In a surprising twist ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, Dubois' former sparring partner Guido Vianello has backed Joshua to come out on top. Despite acknowledging Dubois' power and danger in the ring, Vianello believes Joshua's experience and recent form give him the edge in their upcoming bout on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.

Daniel Dubois, who recently claimed the IBF heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, will face Joshua in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Joshua is the slight favorite due to his wealth of experience and recent resurgence under new coach Ben Davison, Vianello's comments have added an intriguing layer to the pre-fight discussions.

Vianello shared his insights with Boxing Social, stating, "I sparred with Daniel in the training camp before my Efe Ajagba fight. He is a very strong and dangerous boxer, but we were very close in every session." He continued, "Joshua is back and in the best shape of his career, I think. With Dubois, it is a very close fight, but Joshua's experience might give him the win."

Vianello also mentioned his admiration for Francis Ngannou, noting that Joshua's experience and preparation in past fights, including his battle with Ngannou, have sharpened his skills. "I saw Joshua then, and he looks much better than in the past. With Dubois, it's a close fight, but I think Joshua, with his experience, maybe he can win."

As the fight date approaches, fans are left wondering whether Dubois’ raw power will overcome Joshua’s refined technique and experience, or if Joshua will prove Vianello’s prediction correct.

#JoshuaVsDubois #DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #WembleyFight #BoxingShowdown #AJvsDubois #GuidoVianello #BoxingPrediction #HeavyweightTitle #IBFTitleFight #BenDavison #AJComeback #JoshuaSupport #BoxingNews #HeavyweightShowdown

The British heavyweight division is set for another explosive showdown as Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke have agreed to a much-anticipated rematch. Their thrilling split draw in March left fans wanting more, and now, the two undefeated fighters will meet again with the British heavyweight title on the line. While the date and venue remain unconfirmed, there are strong rumors that this bout could feature on the undercard of the light heavyweight unification clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia on October 12.

In March, Wardley and Clarke delivered a fight that was too close to call, resulting in a split draw. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, the rematch promises to be just as intense, if not more. Fabio Wardley, with a record of 17-0-1 (16 KOs), will defend his title against the determined Frazer Clarke, who holds an 8-0-1 (6 KOs) record. This fight is expected to be one of the highlights of the year for British boxing.

In other news from the British Boxing Board of Control, the junior middleweight title fight between Sam Gilley and Louis Greene has been put back out to purse bids after a date and venue couldn't be confirmed. The two previously faced off in a brutal battle last October, with Gilley taking the win.

Additionally, a deal has been reached for Jack Rafferty to fight Henry Turner for the vacant 140lbs title. This bout will take place on October 5 in Liverpool, on the undercard of Nick Ball’s WBA featherweight title defense against Ronny Rios.

Purse bids have also been called for a super featherweight title fight between champion Reece Bellotti and the unbeaten Michael Gomez Jnr. Both fighters are in top form, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

Lastly, British flyweight champion Jay Harris is set to face Conner Kelsall in a potential triple title showdown, with details to be announced soon. Promoter Frank Warren is expected to confirm the date and venue, making it another must-watch event.

 

#FabioWardley #FrazerClarke #BritishHeavyweight #BoxingRematch #ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #SamGilley #LouisGreene #JackRafferty #HenryTurner #ReeceBellotti #MichaelGomezJnr #JayHarris #ConnerKelsall #BritishBoxing

Floyd Mayweather showed his unwavering support for Curmel Moton in Ontario, California, amidst rumors that his promising protege might leave. Mayweather's presence was a statement, as he watched Moton maintain his unbeaten record against Nikolai Buzolin, improving to 4-0 with a third stoppage in the super lightweight division. The teenage prospect fought on the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal card as Mayweather and former Golden Boy Richard Schaefer work to rebuild Mayweather’s company. Recently, several young stars like J’hon Ingram, Richardson Hitchins, and Jalil Hackett left Mayweather’s camp, causing concern about the stability of his roster.+ Despite the departures, Mayweather is determined to retain Moton. The young fighter’s loyalty was evident after a public dispute with Gervonta Davis, which resulted in Moton being dropped from Davis's undercard. Nevertheless, Moton’s decision to stand by Mayweather has solidified their relationship. Moton dominated Buzolin from the start, pressuring him into a knee and eventually securing a second-round stoppage. The fight was called by experienced referee Jack Reiss, showcasing Moton's exceptional skill and preparation. Reflecting on his victory, Moton expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic crowd. “It felt great to be in there with a huge crowd like this tonight. The atmosphere really pushed me to be my best. I put in a lot of work at the gym and knew it would pay off.” Moton also addressed his future with Mayweather, saying, “I know there are all eyes on me with Floyd behind my back. It puts a target on me. I’ve felt pressure my whole life, so this is nothing for me. I’m used to it. I just have to show up and do what I do. I’m going to get back in the gym and keep working hard to put on another great performance.” Mayweather’s public support for Moton is crucial as they prepare for a significant event announcement. With only four bouts under his belt, Moton has quickly become one of the most lucrative fighters in Mayweather’s stable. The strategy now appears to be centered on building the organization around Moton to ensure he remains with the team. #FloydMayweather #CurmelMoton #BoxingNews #BoxingProspect #MayweatherPromotions #RichardSchaefer #NateDiaz #JorgeMasvidal #GervontaDavis #NikolaiBuzolin

William “El Camarón” Zepeda stopped Giovanni “El Cabron” Cabrera via third-round TKO at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. Zepeda, now 31-0 with 27 KOs, showcased his skill and discipline, overpowering Cabrera after a tentative start. In the first two rounds, both fighters were cautious, trying to find their balance. However, Zepeda found his rhythm in the third round, landing clean shots that broke down Cabrera’s defense. The referee stopped the fight at the 1:58 mark after Cabrera took a knee. “I knew my preparation would push me forward,” said William Zepeda. “My discipline will always overcome anything. We made a game plan that worked for me. I can’t compare myself to other fighters. The only way we can determine who’s better is in the ring.” Cabrera, reflecting on his performance, said, “I felt strong in the first round, but then he got me right in the liver. I thought I was going to get up, but I lost track of the count.” The co-main event saw Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval defeat former world champion Angel “Tito” Acosta via technical knockout in the 10th round, claiming the WBC Silver Flyweight Championship. Sandoval displayed speed and strength, countering Acosta’s experience. “I’m very satisfied with my performance,” said Sandoval. “I stuck to the game plan, using a lot of hand movement and defense. I’m glad we got the victory.” Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores dominated Nohel Arambulet, winning via an early stoppage in the second round. Flores aims to dominate at 118 lbs and fight for gold. Joel Iriarte, a former Team USA member, delivered a second-round knockout of Yainel Alvarez, showcasing his skills and calm mindset in the ring. Pedro Campa scored an upset victory over Alex Martin in a 10-round welterweight bout, with Campa knocking down Martin in the tenth round to secure the win by unanimous decision. Other notable fights included victories by Gael “El Terror” Cabrera, Joshua “El Americano” Garcia, Anthony Saldivar, Daniel Luna, and Japhethlee Llamido. #WilliamZepeda #GiovanniCabrera #Boxing #TKO #RicardoSandoval #AngelAcosta #ManuelFlores #JoelIriarte #PedroCampa #BoxingNews  

O’Shaquie Foster is still upset about losing his WBC super featherweight title to Robson Conceicao by a twelve-round split decision last Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Foster insists he deserved the decision and believes he should have won every round. However, he was outworked by Conceicao, which is why the judges favored the talented Brazilian. Conceicao, who was more active and aggressive, said after the fight that Foster "didn’t come to fight" and was mostly playing defense.   Conceicao’s Determination Conceicao, a well-schooled 2016 Olympic gold medalist, outperformed Foster by being the busier fighter, throwing more punches, and keeping Foster pinned to the ropes. Foster’s strategy of focusing on defense rather than offense backfired. He rarely countered and spent most of the fight trying to make Conceicao miss, which wasn’t enough to secure a win.   Foster’s Defensive Style Foster’s approach, reminiscent of Shakur Stevenson, centered on defense, aiming to avoid punches rather than throwing them. This style cost him dearly, as Conceicao kept attacking and scoring points. Foster’s reluctance to engage offensively, especially in the championship rounds, showed his overconfidence and disconnect from the reality of the fight. Judges' Decision The judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113 for Conceicao, and 116-112 for Foster. Many observers, including myself, agreed with the judges who favored Conceicao. Foster's belief that he pitched a shutout shows his misjudgment of the fight dynamics. Trainer’s Insight Trainer Kenny Ellis emphasized that defense alone doesn’t win fights. He noted that while defense can prolong a career, it’s the offensive output that secures victories. Foster’s inability to counter effectively and his reliance on defense cost him the fight against a more aggressive and hardworking Conceicao. Fans' Reaction Some fans were upset about Foster’s loss, unable to see the reality of the fight. Foster’s followers were disappointed, but the truth is that hard work and aggression from Conceicao earned him the win. Lesson for Foster Foster needs to learn that success in boxing comes from a balance of defense and offense. Relying solely on defense and expecting to win without engaging offensively is a flawed strategy. Moving forward, Foster should focus on improving his offensive game to complement his defensive skills. #OShaquieFoster #RobsonConceicao #Boxing #WBC #BoxingNews #FightNight #BoxingFans #PrudentialCenter #SuperFeatherweight #BoxingLife

It’s that time of the year again when boxing fans eagerly anticipate the next move of the sport's biggest attraction, Canelo Alvarez. As the September 14 Mexican Independence Day weekend approaches, the current favorites to face Alvarez are Edgar Berlanga and Chris Eubank Jr.. Benavidez Out of the Picture While many fans are clamoring for a matchup between Canelo and David Benavidez, it’s not happening this time around. Benavidez, who recently moved up to light heavyweight and defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk, has announced his return to super middleweight. Despite being the WBC’s mandatory contender, Benavidez is currently sidelined with injuries and won't be ready by September. Berlanga’s Chance Edgar Berlanga, with an undefeated record of 22-0 (17 KOs), is the WBA mandatory challenger after defeating Padraig McCrory in a final eliminator in February. Berlanga’s Puerto Rican heritage makes him an appealing opponent for the Mexican superstar, adding a layer of cultural rivalry to the bout. Eubank’s Marketability Chris Eubank Jr., although not having done much to earn a title shot at 168 pounds, remains one of Britain’s most marketable fighters. Eubank, 33-3 (24 KOs), last fought in the super middleweight division in February 2019, defeating a faded James DeGale. Despite being more natural at middleweight, Eubank’s ability to sell a fight keeps him in the running. Recent Inactivity Eubank has been inactive since his September victory over Liam Smith, which avenged a surprise defeat eight months earlier. His marketability and ability to draw a crowd make him a viable option for Canelo, despite the lack of recent activity in the super middleweight division. Broadcast Details Once all details are finalized, the anticipated bout will likely be broadcast on Amazon Prime PPV, bringing the action directly to fans worldwide. #CaneloAlvarez #EdgarBerlanga #ChrisEubankJr #Boxing #DavidBenavidez #AmazonPrimePPV #BoxingNews #FightNight #BoxingFans #MexicanIndependenceDay

Ryan Garcia gave Shakur Stevenson a harsh reality check on social media, criticizing him after his lackluster win over Artem Harutyunyan last Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark. Garcia suggested that Stevenson “microdose on shrooms” to cope with the ego hit he's taking from fans' backlash over his dull performance. Garcia's Brutal Honesty Garcia didn't hold back, telling Stevenson on X that “everyone knows you are terrified in the ring. You fight like a scared man.” This blunt critique echoes the style of classic sports commentator Howard Cosell, and it's a truth Stevenson may not want to face. Stevenson's Defense Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, has been defending himself against numerous critics on social media. Despite winning a twelve-round unanimous decision, his performance was underwhelming. He needed a knockout to attract big promoters, but his power fell short, and he didn't capitalize when Harutyunyan was stunned in the ninth round. The Harsh Reality of Free Agency Stevenson hopes to find better opportunities with a new promoter who can secure fights against big names like Gervonta Davis and Vasily Lomachenko. However, no matter where Stevenson lands, be it PBC or Matchroom, they won't guarantee him these marquee fights. He might not even get an offer that surpasses or matches the $15 million, five-fight deal Top Rank offered, which he rejected. Promoter Challenges Eddie Hearn of Matchroom has already stated he won't pay Stevenson the kind of money Top Rank's Bob Arum offered. Without big fights on the horizon, signing with Matchroom might not be worthwhile. The best Matchroom can offer are fighters like Andy Cruz, Regis Prograis, Liam Paro, Jack Catterall, and Richardson Hitchins. None of these matchups are big-money, pay-per-view level fights in the U.S., and some might even beat Stevenson. #RyanGarcia #ShakurStevenson #Boxing #WBC #ArtemHarutyunyan #GervontaDavis #VasilyLomachenko #EddieHearn #TopRank #BoxingNews

Britain's heavyweight boxing scene is buzzing with talent, with several contenders eyeing the coveted status of global superstar. Daniel Dubois, Johnny Fisher, Moses Itauma, and Fabio Wardley are among the top prospects vying for recognition on the world stage. Daniel Dubois, the IBF world champion at just 26 years old, has already made a significant mark with his impressive record of 21 wins, including 20 knockouts. Despite setbacks, Dubois remains a formidable force in the division, gearing up for a crucial bout against Joshua in September. Moses Itauma, a 19-year-old from Kent, is another rising star to watch. Undefeated in all nine of his professional fights, Itauma's technical prowess and southpaw advantage set him apart. With a promising start under Frank Warren's guidance, Itauma is poised for a bright future in heavyweight boxing. Fabio Wardley and Johnny Fisher bring their own flair to the ring. Wardley, known for his explosive style and recent victories, is making waves in the British boxing scene. Meanwhile, Fisher, dubbed the "Romford Bull", boasts an unbeaten record and a growing fanbase, highlighted by his upcoming clash against Alen Babic. The landscape also includes Olympic hopefuls like Delicious Orie and young talents such as Damar Thomas from Team GB, showcasing the depth and potential of British boxing's future. As these contenders continue to rise through the ranks, the question remains: who will emerge as Britain's next heavyweight superstar? #DanielDubois #JohnnyFisher #MosesItauma #FabioWardley #BritishBoxing #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingProspects #TeamGB #DeliciousOrie #DamarThomas

A day before their highly anticipated world title fight, Shakur Stevenson and Artem Harutyunyan stepped onto the scales to make it official. The weigh-in, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, set the stage for their showdown on July 6, broadcast live on ESPN. Shakur Stevenson, Newark’s own three-division world champion, puts his WBC lightweight title on the line against Armenian-German challenger Artem Harutyunyan, who is making his first attempt to claim one of boxing’s four major belts. Both fighters needed to meet the 135 lbs championship limit to be eligible for the title.   In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster of Orange, Texas, defends his WBC super featherweight title against Brazilian contender Robson Conceicao. For this bout, the championship limit is 130 lbs. The event also features a pair of lightweight bouts. Keyshawn Davis of Norfolk, Virginia, faces off against Miguel Madueno (21-2, 28 KOs) of Mexico, while Abdullah Mason of Bedford, Ohio, takes on Luis Lebron of Puerto Rico. Both fights require the boxers to make the 135 lbs weight limit. The Stevenson vs Harutyunyan weigh-in began on Friday, July 5, at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT, bringing excitement and anticipation to fans eagerly awaiting the fight. #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #BoxingWeighIn #WBC #LightweightTitle #OShaquieFoster #RobsonConceicao #KeyshawnDavis #MiguelMadueno #AbdullahMason #LuisLebron  

Ryan Garcia’s boxing career has taken a dramatic nosedive following a series of troubling incidents. Just two months after a shocking victory over Devin Haney, Garcia’s career is now in turmoil. Garcia's problems began after he tested positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug. This led to a one-year suspension, and his win over Haney was overturned to a "No Contest." Additionally, Garcia faced over a million dollars in fines and fees. The latest scandal involves Garcia’s racist comments on social media. In a video, Garcia can be heard using the N-word and identifying with the Ku Klux Klan. These remarks led to his expulsion from the WBC by President Mauricio Sulaiman. Sulaiman stated, “I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination.” Despite claiming his comments were just "trolling," Garcia continued to argue online and use slurs. This erratic behavior has raised concerns about his mental health and substance abuse issues, which he has declined help for multiple times. Garcia’s once-promising career is now overshadowed by controversy and self-destruction. His future in boxing remains uncertain as he deals with the consequences of his actions. #RyanGarcia #WBC #Boxing #RacistRant #DevinHaney #PEDs #MauricioSulaiman #MentalHealth #SubstanceAbuse #BoxingNews

Top-ranked lightweight contender William Zepeda is set to face Giovanni Cabrera this Saturday, headlining a Golden Boy show on DAZN at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. On the same night across the country, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson will fight Artem Harutyunyan. A long-discussed fight between Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) and Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) hasn't materialized yet, and both will enter their respective bouts as heavy favorites. According to DraftKings, Stevenson is a -2500 favorite, while Zepeda is listed at -2000. The Mexican knockout artist has quickly climbed the lightweight rankings, defeating notable fighters like Maxi Hughes, Mercito Gesta, Joseph Diaz Jr., Rene Alvarado, and Hector Tanajara since making his US debut less than four years ago. The 24-year-old, nicknamed "Camaron," is now ranked as the No. 1 lightweight by major sanctioning bodies. Zepeda views Gervonta Davis as the toughest opponent in the division. "Davis would be a great fight and it would probably be the most complicated fight at 135 pounds because of his youth, strength, and mobility," Zepeda told BoxingScene. "I would have to work harder in the gym if that fight did come to fruition. It's going to happen. It would definitely be a more complicated fight than Stevenson. I could try to attack Shakur a little bit more as opposed to Tank, who I would need to watch for what I am throwing and not throw the same punches all the time. He's someone who knows and who studies. He's not only good on the attack but he knows exactly when to counter and take those shots. So it would definitely be more difficult. Gervonta is probably the most difficult fighter in our division. Not only can he box, but he can punch." Despite acknowledging Davis as a more challenging fight, Zepeda is keen on facing Stevenson next. "I'd like Shakur next. Our styles mesh. He's the type of fighter who doesn't really put himself in danger in his fights. I would have to go after him, and he would box. But I think it would be a very entertaining fight. We're willing to fight and I think that fight is going to happen." #WilliamZepeda #GervontaDavis #ShakurStevenson #BoxingNews #DAZN #GoldenBoyPromotions #LightweightBoxing #GiovanniCabrera #TopRanked #BoxingShowdown

Daniel Jacobs is back. Once one of the world's best middleweights, Jacobs has given both Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez plenty to think about in past bouts. However, in 2022, Jacobs was beaten by John Ryder and has not fought since. His next opponent is Shane Mosley Jr., the son of the legendary Shane Mosley, and he's expected to give Jacobs a stern test when they eventually collide. Jacobs vs. Mosley Jr. Fight Date, Start Time

• Date: Saturday, July 6
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK (Sunday)
• Ringwalks (approx): TBA

Can I watch Daniel Jacobs vs. Shane Mosley Jr. on DAZN? The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe on pay-per-view. You can sign up for a subscription and purchase here. What devices are supported by DAZN? DAZN has apps available for the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Roku. Additionally, DAZN is available via web browsers on DAZN.com (note: in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, you must download the DAZN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up from there). Undercard Bouts The full undercard lineup is yet to be announced but will be updated on DAZN's platform and website. #DanielJacobs #ShaneMosleyJr #Boxing #DAZN #GennadiyGolovkin #CaneloAlvarez #JohnRyder #BoxingMatch #FightNight #BoxingFans

Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions have added rising USA star Nathan Lugo to their roster, marking a significant milestone in Lugo’s burgeoning career. Lugo, an exceptional amateur talent, has won the National Amateur championship 23 times and multiple international gold medals. In 2022, Lugo made history by becoming the youngest fighter to qualify for Olympic trials after winning the Elite National title. Reflecting on his move, Lugo expressed his excitement, saying, “I feel very honoured coming straight out of the amateurs and immediately stepping into a powerhouse promotional company such as Queensberry. It has a very rich and amazing history within the sport and promotes the careers of today’s best boxers. I know with their guidance and leadership I will make history.” Lugo’s coach and father, Mike Lugo, echoed these sentiments, adding, “To have Nathan under the Queensberry banner and representing his family is an absolute honour. Trust that we will make them proud. With the types of high-end platforms and opportunities Queensberry provides boxers within their stable, it is only a matter of time before the name Lugo is known around the world.” David McWater, Lugo’s manager, praised the partnership, stating, “It is a true pleasure to be able to bring the highest level American amateur talent directly to a worldwide industry leader in Queensberry Promotions. Their ability to recognise and guide top-tier boxers is well documented over the course of several decades. Today, Queensberry is second to none with regards to strength within the sport. I couldn’t be happier they are bringing Nathan aboard.” Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is equally enthusiastic about Lugo’s potential. “In Nathan, we have clearly got a serious talent on our hands, as evidenced by his amateur pedigree. This signing, albeit one from the USA, follows in a familiar and successful pattern for Queensberry. Taking a top young fighter, almost from scratch, and hopefully guiding him correctly towards significant title triumphs. Nathan is such an exciting prospect and I cannot wait to get him started and give him the opportunity to shine across multiple territories. I am also looking forward to working with David McWater and his father and coach Mike as we seek to maximise Nathan’s prospects and deliver for him.” #FrankWarren #QueensberryPromotions #NathanLugo #Boxing #AmateurChampion #MikeLugo #DavidMcWater #RisingStar #BoxingProspect #FutureChampion

A popular streamer found himself in hot water after asking a "disrespectful" question to UFC legend Nate Diaz during the final pre-fight press conference for Diaz's boxing match against Jorge Masvidal. The much-anticipated bout will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, July 6. Diaz, who lost to Masvidal at UFC 244 in a bout for the BMF championship, is eager to avenge his defeat. The ten-round light-heavyweight bout features a strong undercard, including former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. At the press conference, teenage streamer N3on provoked Diaz by asking, “When you do get knocked out, are you going to retire?” Diaz erupted in an expletive-filled rant, threatening to kick N3on’s leg. “It's little s*** kids like this b**** that are changing the times,” Diaz exclaimed. Shortly after the incident, footage showed N3on being chased out of the venue, pleading for forgiveness. He later recounted the event in two posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing his fear and frustration. “WALLAHI ON MY MOTHERS HEARTBEAT I ALMOST GOT JUMPED,” N3on wrote. “F*** THIS S*** AND F*** ALL OF U FOR SAYING THIS S***. I ALMOST GOT BEATEN TO ACTUAL DEATH BY HIS BOYS F*** ALL OF U.” N3on added: “On my life I’m about to be done with this b******. I just got ran after by grown ass 40-year-olds and I ran into a road with driving cars and went into a dead end in a parking garage and I see this. I’m good off this fake ass love.” This will be Diaz’s second professional boxing match, following his unanimous decision defeat to Jake Paul in August. Meanwhile, Masvidal’s only previous boxing fight was 19 years ago, when he defeated Joseph Benjamin in a majority decision over four rounds in 2005. Masvidal is confident ahead of his second boxing match, declaring, “I’m meaner. I’m faster. I’m more explosive. And when it comes down to it, I think I’ve got the best hands in MMA.” He added, “On July 6, I get to prove that. No questions, no nothing. We’re going to find out. There’s none of that jiu-jitsu stuff, none of that hugging, it’s just straight hands.” #NateDiaz #JorgeMasvidal #UFC #BoxingMatch #HondaCenter #Anaheim #N3on #PressConference #FightNight #MMA

Artem Harutyunyan believes that Shakur Stevenson’s fans want him to lose their fight on Saturday night because they find Shakur’s fighting style “boring.” Harutyunyan (13-1, 7 KOs) shared this during the final press conference on Wednesday, where he tried to get into Shakur’s head with a series of psychological mind games. Dressed like an executive, Harutyunyan complimented Shakur nonstop, even praising his cologne, which led to Shakur laughing and revealing he wasn’t wearing any. Despite the playful banter, Shakur acknowledged the mind games and expects Harutyunyan to come in fighting hard on July 6, during their twelve-round headliner on ESPN at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. “He’s just an average guy. I said, ‘You smell good,’ but I think it was his fear,” said Artem Harutyunyan to Top Rank Boxing, recalling the face-off. Shakur, who likely has never faced such sophisticated psychological tactics, seemed amused by Harutyunyan’s approach, a stark contrast to typical intimidation tactics like trash talk and menacing looks.   Shakur admitted that Harutyunyan is really trying to win. “He’s talking about, ‘What cologne you got on? That s*** smells good,’” said Shakur. “I don’t wear cologne. I can’t miss. His head is big. Ain’t no way I’m going to miss.” Harutyunyan believes that his mind games might have had an impact on Shakur. “It was fun for me, but I got every answer for every question. Even Shakur’s fans want to see him lose, and they say he’s a boring fighter, always running away,” he stated. Harutyunyan is determined to give Newark a great fight and prove what real boxing is. He expressed confidence in making the night exciting for the fans, promising a memorable fight. As the anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Harutyunyan’s psychological tactics will give him the edge against Shakur Stevenson. #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #Boxing #FightNight #MindGames #WBC #Lightweight #Newark #ESPN #PrudentialCenter

Anthony Joshua is a transformed fighter under Ben Davison, according to former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Joshua has recorded two dominant KO wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou since partnering with Davison, showcasing a resurgence of power and aggression lost in previous bouts. Malignaggi stated, "AJ with Ben Davison is a different character, a different animal. I like what I’m seeing with Anthony Joshua." This improvement comes after back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk and a labored win over Jermaine Franklin. Joshua's first encounter with Usyk under long-time coach Rob McCracken resulted in a points loss. Seeking improvement, Joshua then teamed up with Robert Garcia for the rematch but fell to a split-decision defeat. His subsequent partnership with Derrick James yielded a less-than-impressive win over Franklin, followed by a victory over Robert Helenius. Since Davison took over in December last year, Joshua, now 35, has secured an IBF heavyweight world title shot against Daniel Dubois on September 21. He enters the contest as the favorite and eyes a potential showdown with the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury, set for December 21. Carl Froch believes Joshua’s current form could see him defeat Fury if they meet in 2025. “Timing-wise, Anthony Joshua will probably knock out Tyson Fury just cause of where they are in their careers. But what a great fight," Froch commented. Froch, who previously favored Fury, now sees Joshua’s momentum and renewed confidence as key factors. “Joshua is coming off three or four wins. He’s an athlete, looks like a machine, and takes the sport very seriously," Froch added. Joshua’s journey under Davison has reignited hopes of undisputed glory, with his potential bout against Fury marking a defining moment in his career. #AnthonyJoshua #BenDavison #PaulieMalignaggi #OttoWallin #FrancisNgannou #OleksandrUsyk #JermaineFranklin #RobertGarcia #DerrickJames #DanielDubois #TysonFury #CarlFroch

Kicking off fight week for their highly anticipated boxing match, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal held an open workout in Los Angeles. The old MMA rivals will face off live on pay-per-view from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on Saturday, July 6. Masvidal defeated Diaz via third-round TKO due to a cut over Diaz's right eye, claiming the “BMF” belt at UFC 244 in November 2019. This time, they meet in a 10-round boxing match at light heavyweight. “We’re ready to fight, nothing else,” said Nate Diaz. “It’s kill or be killed. He’s done a lot of impressive sh*t, but I’m gonna be ready for him.” Jorge Masvidal expressed confidence, saying, “At the end of the day, when I get in that ring, it’s all business. I’m gonna beat the sh*t out of Nate Diaz. I know people gotta cheer for their boy out here on the West Coast, but I’m gonna destroy that boy.” The open workout at NOVO at L.A. Live also featured fighters from the Diaz vs. Masvidal 2 undercard. Two-time middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs makes his ring return against Shane Mosley Jr. at super middleweight. “This is my last run toward the Hall of Fame,” said Jacobs. “I’m already a two-time champion, but there’s more for me to accomplish.” Shane Mosley Jr. shared his excitement: “Every fight is the fight of my life, so Saturday night is another. I’m ready. I’m super excited. I get to fight a two-time world champion, and I’m excited for the opportunity.” In a lightweight bout, Sean Garcia faces Amado Vargas. “I’m just locked in and ready for this fight,” said Vargas. Garcia added, “I feel ready to go. This is a great opportunity, and I’ve trained really hard to show out on Saturday night.” Also on the card is a lightweight bout between Devin Cushing and Manuel Correa. “I’m so blessed to be here,” said Cushing. Correa promised a great show for the West Coast fans. Chris Avila faces Anthony Pettis, who said, “We’re coming for the knockout. This guy is getting knocked out. Chris Avila is not my level. I’m gonna show that this weekend and keep moving forward.” Among the prelims, Alan Sanchez faces Luis Lopez at welterweight, Kenneth Lopez meets Andres Martinez at super middleweight, and Jose Aguayo takes on Bryce Logan at welterweight. Plus, Steven Dunn goes up against Gabriel Aguilar Costa at heavyweight, and Luciano Ramos and Dan Hernandez clash at super lightweight. #NateDiaz #JorgeMasvidal #DanielJacobs #ShaneMosleyJr #SeanGarcia #AmadoVargas #DevinCushing #ManuelCorrea #ChrisAvila #AnthonyPettis

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez firmly believes he belongs in the top five of the pound-for-pound list after his impressive knockout win over Mexican legend Juan Francisco Estrada on Saturday night. The victory in Phoenix saw Rodriguez reclaim the WBC World Super-Flyweight title and earn his first Ring Magazine belt. Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) started the fight aggressively, staggering Estrada with a crisp uppercut in the third round and flooring him with a powerful left hand in the fourth. However, Estrada managed to knock Rodriguez down for the first time in his career with a right hand. Rodriguez quickly composed himself, finishing the round strong. The seventh round saw Rodriguez deliver a devastating left-hand body shot that crumpled Estrada, sealing the win. After the fight, Rodriguez and promoter Eddie Hearn discussed his performance and future plans. “I’m the legend slayer,” said Rodriguez. “The better the opponent, the better I perform. I’ve always felt that way. It was just a matter of time until the world saw it.”   Rodriguez expressed interest in a rematch with Estrada or a potential fight with the winner of the bout between Kazuto Ioka and Fernando Martinez. He is also open to fighting in Japan, where he has visited and appreciates the unique boxing atmosphere. “The scorecards were pretty crazy to me. I thought I was dominating the fight, even in the round I got dropped in. It was a flash knockdown, and I knew when I was going down that I was smiling. It’s just a learning experience.” Rodriguez also credited Chocolatito for their sparring sessions, which he felt were perfect for his camp. He praised Estrada as a legend and acknowledged the importance of his win. “It’s my best win so far. He’s a legend, and to dominate him the way I did says a lot about my performance and talents.” Hearn echoed Rodriguez’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of his victory and his potential in the sport. “Jesse should be mentioned with Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue, and Oleksandr Usyk. He’s 24 years old and has another four or five years of his prime. The future is bright for him.” #BamRodriguez #JuanFranciscoEstrada #EddieHearn #KazutoIoka #FernandoMartinez #Chocolatito #BoxingNews #PoundForPound #WBC #RingMagazine

Shakur Stevenson has been criticized by fans for his fighting style ahead of his upcoming bout with Artem Harutyunyan. Stevenson, who will defend his WBC Lightweight Title on July 6, has been accused of being a "track star" for his backfoot fighting technique. In his last fight, Stevenson won the vacant belt against Edwin De Los Santos but was booed for his performance. Despite his victory, fans were disappointed as De Los Santos struggled to cut the ring off while Stevenson jabbed and moved. Stevenson later revealed he had a hand injury going into the fight, but the damage to his reputation was done. Fans' perception of Stevenson has significantly dipped, with many labeling him as not being an exciting fighter. This comes at a critical time as Stevenson is in the final fight of his Top Rank contract and might explore free agency. He needs a standout performance to attract big promoters who see him as a generational talent. Stevenson himself addressed the criticism, claiming that Harutyunyan would be the one running in their fight. “It depends on how tough he is and how much punishment he can take. I know he’s going to start running, and then I got to cut the ring. This dude is a good fighter. I think a lot of the public don’t know him. So they think how good he is. Right now, I think the mode that I’m in and what I’ve got going on in my brain, I want to come in and put punishment on him. It may start out as a boxing match, and then I may start beating the…out of him. Understand, we’re going the job done by any means. In round six or seven, he’s going to start moving all around. I’ve got to cut the ring off a little bit,” Stevenson said. Harutyunyan showed his boxing skills in his last fight against Frank Martin, outboxing him for large parts of the fight before losing momentum. Harutyunyan’s strategy might involve keeping things tight, which could force Stevenson to open up more. Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed interest in signing Stevenson, highlighting potential fights with Devin Haney and Liam Paro. Hearn praised Stevenson as one of the best fighters pound-for-pound but criticized his current promotion. “If Shakur wants to pledge his future, you make a significant investment. If it’s a two, three-fight deal, he’s going to be getting a lot of money, and it’s got to work for you as well. I think Shakur, pound-for-pound, is one of the best fighters in the world. He may be unbeatable. He’s that good, but I think he’s been promoted terribly. I think some of that is because when Bob [Arum] knows a fighter is looking to leave, he’s out. For the revenue he creates for the show, he’s earned a lot of money, but he hasn’t been pushed to make him a commercial success. I like him. I think he’s a great fighter and would be an incredible addition to the Matchroom team. If he’s available, we’ll definitely be having a conversation; whether it works for both of us, we’ll have to see,” Hearn said. #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #EddieHearn #DevinHaney #LiamParo #TopRankBoxing #WBC #BoxingNews #FightNight #BoxingFans

Raymond Muratalla, an undefeated lightweight contender, is making waves in the 135-pound division. With a record of 20-0 (16 KOs), Muratalla is set to face former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs) on July 13 in Las Vegas. This fight could propel him closer to a world title shot. In an interview with BoxingScene.com, the 27-year-old ranked Gervonta "Tank" Davis as the world’s best lightweight and predicted he would knock out Vasiliy Lomachenko if their potential unification bout happens. "I think Tank is first, then Shakur Stevenson, then Lomachenko, and then Denis Berinchyk," said Muratalla. "Tank's power will be too much for Lomachenko in the later rounds." Ranked No. 2 by both the WBC and the WBO, Muratalla is eager to challenge the division’s elite. "I’m willing to fight any of the four champions. I think my power can change a fight easily, and that’s another great fight with Tank if it happens." Muratalla also expressed interest in fighting Shakur Stevenson and said, "Either the WBC or WBO is fine for me. I’ll take any of those offers." He has been called out by undefeated lightweights Keyshawn Davis and William Zepeda. Regarding a fight with Davis (11-0, 7 KOs), Muratalla said, "I like Davis. I want to fight him, too, but it all depends on Top Rank to make the fight." About Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs), he believes he’s too strong for him. "I don’t think Zepeda can trouble me with his counterpunching skill at all because I am too big, too strong, fast, and quick." Muratalla knows he needs more recognition. "It seems I have to be talking more trash to raise my profile," he said. "I think that is what is missing, and I need to start doing that more to get the fights." Muratalla is confident in his abilities and hopes to get a title shot soon. "I think I’m right there. Hopefully, I get that shot before the champions in the division unify. I deserve to be in that conversation." #RaymondMuratalla #GervontaDavis #VasiliyLomachenko #TevinFarmer #ShakurStevenson #DenisBerinchyk #KeyshawnDavis #WilliamZepeda #BoxingNews #LightweightDivision