Many fans have labelled Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light-heavyweight showdown against Dmitry Bivol as the biggest and most intriguing fight in boxing yet, despite the skill of both men, there will be plenty of eyes on the referee.
Artur Beterbiev remains as the only world champion with a 100% knockout ratio in the sport, scoring stoppage wins over the likes of Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith.BETERBIEV KNOCKS OUT SMITH TO KEEP HIS STREAK ALIVE
20 fights | 20 wins | 20 knockouts pic.twitter.com/szEsSqpkZA
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 14, 2024
Meanwhile, Bivol has proven himself as a slick, hard-to-pin down operator by banking unanimous-decision victories against Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.Nah Dmitry Bivol treated Canelo like a fly 😂
Canelo was trying his hardest to hurt Bivol and Bivol doesn't get affected at all then just lands like 10+ punch combos against him 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Wqc5VTUdR6
— Jack Alter (@JackAlter0) October 4, 2024
With Beterbiev hoping to turn the contest into a war and Bivol aiming to put on a boxing clinic, the refereeing appointment was a major one as a more lenient one would benefit the aggressor and a stricter referee would be desired by a technician such as Bivol.
Likely to the delight of Bivol, the man in the middle has now been confirmed as Thomas Taylor, who oversaw Erislandy Lara’s WBA middleweight title win over Danny Garcia and Jarrell Miller’s draw with Andy Ruiz on the Crawford-Madrimov bill back in August.
However, whilst Beterbiev will be hopeful that Taylor will allow additional work on the inside and be less keen to break up the action, eyes will looking towards Taylor for more reasons than just his officiating.
Instead, Taylor will receive attention due to his attire, donning a pink shirt on the big stage as Riyadh Season and each of the four sanctioning bodies support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on social media.All 4 organizations and Riyadh Season join #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth in #BeterbievBivol with the pink shirt of the referee. Early detection saves lives ! @ABeterbiev@bivol_d@WBCBoxing@RiyadhSeason@Queensberry@MatchroomBoxing
At the start of 2024, David Benavidez and David Morrell were seen as the top contenders who could potentially stop Canelo Alvarez's super-middleweight reign. Now, they’ve surprisingly agreed to a deal, and their showdown could feature a world title as the co-main event on fight night.
Although both fighters were initially linked to the 168-pound division, they are now campaigning at light heavyweight, eyeing the world titles that are likely to become fragmented after the upcoming Beterbiev-Bivol undisputed showdown.
The hard-hitting duo made their debuts at 175 pounds in tough fights against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Radivoje Kalajdzic, both winning by unanimous decision. However, their punching power seemed a bit less effective at this higher weight.
That said, both are still poised to capture world titles at light heavyweight soon. Benavidez holds the WBC interim title, putting him in a prime position to capitalize when belts become vacant, while Morrell boasts the WBA (Regular) title.
On Instagram, Benavidez confirmed the deal is set for him to face Morrell, and he revealed that his title will be on the line. He assured fans that more official details will be coming soon.
“There were a lot of names on the table, but I wanted to give my fans the best fight possible. I reached out to David Morrell and his team to make this happen, and we got the contract done. This fight is gonna be a banger!!! Two of the best in the division and two titles on the line. Let’s go!!!” Benavidez posted.
As for the undercard, it’s been reported that Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela could rematch Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in an attempt to defend his WBA super-lightweight title, just months after their first bout. Valenzuela shocked fans with a split-decision victory over Cruz on the Crawford-Madrimov undercard back in August. However, due to Cruz's rematch clause, a second fight was almost inevitable.
Fernando Sabatini shared on social media that Benavidez's father confirmed they are working to include this rematch as part of his son's event.
“In an interview, José Benavidez Sr. has just confirmed that they are working so that the co-main event of @Benavidez300 vs. @OsvaryJ will be the rematch between @rayoboxing and @IsaacPitbull98,” he tweeted.
Reports suggest that the Benavidez-Morrell fight will take place on January 25th as a PBC pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, with the winner likely to challenge the victor of Beterbiev-Bivol in 2025.
#BenavidezMorrell #Boxing #LightHeavyweight #PPV #CaneloContenders #FightNight #ValenzuelaCruz #BoxingNews #LasVegasFights #PBC
Turki Al-Alshikh has quickly made a name for himself in boxing, known for delivering star-studded undercards and thrilling main events since diving into the sport last year. Now, with just two months to go before the intriguing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, the full card has been announced. However, Al-Alshikh hasn't received the reaction he might have hoped for.
Usyk and Fury previously clashed in an instant classic earlier this year, where the Ukrainian emerged as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, solidifying his legacy while handing Fury his first career loss. Despite the defeat, Fury showcased his skills during that match, and he remains confident he can turn the tables in the rematch.
As anticipation for the rematch builds, fans are hoping the main event will be just as memorable, though some have expressed concerns about the undercard.
On that undercard, Serhii Bohachuk will face Israil Madrimov in a super-welterweight showdown. Both fighters impressed in their last outings, despite suffering respectable defeats to Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Terence Crawford, respectively.
Meanwhile, rising British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma takes a significant leap in competition as he goes up against Australia’s Demsey McKean, who is eager to bounce back from the first loss of his 23-fight career.
Two other British heavyweights will also clash as fan-favorite Johnny Fisher returns following an impressive first-round stoppage of Alen Babic. He'll face another popular Brit, Dave Allen, who has served as a sparring partner for Usyk in the past.
Additionally, Dennis McCann and Peter McGrail are both looking to move closer to a super-bantamweight world title shot in what promises to be an evenly matched fight. Rounding out the card, Isaac Lowe and Lee McGregor will face off in a featherweight contest.
Despite the buzz, some fans on social media have claimed they feel “underwhelmed” by the undercard for such a blockbuster event. However, British boxing manager Sam Jones came to the bill's defense, asserting that every fight on the undercard is worthy of being a main event.
“Every fight on the undercard is a headline fight,” Jones tweeted.
He went on to highlight the excitement in specific matchups:
He even cheekily added, “Oh, and the main event isn’t bad either. How anyone can moan about this is absolutely baffling. Come on, in what world would a card like this ever take place?”
While the undercard may lack a superstar draw, each matchup looks to be well-matched, raising the question of whether Al-Alshikh has set expectations so high that fans will never be fully satisfied. Regardless, the event is expected to rake in significant pay-per-view sales due to the strength of the main attraction, as Fury and Usyk prepare for their historic showdown on December 21st.
#UsykFury #BoxingUndercard #HeavyweightBoxing #FuryVsUsyk #PBCBoxing #BoxingNews #FightNight #PayPerView #BoxingFans #MainEvent
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially ordered a final eliminator between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel. The winner of this bout will become the next mandatory challenger for heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois. Although the fight date has not yet been determined, anticipation is already building among fans.Martin Bakole: Powerful Puncher with Big Stage Experience
Martin Bakole Ilunga enters this fight with an impressive record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws. Of those 21 victories, 16 have come by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of 76%. Bakole has fought a total of 85 rounds in his professional career, meaning his fights last an average of 3.9 rounds. His only loss came by knockout, adding a slight vulnerability to his profile, though he has rebounded successfully.
Bakole’s last appearance in the ring was on August 3, 2024, in Los Angeles, where he faced Jared Anderson. In that fight, Bakole secured a commanding fifth-round knockout, reaffirming his punching power and solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division.Agit Kabayel: Undefeated with a Methodical Style
On the other hand, Agit Kabayel enters the ring with a flawless record of 25 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws. He has proven to be an undefeated and highly competitive fighter in each of his 25 bouts. Kabayel has knocked out 17 of his opponents, giving him a respectable knockout ratio of 68%. With a total of 125 rounds under his belt, his fights last an average of 5 rounds, suggesting he is a methodical fighter who prefers to extend his bouts before seeking the knockout.
Kabayel’s most recent victory came against Frank Sánchez on May 18, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he won via a seventh-round knockout. This win further cemented his reputation as a tough fighter to beat.Daniel Dubois and His Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois, the reigning heavyweight world champion with a record of 22 wins and 2 losses, is still waiting for news about his future. Dubois shocked the boxing world when he knocked out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round on September 21, 2024, in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. However, it is still unclear whether Joshua will accept a rematch.
If Joshua agrees to the rematch, the fight is expected to take place in February 2025. However, there is a high possibility that Joshua will decline, given the decisive nature of his loss to Dubois. This leaves Dubois in an uncertain position, awaiting the outcome of the eliminator between Bakole and Kabayel to determine his next opponent.High Stakes for Bakole and Kabayel
Martin Bakole enters the fight with a reputation as an explosive puncher, while Agit Kabayel is known for his undefeated record and methodical approach in the ring. With Dubois waiting to meet his next challenger, this eliminator will be crucial for the future of the heavyweight division.
The result of this bout could change the landscape of world boxing, especially if the winner becomes Dubois’ mandatory challenger. Although the date has yet to be confirmed, fans are already eager to see who will emerge victorious in this important eliminator.‼️ Told that the IBF have now officially ordered Martin Bakole vs Agit Kabayel as a final eliminator to determine the next mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 8, 2024
It was recently revealed that the WBO has officially ordered a world title fight between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz. The announcement has generated great anticipation in the middleweight division. This decision marks a showdown between two undefeated fighters, both looking to establish themselves as the top figures in the category.
After hearing the news, Janibek Alimkhanuly took to his official “X” account, formerly known as Twitter. The Kazakh boxer stated that he and his team are ready for the fight. “See, this is official! Me and my team are ready! Now we are waiting for a response from brother Hamzah!” Alimkhanuly wrote, making his readiness for the bout clear.
The WBO has set a 15-day deadline for both teams to reach an agreement, with the deadline being October 23. If no agreement is reached, the fight will go to purse bid. This information was revealed in a letter issued by the WBO last Tuesday. However, either team can request that the fight be sent to purse bid before the deadline if they choose to do so. The minimum bid for the fight has been set at $200,000.
Janibek Alimkhanuly, holding an undefeated record of 16 wins, 11 by knockout, is a 31-year-old Kazakh who lives in Oxnard, California. In his most recent fight, he successfully defended his IBF and WBO titles with a ninth-round technical knockout against Andrei Mikhailovich.
On the other hand, Hamzah Sheeraz, also undefeated with a record of 21-0 and 17 knockouts, is a 25-year-old from London. In his latest bout, Sheeraz impressively stopped Tyler Denny in just two rounds on the undercard of the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua event. His performance has established him as a serious contender in the middleweight division, which currently lacks depth.
In addition to being ranked number one by the WBO, Sheeraz also holds the top spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings. The current WBC champion is Dominican Carlos Adames. Sheeraz has shown that he is ready to take on bigger challenges, and this fight against Alimkhanuly could be his opportunity to make a significant leap in his career.
The clash between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz promises to be one of the most exciting matchups in a division that has seen a lack of dominant figures in recent years. Sheeraz’s youth and Alimkhanuly’s experience will create a stylistic battle that boxing fans are eagerly awaiting. As both teams work toward reaching an agreement, time is running out, and the boxing world will be watching the developments closely.Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach react differently to fight announcement
The winner of this fight could solidify themselves as one of the most important figures in the middleweight division and move closer to title unification, a goal both fighters have expressed in the past. With the October 23 deadline fast approaching, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of this highly anticipated bout.See, this is official! Me and my team are ready! Now we are waiting for a response from brother Hamza!
British boxer Lawrence Okolie has vacated his WBC bridgerweight world title. The decision reflects his intention to move up to the heavyweight division. With this move, Kevin Lerena, who was previously the interim champion, has been upgraded to full world champion.
Okolie had previously anticipated this shift in his career. His goal is to establish himself as a world champion in three different divisions before retiring. The British boxer aims to further enhance his legacy in the sport of boxing.
The British boxer’s current record stands at 20 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws. Out of those victories, 15 have come by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of 75%. His sole loss came by judges’ decision on the scorecards. Lawrence Okolie has fought a total of 109 rounds, averaging 5.2 rounds per fight.
His last fight took place on May 24, 2024, in Rzeszow, Poland. In that match, he defeated Lukasz Rozanski by technical knockout in the first round. This dominant win reaffirmed his prowess in the ring and closed a chapter before his move to the heavyweight division.
On the other hand, Kevin Lerena holds a record of 30 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Of his 30 victories, he has knocked out 14 opponents, giving him a knockout ratio of 47%. Of his three losses, one came by knockout, and he has fought a total of 229 rounds in his career. This means his fights last an average of 6.9 rounds.Artur Beterbiev comments on his Muslim faith
Lerena has won 3 of his last 5 fights. However, in his last bout on March 8, 2024, he lost to Justis Huni by unanimous decision over 10 rounds. This fight took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.🚨 OKOLIE VACATES BRIDGERWEIGHT BELT
Lawrence Okolie has now officially vacated his WBC Bridgerweight title that he won with a first round TKO over Lukasz Rozanski in Poland in May. South Africa’s Kevin
Tommy Fury has expressed his dissatisfaction with the scheduled fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The bout, set for November 15, has drawn criticism from several boxers and media personalities. Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, will face Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
This fight will take place despite the fact that Tyson, the legendary 58-year-old boxer, suffered a health issue earlier this year. This incident led to the initial postponement of the fight, which was originally scheduled for July. Although doctors have declared Tyson fit to compete, controversy remains.
The fight has been heavily criticized, mainly due to the significant age gap between the two fighters. Highlighting the fact that Mike Tyson is 58, 31 years older than Jake Paul, who is 27. Tommy Fury, the younger brother of famous boxer Tyson Fury, has lashed out at Paul, a prominent figure in social media.
In an interview with Boxing News, Fury referred to the fight as “absolutely terrible.” He also mentioned that he is not convinced nor interested in seeing a man nearly 60 years old fight someone who is 27.Tommy Fury added that Tyson’s age is concerning to him, stating:
“Mike Tyson is the same age as my dad, like I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m not interested in that fight at all.” Fury also commented on Paul’s career, pointing out that although he has managed to stay in the game, his results are unimpressive. “He couldn’t beat me, so he has to fight a 60-year-old now. So, he’s definitely gone in the right direction,” Fury said.
Jake Paul began his boxing journey in 2020 after gaining fame on YouTube. His first match was against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. Since then, he has fought former MMA stars and NBA players, earning 10 victories in 11 fights. However, his only defeat came against Tommy Fury, who beat him by split decision.Missy Elliott announced for Riyadh Season
For the upcoming fight against Tyson, Paul is considered the slight favorite, largely due to the age difference. Despite this, there is a possibility that Tyson could reclaim the power that made him famous in the boxing world. Shane Mosley, a boxing coach who has worked with Paul,
“If Mike really hits Jake, Mike can really hurt Jake,” warned Mosley. “I know what Mike can do and what Jake can do. I don’t think Jake really understands how hard Mike can hit. Mike is 58, but these are two-minute rounds, and all fighters have pride.”
Mosley also emphasized that Tyson will not go into the fight with the intention of losing. “Jake will have to tire Mike out. Jake will need to understand how these punches will come at him,” the coach concluded. The anticipation around this fight continues to build as the fight date approaches.
Currently, Chris Eubank Jr. is preparing for his much-anticipated return to the ring. On October 12, the British fighter will be back in action after 13 months of inactivity. His match will be against Polish boxer Kamil Szeremeta in a high-profile card in Riyadh, which will also feature the bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.
The 34-year-old British boxer knows that to secure more significant fights in 2025, he must shine with a victory. He has publicly expressed his desire to face some of the most recognized names in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions, including the unified 168-pound champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. A decisive victory over Szeremeta could be the necessary step to secure a matchup with the Mexican.In a recent interview with DAZN, Chris Eubank Jr. recalled one of the highlights of his career.
The Brighton boxer, known for his speed and aggression in the ring, revealed which he considers his most devastating punch. Surprisingly, this punch occurred during his fight against Avni Yildirim, a former opponent of Canelo Alvarez.
“My favourite power punch that I threw was against a man named Avni Yildrim in Germany,” Eubank Jr. stated in the interview. “I knocked him down, knocked him out in the fourth round, I believe it was. That was my favourite punch.” The fight took place seven years ago, and Eubank Jr.’s impressive performance secured him his third knockout victory.This memory remains a source of pride for the Briton, who has competed in multiple international venues.
Avni Yildirim’s career also led him to face Canelo Alvarez, four years after being knocked out by Chris Eubank Jr. On that occasion, the Turkish fighter faced the Mexican at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in a bout that ended similarly. Like in his matchup with Eubank Jr., Yildirim fell in the third round and chose not to continue, retiring on his stool.
As Eubank Jr. prepares for his October 12 fight, his mindset is focused on continuing to showcase his power in the ring. A devastating punch like the one he delivered to Yildirim could be the key to opening the door to a fight with Canelo, something he has longed for in recent years.
The WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, is ready to fight this weekend. The 39-year-old boxer will face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated undisputed world title clash. The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Crown Showdown event.
Beterbiev is originally from Dagestan, but he emigrated to Quebec in 2013, obtaining Canadian citizenship. Now, he is one of the most prominent athletes representing Canada internationally. In his pre-fight statements, Artur Beterbiev emphasized the importance of the boxing community in Montreal. “They like sport”. “I appreciate that they’ve chosen me. It is a different place in the world from where I was born,” he told DAZN.
The boxer also referred to his Muslim faith as a fundamental pillar in his career. He noted that the discipline instilled by his religion has been key to his success. “I don’t know how non-Muslim people live,” Beterbiev admitted. “My coach Marc Ramsay said he would like more Muslim boxers… because they have discipline. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they go to sleep early.”
It’s important to mention that Beterbiev enters this fight with an impressive 20-0 record, having won all his fights by knockout. However, he faces a formidable opponent in Bivol, who is also undefeated and has notable victories over Joe Smith Jr. and Canelo Álvarez. This fight could be Beterbiev’s toughest challenge yet, but he trusts his preparation and his faith to help him emerge victorious.
The undisputed fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol promises to be an exciting duel. Boxing fans will be watching closely to see if Beterbiev can maintain his perfect record and add another win to his remarkable career.
Hamzah Sheeraz is seen by many as one of Great Britain’s most promising fighters and a recent step up in opposition has seen him finally gain worldwide recognition. Now it seems as though a world title shot is around the corner.
Often compared stylistically to the legendary Tommy Hearns, lanky middleweight Sheeraz has impressed on the big stage during 2024 by halting Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and European champion Tyler Denny on blockbuster ‘Riyadh Season’ bills.Hamzah Sheeraz vs Ammo Williams Fight Highlights | 5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom 🥊 pic.twitter.com/jES6L1NfIQ
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 2, 2024
Those stoppages saw Sheeraz stretch his sensational knockout streak to 15 consecutive fights, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the division, as well as one of the most talented.
At 25-years-old, time is undoubtedly on Sheeraz’s side, and he now has both the skills and momentum that not only warrant a world title shot but has convinced fans around the globe that he may be the man to end the reign of undefeated Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0), who holds both the WBO and IBF middleweight world titles.
Today, the WBO officially ordered a world title contest between Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz, with the respective teams of both men given 15 days to reach a deal.
“WBO Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest – NegotiationsTyson Fury makes weight gain plan known for Oleksandr Usyk rematch
Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
Gentlemen:
Please be advised that the parties herein are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout. The camps are granted 15 days to reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement within the time provided herein will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid ceremony at any time during the negotiation process. Lastly, this Committee reserves the right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited to rendering all rulings necessary to serve the best interests in the sport of professional boxing, including those in the Middleweight Division.”
Alimkhanuly knocked out Andreii Mikhailovich on Friday night in Sydney to retain his world champion status with a typically dominant performance. However, there are growing concerns that ‘Qazaq’ Style may have outgrown the 160lb weight limit and that his time in the division is coming to an end.
Should this be the case, the contest for any vacant WBO title would likely take place between Sheeraz and his fellow Brit Denzel Bentley (20-3-1), who is ranked as the world number two with the WBO.
This year's undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has already cemented itself as a heavyweight classic. Now, with just two months to go before their highly anticipated rematch, Fury has added an extra layer of incentive for his rival.
In May, Usyk faced off against ‘The Gypsy King’ in the first-ever four-belt heavyweight contest and the first undisputed title bout in the division since 1999. Despite Fury’s mid-round success, the Ukrainian warrior turned the tide and nearly secured a knockout. Instead, he earned a split-decision victory, joining Evander Holyfield as one of only two men to be undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
However, despite Usyk's historic win, it is Fury who shares the cover spotlight with Canelo Alvarez for the new 'Undisputed' boxing video game, which launches this weekend. In a bold statement, Fury revealed that if he loses the rematch, he’ll give up his place on the cover to Usyk.
“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. If I don’t win this rematch, I’m going to relinquish that front cover and give it to Oleksandr. That’s what I’ll do with the front cover. I’ll relinquish my right to be on that front cover and give it to Oleksandr ‘The Great.’"
But Fury doesn’t expect to make good on this promise. Speaking with TNT Sports, he expressed his intent to avoid the judges altogether and avenge the lone defeat of his career with a knockout.
“I’m going to go in there with ‘destroy mode’. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious. I boxed the head right off him. Let’s talk facts. Anyone can get caught, as we’ve seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights. But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock a m**********r out!”
'Undisputed' will be available on October 11, with Canelo Alvarez on the standard version cover and Fury on the deluxe WBC edition. Meanwhile, Fury-Usyk II will take place on December 21st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling end to the year for boxing fans.
#FuryUsykRematch #UndisputedChampion #HeavyweightShowdown #FuryVsUsykII #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #RiyadhBoxing #WBCChampion #BoxingVideoGame #UndisputedGame #UsykTheGreat
WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has been vocal in his call-outs of boxing’s biggest stars throughout 2024 but he is yet to find a willing opponent that could thrust his name into pound-for-pound contention once again. However, Terence Crawford now appears open to a showdown with ‘The Takeover’ – one that Lopez compared to a legendary encounter.
Teofimo Lopez has twice defeated pound-for-pound contenders in recent years, notably pulling off the upsets in his two title challenges to date against Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor to defeat the top dogs at both 135lbs and 140lbs.
Yet, a surprise defeat to George Kambosos Jr. back at lightweight and more recent underwhelming displays against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett have damaged Lopez’s claim to the pound-for-pound throne.
Instead, as a multi-divisional undisputed champion, it is Crawford whom many consider at the man to beat in the world of boxing and Lopez has once again called for a clash with ‘Bud’ on social media, this time receiving a promising response.I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 8, 2024
[Lopez]: “Enough games. We lacing up to fight? The people want to see you put me on a stretcher! #Boxing
“So what we doing?! Feb. 2025 @Turki_alalshikh”
[Crawford]: “I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy”.
Shortly afterwards, Lopez doubled down on his declaration that he would face WBA super-welterweight champion Crawford for free and went on to compare the possible affair to Sugar Ray Leonard’s legendary trilogy with Roberto Duran.Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!
You A side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach react differently to fight announcementFirst off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!
Crawford Vs Lopez is the modern day era of @SugarRayLeonard VS @robertoduranbox
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024
[Crawford]: “@TeofimoLopez now you said you’ll fight me for free right? Them was your words not mine.”
[Lopez]: “Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!
“You [are the] A-side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing”
[Crawford]: What’s the location, you doing too much talking. I’m trying to see something. You daddy said you hit hard without the gloves, I’m trying to find out. You don’t deserve to
[Lopez]: “First off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!
“Crawford vs Lopez in the modern-day era of Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran.”
If Lopez is serious about a challenge for Crawford’s super-welterweight title, he will need to move up two weight divisions in order to enforce the scrap, although Crawford’s pursuit of a third undisputed title could stand in the way – as talks progress for a unification bout between he and the WBC and WBO champion, Sebastian Fundora.
Premier Boxing Champions has confirmed the matchup between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach. The fight is scheduled for December 14 at the Toyota Center. This announcement has generated great excitement among boxing fans.
Both boxers have reacted on social media regarding this matchup. Davis’s response was strong and direct. In a tweet on the platform “X,” the champion said, “Y’all can try… but it’s not gonna go the way y’all want it to go.” In this way, reflecting his confidence in his ability to win.
On the other hand, Lamont Roach took a lighter approach. In his response, he used a simple emoji, hinting at his calmness in the face of the challenge. This contrast in their responses reflects the personalities of both fighters.Gervonta Davis, with an impressive record of 30 wins and 28 knockouts, will defend his WBA lightweight title.
The Baltimore fighter comes off a notable victory over Frank Martin, whom he knocked out in the eighth round in June. His ability to finish fights quickly makes him a formidable opponent.Lamont Roach Jr., for his part, has a record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.
The challenger will move up in weight after defeating Feargal McCrory at 130 pounds. Roach Jr. holds the WBA gold title, adding an additional level of prestige to his challenge.
The announcement of the fight came shortly after the WBA granted Roach Jr. a special permit to move up in weight. This will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges of his career. Facing a puncher like Davis will demand the best of his skills.
The clash of styles between Davis and Roach Jr. promises to be fascinating. “Tank,” known for his devastating power, will face a stylistic boxer. Roach Jr. is known for his quick combinations and agility in the ring.Y’all can try..but it’s not gonna go the way y’all want it to go.. https://t.co/gshEXIi7w1
In a training session
“I was very impressed with your fight, and said, ‘Second time around, just fix a couple of things,” Lewis said, emphasizing that these adjustments could make the difference in the rematch.
Clarke, who was knocked down in the fifth round of his previous fight, acknowledged his shortcomings. “Since that day, I’m not a big fan of watching myself back, but I’ve been hammered, I’ve seen so much of myself from my last fight, and I’ve not looked at me doing anything correct. All we’ve looked at is the mistakes I made,” he said.
He also discussed the high expectations following his professional debut after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lewis, who won Olympic gold in 1988, agreed that the transition from amateur to professional is like a reset.
“If you’re boxing and your feet are in quicksand, that’s no way to box. You’re not going to get too far that way”. “All great heavyweights had great jabs, so you’ve got to develop that jab. Very important,” the former champion concluded.
With this guidance, Clarke hopes to be ready to claim the titles in his rematch against Wardley.
The undefeated lightweight Floyd Schofield Jr. returns to the ring on November 2 to face René “El Bravo” Téllez Girón. The 12-round fight will take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Schofield, with a record of 17-0 (12 KOs), enters as the favorite after a series of impressive victories.
The boxer from Austin, Texas made his debut in 2020 with a knockout and recently won by disqualification against Esteuri Suero. “I am beyond excited for my return to the ring as the official main event, and to show the world what I’ve been working on,” said the Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr.Floyd Schofield has a clear goal: to become a world champion.
For his part, Girón, with a record of 20-3 (13 KOs), is determined to surprise. “I’m so excited about this fight, like none other so far in my career.” He added, “I will win, my preparation is always great,” declared the Mexican, who comes off a knockout victory over Alex Dilmaghani.
Oscar De La Hoya, from Golden Boy Promotions, highlighted that Floyd Schofield always seeks the knockout but warned that Tellez Girón has never been knocked out, making this fight a real test.
“Everyone knows that Schofield goes for the KO every time, but Girón has never been knocked out,” said De La Hoya.
In addition to the main event, the card will feature a bout between Bektemir Melikuziev and David Stevens in a WBA eliminator at 168 pounds. There will also be an undisputed female flyweight title fight between Gabriela Fundora and Gabriela Alaniz, along with other exciting matchups.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌‼️ Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield returns November 2nd 🆚 Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Giron. He puts his undefeated record on the line in Las Vegas at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. Pre-Sale tickets available 𝐍𝐎𝐖.#SchofieldGiron | LIVE on DAZN Nov. 2 pic.twitter.com/zyO2JTwSEt
Tyson Fury, known for his imposing presence in boxing, has revealed a key strategy for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. The British champion has hinted that he will gain weight ahead of their second bout. According to his statements, he could weigh up to 190 kilograms for the fight. Fury and Usyk will face off on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, seven months after the Ukrainian handed Fury his first professional defeat.
After the loss, Fury claimed he was in the “best shape of his life” in May. However, he now suggests a significant change in his physical preparation. He posted a story on his official Instagram account, showing a picture of himself before his loss to Usyk. In the image, he added a caption that read: “Was in the shape of my life, but this is not the GK [Gypsy King].” In a second image, corresponding to an earlier fight, he wrote: “This is him, 19:11lb, bruiser.”If Tyson Fury reaches that weight in December, he will have gained 15 pounds since his most recent fight with Usyk.
This could give him a 50-pound weight advantage over his rival. Fury’s decision to gain weight seems aligned with his strategy to knock Usyk out in this rematch. In a recent interview with Undisputed, Fury stated that he won’t be aiming for a points victory this time.
“I’m going to go in there with destroy mode,” Fury asserted confidently. “Last time I went to box him; I was being cautious.” “But this time I’m not going for a points decision.” Fury emphasized that his focus will be to knock Usyk out and avoid the risk of losing by points. “I’m going to knock that m0therfckr out,” the Briton added, alluding to his conviction to take the initiative in the fight.
The British boxer also pointed out that, for the first time in years, he doesn’t feel like the champion. “I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion,” Fury explained to @PlayUndisputed. This mindset, according to him, gives him extra motivation, as he feels he has a clear goal to fight for. For Fury, being the challenger this time reignites his motivation to secure victory.
The clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has captured the attention of the boxing world. Usyk, who took the undisputed title from Fury in May, remains confident in his technical skill and speed. However, Fury believes that the weight gain and a more aggressive approach will be key factors in reversing the outcome of their first fight.Lamont Roach comments on Gervonta Davis weight difference
The rematch on December 21 will not only determine who the undisputed heavyweight world champion is but also whether Fury’s strategy of gaining weight and adopting a more aggressive attitude will be enough to overcome the clever and skillful Usyk.According to what Tyson Fury
Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, scheduled for November in Texas, as “dangerous, irresponsible, and disrespectful to boxing.” Hearn expressed his concerns regarding the return of Tyson, 58, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2005. In contrast, Jake Paul, 27, boasts a record of 10 wins out of 11 professional bouts.
While Hearn will attend the event to support Katie Taylor in her rematch against Amanda Serrano, he plans to leave before the main fight.
“The reality is that 20 years ago, when Mike Tyson retired from the sport, he was shot, completely finished,” Hearn noted. “It was actually sad to watch then, 20 years ago.”
In an interview with BBC Sports, Hearn reiterated his belief that it is risky for Tyson to return to the ring for a professional fight. Notably, Tyson participated in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
“I’m in awe of him. He’s one of my favorite fighters ever, one of the greatest of all time, but he’s a 58-year-old man,” Hearn added. “You only need to speak to him and look at him to know this guy should not be in a ring again.”
The fight between Tyson and Paul, set to take place at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, has faced widespread criticism due to the age and experience gap. Jake Paul has defended the matchup, claiming that Tyson’s experience levels the playing field. However, Hearn disagrees. “If I was Jake Paul, I’d just feel a bit embarrassed, to be honest with you,” he stated. “This is dangerous, irresponsible, and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.”
Hearn also pointed out that the fight was previously postponed due to Tyson’s health issues, which should have been a warning sign. He remarked that financial incentives can sometimes lead to poor decisions, referencing the Tyson vs. Paul fight.
“Everybody loves a dollar bill, including me, but sometimes the green-eyed monster can make you make bad decisions—and I think this is one of them,” Hearn commented.
Despite his criticisms, Hearn will attend the event to support Katie Taylor in her rematch against Serrano. Taylor, 38, is set to face Serrano in one of the most significant fights in women’s boxing, which Hearn highlighted as the biggest payday of Taylor’s career. However, he confirmed that he will not stay for the Tyson vs. Paul bout, stating, “I won’t be watching the main event. We’ll be there defending the belts, and then I’ll be off.”
#EddieHearn #MikeTyson #JakePaul #BoxingNews #TysonVsPaul #DangerousFight #BoxingCritique #KatieTaylor #AmandaSerrano #DallasCowboysStadium #SportsIntegrity #BoxingPromoter #BoxingEvents
On December 14, junior lightweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. will step into the ring against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in Houston. While critics have raised concerns about the weight difference between the two fighters, Roach remains confident that it will not impact the outcome of the bout, which will be contested for Davis’ WBA title in a pay-per-view event (PPV).
In an interview with Naji Grampus of Cigar Talk, Roach stated that despite the critics’ opinions, he doesn’t view Davis as the biggest lightweight. “Everybody he fights is damn near bigger than him,” Roach pointed out. “The only person that was smaller than him was Isaac Cruz. And that’s just in height.” Although Roach currently competes in the 130-pound division, he has always planned to move up to 135 pounds to capture another title.
“I fight at 130 because that’s where I campaign at. That’s where I started my career. That’s where I worked my way up to a world title,” Roach explained. He acknowledged that his decision to move up in weight came earlier than anticipated but feels ready to take on Davis in this new class.
With a record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Roach has fought at the 130-pound limit since 2017. Before that, he typically weighed around 131 or 132 pounds, though he weighed more than 134 pounds in some of his early professional bouts. “When a boxer is starting their career, they don’t necessarily have to make 130 pounds because we’re not in title contention or none of that,” Roach elaborated.
Conversely, Gervonta Davis, a 29-year-old from Baltimore, has had a noteworthy career, competing across multiple divisions. He began as a featherweight in 2013 but made his mark in the junior lightweight division in 2017, when he knocked out José Pedraza to win a world title. Since then, Davis has fought in several weight classes, including lightweight and junior welterweight, before returning to 135 pounds.
Both fighters have a slight height difference, with Roach standing at 1.70 meters and Davis at 1.65 meters. This reinforces Roach's belief that physical differences will not play a decisive role in the fight. He emphasized that while Davis feels comfortable at 135 pounds, he doesn’t view him as a particularly big lightweight.
#LamontRoach #GervontaDavis #Boxing #PPV #WBAChampionship #HoustonFightNight #JuniorLightweight #BoxingConfidence #FightPreview #DavisVsRoach #TitleFight #BoxingProspects #CigarTalk
Anthony Cacace, the current IBF super featherweight champion, has responded to Leigh Wood’s recent call-out. The 35-year-old fighter stated that he would gladly face Wood, but only if the pay is right. Cacace, who currently holds the world title, expressed that the risk of vacating his belt must come with fair compensation.
Cacace is set to face a mandatory challenger in the near future. He is scheduled to fight Eduardo Núñez before March 2025. Although he has time, facing Wood would require vacating his world title. However, this is a step Cacace is not willing to take without significant reward.
“If I’m going to have to vacate a belt, I want paid to vacate the belt and my purse on top,” Cacace said. “It’s not just vacating, it’s giving away your crown, and that’s your bargaining chip. Once that’s gone, it’s gone,” said Cacace.Despite the complexities of facing Leigh Wood, Anthony Cacace has shown interest in the fight.
However, he also emphasized the importance of being ready for his IBF title defense. He expressed that he is more than willing to fight Leigh Wood, but he also needs to prepare for the IBF and the fight with Núñez.
The IBF champion also acknowledged that Eduardo Núñez has patiently waited for his world title shot. “He stepped aside for the last fight against Josh Warrington,” Cacace explained. “He’s been waiting on the sidelines for some time and deserves his chance.”
Similarly, the Irish boxer showed empathy towards Núñez. Emphasizing that he understands what it’s like to wait for a title shot.Tyson Fury reacts to UFC Pereira vs. Rountree fight
“It’s nice being the champion and not being in that position, but I know the position he’s in, and it’s not nice to be there. It’s Núñez as of now, but we need to iron things out,” Cacace concluded.
Whether Anthony Cacace will fight Leigh Wood or defend his title against Núñez remains to be seen. However, the champion made it clear that any decision will depend on receiving a financial offer that motivates him to vacate his belt.
#boxing #BoxingNews #AnthonyCacace #IBF #featherweight #LeighWood #EduardNunez #UFC
The iconic hip-hop artist Missy Elliott will headline the opening of Riyadh’s 2024 season. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 12, led by the undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol at the Kingdom Arena.
Elliott, a multiple Grammy Award winner, will perform her biggest hits. Songs like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “The Rain” will be part of her setlist. This event is part of her “Out of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience” tour, her first headlining tour in over 25 years.
Since her 1997 debut with the album “Supa Dupa Fly,” Missy Elliott has been an influential figure in rap and hip-hop. Her work broke barriers, making her one of the first women to stand out in a predominantly male genre. Her impact was officially recognized last year when she became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Surprise Guests at the Concert
She won’t be alone on this grand night. Missy Elliott will
Additionally, rumors suggest that producer Timbaland, Elliott’s close friend since high school, might join the concert. Timbaland is also part of Missy Elliott’s current tour, making his participation in the ceremony highly possible. If confirmed, this would add an epic touch to Saturday’s event.Riyadh Season This year’s is special… with artist Missy Elliott at the opening of #RiyadhSeason 🔥❤️
See you on October 12 😎
Book your ticket 🎟️ https://t.co/QmWtLAwJkr
#BigTimepic.twitter.com/y3mmtwNOnC
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 6, 2024
is now on WhMissy Elliott announced for Riyadh SeasonatsApp!
#RiyadhSeason #MissyElliott #LightHeavyweight #BeterbievBivol #ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #Boxing #BoxingNews #TurkiAlalshikh