SalimBhai
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i wanna see him fight david benevidaz
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Amjid Javed
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Has to be undisputed next, probably in July or August. Two fighters at their peak as well.
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Artur Beterbiev v Callum Smith: World champion dominates Briton in seventh-round stoppage
Briton Callum Smith's bid to become a two-weight world champion ended in heartbreak after a seventh-round stoppage defeat by the terrific Artur Beterbiev in Quebec.
The Russian systematically broke Smith down to defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles.
He floored the challenger twice in the seventh before 33-year-old Smith's corner pulled him from the contest.
"I think it's because of luck," Beterbiev, 38, modestly said.
He maintained his 100% record, having stopped all 20 professional opponents within the distance and is now targeting a unification fight against fellow Russian and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
"I need a fourth belt. It would mean in this category I have done my work," said Beterbiev, who hopes to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
Smith, the former super-middleweight champion, was stopped for the first time in his professional career, suffering a second defeat in 31 outings.
The former super-middleweight world champion, who turned pro 10 years ago, suggested he could retire.
"I've always wanted to the best. I've always believed I was the best and now it's hard to accept I'm not," Smith told Sky Sports.
"I've got an amazing family at home. I give a lot to boxing. Win or lose, I didn't want to stay in boxing for a long time."
Briton Callum Smith's bid to become a two-weight world champion ended in heartbreak after a seventh-round stoppage defeat by the terrific Artur Beterbiev in Quebec.
The Russian systematically broke Smith down to defend his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles.
He floored the challenger twice in the seventh before 33-year-old Smith's corner pulled him from the contest.
"I think it's because of luck," Beterbiev, 38, modestly said.
He maintained his 100% record, having stopped all 20 professional opponents within the distance and is now targeting a unification fight against fellow Russian and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
"I need a fourth belt. It would mean in this category I have done my work," said Beterbiev, who hopes to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
Smith, the former super-middleweight champion, was stopped for the first time in his professional career, suffering a second defeat in 31 outings.
The former super-middleweight world champion, who turned pro 10 years ago, suggested he could retire.
"I've always wanted to the best. I've always believed I was the best and now it's hard to accept I'm not," Smith told Sky Sports.
"I've got an amazing family at home. I give a lot to boxing. Win or lose, I didn't want to stay in boxing for a long time."
Artur Beterbiev v Callum Smith: World champion dominates Briton in seventh-round stoppage
Briton Callum Smith's bid to become a two-weight world champion is ended by Artur Beterbiev in Quebec.
www.bbc.com
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Boxing News: Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum Provides Major Update on Potential Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Fight, Teases Venue for the Clash
Artur Beterbiev, after a commanding defense of his WBC, IBF, and WBO titles against Callum Smith, is now setting his sights on the undisputed light-heavyweight title, targeting WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev’s impressive performance and undefeated record further solidify his position as a formidable force in the lightweight division. A victory against Bivol is all that stands between him and his title unification. According to Bob Aum, the match between the two is all but set. However, there still remains a question about the possible venue.
Since most fights are now heading to the Middle East, there were discussions about the upcoming fight being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Top Rank promoter has been trying to make the fight happen in the grandest possible fashion. Have Bob Arum’s efforts yielded results?
Beterbiev vs. Bivol, revealing the initial plan for the fight to be made in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency. Hearn stated that Bivol is eager and ready to face Beterbiev.
“It’s the Top”: Following Callum Smith Knockout, Artur Beterbiev Confirms Dmitry Bivol Fight Next
Post-fight, Beterbiev also expressed his eagerness for the Bivol fight. Arum, who was happy with the sentiment, mentioned the possibility of the bout occurring approximately three months after Ramadan, indicating a potential date in mid-July for the highly anticipated matchup.
Source : Essentially Sports
Artur Beterbiev, after a commanding defense of his WBC, IBF, and WBO titles against Callum Smith, is now setting his sights on the undisputed light-heavyweight title, targeting WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev’s impressive performance and undefeated record further solidify his position as a formidable force in the lightweight division. A victory against Bivol is all that stands between him and his title unification. According to Bob Aum, the match between the two is all but set. However, there still remains a question about the possible venue.
Since most fights are now heading to the Middle East, there were discussions about the upcoming fight being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Top Rank promoter has been trying to make the fight happen in the grandest possible fashion. Have Bob Arum’s efforts yielded results?
Beterbiev vs. Bivol, revealing the initial plan for the fight to be made in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency. Hearn stated that Bivol is eager and ready to face Beterbiev.
“It’s the Top”: Following Callum Smith Knockout, Artur Beterbiev Confirms Dmitry Bivol Fight Next
Post-fight, Beterbiev also expressed his eagerness for the Bivol fight. Arum, who was happy with the sentiment, mentioned the possibility of the bout occurring approximately three months after Ramadan, indicating a potential date in mid-July for the highly anticipated matchup.
Source : Essentially Sports
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Mikaela Mayer confirms 'contractually' mandatory rematch clause with Natasha Jonas ahead of their first bout
Mikaela Mayer has confirmed if she beats Natasha Jonas there will be a mandatory rematch she has to fulfil.Jonas puts her world title on the line against American star Mayer, live on Sky Sports on Saturday January 20 at the M&S Bank Arena in her Liverpool hometown.
The 39-year-old heads into the fight having unified three world titles at super-welter, before moving down a division to become a two-weight champion when she captured the IBF belt at 147lbs.
Ahead of the fight, Mayer revealed not only is she ready to take the "spotlight" in Jonas' hometown, but they will fight again in a rematch if she takes the victory.
"This is a big fight, you definitely have that big fight feel but these are the fights that I want to be in," Mayer told Sky Sports.
"I want the name Natasha Jonas, I want to be in her hometown, I want to be in a huge arena like the M&S Bank Arena, i want the spotlight because I feel like that brings out the best in me.
"It [opens the door] of a rematch, contractually, so there is that but one fight at a time.
"I have got to beat Natasha Jonas twice. That is my main focus."
The 147lbs weight category has made me a 'better fighter'
Mayer has moved up to the 147lbs category for this fight having previously fought her bouts in the 130lbs category.
For Mayer, the move has been an extremely positive one for her body, removing "extreme" calorie deficits and helping her enjoy her boxing once again.
"I am a lot more natural at this weight. I think a lot of people are taken back by how big I look but what they don't understand is it took a big toll on my body to keep cutting down to an unnatural weight at 130," she added.
"Cutting all the way down and fluctuating in between and having such an extreme, that does a lot to the body and the hormones.
"This is the first time I have allowed myself to have that weight on and also build muscle.
"This is the best I have ever felt and we are close to the weight already. I am just excited to get in the ring and show what the new weight does to me.
"I am an athlete and this is my body and I know my body well. I know I have been doing everything right.
"I am OK with the extra weight. Being skinny all the time and on the calorie deficit was not fun.
"For me, to cut down to 130, it was a 10-week calorie deficit and camp would be really hard so I am enjoying boxing a lot more now.
"I think clearer, I am happier, I am more confident. Trust me, I am a better fighter for it."
Source: SKY
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This should a good fight between these two experienced boxers.
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Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: Heavyweight fight set for 8 March in Saudi Arabia
Great Britain's Anthony Joshua will face MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight contest on 8 March in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, 34, had previously described a potential bout with Cameroon-born Ngannou as a "gimmick fight".
The 37-year-old former UFC champion only made his professional boxing debut in October, when he knocked down Tyson Fury before losing a close decision.
Joseph Parker leads the undercard against China's Zhilei Zhang.
Also on the undercard is Briton Nick Ball, who faces Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title in his first world-title bout.
Former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou stunned the boxing world last year when he sent the undefeated Fury to the canvas with a left hook.
The 35-year-old Briton, who recovered to win the 10-round bout by split decision, will fight Oleksandr Usyk on 17 February for the right to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Fury is the WBC champion, with Ukraine's Usyk, 36, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
Saudi organisers were intent on hosting Joshua v Deontay Wilder on 9 March, but the American's points defeat by Parker on 23 December scuppered those plans.
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin on the same card and organisers were determined to find a bout for the Watford fighter on the same weekend the Wilder showdown had been pencilled in for.
Joshua v Ngannou will take place on a Friday to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which is due to be held in Jeddah on Saturday, 9 March.
Why is Joshua fighting Ngannou?
Just a few weeks ago Joshua was downplaying the prospect of fighting boxing newcomer Ngannou, but Wilder's defeat by Parker forced him to rethink his plans.
As well as that, Joshua is keen to put himself in the mix to face the winner of Fury v Usyk or potentially fight for the IBF title should it become vacant following the undisputed bout.
Despite majorly troubling Fury, Ngannou will be a big underdog against Joshua, who has twice held world heavyweight titles.
The fight represents less risk for Joshua than might be anticipated against a seasoned heavyweight like Parker - who many might have considered an obvious choice after his victory over Wilder.
Fighting Ngannou can keep Joshua ticking over while at the same time keeping the Saudi organisers happy as they get to close 'Riyadh Season' with another heavyweight event.
Saudi Arabia has ploughed millions of dollars into staging huge sporting events, with critics saying the unprecedented spending is being used to enhance the oil-producing kingdom's international reputation and deflect from its human rights record and environmental impact.
However, in a recent interview with the BBC, Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of 'sportswashing' were "very shallow", insisting the investment is boosting the country's economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.
SOURCE: BBCGreat Britain's Anthony Joshua will face MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight contest on 8 March in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua, 34, had previously described a potential bout with Cameroon-born Ngannou as a "gimmick fight".
The 37-year-old former UFC champion only made his professional boxing debut in October, when he knocked down Tyson Fury before losing a close decision.
Joseph Parker leads the undercard against China's Zhilei Zhang.
Also on the undercard is Briton Nick Ball, who faces Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title in his first world-title bout.
Former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou stunned the boxing world last year when he sent the undefeated Fury to the canvas with a left hook.
The 35-year-old Briton, who recovered to win the 10-round bout by split decision, will fight Oleksandr Usyk on 17 February for the right to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Fury is the WBC champion, with Ukraine's Usyk, 36, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
Saudi organisers were intent on hosting Joshua v Deontay Wilder on 9 March, but the American's points defeat by Parker on 23 December scuppered those plans.
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin on the same card and organisers were determined to find a bout for the Watford fighter on the same weekend the Wilder showdown had been pencilled in for.
Joshua v Ngannou will take place on a Friday to avoid a clash with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which is due to be held in Jeddah on Saturday, 9 March.
Why is Joshua fighting Ngannou?
Just a few weeks ago Joshua was downplaying the prospect of fighting boxing newcomer Ngannou, but Wilder's defeat by Parker forced him to rethink his plans.
As well as that, Joshua is keen to put himself in the mix to face the winner of Fury v Usyk or potentially fight for the IBF title should it become vacant following the undisputed bout.
Despite majorly troubling Fury, Ngannou will be a big underdog against Joshua, who has twice held world heavyweight titles.
The fight represents less risk for Joshua than might be anticipated against a seasoned heavyweight like Parker - who many might have considered an obvious choice after his victory over Wilder.
Fighting Ngannou can keep Joshua ticking over while at the same time keeping the Saudi organisers happy as they get to close 'Riyadh Season' with another heavyweight event.
Saudi Arabia has ploughed millions of dollars into staging huge sporting events, with critics saying the unprecedented spending is being used to enhance the oil-producing kingdom's international reputation and deflect from its human rights record and environmental impact.
However, in a recent interview with the BBC, Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of 'sportswashing' were "very shallow", insisting the investment is boosting the country's economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.
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Zhang Vs. Parker Could Steal The Limelight From Joshua-Ngannou On March 8th Saudi Event
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou’s headline fight on March 8th could be upstaged by the co-feature attraction between WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker at the Kingdome Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The way that Zhang destroyed former Parker conqueror Joe Joyce twice in 2023 makes it difficult to imagine the New Zealander lasting long against him unless he uses movement, which won’t help. This fight could steal the show if we don’t see Zhang get robbed like the last time he fought against Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.
It was really disturbing to watch how Zhang got the business. With promoter Eddie Hearn discrediting Zhang’s recent wins over Joe Joyce and controversial loss to Hrgovic and saying Parker should be the favorite, you hope there’s a conclusive result in this fight without the stain of controversy. Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) has earned himself a semi-big fight against former WBO champion Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) on the ‘Knockout Chaos’ card on March 8th.
Hrgovic Calls Out Joseph Parker For Joshua-Ngannou card on March 8th in Saudi Parker has some believing he’s improved since his 11th knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, but we’ll find out when he gets in there with Zhang, who can punch and will be tracking him down all night. If Parker’s fight against Deontay Wilder last December signals that he’s better than he ever was, he may have a chance against Zhang. That’s hard to believe because Wilder changed his game entirely for the Parker fight, choosing to box instead of slug. It wasn’t a case of Parker improving. That was the 38-year-old Deontay doing something insanely foolish by changing his style after 15 years in the pro ranks and failing miserably.
Source: Boxing News 24
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou’s headline fight on March 8th could be upstaged by the co-feature attraction between WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker at the Kingdome Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The way that Zhang destroyed former Parker conqueror Joe Joyce twice in 2023 makes it difficult to imagine the New Zealander lasting long against him unless he uses movement, which won’t help. This fight could steal the show if we don’t see Zhang get robbed like the last time he fought against Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.
It was really disturbing to watch how Zhang got the business. With promoter Eddie Hearn discrediting Zhang’s recent wins over Joe Joyce and controversial loss to Hrgovic and saying Parker should be the favorite, you hope there’s a conclusive result in this fight without the stain of controversy. Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) has earned himself a semi-big fight against former WBO champion Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) on the ‘Knockout Chaos’ card on March 8th.
Hrgovic Calls Out Joseph Parker For Joshua-Ngannou card on March 8th in Saudi Parker has some believing he’s improved since his 11th knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2022, but we’ll find out when he gets in there with Zhang, who can punch and will be tracking him down all night. If Parker’s fight against Deontay Wilder last December signals that he’s better than he ever was, he may have a chance against Zhang. That’s hard to believe because Wilder changed his game entirely for the Parker fight, choosing to box instead of slug. It wasn’t a case of Parker improving. That was the 38-year-old Deontay doing something insanely foolish by changing his style after 15 years in the pro ranks and failing miserably.
Source: Boxing News 24
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Joe Joyce: British heavyweight's Birmingham return after successive defeats
British heavyweight Joe Joyce will return to action against former IBF European champion Kash Ali in Birmingham on 16 March.
Joyce, 38, lost both of his fights in 2023 against Zhilei Zhang for the interim WBO heavyweight title.
The 'Juggernaut' was unbeaten in 15 fights before his defeats against China's Zhang.
Fellow Englishman Liam Davies, 27, takes on Mexico's Erik Robles Ayala for the IBO world super-bantamweight title.
Meanwhile, Nathan Heaney makes the maiden defence of his British middleweight belt against Brad Pauls to headline a Queensberry promotions card, which boasts seven title fights.
"Seven big title fights on one big night is a veritable banquet of boxing for sports fans to feast on and a number of our young stars are really stepping up for the occasion," said promoter Frank Warren.
"It will be a special night for our Stoke hero Nathan Heaney making a first defence of his British title against the English champion Brad Pauls before, if all goes to plan, we get to fight him at the home of Stoke City at the end of the football season."
At super-bantamweight, Commonwealth champion Dennis McCann - unbeaten in 15 fights - faces the also-undefeated WBO European champion Brad Strand for the vacant WBO Intercontinental title.
Undefeated records will also be on the line at welterweight with Eithan James defending his WBO European title as he also tries to pick up the vacant English strap against Owen Cooper.
Heavyweight Soloman Dacres will also defend his English title against an opponent yet to be confirmed, while former WBO International super-middleweight champion Zach Parker goes up against Germany's former WBA world champion Tyron Zeuge.
BC
British heavyweight Joe Joyce will return to action against former IBF European champion Kash Ali in Birmingham on 16 March.
Joyce, 38, lost both of his fights in 2023 against Zhilei Zhang for the interim WBO heavyweight title.
The 'Juggernaut' was unbeaten in 15 fights before his defeats against China's Zhang.
Fellow Englishman Liam Davies, 27, takes on Mexico's Erik Robles Ayala for the IBO world super-bantamweight title.
Meanwhile, Nathan Heaney makes the maiden defence of his British middleweight belt against Brad Pauls to headline a Queensberry promotions card, which boasts seven title fights.
"Seven big title fights on one big night is a veritable banquet of boxing for sports fans to feast on and a number of our young stars are really stepping up for the occasion," said promoter Frank Warren.
"It will be a special night for our Stoke hero Nathan Heaney making a first defence of his British title against the English champion Brad Pauls before, if all goes to plan, we get to fight him at the home of Stoke City at the end of the football season."
At super-bantamweight, Commonwealth champion Dennis McCann - unbeaten in 15 fights - faces the also-undefeated WBO European champion Brad Strand for the vacant WBO Intercontinental title.
Undefeated records will also be on the line at welterweight with Eithan James defending his WBO European title as he also tries to pick up the vacant English strap against Owen Cooper.
Heavyweight Soloman Dacres will also defend his English title against an opponent yet to be confirmed, while former WBO International super-middleweight champion Zach Parker goes up against Germany's former WBA world champion Tyron Zeuge.
BC
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Ryan Garcia ckeeps beef vs Oscar de la Hoya, challenges him to a fight amid disagreement
I know where the beed between Ryan Garcia and Oscar de la Hoya started, it all went down during the lead up to his fight against Gervonta Davis. There were many actions Ryan took during that fight that Oscar de la Hoya didn't agree with and viceversa. Since then, they got into a legal battle that Garcia lost and have been bickering like a married couple ever since. While De la Hoya asks Ryan to honor his running contract, Garcia keeps thinking his promoter is out to get him and get the worst possible fights for him out of spite. This could have some truth to it because De la Hoya is getting opponents that Garcia doesn't really like.
Andrea Celina: Ryan Garcia's soon to be ex-wife who recently gave birth to his son
Garcia challenges De la Hoya to a fight.
The Golden Boy Promotions CEO announced Ryan Garcia fighting Jose Ramirez is close, something Ryan denied iwthin minutes on X. Not long after that, it was Garcia himself who floated the idea of possibly fighting De la Hoya at this point. He was probably joking as he made the point that his own promoter is against him. We might never know what Oscar de la Hoya's true intentions are but the evidence shows there are very few in the combat sports business who like him. Adding more insult to injury, De la Hoya is responding to everybody who opposes his ideas on his personal X account.
Source : marca
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Nathan Heaney: Stoke fighter knows stakes are 'massive' heading into British title defence
British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney says the stakes are "massive" ahead of his fight with Brad Pauls in terms of securing a potential shot at the world title.The 34-year-old from Stoke defends his British crown for the first time against English champion Pauls in Birmingham on 16 March.
"I believe I have the style to compete and beat quite a few fighters," Heaney told BBC Radio Stoke.
"I have to win this fight."
Heaney extended his unbeaten record to 18 fights when he upset Denzel Bellingham by a majority decision to claim the British title in November in Manchester and is now preparing for a swift return to the ring as his quest to bring a world title fight closer continues.
"It doesn't feel two seconds since I became the British champion. There was a very long gap between each of my last two or three fights, so to get back so soon feels great," he said. "You can keep the momentum going with the training."
'Hitman' Heaney has had his sights set of a date with current WBO and IBF champion Janibek Alimkhanuly ever since his win over Bellingham a couple of months ago and knows he has the backing of promoter Frank Warren over a bout with the Kazakhstan fighter in his home city of Stoke if he can see off Pauls.
"Frank promised the winner of the fight with Denzel Bellingham to fight for a world title this year," Heaney said.
"He also said if I win this fight he will sort the fight at the ground [Stoke City's bet365 Stadium] in the summer. So the stakes are massive for the fight."
Pauls 'wants to cause an upset'
Cornish fighter Pauls, won the English belt with an eighth-round knock-out of Mitchell Frearson at York Hall last September, seven months after losing his first shot at the national title against Tyler Denny on a unanimous decision - the only defeat of his career to date.
Heaney says the 30-year-old is a "very good domestic fighter" and knows he will be a dangerous opponent.
"He's someone I knew in the early days because we boxed similar people," Heaney said.
"He'd stopped certain boxers that I hadn't - some lads that I beat but hadn't knocked out, those lads have knocked out.
"So I know they've got the power there."
"Brad Pauls could be on the trajectory to the world stage, provided he beats me, but he's very good and I know he wants to cause an upset.
"The fact that I did a number on Denzel Bellingham and won the title, I'm seen as the favourite."
'The only thing that exists is the 16th March'
Heaney against Pauls will be the headline act in the seven-title fight card at the Resorts World Arena but, despite so much resting on his fight, Heaney says he is not feeling any extra pressure.
"I'd say no," he said. "The pressure's always there. I want to win I don't want to lose. I can't imagine waking up the next day feeling like you'd let the whole city down.
"Denzel Bellingham overlooked me, one hundred per cent. I saw him making comments on Twitter. He said something along the lines of 'I cant wait to fight Janibek [Alimkhanuly, world champion]', and he was talking about him like I didn't exist and our fight had been announced.
"I thought 'you've overlooked me' and I don't want to make the same mistake."
Heaney says it feels "crazy" to have British heavyweight and Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce on the undercard in Birmingham and "surreal" to think back to six years ago when he was on the verge of quitting the sport to focus on a becoming a teacher.
"The WBO [World Boxing Organisation] have ranked me fourth in the world now. I remember breaking into the top twenty-five in Great Britain and now I'm top four in the world. It's totally mad," he said.
"To look back and fast forward to now, I would've never believed it. It just shows you if you put the graft in you never know what can happen. It's happening and it's incredible."
A 19th straight win will undoubtedly bring Heaney's dream of a world title fight in his own back yard a step closer but he is doing his best to make sure he does not get distracted by all the talk of that happening.
"You don't ever want to overlook your ability and come unstuck because there's always someone out there who wants to try to beat you.
"So Stoke and all that doesn't exist. The only thing that exists is the 16th March.
"We're going to make the most of these nights because you never know when they're going to end."
Source: BBC
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Expecting a really close fight between these two excellent boxers.
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Lewis Crocker: Belfast fighter misses weight for Jose Felix Ulster Hall fight
Belfast welterweight Lewis Crocker has missed the weight before his bout against Mexico's Jose Felix on Saturday night at the Ulster Hall.
The 27-year-old, who is aiming to make it 19 wins from 19 professional fights on Saturday, came in at 10st 7lb (66.6kg) during the weigh in, missing the 10st 5lb (65.7kg) limit.
It means Crocker cannot win the vacant WBO intercontinental welterweight belt.
Felix, who has a 40-6-1 record, weighed in at 10st 5lb (65.7kg).
The Mexican will win the title with victory over Crocker.
Crocker is making a swift return to the ring with the Felix fight coming just eight weeks after he defeated fellow Belfast fighter Tyrone McKenna at the start of December to win the WBA continental European title.
BBC
Belfast welterweight Lewis Crocker has missed the weight before his bout against Mexico's Jose Felix on Saturday night at the Ulster Hall.
The 27-year-old, who is aiming to make it 19 wins from 19 professional fights on Saturday, came in at 10st 7lb (66.6kg) during the weigh in, missing the 10st 5lb (65.7kg) limit.
It means Crocker cannot win the vacant WBO intercontinental welterweight belt.
Felix, who has a 40-6-1 record, weighed in at 10st 5lb (65.7kg).
The Mexican will win the title with victory over Crocker.
Crocker is making a swift return to the ring with the Felix fight coming just eight weeks after he defeated fellow Belfast fighter Tyrone McKenna at the start of December to win the WBA continental European title.
BBC
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England's John Ryder was knocked down four times before being stopped in the ninth round by Jaime Munguia on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old, who lost on points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez last year, was dropped in the second round and again in the fourth.
Munguia, 27, then floored him twice in the ninth round in Arizona before Ryder's corner stopped the fight.
The win improves Munguia's record to 43 wins without a loss.
His next opponent could be fellow countryman Alvarez, saying after the bout it would be an "honour" to share the ring with him.
BBC
The 35-year-old, who lost on points against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez last year, was dropped in the second round and again in the fourth.
Munguia, 27, then floored him twice in the ninth round in Arizona before Ryder's corner stopped the fight.
The win improves Munguia's record to 43 wins without a loss.
His next opponent could be fellow countryman Alvarez, saying after the bout it would be an "honour" to share the ring with him.
BBC
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Lewis Crocker v Jose Felix: Belfast welterweight maintains unbeaten record with knockout
Belfast's Lewis Crocker knocked out Mexico's Jose Felix in the fifth round of their welterweight contest to extend his record to 19-0 as a professional.The 27-year-old took a few rounds to get going in the main event at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.
Crocker then produced a fine left hook in round five to stop Felix and claim his 11th victory by knockout.
But he was unable to pick up the vacant WBO Intercontinental welterweight title after he missed the weight on Friday.
The current WBA continental European champion will have his sights set on world honours in the not-so-distant future after another impressive victory.
"It was a great night, the atmosphere was electric as it always is in Belfast and I got the win in good fashion, so it couldn't have gone better," Crocker told BBC Sport NI.
The first and second rounds were rather uneventful, with Crocker happy to assess the Mexican, who defeated Gary Cully in his last fight, and see what he was up against.
Felix was deducted a point in the third for two low blows, but it was the fourth round where 'The Croc' really took over.
After a succession of clubbing blows, Crocker sent the 31-year-old tumbling to the canvas midway through the round.
Felix survived the onslaught, but the end was near for the Mexican.
It did eventually come in the fifth round, with the Belfast man landing a perfectly timed left hook right on the whiskers of his opponent.
Felix did well to make it back to his feet somehow, but referee Marcus McDonnell had seen enough and deemed him in no position to continue.
Source: BBC
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Deontay Wilder will not be retiring from the sport and has no plans yet to attend the forthcoming Riyadh Season fights – World Boxing News can exclusively reveal.
WBN connected with Wilder’s co-manager, Shelly Finkel, this week to divulge any fight plans in the pipeline for the ex-world heavyweight champion.
Speculation is rife that Wilder could walk away following a loss to Joseph Parker. However, Finkel assured fans that the knockout puncher is returning.
Deontay Wilder will not retire
“Deontay will fight again and has no plans to retire,” Finkel told WBN exclusively. “He will fight again, but we have no specific fight yet and are looking at what’s next.”
Asked whether Wilder will attend the February 17 undisputed heavyweight title fight or March 8’s offering featuring arch-rival Anthony Joshua, Finkel replied: “At present, there are no plans for him to go to either Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk or AJ vs Francis Ngannou, but you never know that could change in the future.”
Wilder cannot afford to wait too long to get back in the top division picture. As the last undisputed champion, Lennox Lewis, recently stated, Wilder needs to be active.
Going into his loss to Parker, the Tuscaloosa native spent less than three minutes in the ring over two years and had mentioned he could retire.
Lewis says remaining out of action cost Wilder what should have been a victory over Parker to set up a lucrative fight with Joshua.
Inactivity
“I didn’t think he was going to step in the ring again,” Lewis told Ring Magazine. “When he took this fight, he had one round in two years against Robert Helenius. That didn’t really show anything. It actually did him more harm because he needed the work in that fight. Suddenly, he’s come to a big fight [against Parker on December 23].
“I think his business mind took it because he was not prepared for Parker. He was not [prepared], even with a warm-up fight. He said he’s not going to be rusty. But he’s not Houdini. Everybody gets rusty. What he’s saying didn’t compute to me.”
Parker took a wide unanimous decision to end hopes of Wilder vs Joshua despite a seven-year wait. The fight could be resurrected as Turki Alalshikh still desires to stage the blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.
However, Wilder has to win within the next three months to get back on the horse. Should Joshua beat Ngannou on March 8, the Wilder may be salvaged for the summer.
A lot depends on whether Fury vs Usyk becomes a two-fight saga with an active two-way rematch clause.
Source: WBN
WBN connected with Wilder’s co-manager, Shelly Finkel, this week to divulge any fight plans in the pipeline for the ex-world heavyweight champion.
Speculation is rife that Wilder could walk away following a loss to Joseph Parker. However, Finkel assured fans that the knockout puncher is returning.
Deontay Wilder will not retire
“Deontay will fight again and has no plans to retire,” Finkel told WBN exclusively. “He will fight again, but we have no specific fight yet and are looking at what’s next.”
Asked whether Wilder will attend the February 17 undisputed heavyweight title fight or March 8’s offering featuring arch-rival Anthony Joshua, Finkel replied: “At present, there are no plans for him to go to either Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk or AJ vs Francis Ngannou, but you never know that could change in the future.”
Wilder cannot afford to wait too long to get back in the top division picture. As the last undisputed champion, Lennox Lewis, recently stated, Wilder needs to be active.
Going into his loss to Parker, the Tuscaloosa native spent less than three minutes in the ring over two years and had mentioned he could retire.
Lewis says remaining out of action cost Wilder what should have been a victory over Parker to set up a lucrative fight with Joshua.
Inactivity
“I didn’t think he was going to step in the ring again,” Lewis told Ring Magazine. “When he took this fight, he had one round in two years against Robert Helenius. That didn’t really show anything. It actually did him more harm because he needed the work in that fight. Suddenly, he’s come to a big fight [against Parker on December 23].
“I think his business mind took it because he was not prepared for Parker. He was not [prepared], even with a warm-up fight. He said he’s not going to be rusty. But he’s not Houdini. Everybody gets rusty. What he’s saying didn’t compute to me.”
Parker took a wide unanimous decision to end hopes of Wilder vs Joshua despite a seven-year wait. The fight could be resurrected as Turki Alalshikh still desires to stage the blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.
However, Wilder has to win within the next three months to get back on the horse. Should Joshua beat Ngannou on March 8, the Wilder may be salvaged for the summer.
A lot depends on whether Fury vs Usyk becomes a two-fight saga with an active two-way rematch clause.
Source: WBN
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Conor Benn wants 'mega fight' with Devin Haney in UK
Britain's Conor Benn wants to be involved in a "mega fight" in the UK in April or May and has welcomed a bout against two-weight world champion Devin Haney.
Benn, who was given a provisional doping suspension in 2022, does not hold a boxing licence in the UK.
The 27-year-old faces American Peter Dobson in Las Vegas on Saturday.
"Any welterweight is not a concern for me. Any top American fighter - anyone - no problem," Benn said.
Britain's Conor Benn wants to be involved in a "mega fight" in the UK in April or May and has welcomed a bout against two-weight world champion Devin Haney.
Benn, who was given a provisional doping suspension in 2022, does not hold a boxing licence in the UK.
The 27-year-old faces American Peter Dobson in Las Vegas on Saturday.
"Any welterweight is not a concern for me. Any top American fighter - anyone - no problem," Benn said.
Conor Benn wants 'mega fight' with Devin Haney in UK
Britain's Conor Benn wants a "mega fight" in the UK in April or May and has welcomed a bout against two-weight world champion Devin Haney.
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Joshua Buatsi v Dan Azeez: Buatsi frustrated as rival turns up late for weigh-in
An annoyed Joshua Buatsi was made to wait as Dan Azeez turned up late to the weigh-in for their all-British light-heavyweight fight.
The bout will take place at Wembley's OVO Arena on Saturday.
Friday's weigh-in began at 13:00 GMT but Azeez only arrived at Wembley's Boxpark venue about 45 minutes later.
Azeez hit the scales at 12st 4lb 5oz when the weigh-in eventually started, with a visibly frustrated Buatsi weighing 12st 6lb.
"It is what is is," Azeez, 34, said, adding that he did not have the luxury of being in a "plush" hotel next to the venue like his opponent.
"I'm all the way in Catford, Lewisham. There was a bit of traffic."
The former friends put their undefeated records on the line, with Azeez's British and Commonwealth belts also up for grabs.
Buatsi, 30, used some unsavoury language to make it clear he was not happy with his opponent's poor timekeeping.
Asked if he will make Azeez pay, Buatsi said: "I'm always going to make him pay."
An annoyed Joshua Buatsi was made to wait as Dan Azeez turned up late to the weigh-in for their all-British light-heavyweight fight.
The bout will take place at Wembley's OVO Arena on Saturday.
Friday's weigh-in began at 13:00 GMT but Azeez only arrived at Wembley's Boxpark venue about 45 minutes later.
Azeez hit the scales at 12st 4lb 5oz when the weigh-in eventually started, with a visibly frustrated Buatsi weighing 12st 6lb.
"It is what is is," Azeez, 34, said, adding that he did not have the luxury of being in a "plush" hotel next to the venue like his opponent.
"I'm all the way in Catford, Lewisham. There was a bit of traffic."
The former friends put their undefeated records on the line, with Azeez's British and Commonwealth belts also up for grabs.
Buatsi, 30, used some unsavoury language to make it clear he was not happy with his opponent's poor timekeeping.
Asked if he will make Azeez pay, Buatsi said: "I'm always going to make him pay."
Joshua Buatsi v Dan Azeez: Buatsi frustrated as rival turns up late for weigh-in
An annoyed Joshua Buatsi is made to wait as Dan Azeez turns up late to the weigh-in for their all-British light-heavyweight fight.
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Amjid Javed
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Fury pulls out of usyk fight, no shock here
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Joshua Buatsi outpoints Dan Azeez in all-British light-heavyweight fight in London
Briton Joshua Buatsi outpointed friend and rival Dan Azeez in a brilliant all-British light-heavyweight encounter at Wembley's OVO Arena.
Buatsi floored his fellow Londoner twice in the 11th round, although Azeez insisted he slipped on both occasions.
Two judges scored it 116-110 and the other 117-109 to Buatsi in a bout where both men continued swinging into the final seconds.
"He pushed me every round, he's a champion," Buatsi, 30, said.
"I couldn't have done it without Dan, it's a pleasure to share the ring with him. Dan was pounding my head. He made me fight every second. Dan, big up yourself."
The contest was an eliminator for WBA champion Dmitry Bivol's world title, while Buatsi also picks up the British and Commonwealth belts with his 18th professional win.
Azeez, who suffered a first defeat in his 21st bout, was gracious in defeat.
Briton Joshua Buatsi outpointed friend and rival Dan Azeez in a brilliant all-British light-heavyweight encounter at Wembley's OVO Arena.
Buatsi floored his fellow Londoner twice in the 11th round, although Azeez insisted he slipped on both occasions.
Two judges scored it 116-110 and the other 117-109 to Buatsi in a bout where both men continued swinging into the final seconds.
"He pushed me every round, he's a champion," Buatsi, 30, said.
"I couldn't have done it without Dan, it's a pleasure to share the ring with him. Dan was pounding my head. He made me fight every second. Dan, big up yourself."
The contest was an eliminator for WBA champion Dmitry Bivol's world title, while Buatsi also picks up the British and Commonwealth belts with his 18th professional win.
Azeez, who suffered a first defeat in his 21st bout, was gracious in defeat.
Joshua Buatsi outpoints Dan Azeez in all-British light-heavyweight fight in London
Briton Joshua Buatsi outpoints friend-turned-opponent Dan Azeez in an all-British light-heavyweight fight at Wembley's OVO Arena.
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Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke: Heavyweights clash over records before British title fight on 31 March in London
British champion Fabio Wardley says all the pressure is on Frazer Clarke in their heavyweight fight on 31 March.
Both men promised knockouts in a news conference on Thursday that started cordially but ended with the pair questioning each other's record.
Clarke, an Olympic medallist, trashed Wardley's white collar background.
"I would absolutely do what he's done and he could never do what I've done and that's the fact of it," Clarke said.
"That white collar boxing, ultimately it's just the hardest kids in town having a scrap.
"They just want to go and have a punch up in a random social club, sell a few tickets and become the talk of their town."
Clarke, 32, declared himself the underdog in the contest with 29-year-old Wardley having twice the amount of fights as a professional.
Wardley is undefeated in 17 fights since turning pro in 2017.
British champion Fabio Wardley says all the pressure is on Frazer Clarke in their heavyweight fight on 31 March.
Both men promised knockouts in a news conference on Thursday that started cordially but ended with the pair questioning each other's record.
Clarke, an Olympic medallist, trashed Wardley's white collar background.
"I would absolutely do what he's done and he could never do what I've done and that's the fact of it," Clarke said.
"That white collar boxing, ultimately it's just the hardest kids in town having a scrap.
"They just want to go and have a punch up in a random social club, sell a few tickets and become the talk of their town."
Clarke, 32, declared himself the underdog in the contest with 29-year-old Wardley having twice the amount of fights as a professional.
Wardley is undefeated in 17 fights since turning pro in 2017.
Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke: Heavyweights clash over records before British title fight on 31 March in London
Olympic medallist Frazer Clarke declares himself the underdog against Fabio Wardley and questioned the British heavyweight champion's white collar background.
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Hamzah Sheeraz wants Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith if he beats Liam Williams on Saturday
Hamzah Sheeraz is targeting a fight with Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith if he can beat Liam Williams on Saturday.
The British middleweight faces the biggest test of his career at London's Copper Box Arena against the Welshman, who is a former world title challenger.
Williams, 31, took issue with Sheeraz looking ahead to potential fights, saying on Thursday: "What is he talking about?
"He hasn't beat me yet and he's not going to."
Sheeraz, 24, is undefeated in 18 pro fights and refused to be drawn into any sort of back-and-forth with Williams at the top table in their pre-fight news conference.
The Slough native said he was not looking past Williams but wanted to prove he was ready for the likes of Smith, Eubank Jr and reigning British champion Nathan Heaney by securing victory at the weekend.
Williams' four defeats have come against Eubank Jr, Smith (twice) and former WBO champion Demetrius Andrade.
He will be an underdog against Sheeraz, but said he had no intention of being an easy night's work.
"Personally I think it's a bad mistake, bringing me in to get beat by this guy," Williams said.
"He's very good, he's talented. He's obviously big for the weight.
"But I don't think I'm the right guy for the job, I think you brought in the wrong guy."
On the undercard, light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde competes in his first fight in 2024 just a week after his long-time rival Joshua Buatsi beat Dan Azeez.
Yarde is keen to meet Buatsi this year, as well as potentially moving up to cruiserweight to fight WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Buatsi is expected to be in attendance for Yarde's fight against Serb Marko Nikolic.
"It's a big fight, especially in British boxing," Yarde said of Buatsi.
"Hopefully it does happen. There's other names, Callum Smith. If I get a world title opportunity, I will take it.
"That's how I'm built. These guys can't handle me - that's honestly what I believe."
Hamzah Sheeraz is targeting a fight with Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith if he can beat Liam Williams on Saturday.
The British middleweight faces the biggest test of his career at London's Copper Box Arena against the Welshman, who is a former world title challenger.
Williams, 31, took issue with Sheeraz looking ahead to potential fights, saying on Thursday: "What is he talking about?
"He hasn't beat me yet and he's not going to."
Sheeraz, 24, is undefeated in 18 pro fights and refused to be drawn into any sort of back-and-forth with Williams at the top table in their pre-fight news conference.
The Slough native said he was not looking past Williams but wanted to prove he was ready for the likes of Smith, Eubank Jr and reigning British champion Nathan Heaney by securing victory at the weekend.
Williams' four defeats have come against Eubank Jr, Smith (twice) and former WBO champion Demetrius Andrade.
He will be an underdog against Sheeraz, but said he had no intention of being an easy night's work.
"Personally I think it's a bad mistake, bringing me in to get beat by this guy," Williams said.
"He's very good, he's talented. He's obviously big for the weight.
"But I don't think I'm the right guy for the job, I think you brought in the wrong guy."
On the undercard, light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde competes in his first fight in 2024 just a week after his long-time rival Joshua Buatsi beat Dan Azeez.
Yarde is keen to meet Buatsi this year, as well as potentially moving up to cruiserweight to fight WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Buatsi is expected to be in attendance for Yarde's fight against Serb Marko Nikolic.
"It's a big fight, especially in British boxing," Yarde said of Buatsi.
"Hopefully it does happen. There's other names, Callum Smith. If I get a world title opportunity, I will take it.
"That's how I'm built. These guys can't handle me - that's honestly what I believe."
Hamzah Sheeraz wants Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith if he beats Liam Williams on Saturday
Hamzah Sheeraz hopes a win over Liam Williams on Saturday in London will pave the way for a fight with Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith.
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Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, only 25, are set to meet on April 20th on DAZN PPV, part of the new guard taking over the sport.
The two will meet two months from now in a fight that should attract massive interest from fans at a still-to-be-determined location in the U.S. Haney & Garcia are creating massive interest in the 140-lb division, a weight class that is often ignored by fans due to a lack of popular fighters. We’ve seen being primarily carried by the welterweight division in North America in recent years, but with top guys Terence Crawford and Errol Spence getting long in the tooth and rarely fighting anymore, Garcia and Haney are ready to take over as the flag bearers.
Tested Against the Best Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has already been tested against the best, having beaten former three-division world champion Vasily Lomachenko last year and with wins over the #1 fighter at 140, Regis Prograis. Although Haney’s win over Lomachenko was controversial in the eyes of the boxing world, he totally dominated Prograis, who was easily the best fighter at 140, until he defeated him.
Source: Boxing News 24/7
The two will meet two months from now in a fight that should attract massive interest from fans at a still-to-be-determined location in the U.S. Haney & Garcia are creating massive interest in the 140-lb division, a weight class that is often ignored by fans due to a lack of popular fighters. We’ve seen being primarily carried by the welterweight division in North America in recent years, but with top guys Terence Crawford and Errol Spence getting long in the tooth and rarely fighting anymore, Garcia and Haney are ready to take over as the flag bearers.
Tested Against the Best Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has already been tested against the best, having beaten former three-division world champion Vasily Lomachenko last year and with wins over the #1 fighter at 140, Regis Prograis. Although Haney’s win over Lomachenko was controversial in the eyes of the boxing world, he totally dominated Prograis, who was easily the best fighter at 140, until he defeated him.
Source: Boxing News 24/7
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Teofimo Lopez defends light-welterweight title with controversial points win over Jamaine Ortiz
American Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO world light-welterweight title with a controversial unanimous points win over compatriot Jamaine Ortiz in Las Vegas.Lopez, 26, was seemingly outboxed over 12 rounds as two judges scored it 115-113 with one highly contentious scorecard of 117-111.
The decision was booed by fans inside the Michelob Ultra Arena.
"You all could boo all you want," Lopez said before directing a homophobic slur towards the crowd.
He called out American unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford for a catchweight bout.
"I'm here, I'm ready. I'm hungry, I'm younger, I'm prettier," he said.
The agile and more elusive Ortiz - fighting in a southpaw stance - made use of his reach advantage and quick feet to frustrate Lopez.
Ortiz, 27, circled around the ring on the back foot as Lopez struggled to find any real rhythm.
"I stuck to the game plan, I listened to my corner, my team. I thought I was winning," Ortiz said.
"I think I won the fight. What can I say? He couldn't hit me, I was making him miss all night. 117-111 is just ridiculous."
But two-weight world champion Lopez blamed his opponent for fighting too defensively.
"We cannot, for one second, claim these people, these fighters, that don't wanna come and fight," Lopez said.
The below-par performance continues the trend of Lopez's unpredictable career.
He recorded a career best victory by dethroned unified lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 before a surprise defeat by George Kambosos Jr the following year.
In June 2023, Lopez won the light-welterweight title by inflicting a first career defeat on Scotsman Josh Taylor.
Source: BBC
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I wonder who would be the next opponent of Teofimo Lopez.
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Haney-Kingry collide April 20
WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) will defend against Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) on April 20 in Las Vegas. Both sides have confirmed the fight on social media. Fight now also confirmed by Golden Boy and Matchroom.Source : Fight News
shaz619
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Big Big test for the career of Hamza Sheeraz tonight, this is a Barrera/Khan esque proposition. Win this well and he will be knocking on the doors of world level.
ElRaja
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really looking forward to this, i enjoy his fighting style, sheeraz is entertaining and he has a bit of the dog in him which is always fun, hes failed to use his height to his advantage on occasions previously, if he moves a bit more proactively i can see him seeing off Williams.
no idea how he makes the weight tho.
shaz619
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My oh my!!! what a stunning performance! look, Williams punch resistance might have gone but I still expected him go test Sheeraz a bit and use his experience, but Sheeraz has improved considerably since the Skeete fight. Excellent ryhthm, his jab is a lot cleaner from a more orthodox stance compared to his square front in the past, walked Williams onto the right hand and used his reach effectively to put him away.
I mean a few years ago we asked the same thing about the weight but it would appear he is living the life! because no way he would make MW otherwise, there’s clear room to grow there and develop his power further up the classes
shaz619
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Big credit to Funez and Goosen for all the hard work with Sheeraz in LA!
shaz619
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I read about Abdullah/Ashaq; I am dissaponted with how things have turned our for Ashfaq, for all his skill I think his defence is a bit weak which doesn’t help his punch resistance, I need to see this fight but I think it’s a proud moment to see two British Pakistani’s go at it in a semi-relevant fight on the undercard
I watched Yarde do the business, more of a tickover; but we really need to see him with Buatsi soon hopefully
I watched Yarde do the business, more of a tickover; but we really need to see him with Buatsi soon hopefully
shaz619
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I haven’t seen that dog in an apna fighter since Uzzie Ahmed (jokes lol) but seriously, Sheeraz is a mean dude, he got that Tommy Hearn thing going
ElRaja
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big improvement, his movement has stepped up, maintained the distance then walked down Williams with a double jab a few times to get close, that jap is something else, far sterner tests await but he made Williams look like tired and past it.
and i know this aint the right thing to say, but that skeete fight, he was losing, he looked out of time, he was grabbing air for the whole fight, then he did what he did, rightly or wrongly, and got the win.
some of the best fighters have had that dog in them and i dont think its a voluntary choice.
also funny to see waarren do his best homer impression when hamzah mentioned Palestine
shaz619
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Abdullah is actually afghan* finally, someone from their background in the pro ranks, I’ve known quiet a few in the amateurs from the midlands but never were disciplined go progress beyond that, Abdullah though seems very determined in the professional. Saw him in the leach fight; a hit cagey and overly reliant on the right hand, but the work rate and range from which he throws it is good
shaz619
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big improvement, his movement has stepped up, maintained the distance then walked down Williams with a double jab a few times to get close, that jap is something else, far sterner tests await but he made Williams look like tired and past it.
and i know this aint the right thing to say, but that skeete fight, he was losing, he looked out of time, he was grabbing air for the whole fight, then he did what he did, rightly or wrongly, and got the win.
some of the best fighters have had that dog in them and i dont think its a voluntary choice.
also funny to see waarren do his best homer impression when hamzah mentioned Palestine
Hahaha Old fish eyes backed away, I like how the production always refer to him as HOF promoter. Am surprised TNT uploaded that clip to their Youtube.
Yes, you have to give credit to the fighter though many will keep putting it out there that Williams was shot but not even Eubanks could finish him like that and you have to judge the performance; he is much improved, sure we will learn more from stiffer tests but I don’t see enough reason to overlook this win completely as though he knocked out some guy from the local pub.
ElRaja
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Definitely not, i think theres a very obvious group who will always downplay an apnas wins, especially when his fighting style is not like their stereotype of how an apna would fight. sheeraz played a masterstroke by moving to the USA at such a young age, he doesn't fight like British fighters, let alone British apnas, he's awkward and doesn't seem to be a natural on the inside or the outside, but somewhere in the middle which is gonna be hard to counter for sub world level fighters.
i had my doubts about ricky funez but they seem to work well, and if sheeraz is getting to learn from joe goosen it'll only help him. not sure who takes him next tho, eubank jr would be a great fight but don't see chris taking it.
shaz619
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I don’t want to judge Taz Khan too negatively because I question his management if Amir back in the days though I appreciate he helped him a lot during the amateur days; but could he have been instrumental in that move to America? it’s fair to say it would have done Amir the world of good if he did that a lot sooner.
They have a solid team, I was more curious to see how they bounced back from the Skeete fight which was going to give me an indication of the sort of work Funez has been doing; he’s a good guy, works well with others and is happy to bring in the vets to which is a good quality.
Spot on mate great observation; he appears to hold the centre and find his best rhythm at mid-range, while this may be difficult given the availability of opposition, I really want to see him against someone where he gives away some of the advantages of his height and reach, he is using it very effectively and when you throw shots which are angling down below, you carry more power; try it on the pads or bag. If not someone with similar physical tools then perhaps a fighter who uses lateral movement well to see how he copes with it, I do think he cuts the ring better but I want it to be tested a bit more.
It’s a lose lose for Eubanks I doubt he takes it and wont be a money fight for him.
I might be reaching here, but if they could do a deal with Lara, that could be a massive opportunity; apparently he was the WBA regular and it was upgraded to a full world title during his inactivity! who else besides Eubanks? there’s Liam Smith though he is a bit flat footed, will have a look to see who else is out there
ElRaja
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i dont know much abt taz khan, i just watched amir as a fan boy without following the details when i was much younger. hamzah seems to trust taz, and i think hamzah has a decent head on his shoulders, doesnt look easy to take for a ride.
a lot of talk for someone from matchroom for the saudi 5x5, i think he sells well in saudi, not sure who he would fight since i haven't really followed the names coming up, amo Williams, etc.
liam smith is not really worth it for sheeraz IMO, he did not look good in his last fight, and needs a tune up and to rebuild his stature a bit otw its a lose lose for sheeraz.
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Middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz defeated Liam Williams in one round in an unstoppable performance in London.
The Briton extended his unbeaten record to 19 fights, dropping Williams twice thanks to his blistering speed.
Sheeraz, 24, delivered on a promise to make a statement by stopping Williams, a former world title challenger.
"I had a lot of doubters going into this fight [who] thought I wasn't able to keep up with this calibre of fighter," Sheeraz said.
"I do my talking in the ring. When I get in here, I entertain."
BBC
The Briton extended his unbeaten record to 19 fights, dropping Williams twice thanks to his blistering speed.
Sheeraz, 24, delivered on a promise to make a statement by stopping Williams, a former world title challenger.
"I had a lot of doubters going into this fight [who] thought I wasn't able to keep up with this calibre of fighter," Sheeraz said.
"I do my talking in the ring. When I get in here, I entertain."
BBC
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It would be interesting to see if he gets to fight against Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith next.
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Heavyweight contender Joseph Parker is not paying any attention to the statements from recent rival Deontay Wilder.
Back in December, Parker outboxed Wilder over twelve rounds to secure a dominant unanimous decision in a very unexpected outcome.
The victory derailed Wilder's planned mega-fight with Anthony Joshua.
Wilder was coming back from a significant layoff, and he'd only see a single round of action in two years' time.
On the other hand, Parker remained very active last year - with Wilder being his fourth ring appearance of 2023.
In a recent interview, Wilder claimed that his performance was affected by the tiresome travel to get himself over to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Parker shot down that explanation, citing the fact that many boxers have to go through strenuous travel experiences in the leadup to a fight.
“Every fighter has to go through different things in camp. Before the Whyte camp, we locked in the fight then I flew 17 hours to Dubai, a three hour wait, then eight hours to Ireland to start my training camp," Parker said to IFL TV.
“I was jet-lagged for a week, it’s what a fighter goes through, good or not it is what it is. It’s all part of trying to prepare for a fight. I’m not sure where he’s coming from, he did travel back and forth, we had to do the promotion, there was a lot of time travelling.
“When I travelled to Saudi for the fight, jet lag is a real thing, but as a professional fighter and the team around you - you have to make the right decision about when you have to be there and allow yourself the time to
adjust and get used to the time zone and wherever you’re fighting.”
Wilder's future plans are unknown. Parker will return in a very dangerous fight against Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang, which is part of the anticipated card that features Anthony Joshua's crossover boxing match with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
Source: Boxing News
Back in December, Parker outboxed Wilder over twelve rounds to secure a dominant unanimous decision in a very unexpected outcome.
The victory derailed Wilder's planned mega-fight with Anthony Joshua.
Wilder was coming back from a significant layoff, and he'd only see a single round of action in two years' time.
On the other hand, Parker remained very active last year - with Wilder being his fourth ring appearance of 2023.
In a recent interview, Wilder claimed that his performance was affected by the tiresome travel to get himself over to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Parker shot down that explanation, citing the fact that many boxers have to go through strenuous travel experiences in the leadup to a fight.
“Every fighter has to go through different things in camp. Before the Whyte camp, we locked in the fight then I flew 17 hours to Dubai, a three hour wait, then eight hours to Ireland to start my training camp," Parker said to IFL TV.
“I was jet-lagged for a week, it’s what a fighter goes through, good or not it is what it is. It’s all part of trying to prepare for a fight. I’m not sure where he’s coming from, he did travel back and forth, we had to do the promotion, there was a lot of time travelling.
“When I travelled to Saudi for the fight, jet lag is a real thing, but as a professional fighter and the team around you - you have to make the right decision about when you have to be there and allow yourself the time to
adjust and get used to the time zone and wherever you’re fighting.”
Wilder's future plans are unknown. Parker will return in a very dangerous fight against Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang, which is part of the anticipated card that features Anthony Joshua's crossover boxing match with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
Source: Boxing News
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wilder will win against him in my opinion.
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Not so interesting stuff
======Ben Whittaker returns on Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke undercard on March 31
Olympic silver medallist and future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker will fight next on the undercard of the Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke British and Commonwealth heavyweight title clash at The O2 arena in London on Sunday March 31
Future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker brings his unique style to The O2 in London as the latest addition to BOXXER’s action-packed 'Bad Blood' card on Sunday March 31, live on Sky Sports.
Whittaker, 6-0 (5), has become a viral sensation after clips of his flamboyant showboating during his stoppage win over Khalid Graidia on February 3 generated millions of views and global interest on social media.
Source: Sky Sports
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A long-awaited rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall will take place in Leeds on 27 April.
Plans for a rematch in March 2023 were then scuppered by an injury to Taylor.
Plans for a rematch in March 2023 were then scuppered by an injury to Taylor.
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He should fight it, would be fun to watch
======
Canelo Dismisses Terence Crawford Clash: “Nothing To Gain”
Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has rejected the idea of defending his four titles against welterweight Terence Crawford for his next fight on May 4th on Cinco de Mayo. The reasons are apparent. Canelo feels that he would have “nothing to gain” fighting the 147-pounder Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who has never competed at 168 to prove himself capable of hanging with the talented superstar Canelo. With Crawford out of the mix and Jermall Charlo saying there’s been no contact made for negotiations from Canelo, it could mean that David Benavidez is being considered for the Mexican superstar’s next fight on May 4th. That’s a good thing for fans and for Benavidez, given that he’s been hounding Alvarez nonstop for a fight,
“Too Small” and High Stakes “I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small,'” said Canelo Alvarez to Box Azteca. If Canelo were to agree to the fight and then blow Crawford out of the water, the boxing world would discredit him in mass, saying he cherry-picked another smaller fighter, and then it was obvious from the start that he would destroy him.
Negotiations Underway for May Showdown Moreover, Crawford isn’t young at 36, another reason Canelo would be discredited for beating him. People would say Canelo has been pooling from the old folk’s homes, dragging Crawford out, taking him away from his crossword puzzles and bingo, and using him as his next opponent. Avoiding Diminished Returns It’s important that Canelo NOT fight another smaller guy for his next clash, as the last thing he wants is to be viewed as a fighter who is intentionally selecting from weight classes below him to keep his career going. It would spoil Canelo’s legacy if he used Crawford as his opponent, given that he’s fought in the 168 division. It would be fine if Crawford moved up to 168 and ran the gauntlet, beating these three:
Source: boxingnews24
======
Canelo Dismisses Terence Crawford Clash: “Nothing To Gain”
Undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has rejected the idea of defending his four titles against welterweight Terence Crawford for his next fight on May 4th on Cinco de Mayo. The reasons are apparent. Canelo feels that he would have “nothing to gain” fighting the 147-pounder Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who has never competed at 168 to prove himself capable of hanging with the talented superstar Canelo. With Crawford out of the mix and Jermall Charlo saying there’s been no contact made for negotiations from Canelo, it could mean that David Benavidez is being considered for the Mexican superstar’s next fight on May 4th. That’s a good thing for fans and for Benavidez, given that he’s been hounding Alvarez nonstop for a fight,
“Too Small” and High Stakes “I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small,'” said Canelo Alvarez to Box Azteca. If Canelo were to agree to the fight and then blow Crawford out of the water, the boxing world would discredit him in mass, saying he cherry-picked another smaller fighter, and then it was obvious from the start that he would destroy him.
Negotiations Underway for May Showdown Moreover, Crawford isn’t young at 36, another reason Canelo would be discredited for beating him. People would say Canelo has been pooling from the old folk’s homes, dragging Crawford out, taking him away from his crossword puzzles and bingo, and using him as his next opponent. Avoiding Diminished Returns It’s important that Canelo NOT fight another smaller guy for his next clash, as the last thing he wants is to be viewed as a fighter who is intentionally selecting from weight classes below him to keep his career going. It would spoil Canelo’s legacy if he used Crawford as his opponent, given that he’s fought in the 168 division. It would be fine if Crawford moved up to 168 and ran the gauntlet, beating these three:
Source: boxingnews24
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Joe Cordina: Welshman says he is ready to move up a weight and vacate title
Joe Cordina says his next fight will be his last at super-featherweight unless he can seal a unification bout.The undefeated Welshman will defend his world IBF super-featherweight title in Saudi Arabia against Anthony Cacace on the undercard of the Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight clash.
Cordina, 32, was scheduled to fight earlier this month until injury to Fury saw the bill postponed until 18 May.
"It's tough when a fight falls through… It was a nightmare," Cordina said.
"I am plodding along… Obviously, I am disappointed my fight in Saudi was called off due to Tyson Fury's injury," he added.
"I am trying to keep busy and keep my mind occupied and stop myself from veering off and eating rubbish.
"It's a bit of a kick in the shins. Now I have to do a horrible camp again. I've already done a camp.
"This was a good one, the best sparring and now we have to reset and go again."
Cordina, who won the IBF world title for the second time with a split-decision win over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff last April, retained his belt in Monte Carlo in November with a majority decision win over Edward Vazquez.
The decorated amateur, who is 17-0 as a professional, has been vocal in the past about his desire to chase the biggest fights and, while he respects 35-year old Cacace, he insists he will be looking to move up to lightweight if he cannot box in a unification contest.
"Anthony Cacace is a bit of a frustrating fight for me, even though I am getting paid very well," he said on BBC Radio Wales Sport.
"Cacace is a good fight - but it's not the fight people probably wanted or expected.
"But I am grateful to be in a position where I'll be on a massive show, one of the biggest in history.
"I was chasing the other title holders but it hasn't happened yet.
"The thing is for me, if I can't get a unification fight in my next fight, I will look to go up a weight.
"I am not getting any younger and the big money fights are at the weight above me.
"Cacace is a great fighter but if I beat him and don't get a unification fight… I don't want to just keep defending my title."
Texan O'Shaquie Foster, who edged out Abraham Nova to retain the WBC super-featherweight title on Saturday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, is one of the fighters who has indicated a willingness to clash with Cordina with both their titles on the line.
However, Cordina says he does not expect a fight with the 30-year-old to materialise due to his excessive demands.
"O'Shaquie Foster keeps calling me out but the mad thing is, it was in his hands," he added.
"I talked to my promoter Eddie [Hearn] and he told me that when they did make an offer to him to fight me, he was asking for silly, silly money.
"The guy couldn't sell out his hometown. He's just fought in Madison Square Garden in the small bit.
"Even if I went over there, he can't fill anything. I mentioned him in America when I was over there and even Americans didn't know who he was.
"He's irrelevant but he's got a belt.
"It seems like it will be too hard work to deal with him... There are other champions out there."
Source: BBC
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Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron has split with trainer Jamie Moore.
Briton Cameron, 32, was outpointed by Katie Taylor in Dublin in November, having beaten the Irishwoman on points in their first meeting in May.
A trilogy bout is in the works for this summer, but Cameron will be without the coach who led her to becoming England's first undisputed champion.
"We've just decided to go our separate ways," Moore told Pro Boxing Fans., external
"We haven't fallen out or anything like that. I wish her all the best. I'll always love her. We had a great ride together."
Source: BBC
Briton Cameron, 32, was outpointed by Katie Taylor in Dublin in November, having beaten the Irishwoman on points in their first meeting in May.
A trilogy bout is in the works for this summer, but Cameron will be without the coach who led her to becoming England's first undisputed champion.
"We've just decided to go our separate ways," Moore told Pro Boxing Fans., external
"We haven't fallen out or anything like that. I wish her all the best. I'll always love her. We had a great ride together."
Source: BBC
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Twins Ioan and Garan Croft have left the Great Britain podium squad five months before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 22-year-old Welsh pair's move was announced by Welsh Boxing.
On social media Ioan stated it was "time for us to move to the next chapter of our boxing careers".
Welsh Boxing head of performance Adam Park said: "Everyone at Welsh Boxing would like to thank Garan and Ioan for their immense contribution to the Performance Programme."
Park added: "Whilst we are sad to see both leave the GB Boxing Programme at this point in the Olympic cycle we wish them nothing but success in their future endeavours.
"They have acted with professionalism throughout their time in the programme and have always made time for the next generation coming through the programme."
Source: BBC
The 22-year-old Welsh pair's move was announced by Welsh Boxing.
On social media Ioan stated it was "time for us to move to the next chapter of our boxing careers".
Welsh Boxing head of performance Adam Park said: "Everyone at Welsh Boxing would like to thank Garan and Ioan for their immense contribution to the Performance Programme."
Park added: "Whilst we are sad to see both leave the GB Boxing Programme at this point in the Olympic cycle we wish them nothing but success in their future endeavours.
"They have acted with professionalism throughout their time in the programme and have always made time for the next generation coming through the programme."
Source: BBC
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Edgar Berlanga targets Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after win over Padraig McCrory
Super-middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is targeting a fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after a sixth-round knockout win over Padraig McCrory.The American, 26, sent Belfast man McCrory to the canvas with a right overhand punch with 25 seconds left of the sixth round in Orlando.
McCrory, who was unbeaten going into the contest, started brightly before Berlanga pressed on.
"I want him now," Berlanga said of Alvarez after the fight.
"Look at Eddie (Hearn) right there. He's going to make it happen."
The talk before the super-middleweight fight in Florida had been about a potential meeting with the Mexican superstar in May after promoter Hearn suggested the winner would secure that bout.
Given Alvarez's status as one of the stars of world boxing, it was a lucrative prize on offer, and McCrory, 35, made his intentions clear in a solid opening round.
Berlanga found his range and rhythm in the second round, and started to establish some ring control, landing left hooks.
That seemingly sparked life into both men as they showed each other their power in an exciting third round, in which Berlanga was warned for use of the elbow and McCrory responded to some right hooks with his own work. But Berlanga took control in the following round with a left hook that left McCrory with no doubt of the American's punch power.
Berlanga did not build on that work in the fifth round but did find himself in trouble with the referee again, this time for a low blow.
The American did find his way again at the start of the sixth with some neat combination work that had McCrory rocking and pinned on the ropes.
The Belfast man offered some resistance in an attempt to keep his opponent at bay until two devastating right hands landed cleanly on McCrory, sending him to the floor.
Although he looked to beat the count, the referee stopped the fight just as McCrory's corner threw in the towel.
Source: BBC
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Edgar Berlanga vs Canelo Alvarez should be a great fight to watch. I hope we get to see this fight this year.
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Dillian Whyte has been cleared to continue his career after an investigation confirmed that a positive drugs test was caused by a contaminated supplement.
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Dillian Whyte 'relief at being cleared to return' after positive drugs test
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte says he is "relieved" that an investigation has shown his positive drugs test was caused by a contaminated supplement.
The 35-year-old's rematch against Anthony Joshua in August was cancelled after he returned "an adverse finding" from a test.
Whyte said he unintentionally ingested a banned substance.
"It's been really tough because I knew I was innocent," he told Sky Sports., external
Sky Sports says it has seen documentation from a forensic expert concluding that a nutritional supplement taken by Whyte did not disclose all of its ingredients, which included a prohibited substance.
Whyte said "more than 45 things" were tested, including toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant, to try and find the source of the contamination.
He said: "I'm relieved more than anything, but of course I'm angry as well because it's cost me so much.
"The most important thing is it cost me the chance to beat AJ. Everything else after that is secondary.
"I'm a private person and I had to open up my whole life to the investigation. To clear your name - that is the most important thing and that's what we've done."
The Texas Department of Licencing and Regulation, which licenses Whyte, has been contacted for comment.
Whyte beat compatriot Joshua by decision as an amateur in 2009 to start what became a bitter rivalry.
Joshua beat Whyte by seventh-round knockout in their 2015 professional bout.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua went on to become a two-time world champion, while Whyte lost his only world title challenge, against Tyson Fury in 2022.
BBC
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte says he is "relieved" that an investigation has shown his positive drugs test was caused by a contaminated supplement.
The 35-year-old's rematch against Anthony Joshua in August was cancelled after he returned "an adverse finding" from a test.
Whyte said he unintentionally ingested a banned substance.
"It's been really tough because I knew I was innocent," he told Sky Sports., external
Sky Sports says it has seen documentation from a forensic expert concluding that a nutritional supplement taken by Whyte did not disclose all of its ingredients, which included a prohibited substance.
Whyte said "more than 45 things" were tested, including toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant, to try and find the source of the contamination.
He said: "I'm relieved more than anything, but of course I'm angry as well because it's cost me so much.
"The most important thing is it cost me the chance to beat AJ. Everything else after that is secondary.
"I'm a private person and I had to open up my whole life to the investigation. To clear your name - that is the most important thing and that's what we've done."
The Texas Department of Licencing and Regulation, which licenses Whyte, has been contacted for comment.
Whyte beat compatriot Joshua by decision as an amateur in 2009 to start what became a bitter rivalry.
Joshua beat Whyte by seventh-round knockout in their 2015 professional bout.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua went on to become a two-time world champion, while Whyte lost his only world title challenge, against Tyson Fury in 2022.
BBC
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Promoter Eddie Hearn believes heavyweight Anthony Joshua could be one win away from fighting for the undisputed world title, despite a two-fight deal in place between champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Briton Joshua takes on ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
WBC belt holder Fury will face Ukraine's unified champion Usyk in May, also in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
"The dream for Joshua has always been to be undisputed," Hearn told BBC Sport.
"If AJ beats Ngannou and Fury beats Usyk, the whole world will be calling for Fury v Joshua.
"It's probably one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Certainly the biggest fight in boxing now."
In January, Saudi Turki Alalshikh - one of boxing's leading power brokers - revealed plans for the winner of Joshua-Ngannou to land a shot at the undisputed title next.
The chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, with the riches of the Kingdom behind him, has quickly become one of the most influential figures in boxing.
"He wants to make the biggest fights out there," Hearn said. "He's a huge fan, like us and everybody else. If he has the ability to make the fight I'm sure he will do everything he can to make it happen."
But despite Alalshikh's grand plans and Matchroom promoter Hearn's optimism, the prospect of Joshua challenging Fury for all four world titles in his next fight seems unlikely.
Internally at broadcasters DAZN, they don't expect Fury-Joshua to happen before 2025.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents Fury and is also co-promoting Joshua-Ngannou, is not convinced Usyk would step aside - unless an injury or other external factors prevent him from contesting the rematch.
"Of course, AJ-Fury is the fight we all want to see because at the end of the day it's two Brits and there's been that rivalry between them and the two promotional companies for god knows how many years," Warren said.
"I think Tyson wins the fight against Usyk but then do you see Usyk and his management team stepping aside?
"I don't. Especially for the monies that's involved. But anything can happen in boxing."
A rematch between Usyk and Fury is not expected to be for all four titles. The IBF has written to both teams saying the winner must face the sanctioning body's mandatory challenger and no exception will be granted for a second fight.
Joshua had made clear his ambition of becoming a three-time world champion and the more likely scenario for the 34-year-old, should he beat Ngannou, would be challenging for the vacant title against Croatia's number-one ranked IBF fighter Filip Hrgovic.
A win over boxing novice Ngannou is not a foregone conclusion either.
The French Cameroonian, in his first pro fight, suffered a close split-decision loss to Fury in October, having dropped the Gypsy King in the third round.
"AJ is very proud of his resume and legacy but if he loses lose to a guy who has been defeated in his only professional bout, that is not a good look," Hearn added.
"A defeat would put him way back in the pecking order after we've done all the work to be on the verge of the top again."
A shock win over Joshua would strengthen Ngannou's legitimacy as a heavyweight contender.
Fury has also spoken about a potential rematch with Ngannou in the future, but the 37-year-old is scheduled to return to MMA with the PFL this summer, with the promotion intending to announce an opponent later this month.
Briton Joshua takes on ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
WBC belt holder Fury will face Ukraine's unified champion Usyk in May, also in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
"The dream for Joshua has always been to be undisputed," Hearn told BBC Sport.
"If AJ beats Ngannou and Fury beats Usyk, the whole world will be calling for Fury v Joshua.
"It's probably one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Certainly the biggest fight in boxing now."
In January, Saudi Turki Alalshikh - one of boxing's leading power brokers - revealed plans for the winner of Joshua-Ngannou to land a shot at the undisputed title next.
The chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, with the riches of the Kingdom behind him, has quickly become one of the most influential figures in boxing.
"He wants to make the biggest fights out there," Hearn said. "He's a huge fan, like us and everybody else. If he has the ability to make the fight I'm sure he will do everything he can to make it happen."
But despite Alalshikh's grand plans and Matchroom promoter Hearn's optimism, the prospect of Joshua challenging Fury for all four world titles in his next fight seems unlikely.
Internally at broadcasters DAZN, they don't expect Fury-Joshua to happen before 2025.
Queensberry's Frank Warren, who represents Fury and is also co-promoting Joshua-Ngannou, is not convinced Usyk would step aside - unless an injury or other external factors prevent him from contesting the rematch.
"Of course, AJ-Fury is the fight we all want to see because at the end of the day it's two Brits and there's been that rivalry between them and the two promotional companies for god knows how many years," Warren said.
"I think Tyson wins the fight against Usyk but then do you see Usyk and his management team stepping aside?
"I don't. Especially for the monies that's involved. But anything can happen in boxing."
A rematch between Usyk and Fury is not expected to be for all four titles. The IBF has written to both teams saying the winner must face the sanctioning body's mandatory challenger and no exception will be granted for a second fight.
Joshua had made clear his ambition of becoming a three-time world champion and the more likely scenario for the 34-year-old, should he beat Ngannou, would be challenging for the vacant title against Croatia's number-one ranked IBF fighter Filip Hrgovic.
A win over boxing novice Ngannou is not a foregone conclusion either.
The French Cameroonian, in his first pro fight, suffered a close split-decision loss to Fury in October, having dropped the Gypsy King in the third round.
"AJ is very proud of his resume and legacy but if he loses lose to a guy who has been defeated in his only professional bout, that is not a good look," Hearn added.
"A defeat would put him way back in the pecking order after we've done all the work to be on the verge of the top again."
A shock win over Joshua would strengthen Ngannou's legitimacy as a heavyweight contender.
Fury has also spoken about a potential rematch with Ngannou in the future, but the 37-year-old is scheduled to return to MMA with the PFL this summer, with the promotion intending to announce an opponent later this month.
Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: Could winner fight for undisputed title next?
Could Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou winner fight for the undisputed title next, despite a two-fight deal in place between champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk?
www.bbc.com
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Amanda Serrano's Puerto Rico homecoming fight against Nina Meinke was cancelled minutes before it was due to take place after she was declared medically unfit because of an eye injury.
BBC
BBC
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Mike Tyson to face Jake Paul in heavyweight bout streamed on Netflix in July
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a fight that will be streamed by Netflix on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, promoters said on Thursday.
Tyson, who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, said it would be fun to take on Paul, who is 27 and has a 9-1 record with six knockouts.
'Iron Mike', who has a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts, will be hoping to shake off the rust as he will be 58 when the fight takes place at the 80,000 seat arena.
"I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul," Tyson said in a statement.
"He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
"It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch, as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him."
Paul was on the undercard in 2020 when Tyson and Jones fought in an exhibition bout that was scored as a draw.
"It's crazy to think that in my second pro fight I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson's undercard," Paul said.
"Now, less than four years later, I'm stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing's most notorious fighters and biggest icons."
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a fight that will be streamed by Netflix on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, promoters said on Thursday.
Tyson, who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, said it would be fun to take on Paul, who is 27 and has a 9-1 record with six knockouts.
'Iron Mike', who has a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts, will be hoping to shake off the rust as he will be 58 when the fight takes place at the 80,000 seat arena.
"I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul," Tyson said in a statement.
"He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
"It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch, as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him."
Paul was on the undercard in 2020 when Tyson and Jones fought in an exhibition bout that was scored as a draw.
"It's crazy to think that in my second pro fight I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson's undercard," Paul said.
"Now, less than four years later, I'm stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing's most notorious fighters and biggest icons."
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Mark the date guys
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Francis Ngannou more than 20lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua before predicting win at final weigh-in
Francis Ngannou weighed in more than 20lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua as the heavyweight rivals hit the scales in phenomenal shape during the final face off ahead of Friday's blockbuster main event in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou came in at 272.6lbs (19st 6oz) ahead of just his second professional boxing match following October's split decision loss to Tyson Fury, while Joshua followed up at 252.4lbs (18st) to arrive just a pound heavier than in his resounding win over Otto Wallin in December.
Vuvuzela horns blared courtesy of Ngannou's Cameroonian support while Rocky Balboa theme music fittingly set the scene as the two former champions took to the stage in pristine condition before engaging in one last ice-cold stare down.
www.skysports.com
Francis Ngannou weighed in more than 20lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua as the heavyweight rivals hit the scales in phenomenal shape during the final face off ahead of Friday's blockbuster main event in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou came in at 272.6lbs (19st 6oz) ahead of just his second professional boxing match following October's split decision loss to Tyson Fury, while Joshua followed up at 252.4lbs (18st) to arrive just a pound heavier than in his resounding win over Otto Wallin in December.
Vuvuzela horns blared courtesy of Ngannou's Cameroonian support while Rocky Balboa theme music fittingly set the scene as the two former champions took to the stage in pristine condition before engaging in one last ice-cold stare down.
Francis Ngannou more than 20lbs heavier than Anthony Joshua before predicting win at final weigh-in
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou live on Sky Sports Box Office on Friday March 8, with the undercard action under way from 4pm.
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Justis Huni Survives Tumultuous Final Round To Outscore Kevin Lerena
Australian heavyweight contender Justis Huni escaped by the skin of his teeth with a 10-round win over South African southpaw veteran Kevin Lerena.
With 90 seconds remaining in their 10-rounder, Lerena smashed home a heavy left hook and Huni wobbled across the ring, in real jeopardy. Lerena ploughed in behind, trying to finish the job, but Huni managed to weather the storm and remained upright until the final bell.
“I’d done all the hard work in the gym and I’m glad my legs were strong enough,” said Huni, afterwards, who knew he was in for a rough night.
“That’s what I was expecting when I came out here, it was just a matter of time until when I adjusted to him.”
Lerena was the sentimental favorite, having lost his mother earlier in the week and dedicating his performance to her. He was disappointed, but respectful towards Huni.
“He’s a good competitor,” Lerena said. “There’s no such thing as good timing when someone dies, emotionally it’s tough, but back to the drawing board, when I had him hurt, I should have finished him but kudos to him, he stayed up like a tough lion. He boxed better tonight, I probably had him hurt more but tough competitor.”
Two scorecards had it 96-94 while the third marked 98-92 for the Australian unanimously as they opened up the PPV undercard at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Lerena, 30-3 (14 KOs), from Johannesburg, South Africa, made a fast start. The South African looked compact and focused and he had success with several short left hands. Huni did not look flustered, however, and he started to open up the distance and fired in some long lefts and rights.
Lerena thudded home a crisp left hand to open the second, and while the Australian took it well enough, he acknowledged it with a shake of the head.
Lerena, however, kept swarming forwards and buzzed the youngster again before Huni started to assert himself as the lively session progressed. The pace slowed in the third, and that suited Huni more because the Australian was able to keep the South African at range.
Former amateur star Huni, 9-0 (4 KOs), who lives in Brisbane, Australia, made himself difficult to hit in the fourth and started trying to line Lerena up with heavier shots, but Lerena was defensively cute, and the veteran started to do well with his lead hand in the fifth, trying to disrupt Huni’s rhythm.
Neither were able to establish a clear dominance and both were having their moments, although Huni had a solid sixth and was able to land several times, including a short left hook that caused Lerena’s nose to gush with blood.
Source: Boxing Scene
Australian heavyweight contender Justis Huni escaped by the skin of his teeth with a 10-round win over South African southpaw veteran Kevin Lerena.
With 90 seconds remaining in their 10-rounder, Lerena smashed home a heavy left hook and Huni wobbled across the ring, in real jeopardy. Lerena ploughed in behind, trying to finish the job, but Huni managed to weather the storm and remained upright until the final bell.
“I’d done all the hard work in the gym and I’m glad my legs were strong enough,” said Huni, afterwards, who knew he was in for a rough night.
“That’s what I was expecting when I came out here, it was just a matter of time until when I adjusted to him.”
Lerena was the sentimental favorite, having lost his mother earlier in the week and dedicating his performance to her. He was disappointed, but respectful towards Huni.
“He’s a good competitor,” Lerena said. “There’s no such thing as good timing when someone dies, emotionally it’s tough, but back to the drawing board, when I had him hurt, I should have finished him but kudos to him, he stayed up like a tough lion. He boxed better tonight, I probably had him hurt more but tough competitor.”
Two scorecards had it 96-94 while the third marked 98-92 for the Australian unanimously as they opened up the PPV undercard at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
Lerena, 30-3 (14 KOs), from Johannesburg, South Africa, made a fast start. The South African looked compact and focused and he had success with several short left hands. Huni did not look flustered, however, and he started to open up the distance and fired in some long lefts and rights.
Lerena thudded home a crisp left hand to open the second, and while the Australian took it well enough, he acknowledged it with a shake of the head.
Lerena, however, kept swarming forwards and buzzed the youngster again before Huni started to assert himself as the lively session progressed. The pace slowed in the third, and that suited Huni more because the Australian was able to keep the South African at range.
Former amateur star Huni, 9-0 (4 KOs), who lives in Brisbane, Australia, made himself difficult to hit in the fourth and started trying to line Lerena up with heavier shots, but Lerena was defensively cute, and the veteran started to do well with his lead hand in the fifth, trying to disrupt Huni’s rhythm.
Neither were able to establish a clear dominance and both were having their moments, although Huni had a solid sixth and was able to land several times, including a short left hook that caused Lerena’s nose to gush with blood.
Source: Boxing Scene
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Francis Ngannou 'not done' with boxing despite heavy Anthony Joshua defeat
Francis Ngannou says he has no plans to walk away from boxing after suffering a heavy defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
The MMA fighter was stopped in two rounds in a one-sided victory.
Ngannou, 37, has two losses in two boxing matches, but dismissed the suggestion of returning permanently to MMA.
"You can be sure I'm not done here," said Ngannou. "It wasn't my day. He was way better than me today.
"It sucks but it's the game. We all know that."
British fighter Joshua, 34, produced a destructive performance against Ngannou, who four months ago took WBC champion Tyson Fury 10 rounds in a narrow defeat.
Ngannou had never previously boxed professionally, having built his fighting career in MMA with the UFC, where he was heavyweight champion.
The Cameroonian was full of praise for Joshua and it is the first time Ngannou has been knocked out in either his MMA or boxing career.
"[Joshua] was quite special because he stopped me," said Ngannou. "He did what Tyson couldn't do.
"In fact, I didn't feel the punch. I think that's what a knockout is about. I don't feel any pain. That's how I know I was knocked out."
What could Ngannou do next?
In just four months, Ngannou has fought two of the best heavyweight boxers on the planet and been in two of the biggest fights of 2023 and 2024.
However, a few weeks before his fight with Joshua, MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced he would fight their heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira later this year.
Ngannou left the UFC last year to pursue his boxing ambitions, but signed with rivals the PFL last May.
Part of his deal with the PFL guaranteed the freedom to box but Ngannou is now likely to make his long-awaited return to MMA rather than compete in another boxing match.
Ngannou has not fought in MMA since January 2022 in his last UFC fight, when he beat Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
BBC
Francis Ngannou says he has no plans to walk away from boxing after suffering a heavy defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
The MMA fighter was stopped in two rounds in a one-sided victory.
Ngannou, 37, has two losses in two boxing matches, but dismissed the suggestion of returning permanently to MMA.
"You can be sure I'm not done here," said Ngannou. "It wasn't my day. He was way better than me today.
"It sucks but it's the game. We all know that."
British fighter Joshua, 34, produced a destructive performance against Ngannou, who four months ago took WBC champion Tyson Fury 10 rounds in a narrow defeat.
Ngannou had never previously boxed professionally, having built his fighting career in MMA with the UFC, where he was heavyweight champion.
The Cameroonian was full of praise for Joshua and it is the first time Ngannou has been knocked out in either his MMA or boxing career.
"[Joshua] was quite special because he stopped me," said Ngannou. "He did what Tyson couldn't do.
"In fact, I didn't feel the punch. I think that's what a knockout is about. I don't feel any pain. That's how I know I was knocked out."
What could Ngannou do next?
In just four months, Ngannou has fought two of the best heavyweight boxers on the planet and been in two of the biggest fights of 2023 and 2024.
However, a few weeks before his fight with Joshua, MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced he would fight their heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira later this year.
Ngannou left the UFC last year to pursue his boxing ambitions, but signed with rivals the PFL last May.
Part of his deal with the PFL guaranteed the freedom to box but Ngannou is now likely to make his long-awaited return to MMA rather than compete in another boxing match.
Ngannou has not fought in MMA since January 2022 in his last UFC fight, when he beat Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
BBC
Double Trouble
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One sided embarrassing fight. Good job i went to sleep instead of paying the stupid box office fee.
These MMA fighters need to stop coming to boxing as it’s unfair on the public who pay extortion amounts for them to loose badly like last night.
These MMA fighters need to stop coming to boxing as it’s unfair on the public who pay extortion amounts for them to loose badly like last night.
Hextro
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Joshua did exactly what everyone thought Fury would do. I hope that Ngannou didn't sustain too much damage from that knockout. It looked pretty bad with the way his knee bent as he was falling. Ironically, it was a replica of how Ngannou took out Stipe in the UFC.
He got guaranteed CTE from this fight.
He got guaranteed CTE from this fight.
ElRaja
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nganou was pretty tight against fury, came in loose against josh, underestimated his power, was open from the get go and got clocked by some decent punches. nganou might fight again, but at 37 he pretty much done trying to build up to a meaningful fight again. also getting thumped like that for the first time in his career is gonna take a huge mental toll.
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Liam Davies: European super-bantamweight champion set for 'biggest fight of life' for IBO title
European super-bantamweight champion Liam Davies said he is preparing for the "biggest fight of my life" as he attempts to win a version of the world title in Birmingham on Saturday.Davies takes on Mexico's Erik Robles Ayala for the IBO title in his latest step towards a potential showdown with undisputed champion Naoya Inoue.
Japan's Inoue holds all four of the major governing bodies' belts - the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO.
Davies, 27, is unbeaten in 15 fights.
The Telford boxer beat Italy's Vincenzo La Femina in November in the second successful defence of his European crown to set up the shot at Ayala's International Boxing Organisation title.
"He's a very good boxer," Davies told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"He's 23, he's full of ambition himself, just like me, so I expect a tough night. He's been sparring the pound for pound champion Inoue so he's gonna be full of confidence."
Ayala has lost once in his 15-fight professional career but has won his last nine bouts and returns to the UK for the first time since winning the IBO title in July last year, when he unanimously out-pointed Scotland's Lee McGregor in Edinburgh.
"The last time he came to these shores he picked up a good win but it's up to me to make sure that this time's different and I'm going to," Davies said.
"I've been training hard, I've put myself through it and I can't see how anyone would want it more than myself."
Davies said it was "crazy" to think about what he has achieved so far in his career but hopes his success will inspire others from the region to do the same.
"It's not just a win for me but the family, the gym, the community and I'm super excited because this one seems bigger than just a win for myself," he said.
"Telford has been great to me, the people always come to support me, I've always been respected like that. People pay their hard-earned money to come and watch me so Telford lies in a deep place in my heart. I hope it shows to all the young boxers that come through or from this area that anything's possible in life."
Although chasing a fight with undisputed king Inoue is the number-one target for Davies, he is open to a potential move up a division to featherweight if that doesn't happen.
"I've always took each fight as it comes and I'm gonna carry on doing that and if the big one (Inoue) comes after that, it'd be great," he added. "Other than that I don't see any other option than moving up and chasing titles there.
"I'm looking forward to the biggest fight of my life."
Source: BBC
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THE briefly retired Shakur Stevenson will make his return to the ring on July 6.
Stevenson, who announced on X/Twitter in January that he was “officially retiring from the sport”, will fight at the Prudential Centre in Newark for the fourth time in his career. The news was first reported by writer Dan Rafael.
The gifted Newark-born WBC lightweight belt holder won his third strap, having won two previously at super-featherweight, by beating Edwin De Los Santos in a forgettable fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas four months ago. Stevenson faced a backlash for his performance which was low on excitement and in the number of punches thrown.
In his 21 fights 10 haven’t gone the distance while the other 11 have seen Stevenson win wide on the scorecards. Credible opponents such as Jamel Herring and Oscar Valdez, for example, never looked like winning and were soundly beaten over 12 rounds.
The 135lbs division will crown a new belt holder on May 12 when the IBF title is contested by George Kambosos and Vasyl Lomachenko in Australia. Elsewhere at lightweight Gervonta Davis holds the WBA strap while a fight for the vacant WBO belt is expected to be between Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk in the future
One name rumoured to be in the running to face Stevenson on July 6 is his Top Rank stablemate and rising star Raymond Muratalla, 19-0 (16). The 27-year-old Californian is due to fight on March 29 on the Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson undercard against Argentina’s Agustin Ezequiel Quintana, 19-2-1 (13 KOs). Muratalla’s trainer Robert Garcia responded to online speculation on X/Twitter denying that a fight between Muratalla and Stevenson was official.
Source: Boxing News
Stevenson, who announced on X/Twitter in January that he was “officially retiring from the sport”, will fight at the Prudential Centre in Newark for the fourth time in his career. The news was first reported by writer Dan Rafael.
The gifted Newark-born WBC lightweight belt holder won his third strap, having won two previously at super-featherweight, by beating Edwin De Los Santos in a forgettable fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas four months ago. Stevenson faced a backlash for his performance which was low on excitement and in the number of punches thrown.
In his 21 fights 10 haven’t gone the distance while the other 11 have seen Stevenson win wide on the scorecards. Credible opponents such as Jamel Herring and Oscar Valdez, for example, never looked like winning and were soundly beaten over 12 rounds.
The 135lbs division will crown a new belt holder on May 12 when the IBF title is contested by George Kambosos and Vasyl Lomachenko in Australia. Elsewhere at lightweight Gervonta Davis holds the WBA strap while a fight for the vacant WBO belt is expected to be between Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk in the future
One name rumoured to be in the running to face Stevenson on July 6 is his Top Rank stablemate and rising star Raymond Muratalla, 19-0 (16). The 27-year-old Californian is due to fight on March 29 on the Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson undercard against Argentina’s Agustin Ezequiel Quintana, 19-2-1 (13 KOs). Muratalla’s trainer Robert Garcia responded to online speculation on X/Twitter denying that a fight between Muratalla and Stevenson was official.
Source: Boxing News
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Josh Taylor apologised to fans after his long-awaited rematch with Jack Catterall in Leeds was postponed for a second time.
The fight was initially called off last year after a foot injury for Taylor.
Now the Scot has revealed he had a "minor eye procedure" in early February and at a final check-up on Wednesday was told his "recovery had slowed".
The non-title bout has now been pushed back from 27 April to 25 May and will still take place at First Direct Arena.
"Sorry for all inconvenience caused," said Taylor. "To my fans and everyone who bought a ticket and booked travel, I sincerely apologise."
Taylor added that the fight, when it happens, "will be worth the wait".
BBC
The fight was initially called off last year after a foot injury for Taylor.
Now the Scot has revealed he had a "minor eye procedure" in early February and at a final check-up on Wednesday was told his "recovery had slowed".
The non-title bout has now been pushed back from 27 April to 25 May and will still take place at First Direct Arena.
"Sorry for all inconvenience caused," said Taylor. "To my fans and everyone who bought a ticket and booked travel, I sincerely apologise."
Taylor added that the fight, when it happens, "will be worth the wait".
BBC
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Joe Joyce laboured to a much-needed win over Kash Ali in the 2016 Olympic medallist's first bout since being knocked out by Zhilei Zhang.
Joyce, who lost his unbeaten record in back-to-back losses to Zhang last year, was expected to overwhelm Ali in the undercard bout in Birmingham.
Joyce struggled to land a finisher on Ali, although he grew in confidence later on.
As Ali tired, Joyce eventually brawled to a 10th-round knockout.
With seven seconds remaining of the final round, a short right hand sent Ali to the canvas for the first time in the evening.
Although the 32-year-old tried to clamber back to his feet, he was marginally too slow as the referee's count reached 10.
BBC
Joyce, who lost his unbeaten record in back-to-back losses to Zhang last year, was expected to overwhelm Ali in the undercard bout in Birmingham.
Joyce struggled to land a finisher on Ali, although he grew in confidence later on.
As Ali tired, Joyce eventually brawled to a 10th-round knockout.
With seven seconds remaining of the final round, a short right hand sent Ali to the canvas for the first time in the evening.
Although the 32-year-old tried to clamber back to his feet, he was marginally too slow as the referee's count reached 10.
BBC
shaz619
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Good effort by Ali, I expected him to get stopped in 6 but he gave it a go and showed heart, got a fast count in Rd 10 to. Joe looked a bit sluggish to me and took way too many clean shots which is a big concern as he hasn’t learned from his mistakes in the Zhang fights.
ElRaja
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everyone knows jojo needed a knockout in that fight and the ref delivered. kash ali is always game but no where near a tier 1, or even a tier 2 fighter.
jojo took abt 7 or 8 power punches to the head, boxing aside someone needs to tell him that is not a sustainable long term strategy, he aint the sharpest knife in the drawer anyway, and that kinda persistent head trauma will not help him.
im often annoyed by people wanting to sterlise the sport, but when someone like joyce obviously doesnt even attempt to protect himself from that shot, it makes a mockery of the sport and increases the likelihood of an external body intervening if boxing boards dont intervene themselves.
imo that kinda fighting style should lead to concussion tests and bans if necessary. jojo is nearly 40 and cannot compete against the best, time to put up those gloves and save ur brain.
shaz619
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I agree on Kash, but if keeps himself active and in shape, I think he’s shrewd enough to compete @ the British level and maybe even win a domestic title if he takes the sport more seriously, you need the opportunities to and maybe there is another pay day after this.
Yes mate, they defo got him the KO, behaviour like this should be investigated, it was crooked the moment the bell rang.
Am glad you mentioned that, because I think Joyce has completely lost it mentally, I think his ring generalship has been very good for the most part and he had been starting to think a bit more, use his reach, natural ability and flick out the jab knowing his head movement isn’t the best, remember many thought in the recent past thag he could be the only one out there who could really test Fury. So what has gone wrong? I think age as you said and the Zhang fights have caused some long lasting damage especially. Sure he’s happy to take a few but from the last couple of fights it has been a lot more noticeable. Concussion tests should be mandatory post fight regardless for both fighters imo it’s a brutal brutal sport, MMA guys like act tough and what not, but you need something extra special to step in the squared circle; Ngannu found that out in the sickest way, it should be a warning for all future cross over fights but we know it wont stop there.
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Dillian Whyte makes winning return to the ring after going 'through a lot of hell'
Dillian Whyte says he has "been through a lot of hell" after making a winning return to the ring in Ireland.The former WBC interim heavyweight champion secured his 30th career win when his opponent Christian Hammer failed to get up from his stool for the fourth round.
It was Whyte's first bout since since clearing his name of doping offences.
"Not a lot of people can go through what I've been through and come back again," he told Fight Connect TV.
Whyte was due to fight Anthony Joshua in August 2023 but the clash was cancelled after the 35-year-old Briton returned "an adverse finding" from a doping test.
He protested his innocence and was subsequently cleared when an investigation showed that his positive test was caused by a contaminated supplement.
In his first fight since a win over Jermaine Franklin at Wembley in November 2022, Whyte dominated the Romanian-born Hammer in Castlebar on St Patrick's Day.
The two fighters exchanged words after the referee was forced to stop the bout and Whyte called Hammer a "coward" during his post-fight interviews.
"I just want to fight again in about six to eight weeks time. I need to fight," he said.
Speaking to Boxing Social, he added: "I've been through a lot of hell, a lot of darkness and pent up frustration and aggression.
"Wherever I can be busy, then I'll go there and fight. I'm running out of time. I'm not getting any younger.
"I don't know what's next, I just want to fight. Let's see what happens."
Source: BBC
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Jimmy Joe Flint v Campbell Hatton: The man aiming to topple the Hatton boxing dynasty
On February 27 1999, a 20-year-old Ricky Hatton won his first professional title, the Central Area light-welterweight belt.That victory set the Briton on a path to stardom. On Saturday in Sheffield, his son Campbell Hatton, 23, challenges for the same title 25 years later.
But the man aiming to stop him, and topple the Hatton boxing dynasty, is the current belt-holder Jimmy Joe Flint.
Campbell knows only too well that he has some big boots to fill, and so does Flint.
"His dad can't fight for him," Flint says.
"The pressure is on him - I'm not expected to go and do anything. They are going to have a shock when I turn up and give the night of my life."
While Hatton is promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and represented by Anthony Joshua's 258 MGT, Flint has done it the hard way to get to this point.
Until now, most of his career has been fought on the small-hall circuit while holding down a full-time job.
The 26-year-old won the Central Area belt - his first professional title - almost exactly a year ago, more than a decade on from his debut amateur fight.
Family friend and fellow Traveller Tyson Fury has been a "big inspiration" in that time.
"I have known Tyson since I was a little boy," says Flint, who grew up just a few doors down from the family home of Fury's wife Paris in Doncaster.
"I have seen Tyson grow into this superstar. It's a big inspiration and someone I look up to very much."
According to the city's council, Doncaster is home to the UK's largest permanent Gypsy and Traveller populations.
Many will make the short journey across South Yorkshire to support one of their own in Sheffield.
"If one goes to war, we all go to war," says Flint, who also has family members coming from Ireland to watch him.
"Half of Doncaster is coming with us."
Faith plays a big part in the lives of many Travellers, including Fury, and Flint says his own Grannie Rosie will be "saying a little prayer" before the biggest night of his career.
But the so-called 'Young Lion', who has won 13 of his 16 bouts, will not be relying on divine intervention.
"I have never believed in myself more," he says.
"It's a massive opportunity for me. It would be nice to prove people wrong and it would be nice to get my name out there."
Flint, who has left his roofing business in the hands of his father and brother to dedicate himself to training for this fight, has vowed to give Hatton "the hardest night of his life" in his first ten-round contest.
"It's Jimmy Joe's world-title fight given where he's been," says his manager Stefy Bull.
Jason Cunningham will be making his debut as a head trainer in Flint's corner on the night "absolutely full of confidence".
And Cunningham knows a thing or two about causing an upset.
A perennial underdog throughout his own 39-fight career, he stunned the highly rated Gamal Yafai to win the European super-bantamweight title in 2021 before defeating the unbeaten Brad Foster to collect the British and Commonwealth belts during a late-career renaissance.
"It's all mental," says Cunningham of Flint's chances.
"Everyone is writing you off and there's all the flashing lights and cameras - you can't be overawed by it.
"When he leaves that changing room and he's making that lonely walk to the ring, when you are questioning yourself, Jimmy knows he's done everything.
"It's a chance for him to change his life.
"Campbell is game and he's improving all the time. He has improved, that's for sure. But I believe we have got him at the right time."
Source: BBC
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‘He was mad’ – Furious Mike Tyson once punched Frank Warren in hotel room and burst a blood vessel in his eye over £2million jewellery bill
Mike Tyson was a truly volatile character when he came to fight in the UK in 2000.
Britain's Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren agreed to host the American heavyweight icon for two bouts just after the turn of the millennium, but ended up being punched by Tyson himself in a furious rage.
At this point, Iron Mike had been beaten by Evander Holyfield twice, was far past his prime and looked to be hurtling towards the end of his career.
However, he still had his eyes firmly fixed on one last title shot against Lennox Lewis, who had dethroned Holyfield in 1999.
Tyson built back up by beating Julius Francis in Manchester in January 2000, then Lou Savarese in Glasgow five months later.
Outside of the ring, though, utter chaos was going on behind the scenes.
As British boxing's premier promoter, Warren was the man to host these spectacles.
For a long time, he did not reveal his side of the story from the altercation, however speaking in 2020, Warren told all on the Crisis, What Crisis Podcast.
"First of all, it's my fault what happened as I shouldn't have got involved in the Mike Tyson business," he recalled.
"First time he came over, no problems, he was great.
“And then he went into a jewelers and walked out with an invoice for, I can’t remember the exact amount - £2million or something like that.
"They never paid the bill and, quite rightly, the jewelers wanted to get paid and they kept ringing me.
“I was ringing the States, and they’re telling me, ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to do another fight here, let’s pay it out of the next fee.’
“When he came back the second time he was just awful, beyond awful. He was petulant, just aggressive, a totally different scenario.
“The bill hadn’t been paid still and he’d gone into the jewellers - the reason he went into the jewellers was because there was a girl in the jewellers that he'd met and he was basically showing off to her the first time.
“And, cut a long story short, he got p***ed about it. But I didn't know this at the time.
"I get a call. Someone says to me, ‘Mike’s not happy.’
"I say, 'I'll come up and see him, what's the problem?'
“I go up to the hotel, next minute [I'm] standing there talking and he’s took a swing at me.
"Well, he didn't take a swing, he actually caught me. I didn't expect it by the way.
“It was a cheap shot. I got up. And it was all pandemonium, crazy, madness in the room.
“When I say it’s my fault, I should have known. I should have pulled out of that situation from the start. I shouldn't have got involved."
When asked about the aftermath, Warren continued: "I was absolutely fuming as you can imagine. Fuming with everybody involved.
"The lawyer at Showtime wanted to call the police, I said, 'No, no, no.' I don't want to do that. I'll sort it out, don't worry.
“All the newspapers said I had my jaw broken, my ribs were broken. That was all bulls***, nothing was broken at all. My eye just had a burst blood vessel, a red eye, that was it.
"He fought, had his fight and I made sure that he paid for what he did, hit him where it hurt."
The promoter concluded: "He was mad - Mike Tyson was a terrible bully. He was the bully who got beaten by bullies.
"Evander Holyfield and Buster Douglas, they beat him because he couldn't intimidate them.
"And years later he was fighting again, they wanted to put a fight on against Kevin McBride, Irish guy, and they wanted to sell the rights to Sky.
“I talked to people and said, 'Don't do that, put him in with Danny Williams,' that's an English guy and I could do a better deal for the TV - that'd appeal more to them.
“I said to Danny Williams, ‘For two or three rounds this will be World War II. You're gonna get everything thrown at you. Get through it and you’ll knock him out’. And that’s what he did.”
Since making these comments, Warren actually reunited with Tyson for the first time since 2000.
In late 2023, Warren promoted Tyson Fury's fight with Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which Iron Mike attended as a special guest.
They spoke, settled their differences and buried the hatched, with Tyson now a much different man to the one he was in his fighting prime.
Regardless of his character change, he will still be stepping back into the ring for a crossover bout with Jake Paul on July 20 - though hopefully won't be visiting any jewelery shops beforehand.
talksport.com
Mike Tyson was a truly volatile character when he came to fight in the UK in 2000.
Britain's Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren agreed to host the American heavyweight icon for two bouts just after the turn of the millennium, but ended up being punched by Tyson himself in a furious rage.
At this point, Iron Mike had been beaten by Evander Holyfield twice, was far past his prime and looked to be hurtling towards the end of his career.
However, he still had his eyes firmly fixed on one last title shot against Lennox Lewis, who had dethroned Holyfield in 1999.
Tyson built back up by beating Julius Francis in Manchester in January 2000, then Lou Savarese in Glasgow five months later.
Outside of the ring, though, utter chaos was going on behind the scenes.
As British boxing's premier promoter, Warren was the man to host these spectacles.
For a long time, he did not reveal his side of the story from the altercation, however speaking in 2020, Warren told all on the Crisis, What Crisis Podcast.
"First of all, it's my fault what happened as I shouldn't have got involved in the Mike Tyson business," he recalled.
"First time he came over, no problems, he was great.
“And then he went into a jewelers and walked out with an invoice for, I can’t remember the exact amount - £2million or something like that.
"They never paid the bill and, quite rightly, the jewelers wanted to get paid and they kept ringing me.
“I was ringing the States, and they’re telling me, ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to do another fight here, let’s pay it out of the next fee.’
“When he came back the second time he was just awful, beyond awful. He was petulant, just aggressive, a totally different scenario.
“The bill hadn’t been paid still and he’d gone into the jewellers - the reason he went into the jewellers was because there was a girl in the jewellers that he'd met and he was basically showing off to her the first time.
“And, cut a long story short, he got p***ed about it. But I didn't know this at the time.
"I get a call. Someone says to me, ‘Mike’s not happy.’
"I say, 'I'll come up and see him, what's the problem?'
“I go up to the hotel, next minute [I'm] standing there talking and he’s took a swing at me.
"Well, he didn't take a swing, he actually caught me. I didn't expect it by the way.
“It was a cheap shot. I got up. And it was all pandemonium, crazy, madness in the room.
“When I say it’s my fault, I should have known. I should have pulled out of that situation from the start. I shouldn't have got involved."
When asked about the aftermath, Warren continued: "I was absolutely fuming as you can imagine. Fuming with everybody involved.
"The lawyer at Showtime wanted to call the police, I said, 'No, no, no.' I don't want to do that. I'll sort it out, don't worry.
“All the newspapers said I had my jaw broken, my ribs were broken. That was all bulls***, nothing was broken at all. My eye just had a burst blood vessel, a red eye, that was it.
"He fought, had his fight and I made sure that he paid for what he did, hit him where it hurt."
The promoter concluded: "He was mad - Mike Tyson was a terrible bully. He was the bully who got beaten by bullies.
"Evander Holyfield and Buster Douglas, they beat him because he couldn't intimidate them.
"And years later he was fighting again, they wanted to put a fight on against Kevin McBride, Irish guy, and they wanted to sell the rights to Sky.
“I talked to people and said, 'Don't do that, put him in with Danny Williams,' that's an English guy and I could do a better deal for the TV - that'd appeal more to them.
“I said to Danny Williams, ‘For two or three rounds this will be World War II. You're gonna get everything thrown at you. Get through it and you’ll knock him out’. And that’s what he did.”
Since making these comments, Warren actually reunited with Tyson for the first time since 2000.
In late 2023, Warren promoted Tyson Fury's fight with Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which Iron Mike attended as a special guest.
They spoke, settled their differences and buried the hatched, with Tyson now a much different man to the one he was in his fighting prime.
Regardless of his character change, he will still be stepping back into the ring for a crossover bout with Jake Paul on July 20 - though hopefully won't be visiting any jewelery shops beforehand.
Mike Tyson's power once burst a blood vessel in Frank Warren's eye over £2m bill
Mike Tyson was a truly volatile character when he came to fight in the UK in 2000. Britain’s Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren agreed to host the American heavyweight icon for two bou…
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Nathan Heaney: Stoke boxer hopes he is step closer to his dream home fight at the Bet365 Stadium
Stoke boxer Nathan Heaney hopes he has moved a step closer to a dream fight at the Bet 365 Stadium after Saturday's narrow defence of his British middleweight title in Birmingham.
In his first defence since winning the Lonsdale Belt off Denzel Bentley in November, Heaney, 34, made hard work of seeing off Cornwall's Brad Pauls.
"I've had two good hard fights in four months," Heaney told BBC Radio Stoke.
"First Bentley and this was tough. But I've felt worse after other fights."
Heaney only retained his title in a draw on a split points decision - and, although the Pauls camp argued that they should have won it and at least had the right to a rematch, the Stoke fighter hopes promoter Frank Warren has other bigger plans.
Stoke boxer Nathan Heaney hopes he has moved a step closer to a dream fight at the Bet 365 Stadium after Saturday's narrow defence of his British middleweight title in Birmingham.
In his first defence since winning the Lonsdale Belt off Denzel Bentley in November, Heaney, 34, made hard work of seeing off Cornwall's Brad Pauls.
"I've had two good hard fights in four months," Heaney told BBC Radio Stoke.
"First Bentley and this was tough. But I've felt worse after other fights."
Heaney only retained his title in a draw on a split points decision - and, although the Pauls camp argued that they should have won it and at least had the right to a rematch, the Stoke fighter hopes promoter Frank Warren has other bigger plans.
Nathan Heaney: Stoke boxer hopes he is step closer to his dream home fight at the Bet365 Stadium
Stoke boxer Nathan Heaney hopes he is now a step closer to a dream fight at his home stadium after retaining his British middleweight title.
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Lawrence Okolie will challenge Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC bridgerweight title on 24 May in Poland.
The former British and European champion has been out of action since losing his WBO cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith in May 2023.
BBC
The former British and European champion has been out of action since losing his WBO cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith in May 2023.
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Sandy Ryan v Terri Harper: Champion defends WBO welterweight title with dominant stoppage win
World champion Sandy Ryan defended her WBO welterweight crown with a formidable stoppage win over fellow Briton Terri Harper in Sheffield.
Derby's Ryan, 30, was a class above Harper - landing combinations to head and body for three dominant rounds.
Harper, 27, fails in her bid to become a three-weight world champion, with her long-time trainer Stefy Bull pulling her from the fight before the fourth.
"I know Terri Harper and I knew I had to take it to her early," Ryan said.
"I had to be more smart in my work, but I knew I had to take it to her and stick to the gameplan."
She extends her record to seven wins, with one draw and one defeat since turning professional.
Doncaster-born Harper - who holds the WBA light-middleweight title - recorded a second loss in her 18th fight and left the ring without giving any post-fight interviews.
A statement win for dominant Ryan
Ryan stakes her claim as one of - if not the - best female welterweight fighters with a dominant and resounding win in her opponent's backyard.
She was a slight favourite with the bookmakers but there was no question as to who the Sheffield crowd were supporting.
Chants of "Yorkshire" accompanied Harper, born about a 30-minute drive away in Denaby Main, to the ring. Ryan took her time, making a slow entrance, and was seemingly unbothered by the jeers.
It was a frantic start, both women letting their hands go in the opening round.
The champion surged forward with more intent, varying her attack to head and body with her lead hand and utilising the jab. She rocked Harper's head back with a right in the closing seconds of the second.
Harper - who has also previously held a world title at super-featherweight - was hoping to become Britain's first female three-weight world champion in the modern era. But she sported a weary and deflated look as she headed back to her corner.
Ryan controversially drew a unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in September and came out looking like a fighter with a point to prove.
A barrage of shots left Harper scrambling in the third, the referee taking a close look at the challenger.
Trainer Bull had seen enough and saved Harper for any more damage as an elated Ryan unleashed an almighty roar.
I'll take any big fight - Ryan
Ryan overhauled her entire team following the controversial draw with American McCaskill, a fight most observers had her winning.
She relocated to Las Vegas, linking up with trainer Emanuel 'Flick' Savoy and enlisting the services of manager Brian Peters - who has guided the career of pound-for-pound star Katie Taylor.
"It's made me mentally stronger, [living] away from home and everyone I knew," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I couldn't even go out at the weekends because I had no one to go for a coffee with. I was seriously locked in and it just pays off."
Ryan has expressed a desire to become a multi-weight champion but there is unfinished business with McCaskill. First, though, the Chicago fighter has a tough defence against Welshwoman Lauren Price in May.
A unification fight between Ryan and IBF champion Natasha Jonas is another huge domestic affair, although both Liverpool's Jonas and Price are signed to rival promotional outfit Boxxer.
Ryan has options, but she was reluctant to make any call-outs when asked who she wants next.
"Any big fight. He [promoter Eddie Hearn] knows I'll be willing to take any big fight."
Smith shines but Hatton suffers first pro loss
In the main event, light-welterweight Dalton Smith extended his unbeaten record to 16 wins with an impressive stoppage victory over the experienced Jose Zepeda.
Sheffield's Smith, 27, recovered from a slow start to display some skilful counterpunching against the three-time world-title challenger.
He dropped Zepeda with a vicious body shot in the fifth, the American unable to get back to his feet.
Earlier in the night, Manchester's Campbell Hatton suffered a first career defeat as he was outpointed by Central Area light-welterweight champion Jimmy Joe Flint.
Challenging for the same title his father Ricky Hatton won 25 years earlier, Hatton was no match for the more technically gifted Flint.
Hatton - competing in his 15th pro bout after very little amateur experience - respectfully called for a rematch in his post-fight interview, but promoter Hearn suggested he could take a learning fight in the interim.
BBC
World champion Sandy Ryan defended her WBO welterweight crown with a formidable stoppage win over fellow Briton Terri Harper in Sheffield.
Derby's Ryan, 30, was a class above Harper - landing combinations to head and body for three dominant rounds.
Harper, 27, fails in her bid to become a three-weight world champion, with her long-time trainer Stefy Bull pulling her from the fight before the fourth.
"I know Terri Harper and I knew I had to take it to her early," Ryan said.
"I had to be more smart in my work, but I knew I had to take it to her and stick to the gameplan."
She extends her record to seven wins, with one draw and one defeat since turning professional.
Doncaster-born Harper - who holds the WBA light-middleweight title - recorded a second loss in her 18th fight and left the ring without giving any post-fight interviews.
A statement win for dominant Ryan
Ryan stakes her claim as one of - if not the - best female welterweight fighters with a dominant and resounding win in her opponent's backyard.
She was a slight favourite with the bookmakers but there was no question as to who the Sheffield crowd were supporting.
Chants of "Yorkshire" accompanied Harper, born about a 30-minute drive away in Denaby Main, to the ring. Ryan took her time, making a slow entrance, and was seemingly unbothered by the jeers.
It was a frantic start, both women letting their hands go in the opening round.
The champion surged forward with more intent, varying her attack to head and body with her lead hand and utilising the jab. She rocked Harper's head back with a right in the closing seconds of the second.
Harper - who has also previously held a world title at super-featherweight - was hoping to become Britain's first female three-weight world champion in the modern era. But she sported a weary and deflated look as she headed back to her corner.
Ryan controversially drew a unification bout against Jessica McCaskill in September and came out looking like a fighter with a point to prove.
A barrage of shots left Harper scrambling in the third, the referee taking a close look at the challenger.
Trainer Bull had seen enough and saved Harper for any more damage as an elated Ryan unleashed an almighty roar.
I'll take any big fight - Ryan
Ryan overhauled her entire team following the controversial draw with American McCaskill, a fight most observers had her winning.
She relocated to Las Vegas, linking up with trainer Emanuel 'Flick' Savoy and enlisting the services of manager Brian Peters - who has guided the career of pound-for-pound star Katie Taylor.
"It's made me mentally stronger, [living] away from home and everyone I knew," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I couldn't even go out at the weekends because I had no one to go for a coffee with. I was seriously locked in and it just pays off."
Ryan has expressed a desire to become a multi-weight champion but there is unfinished business with McCaskill. First, though, the Chicago fighter has a tough defence against Welshwoman Lauren Price in May.
A unification fight between Ryan and IBF champion Natasha Jonas is another huge domestic affair, although both Liverpool's Jonas and Price are signed to rival promotional outfit Boxxer.
Ryan has options, but she was reluctant to make any call-outs when asked who she wants next.
"Any big fight. He [promoter Eddie Hearn] knows I'll be willing to take any big fight."
Smith shines but Hatton suffers first pro loss
In the main event, light-welterweight Dalton Smith extended his unbeaten record to 16 wins with an impressive stoppage victory over the experienced Jose Zepeda.
Sheffield's Smith, 27, recovered from a slow start to display some skilful counterpunching against the three-time world-title challenger.
He dropped Zepeda with a vicious body shot in the fifth, the American unable to get back to his feet.
Earlier in the night, Manchester's Campbell Hatton suffered a first career defeat as he was outpointed by Central Area light-welterweight champion Jimmy Joe Flint.
Challenging for the same title his father Ricky Hatton won 25 years earlier, Hatton was no match for the more technically gifted Flint.
Hatton - competing in his 15th pro bout after very little amateur experience - respectfully called for a rematch in his post-fight interview, but promoter Hearn suggested he could take a learning fight in the interim.
BBC
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Boxer Sandy Ryan has been awarded the Freedom of Derby - two days after successfully defending her world championship belt.
Ryan, 30, became the first woman to receive the city's top civic honour in a special ceremony on Monday.
She accepted the award having defended her WBO welterweight crown in a bout against Terri Harper on Saturday.
Source: BBC
Ryan, 30, became the first woman to receive the city's top civic honour in a special ceremony on Monday.
She accepted the award having defended her WBO welterweight crown in a bout against Terri Harper on Saturday.
Source: BBC
shaz619
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I think I just witnessed the greatest british heavyweight title fight this century. This fight personifies everything I love about Boxing, am sorry but as far as combat sports are concerned, Boxer’s are simply made from something extraterrestrial.
Wardley / Clarke is surely going to be FOTY for 2024.
Clarke dictated the pace of the fight with his excellent double jab and control of distance with his superior footwork, which repeatedly exposed Wardley’s lower guard because he was open to right hand counters; his nose got busted up real bad and there was a serious cut to his left eye as a result. However, he displayed immense guts and a good chin, shaking off the crimson mask his face had turned into, to unload some lightning combinations, he often over reached with the right hand and paid the price, but when he looked to slip Clarke’s jab and time him, he landed some big clean shots. Both men were running on fumes and displayed insane determination and courage to press on despite the brutal intensity of the fight. This is Effin Boxing man, best sport in the world.
I had Clarke nick it for his tidier work throughout the fight but can’t complain with the draw there, though it’s not great to see no winner after a battle like that.
Both warriors proved themselves tonight, my goodness.
Wardley / Clarke is surely going to be FOTY for 2024.
Clarke dictated the pace of the fight with his excellent double jab and control of distance with his superior footwork, which repeatedly exposed Wardley’s lower guard because he was open to right hand counters; his nose got busted up real bad and there was a serious cut to his left eye as a result. However, he displayed immense guts and a good chin, shaking off the crimson mask his face had turned into, to unload some lightning combinations, he often over reached with the right hand and paid the price, but when he looked to slip Clarke’s jab and time him, he landed some big clean shots. Both men were running on fumes and displayed insane determination and courage to press on despite the brutal intensity of the fight. This is Effin Boxing man, best sport in the world.
I had Clarke nick it for his tidier work throughout the fight but can’t complain with the draw there, though it’s not great to see no winner after a battle like that.
Both warriors proved themselves tonight, my goodness.
shaz619
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Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke: Bruising British heavyweight title fight ends in split-decision draw
British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley and challenger Frazer Clarke contested a thrilling and bruising split-decision draw in London.
Wardley floored Clarke with a flurry of punches in the fifth but was bloodied for the majority of the contest.
Clarke too enjoyed success in a back-and-forth encounter in front of 13,000 feverish fans at the O2 Arena.
One judge scored it 114-113 to Wardley, the other 115-112 to Clarke, with a third unable to split them at 113-113.
Both fighters retain their unbeaten records and Clarke is pushing for a rematch in the hope of coming to a more conclusive result.
"I wanted the titles, I want to be champion," Clarke told Sky Sports.
"I'll be back with a vengeance, I promise you now.
"I'd love a rematch. I'd love to fight Fabio again."
'Bad Blood' lives up to the hype
An intriguing contest - billed as 'Bad Blood' - between two fighters with contrasting journeys, lived up to the hype.
Olympic bronze medallist Clarke, 32, honed his craft as part of the TeamGB set-up and through winning multiple amateur titles, whereas Wardley only began hitting a punchbag aged 22 while still working in recruitment.
Clarke's schooling was apparent from the start, the amateur star winning the jab battle and landing uppercuts on the inside.
As blood from a cut in the second round dripped from Wardley's nose on to his blue and white shorts, a nod to his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club, the 29-year-old came back fighting.
Wardley - who competed just four times on the unlicensed white-collar scene before turning pro - pounced on his opponent in the fifth, landing a short right as Clarke backpedalled and slumped to the floor.
Clarke was docked a point for a low blow in the seventh but found a second wind against a noticeably fatigued and bloodied opponent.
The doctor examined Wardley's nose in the 10th, a swollen right eye also hindering his sight.
But just seconds after being given the green light to continue, he remarkably landed a flurry of shots as both men continued to trade in the championship rounds.
Staggered in the final minute of the contest by a huge right, Wardley somehow managed to stay on his feet, still throwing hands up until the last bell.
Wardley admitted a rematch is "an option" but wants to take "five minutes" to consider his next step with a fight at Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town, still very much on his mind.
"Bringing a fight to Portman Road has been on the cards and I've been talking it about it for a long time now," Wardley said.
"Whether it's the rematch or something else, I'd like to tick that off before the end of my career."
This was a bout a year in the making after they were ordered to fight in April 2023, only for Clarke's promoters to withdraw him on the day of the purse bid.
They argued it was all about the timing, and the wait proved to be worth it.
Riley clashes with rivals and Whittaker showboats to win
English cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley earned a well-disciplined points win over Mikael Lawal, before clashing with two domestic rivals in his post-fight interview.The 26-year-old - who extended his unbeaten record to 11 wins - circled around the ring, flicking the jab and counter-punching on the move as a frustrated Lawal struggled to close the distance.
British champion Isaac Chamberlain gatecrashed Riley's ringside interview, telling him: "If you think you can box like that against me, you got another thing coming."
The verbal spat continued until Olympian Chev Clarke - the mandatory challenger for Chamberlain's cruiserweight title - attempted to join the pair, prompting a melee between the fighters as security intervened.
Also on the undercard, undefeated light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker showboated his way to a points win over the game Leon Willings.
The Olympic silver medallist - who made his entrance alongside dance group Diversity - danced in the ring and played up to the crowd. He even took time to talk to Willings' corner during the fight.
Whittaker - who dropped his opponent with a chopping right in the first - was the deserved winner but it was not all one way traffic as Willings landed clean rights against a low guard.
"I can take shots and I just wanted to show that," Whittaker said after his seventh pro win.
Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke: Bruising British heavyweight title fight ends in split-decision draw
British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley and challenger Frazer Clarke contest a thrilling and bruising split-decision draw in London.
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