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.

In the lead-up to his bout with longtime friend and former stablemate Dan Azeez, Joshua Buatsi is taking a professional and sportsmanlike approach. The unbeaten light heavyweights are set to clash in a twelve-round WBA title eliminator this Saturday at The O2 in London, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger to WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol. During the promotion for the fight, Buatsi emphasized his respect for Azeez and clarified that there is no personal animosity or beef between them. Buatsi, a 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist, acknowledged that both he and Azeez are fully aware of what's at stake in this pivotal contest. Buatsi had an option to fight for the title on two separate occasions but chose to take a different path, eventually leading him to face Azeez. His decision was influenced by the desire for more experience and activity, which his current promotional deal with BOXXER has provided. Buatsi joined BOXXER earlier this year after parting ways with Matchroom Boxing. Despite their friendship, Buatsi recognizes that his career goals take precedence. He views Azeez as an opponent he must face in pursuit of his ambitions and acknowledges the professional nature of the situation. The forthcoming clash promises to be a significant test for Buatsi, one that could propel him into his first career title fight. While facing a close friend in the ring presents its challenges, Buatsi remains resolute in his dedication to achieving his goals, and he approaches the fight with the utmost professionalism. Joshua Buatsi's commitment to his career and sportsmanship sets the stage for an intriguing battle between two accomplished light heavyweights. As the boxing world eagerly anticipates this title eliminator, it's evident that Buatsi's focus remains unwavering, regardless of his friendship with Dan Azeez.