpected online feud ignited when Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, shared footage on social media of Canelo Alvarez's 2013 clash against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, in which Alvarez suffered a majority decision defeat. McGregor not only lauded it as one of the finest performances in professional boxing but also asserted that he landed more punches on Mayweather during their highly anticipated showdown in 2017. McGregor (22-6) voiced his admiration for Alvarez (60-2) while taking a subtle dig at him, suggesting that he outperformed Alvarez against Mayweather. He even expressed a desire for a rematch, stating, "I landed more shots on Floyd than Canelo [did]. I'd love another go." Alvarez, not one to back down from a challenge, swiftly responded, confidently claiming that he could dispatch McGregor with a single hand: "I just need one hand with you, and I don't need to throw so many punches," Alvarez shot back. McGregor was quick to retaliate, creating an opening for a potential crossover fight by playfully taunting Alvarez, "Saul, you uncooked chicken, I'll stomp the ligaments out of your knee joint. I don't even need hands to end you; I'll kick you raw pink, leaving you looking like you were left out in the sun too long—haha freckle arse. I will see you, and we will see. Canelo is a cornflake, no sugar." While McGregor has been sidelined for over two years due to a broken leg sustained during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, he has recently taken steps towards a return to the Octagon. His re-entry into the United States Anti-Doping Agency testing pool signals his intention to make a comeback. In an interesting development, the UFC severed ties with the USADA and aligned with Drug Free Sport International for its drug testing program. Canelo Alvarez, hailing from Mexico, is fresh off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jermell Charlo on October 1 in Las Vegas. Alvarez, the 33-year-old undisputed super middleweight champion, displayed dominance in the fight with judges scoring it 119-108, 118-109, and 118-109 in his favor. As the war of words between McGregor and Alvarez escalates, it raises intriguing possibilities for a potential showdown between the two renowned fighters, further igniting the world of combat sports.

In a recent revelation, Eddie Hearn has indicated that Canelo Alvarez might be inclined to take on David Benavidez if the latter secures a victory against Demetrius Andrade on November 25th. With Benavidez holding the WBC interim super middleweight championship, a win against Andrade would make a strong claim for a shot at Canelo's undisputed championship. Hearn expressed his belief that Benavidez is likely to emerge victorious against Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs), a former two-division champion. The WBC has already mandated that Canelo must defend his title against the 'Mexican Monster' by next March. This leaves the door open for Benavidez as a formidable challenger, especially with limited alternatives for Canelo. Notably, Canelo has shown no interest in facing Terence Crawford or seeking revenge against Dmitry Bivol. Eddie Hearn emphasized that Canelo's reputation could suffer if he chooses to fight the inactive middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo. Such a decision could potentially draw heavy criticism from fans and experts. Hearn believes that the focus should be on facing young, hungry fighters who pose a genuine challenge, just as Benavidez does. Hearn also noted that Canelo Alvarez is not one to shy away from any challenge and is open to fighting opponents who are willing to provide a genuine test. However, he emphasized that the terms of the fight must be right. The upcoming bout between Benavidez and Andrade is expected to be highly competitive, with Andrade's slick style and movement presenting a challenge for Benavidez's knockout-oriented approach. Hearn acknowledged that fighters like Andrade, who exhibit respect and fearlessness, have posed significant challenges to Canelo in the past, such as Caleb Plant and Billy Joe Saunders. While Canelo vs. Benavidez would be an intriguing matchup, some may argue that Benavidez should prove himself first by taking on Dmitry Bivol for a fair comparison of skills and readiness. Eddie Hearn also weighed in on the possibility of Terence Crawford moving up three weight classes to face Canelo Alvarez. Hearn expressed doubts about Crawford's size and whether he would have what it takes to compete with the pound-for-pound king, despite Crawford's winning mentality. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the Benavidez vs. Andrade bout, the potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez continues to generate considerable excitement and intrigue. While there is much anticipation surrounding future matchups, Canelo remains a central figure in the sport, and his next opponent will undoubtedly be a topic of great interest.

Darius "DFG" Fulghum, the undefeated super middleweight sensation boasting an impeccable record of 8-0 with 8 knockout victories, has recently signed a promising promotional contract with the renowned Golden Boy Promotions. His remarkable journey culminated in his most recent spectacular win, where he delivered a devastating left hook to the liver, resulting in a knockout victory over veteran Mexican fighter, Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs), during their October 7th bout on DAZN. Fulghum's partnership with Golden Boy Promotions marks a pivotal moment in his career. The 27-year-old, fighting out of Houston, Texas, has been on an impressive streak of knockout wins, making his presence felt in the super middleweight division. Despite his remarkable knockout record, Fulghum emphasizes that his primary focus isn't seeking knockouts. Instead, his style revolves around breaking down opponents systematically. Darius Fulghum elaborated on his approach, stating, "I don't go into a fight looking for a knockout. My style is to break down my opponent. There are expectations from others for me to knockout my opponent, but I can't rely solely on my power. I consider myself extremely skilled and don't believe I'm a devastating puncher. Some opponents may be more durable, and I've faced heavyweights coming down from light heavyweight. Protecting myself from hits is crucial, which will serve me well in my career without incurring unnecessary wear and tear." Fulghum's left hook, which proved decisive in his recent victory, has been meticulously honed through rigorous training. This punch left Campa in agonizing pain, bringing him to his knees and demonstrating the precision behind Fulghum's technique. Regarding the left hook, Fulghum explained, "We've practiced that punch extensively, perfecting its placement. The effectiveness of that shot is not merely about power but about hitting the right spot, the liver. I caught him with it while he was throwing a punch. It wasn't just raw power; it was about precise placement that left him paralyzed with pain." Excitement surrounds Darius Fulghum's new journey with Golden Boy Promotions, and he's eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Commenting on the signing, he remarked, "I'm extremely excited to be with Golden Boy. Oscar (de la Hoya) can take me to new heights and secure big fights. Golden Boy has already given me the exposure I need on DAZN streams, and I feel comfortable performing in front of a larger audience." Fulghum also extended his gratitude to 3 Point Management (3PM), who played a pivotal role in advancing his career. The partnership with 3PM accelerated his progress, allowing him to fight five times in a single year. Despite the rapid pace, Fulghum remains eager to continue building his experience and reputation in the boxing world, with aspirations for one more fight before the year concludes. In the world of boxing, Darius Fulghum's rise is a testament to talent, dedication, and precision. As he embarks on this new chapter with Golden Boy Promotions, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and impressive performances in the super middleweight division. Stay tuned for more updates as Fulghum's promising career unfolds.

In a significant development in the world of boxing, Leigh Wood, the British fighter who recently defended his WBA featherweight belt with a stunning knockout of Josh Warrington on October 7th, has officially announced his decision to move up to the super featherweight division. This move leaves the WBA featherweight title vacant, raising anticipation for the next champions in the division. Wood's decision to transition to the 130-pound weight class has been in the spotlight for some time, and this week, his team sent a formal communication to the WBA, informing them of this pivotal decision. The WBA has been supportive throughout Wood's career, allowing him to attain, defend, and regain his world honors. In a letter expressing gratitude, Wood's team conveyed their appreciation for the invaluable experiences gained during his time as the featherweight champion. Acknowledging the decision, Ben Davison, Leigh Wood's trainer, and a respected professional in the boxing world, expressed his alignment with the move. He also extended his gratitude to the WBA for the numerous opportunities provided at the featherweight limit. As per the rules of the WBA, it is expected that the #1 and #2 contenders will compete for the now-vacant featherweight title. This sets the stage for an exciting battle between Otabek Kholmatov of Uzbekistan and Raymond Ford from the United States, both of whom have the chance to claim the prestigious WBA featherweight championship. Leigh Wood's decision to step up to the super featherweight division marks a new chapter in his career, and it leaves fans and the boxing world eagerly awaiting the next featherweight champion. The upcoming clash between Kholmatov and Ford promises to be a thrilling contest, and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the new titleholder in the featherweight division. Stay tuned for more updates as these contenders prepare to make their mark on the boxing world.

In an unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated showdown between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez, scheduled for Saturday, October 21, at The O2 in London, England, has been postponed. This all-British boxing clash has been delayed due to a back injury suffered by Dan Azeez during his final training session, rendering him unable to compete as advised by medical professionals. Expressing his disappointment, Dan Azeez said, "I'm devastated for this to happen on fight week. It still hasn't sunk in. I've never had to withdraw from a fight in my career before." He went on to extend his apologies to the fans, particularly those who had made travel arrangements, his opponent Joshua Buatsi, his promoter, and all those involved in organizing the event. Azeez expressed hope that the fight can be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity. This bout, which was set to feature two friends turned rivals, is expected to find a new date for the showdown. BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom, in response to the unfortunate turn of events, stated, "This is a big shock, but everyone at BOXXER is working very hard to ensure we provide clarity for all fighters, teams, and most importantly, the fans as soon as we can. I know that Dan would do anything to be in the ring on Saturday night, and for this to happen at this stage is devastating." Shalom emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of the fighters, acknowledging that this was a significant fight for British boxing. He expressed his sympathy for both Dan and Joshua, who had undergone rigorous training camps, as well as the fans, with over 10,000 individuals having made arrangements to attend the event. An update on the rest of the fight card and a revised date for the rescheduled Buatsi vs. Azeez match will be provided soon. Joshua Buatsi, hailing from London and originally from Accra, Ghana, boasts an undefeated record of 17-0 with 13 knockouts. In his most recent bout in May in Birmingham, he secured a unanimous decision victory against Pawel Stepien. Meanwhile, Dan Azeez, also undefeated with a record of 20-0 and 13 knockouts, won his previous fight in July in Verbania, Italy, via a points decision against Khalid Graidia. This followed his impressive 12th-round stoppage of Thomas Faure in March in Paris. Both fighters are eager to secure their first respective world title shots in the future.

In a recent boxing showdown, Logan Paul emerged victorious through disqualification after MMA sensation Dillon Danis attempted a jiu-jitsu move to tackle his opponent late in the fight. The bout, held in Manchester, stirred significant online backlash, with fans deeming Danis a 'disgrace to boxing,' particularly after the event concluded with a chaotic brawl in the ring. Despite the polarizing opinions from supporters, one prominent figure stands firmly in Danis' corner - none other than UFC's former featherweight and lightweight champion, Conor McGregor. Immediately after the fight, McGregor expressed his "impressed" sentiment regarding Danis' boxing skills. However, the Irishman has now elevated his endorsement by declaring that he's "proud" of Danis' performance. In response, Danis took to social media, sharing his appreciation for McGregor and emphasizing the vital role the former champion has played in his life. McGregor reciprocated the sentiment, lauding Danis for his role in making the event a success and praising his audacity to transition from a four-time jiu-jitsu world champion to professional boxing on the global stage. Despite a considerable buildup, many viewers were underwhelmed by Danis' performance against Logan Paul and labeled him an "embarrassment." Paul dominated the fight with an onslaught of combinations, ultimately concluding when Danis attempted a guillotine takedown. During the same evening, McGregor threw down the gauntlet to KSI, who had suffered a unanimous decision loss to Tommy Fury following Danis' match with Paul. McGregor tantalizingly suggested a potential fight with KSI, describing it as an "exciting" prospect, even reminiscing about his days as a plumber and contrasting them with his current status on a luxurious yacht. This isn't the first time McGregor has called out KSI, as he had previously exchanged verbal jabs while both were ringside for Anthony Joshua's victory over Robert Helenius in August.