Puerto Rican fighter Jonathan "Bomba" Gonzalez is gearing up for a significant opportunity in 2024, contingent on his upcoming title defense. Gonzalez, the current WBO junior flyweight champion, is scheduled to face Gerardo Zapata on October 27 in a highly-anticipated match held at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua, broadcast live on ESPN Knockout. A victory for Gonzalez in this pivotal showdown could potentially reignite plans for a title unification bout against Kenshiro Teraji, the lineal, WBC, and WBA champion, in the coming year. However, any deviation from this plan, including an upset win by Zapata, would require Gonzalez to fulfill his next obligatory mandatory title defense, as ruled during the WBO's 36th annual convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Thursday. Gonzalez, boasting a professional record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw with 14 knockouts, is poised to make his third title defense. He initially claimed the WBO junior flyweight title in October 2021 with a twelve-round points victory over Elwin Soto in Fresno, California. Subsequently, he defended his title against Mark Anthony Barriga and the undefeated mandatory challenger Shokichi Iwata in 2022. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old southpaw has yet to step into the ring this year. The pivotal victory over Iwata occurred on the same November 1 card where Teraji secured a stunning seventh-round knockout against his unbeaten compatriot Hiroto Kyoguchi in Saitama, Japan. Their successful outcomes set the stage for a potential unification bout, with both fighters agreeing to meet on April 8 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Unfortunately, Gonzalez was compelled to withdraw from the matchup due to illness during his training camp. In light of this, he was granted a one-time exception for an optional title defense, with his next bout mandated to be either a mandatory defense or a title unification. As a result of Gonzalez's withdrawal, Teraji went on to face Anthony Olascuaga, Gonzalez's promotional stablemate, who accepted the opportunity to engage in his first career title fight on the April 8 card. Olascuaga put forth a valiant effort but was eventually stopped in the ninth round by the talented Teraji. Teraji's successful defense was part of his second WBC junior flyweight title reign. He regained the title with a third-round knockout of countryman Masamichi Yabuki on March 19 in Kyoto, thus avenging his lone career defeat, a September 2021 eleventh-round stoppage to Yabuki in Kyoto, Japan. Subsequently, Teraji secured the WBA belt and the division's lineal championship. Teraji's most recent victory came via a ninth-round knockout of WBC mandatory challenger and former two-division titlist, Hekkie Budler, on September 18 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. He has now entered the voluntary stage of his second title reign, setting the stage for a potential unification showdown against Gonzalez. Gonzalez and Teraji, along with the boxing world, eagerly await the outcome of Gonzalez's upcoming title defense to determine the trajectory of the coveted title unification bout in 2024.

Keyshawn Davis: Meet the boxer Floyd Mayweather says 'has everything' as he takes on Nahir Albright The direct comparison was made by Top Rank President, Todd du Boef, as Davis prepares to continue his ascent towards a world title this weekend. The American takes on compatriot Nahir Albright (16-2, 7 KOs) live on Sky Sports Arena this Sunday morning from 2am. He is more than prepared to live up to the hype. "Todd has been around Floyd his whole career, and he sees greatness in me. I'm going to live up to it; that is what is going to happen," Davis said. When asked if it might be undue pressure on his shoulders, he said: "When I was on the Olympic team, the team hopeful, the Olympic captain, that was pressure. It's not going to change anything for me, no added pressure. I'm built for it." Recent months have seen the Virginian get the opportunity to train with 'The Best Ever', and the amiable 2020 Olympic silver medallist has been grateful for the experience. He said: "Floyd is always in the gym helping people out. I was in there with my brother Kelvin Davis, and he was helping both of us. You can learn a lot just by being around him. I was blessed. Mayweather has been extremely open regarding his opinion of Davis's credentials, and he has been no different behind closed doors. "He told me, Keyshawn, you have everything. You have the skill, you have the ability, you have everything. He said the only people who could beat him were the ones more conditioned, so make sure you are always on top of your conditioning." Regarding Saturday's fight, it is safe to say that the unbeaten American is not unduly concerned. "This opponent is a step towards a world title. He is a lower level. He gives me more rounds. He is not better than the other guys I have faced previously. It's to keep me active." With undisputed champion Devin Haney moving up in weight, the title picture is now cleared for Davis and his great Shakur Stevenson to dominate the lightweight division. "For sure the plan is belts. Shakur is already fighting for the WBC belts, and there is no telling what the WBO and the other belts are going to do. I am definitely one of the contenders." That being said, the man aptly named 'The Businessman' does not have belts at the top of his priority list. "I'm not up for paying for belts. I don't need a trophy; I need a cheque. I don't care if you think I am the best world champion or the best-undisputed champion. I'm gonna go about my business." With other leading fighters around the weight including Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, and Teofimo Lopez, a golden age of American boxing could be upon us, and it is a scenario that Davis would relish. "We are all young; we aren't all in our 30s and our paths will cross eventually. A big fight has to be made. We will all meet at one moment in time." When asked whether future business could also include an outing in the UK, his excitement at the prospect was clear. "Ever since I saw Vasyl Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell in the O2 arena, that was crazy. Ever since I experienced it was 'I gotta do that!'. UK People really love the sport, I love sport and I would come to the UK anytime to fight." Adam Azim currently has an identical record to Davis and is fighting at just a weight above. When asked about the prospect of fighting one of Britain's rising stars, he reacts in typical brash fashion. "What's his name? He got a good following in the UK?" Once that was confirmed, a sparkle appeared in Davis's eye. "Set the fight up; let's make it happen. Tell Adam I'm with that." Watch Keyshawn Davis vs Nahir Albright on the undercard of Alimkhanuly vs Gualtieri this Sunday, live on Sky Sports Arena from 2am.

The WBA (World Boxing Association) has upheld the referee's decision following the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois bout on August 26th. As a result, Oleksandr Usyk remains the WBA heavyweight champion. This decision comes in the wake of an appeal made by Daniel Dubois' promoter, Queensberry Promotions, which was ultimately denied by the WBA. The contentious bout occurred in Wrocław, Poland, where Usyk not only defended his WBA title but also his WBO and IBF (and IBO) belts. Usyk secured a victory via technical knockout after a controversial incident in the fifth round. During the bout, Dubois landed a punch on Usyk's beltline, which Dubois and Queensberry Promotions argued was a legal knockout blow. However, referee Luis Pabon deemed it a low blow and provided Usyk with a five-minute recovery period instead of counting him out. Queensberry Promotions lodged a protest on September 4th, seeking a reversal of the bout's outcome due to the referee's decision in the fifth round. Usyk's team responded to the appeal on September 12th, presenting their arguments and perspectives on the fight. The fight was supervised by officials from various governing bodies, including Carlos Ortiz (IBF), Ed Levine (IBO), Thomas Puetz (WBO), and Jesper Jensen (WBA). Jensen, representing the WBA, determined that referee Luis Pabón made the correct call by categorizing the punch as an accidental low blow. With the endorsement of the supervisor's opinion, the WBA referred the case to the International Officials Committee, which issued its review on September 11th. The committee found no clear and conclusive evidence to challenge the original decision made by Pabon regarding Dubois' punch to Usyk. Furthermore, they determined that no television footage presented concrete proof to dispute the referee's decision. The committee stressed that under WBA rules, the referee has the sole authority to decide on low blows and a boxer's ability to continue after such an incident. After a thorough examination of all documents, considerations from various authorities, and adherence to the WBA's internal rules, it was concluded that the appeal lacked merit. As a result, the decision of the fight stands, with Usyk retaining his WBA heavyweight title and securing his victory and title defense.

"KSI and Logan Paul Face Popularity Decline Ahead of Judgment Day Exhibition Fight, While Tommy Fury Gains Favor with the British Public" New research conducted by Mega Dice has shed light on the shifting popularity dynamics leading up to the much-anticipated all-British exhibition fight between KSI and Tommy Fury on Saturday. The findings reveal interesting insights into the public's perception of the fighters and the products associated with them. According to the survey of 1,000 Brits, Love Island star Tommy Fury emerged as the nation's sweetheart, earning a positive approval rating from 56% of respondents. In contrast, KSI and Logan Paul faced a tougher challenge in gaining fandom, with just 41% of participants stating that they either 'liked' or 'strongly liked' KSI, and Logan Paul scored a modest 26% approval rating. Despite KSI's extensive social media following of over 64 million, his co-founding of the viral energy drink Prime Hydration, achieving two UK #2 singles, and owning various businesses, the survey revealed that people not only favored Tommy Fury (90%) more, but were also more aware of him compared to KSI (82%). A notable 62% of respondents were 'very aware' of the Mancunian boxer, while less than half (44%) had the same awareness of KSI. KSI faced further challenges, as more respondents were aware of his business partner, Logan Paul (84%), than of KSI himself (82%). In terms of the upcoming exhibition fight, the British public's support appears to lean heavily toward Tommy Fury, with 62% backing him for victory, while only 17% favored KSI. Notably, the research also explored the energy drinks associated with the fighters: Prime, created by KSI and Logan Paul, and Furocity, the product of Tommy Fury's half-brother Tyson Fury. Despite Prime having higher brand awareness (87%) compared to Furocity (55%), a significant disparity emerged in taste preferences. A greater proportion of the public expressed their disapproval of Prime's flavor (23%) than those who liked it (22%). Amidst these taste preferences and mixed perceptions of its co-founders, Prime found a silver lining in its reputation, with 34% of respondents expressing a positive disposition toward Prime potentially sponsoring their favorite sports team. In contrast, only 12% indicated that they would be unhappy with such sponsorship, while 54% remained impartial. A spokesperson from Mega Dice commented on the findings, saying, "The British public has weighed in on the upcoming Judgment Day bouts, and the verdict appears less than prime for Paul and KSI. As anticipation builds for Saturday's fights, Tommy Fury has already won the hearts of the British public, which may be a tough pill to swallow for KSI."

Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, understands the significance of preparing for retirement in the world of boxing. His illustrious career began with an Olympic Gold medal, leading to a remarkable 44-fight professional campaign that solidified his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. While Lewis did face setbacks in the form of losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman, he quickly avenged these defeats. His victories over legends like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer, and Vitali Klitschko adorn his impressive resume, culminating in his retirement in 2003. Even after hanging up his gloves, Lewis maintained a strong connection to the sport, organizing his own boxing events. Recent discussions touched on this topic when a fan reminded Lewis of his former opponent, Donovan Ruddock. Lewis had defeated Ruddock by TKO in 1992. Interestingly, Ruddock made a return to the ring in 2015, participating in a Canadian event organized by the former champion. Ruddock, aged 51 at the time of his comeback, entered the ring after 14 years away from professional boxing. Unfortunately, he suffered a third-round knockout defeat and did not compete again. Lennox Lewis's experience and insights shed light on the challenges and considerations boxers face as they contemplate retirement in a physically demanding sport like boxing.

Tim Tszyu, the WBO junior middleweight champion, is gearing up for a potential knockout spectacle in his upcoming main event fight against Brian Mendoza this Saturday in Queensland, Australia. Tszyu, with an impressive record of 23-0 and 17 knockouts, has hinted that his approach against Mendoza (22-3, 16 KOs) will depend on his mood that night – either a blitz or a more strategic boxing display. This highly anticipated match will be broadcast live on Showtime at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT in the U.S. Tszyu had been eagerly awaiting a title shot against the undisputed 154-lb champion Jermell Charlo, but Charlo opted for a lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez at 168, which was too tempting to resist. Tszyu was subsequently elevated to the WBO 154-lb champion and has now chosen to defend his title against what he perceives as the division's #2 contender, Mendoza. Tszyu's enthusiasm for big fights is evident, and he has even expressed a willingness to move up to 168 for a significant bout if the opportunity arises. However, the possibility of facing Canelo at 168 may be a long shot as Canelo is expected to continue focusing on fighters in his own weight class. Tszyu is open to taking on challenges from the likes of Terence Crawford and Errol Spence, should they decide to move to the 154-lb division. He plans to move up to 160 after 2024, which adds a sense of urgency to potential matchups. In terms of his fighting style, Tszyu is not just a brawler who moves forward; he considers himself a smart fighter, aware of his opponents' strengths and weaknesses. He acknowledges that a fight against someone like Crawford would be a tough and challenging battle due to Crawford's counter-punching abilities and high boxing IQ. With his past one-round demolition of Carlos Ocampo, Tszyu hopes that Mendoza will provide a more competitive match. If he secures a quick knockout victory over Mendoza, Tszyu's sights will be set on bigger challenges, marking the next chapter in his quest for legacy-defining bouts. In the lead-up to the Mendoza fight, Tszyu's mindset remains flexible. Whether he goes for the kill right away or employs a more cautious approach will depend on his instincts and mood on fight day. Tszyu's long-term vision includes making history and cementing his legacy in the sport, as he looks forward to a future filled with exciting and memorable battles.

This weekend, the highly anticipated 'Judgement Day' boxing card is set to electrify fans in Manchester, featuring a showdown between KSI and Tommy Fury. KSI, a renowned YouTube sensation and co-founder of the boxing promotion company Misfits, is confident that this event has the potential to become the "biggest of the decade." The Manchester Arena will host this epic clash, as both fighters put their undefeated records on the line in front of a global audience numbering in the millions. 'Judgement Day' boasts a lineup of ten exciting preliminary bouts leading up to the main event, one of which features KSI's business partner, Logan Paul, taking on MMA star Dillon Danis. Misfits, founded in 2022, is staging its 11th event with 'Judgement Day.' Reports suggest that this fight could achieve over two million pay-per-view sales during the weekend. For context, the highest-selling fight this year was the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia matchup in April, with Fury's previous bout against fellow social media sensation Jake Paul coming in second. Despite the highly anticipated Tyson Fury's historic undisputed heavyweight bout with Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for December, KSI, a 30-year-old British boxer, believes that his card might become the most viewed of the decade. Speaking about Misfits' aspirations, KSI shared, "The goal for Misfits is to make it the home of boxing for professionals or YouTube boxers, I want it all in that zone. It is going to take a while, but I feel like with the Prime card, we are doing amazingly with that. With that whole card, it’s not just the main event and no one cares; every single fight everyone is excited for. This could be the most viewed card of the whole year, if not the whole decade. It’s just that big with so many YouTubers and so many eyes being able to see this thing - it could be humongous."

The highly anticipated showdown between Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion, and Tyson Fury, the lineal and WBC titleholder, marks the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in over two decades. Paulie Malignaggi, a prominent boxing figure, has not been able to contain his excitement and has boldly predicted the outcome of this historic match. Scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, pending a formal announcement of the date and venue after Fury's upcoming bout with former MMA champion Francis Ngannou on October 28, this clash is set to captivate the world. The road to undisputed glory appears to be within reach for "The Gypsy King" Tyson Fury if he triumphs in this crossover bout. While opinions on the Fury vs. Ngannou matchup have been mixed, it remains a pivotal stepping stone. Tyson Fury's journey towards undisputed champion status has been marked by his memorable trilogy of battles with Deontay Wilder, resulting in him becoming a two-time champion, with two impressive victories following a contentious draw in their initial encounter in 2019. Paulie Malignaggi, sharing his thoughts on his platform, Paulie TV, initially expressed his admiration for Tyson Fury's enigmatic character, noting how unpredictable and entertaining he is. "Tyson Fury delivers again [by signing this fight]. That's why you gotta love this guy; he's like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gunna get." With the bout now officially confirmed, Malignaggi was straightforward when asked about his prediction. "I think Fury beats him. I think it's 65-35 Fury. I think he's too big." This sentiment is echoed by many within the industry, and despite consensus, it's poised to become one of the most significant fights in recent history. Tyson Fury is set to reap substantial financial rewards, with estimates suggesting he will earn at least $100 million, as stated by his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.

Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is in discussions with Amazon Prime for a potential game-changing streaming deal. This news comes as PBC's current broadcaster, Showtime, is set to exit the boxing business at the end of this year and won't be renewing its contract. It is reported that Showtime may continue to broadcast select major Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights but won't be hosting regular boxing events moving forward. As a result, PBC is exploring other options, including a potential partnership with Amazon Prime for streaming services. Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix shared on his podcast that PBC has engaged in talks with Amazon. Mannix stated that he know that PBC has talked to Amazon. I believe that's their preferred destination. They'd prefer to do a deal with Amazon. Amazon has become more involved in sports compared to other streaming services over the past couple of years. I know there have been discussions between PBC and Amazon. I don't know what Amazon is planning to do - whether they're looking to become a Showtime-like boxing provider or just host one-off shows. But there has been dialogue between PBC officials and Amazon.

“I do know that PBC has talked to Amazon. “I believe that’s their preferred destination. They’d prefer to do a deal with Amazon. “Amazon have gotten into sports more than other streaming services over the last couple of years. “I know there have been discussions between PBC and Amazon. “I don’t know what Amazon are looking to do – whether they’re looking to become a Showtime-like boxing provider or one-off shows, I don’t know the answer to that question. “But there has been dialogue between PBC officials and Amazon.”

PBC boasts a stable of high-profile boxers, including Gervonta Davis, Canelo Alvarez, and Deontay Wilder, and has recently added Terence Crawford to its roster. The potential partnership with Amazon Prime could offer a fresh and innovative platform for PBC to showcase its marquee fights and could be a major step forward in the evolution of how boxing content is delivered to fans.

The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as Fury vs Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in 24 years is just around the corner. The highly anticipated Fury vs Usyk match-up will see WBO, WBA, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk face off against lineal and WBC champion Tyson Fury. This dream fight has been talked about for a long time and is finally set to take place in Saudi Arabia, although the exact date and venue are yet to be announced. This will happen only if Fury wins his upcoming 10-round fight against former MMA champion Francis Ngannou on October 28. If Fury emerges victorious in this crossover fight, which hasn't been well-received by many, he will pave the way for the Fury vs Usyk undisputed title bout. This will likely be his most challenging test since his trilogy of fights with Deontay Wilder, where he became a two-time champion after two notable wins and one controversial draw in their first meeting in 2019. Paulie Malignaggi, a former champion, expressed his thoughts on the matter on his own Paulie TV. He stated his pleasure at Fury's unpredictable nature, having previously thought he would announce his retirement.

“Tyson Fury delivers again [by signing this fight]. That’s why you gotta love this guy, he’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gunna get.”

When asked about his prediction for the Fury vs Usyk  fight, Malignaggi was clear in his response.

“I think Fury beats him. I think it’s 65-35 Fury. I think he’s too big.”

This is a sentiment echoed by many in the boxing community, but that won't diminish the Fury vs Usyk fight's significance. It's set to be one of the biggest fights in recent memory, with Fury expected to earn at least $100 million, according to his Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

Last week, the boxing world was surprised to learn that Anthony Joshua, a top boxer, has been training with Ben Davison. Davison used to train Tyson Fury, who is one of Joshua's main competitors. Carl Froch, a former boxer who often speaks his mind, has shared his thoughts on this situation. Froch thinks that Joshua working with Davison could be seen as "disrespectful" to Derrick James, who is Joshua's current coach. James has helped Joshua prepare for his last two fights.

“Ben Davison is a good trainer, I like his tactics and the way he breaks down fights tactically from round one, so if Ben and AJ are working together, it will be an interesting addition to AJ’s mindset, and maybe tactics as well.” “But I I don’t know the extent of how much he’s working with him? But I can’t see any disadvantages to AJ having a little bit of work with Ben Davison. I think Ben Davison’s a great, great coach. He’s had some good success as a coach and is dedicated, he puts the time into his students, so I’ve got nothing against that.” “But I don’t understand what AJ’s thought process is, because why is he not just sticking with Derek James and sticking with him and listening to him and working with him. I think he’s a bit disrespectful actually to Derek James, but I don’t know how Derek James feels about that.”

It's still unclear if Joshua will continue to work with Davison regularly or if this is just a temporary thing while he's in the UK. James is based in Texas, so there might be some logistical challenges. Promoter Eddie Hearn has said that Joshua could be back in the ring in December, but for that to happen, an opponent would need to be announced soon.

Derek Chisora, the veteran British heavyweight boxer known for his aggressive fighting style, is setting his sights on a new opponent. Although he's faced several high-profile fighters like Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Oleksandr Usyk in recent years, and despite some calls for him to retire, Chisora is determined to continue his boxing journey. In an interview with Boxing Social, Chisora, nicknamed 'Del Boy,' expressed his desire to face a particular fighter in the ring.

"I want the Chinese guy."

he said, referring to Zhilei Zhang. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Zhang has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising contenders in the heavyweight division. Zhang, also known as 'Big Bang,' has gained attention following two impressive knockout victories over British fighter Joe Joyce in 2023. These consecutive wins have earned him the WBA mandatory status, positioning him as a potential opponent for the winner of the upcoming undisputed world heavyweight championship bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Throughout his 27-fight career, Zhang has suffered only one loss, a contentious decision against Filip Hrgovic in August 2022, which many fans believed Zhang had won. This setback hasn't deterred the 6'6" Chinese powerhouse, who has expressed his eagerness to face Tyson Fury, someone he has long wanted to challenge. However, Chisora's challenge represents a significant test for Zhang, who has more experience and a reputation for resilience. Despite Chisora's enthusiasm, Zhang has advised him to "wait in line," indicating that a fight between the two may not be imminent. Zhang, 40, has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua, a matchup that his team appears to be more interested in pursuing. Whether Zhang faces Chisora, Joshua, or another top contender, he is undoubtedly a fighter to watch in the heavyweight division. Chisora, on the other hand, continues to defy expectations at the age of 38. With a career spanning over a decade, he has faced some of the best in the division and has become a fan favorite for his never-say-die attitude and willingness to take on all challengers. Despite the odds, Chisora remains hopeful and determined to secure a big fight and possibly add a few more chapters to his storied career.

Despite his unbeaten record as a cruiserweight champion and his success in the heavyweight division, Oleksandr Usyk isn't favored by many in his highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury. However, former WBA lightweight champion Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini believes Usyk has what it takes to defeat 'The Gypsy King.' The fight's details, such as date and venue, are yet to be finalized. First, Fury needs to emerge unscathed from his October 28 fight against Francis Ngannou. Assuming all goes well, the stage will be set for the first undisputed championship bout in 24 years, with Fury's WBC title on the line against Usyk's IBF, WBA, and WBO titles. Mancini expressed his reservations about Fury in a conversation with FightHub TV.

“I pick Usyk. Fury’s a big strong guy who can move. I’ve never been a Fury fan in the sense that he’s a great fighter, no. He beat Wilder, but Wilder is Wilder, a big puncher, but he doesn’t do anything else.”

Mancini then explained why he believes Usyk has the upper hand. Usyk possesses a superior boxing IQ and a wealth of amateur experience. He's the real deal. His ability to create angles and handle larger opponents gives him an advantage. I predict he'll outmaneuver Fury with his precision and strategic approach. If Fury didn't view him as a challenge, he would have agreed to the fight much sooner.

“Usyk has a high boxing IQ. He has the amateur background, this guy is the real deal. He gives you angles, he knows how to fight big guys. I pick him to win. I think his angles will be on point. He punches in straight lines. I think he will give problems to Fury every which way and that he beats Fury, I really do. If Fury didn’t think he was a headache for him, he would have taken it in a minute. That didn’t happen.”

Bob Arum has estimated that Fury could earn around $200 million for the fight. Whether he'll also secure four belts that night remains to be seen.