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Chelli to face unbeaten Simpson at Oakwell Stadium

Super-middleweight Zak Chelli will defend his British and Commonwealth titles against Callum Simpson at Oakwell Stadium on 3 August.

Londoner Chelli, 26, will make the first defence of the belts he won in January. He has won 15 pro fights, with two defeats and one draw.

Simpson, who has won all 14 bouts with 10 stoppages, will fight in front of his home fans at the home of Barnsley Football Club.

"This is the fight I’ve been asking for," Simpson, 27, said.

"It’s a chance to prove myself and make my hometown proud. I need everyone in Barnsley and beyond to get behind me and really make Oakwell a fortress."

The stadium will be at limited capacity, with the card taking place in front of the East Stand.

"Simpson is too scared to challenge me for my titles in London so I’ll show him what a real fighter is and fight him on his home turf," Chelli said.


BBC
 
Taylor Swift or title? McGowan set for Baraou bout

Britain's Macaulay McGowan says he was moments away from buying Taylor Swift tickets before he got the call to fight Abass Baraou for the European light-middleweight title.

McGowan, 29, challenges champion Baraou in Bolton on Friday, when pop star Swift plays a concert at Anfield.

"Fighting for the European title - winning the European title - makes a career of ups and downs worth it, so I’m bringing everything I’ve got," McGowan told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I’m relishing it. When you’re a kid it's what you think of doing. I’m following my dream from when I was a nine-year-old kid."

German Baraou, 29, beat Britain's Sam Eggington to win the title in March.

McGowan has won his past three fights since losing to Tyler Denny in May last year, while Baraou is unbeaten in six.

"I know he’s got a good opportunity and he’ll come with everything," Baraou said.

"He seems a pretty nice guy and has a good story, but as soon as we enter the ring nobody is taking that belt.

"I turn on AB mode and go crazy, and anything I come against is pushed out of the way."

The winner at the Bolton Whites Hotel will aim to force themselves into the conversation for a world title shot.

McGowan, who will be the underdog against Baraou, said he was a “bored kid” before becoming “hooked” on boxing.

“I was rubbish at everything else,” he said.

“I lived in Benchill; it was pretty rough. I was arrested at 10, 11 years of age.

“I got kicked out the gym and they said 'Make a decision. Stop running round with those people or dedicate yourself.' I dedicated myself.

“This isn’t one of them stories where I was always going to be a bad lad and boxing saved me. I was pretty smart and I knew what I wanted to do.”


BBC
 

Whittaker grabs opponent's throat at weigh-in​

Briton Ben Whittaker grabbed Ezra Arenyeka by the throat after being goaded at the weigh-in for Saturday's light-heavyweight contest in London.

The Olympic silver medallist retaliated after Arenyeka pointed his finger towards Whittaker’s face in the head-to-head.

As security intervened, Arenyeka then threw women's underwear at Whittaker.

"At the end of the day, he's coming with his energy," a dumbfounded Whittaker, 27, said.

"It's all nervous energy. Tomorrow's the day. Tomorrow's judgement day."

Nigeria-born Arenyeka weighed in exactly at the 12st 7lb limit with Briton Whittaker five ounces over, before matching his opponent's weight in a second weigh-in moments later.

The bout takes place on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title defence against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.

Billiam-Smith, 33, cut a subdued figure on the scales compared with Riakporhe, 34, as both men tipped the scales at 14st 4lb.

But neither man wanted to break an awkwardly long face-off, their eyes fixated on each other despite the attempts of four members of security to end proceedings.

"I haven't looked away once in camp. It's time to stay strong now," champion Billam-Smith said.

Source: BBC
 
Davis knocks out Martin to retain WBA title

Gervonta Davis knocked Frank Martin out in the eighth round to retain his WBA lightweight title in Las Vegas.

Davis backed his fellow American onto the ropes before connecting with a left uppercut and left hook to send Martin to the canvas.

Davis, nicknamed the Tank, stood on top of the ropes and did a backflip into the ring in celebration as he extended his record to 30-0, including 28 knockouts.

It is Martin's first loss in 19 professional fights.

Davis was making his first appearance in the ring since inflicting the first defeat in Ryan Garcia's career in April 2023.

Garcia was at the bout with Martin and spoke to Davis afterwards, including showing him a message on his T-shirt asking for a rematch.

BBC
 

Billam-Smith shatters Riakporhe's Selhurst dream in revenge win​

Briton Chris Billam-Smith retained his WBO cruiserweight title with a dominant points win over compatriot Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.

After an evening of rain in London, the downpour stopped just in time for a career-best performance from Billam-Smith.

The Bournemouth fighter set the pace and edged the scoring in a scrappy affair which on occasions came alive towards the latter rounds.

Londoner Riakporhe – fighting in front of 15,000 home fans in an open-air stadium – was guilty of excessive holding throughout and deducted a point in the 12th.

Billam-Smith, 33, was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 115-112.

He gained revenge for a points defeat by Riakporhe in 2019 – the only blemish on the champion's 21-fight record.

"That was closer than I thought," Billam-Smith told Sky Sports. "The right man won. Rich is a great fighter."

'The Gentleman' said he is now targeting unification fights and would welcome an away day to Las Vegas next.

Riakporhe, 34, suffered a first career defeat in his 18th pro fight, with his dream of winning a world title at the home of his beloved Crystal Palace Football Club shattered.

Source: BBC
 

Jake Paul to face ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry on July 20​

Jake Paul won't wait for the Mike Tyson fight after all.

The YouTuber turned prizefighter will fight former UFC welterweight and current Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star Mike Perry on July 20 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Most Valuable Promotions announced Tuesday.

Paul-Perry will be an eight-round cruiserweight bout and distributed on DAZN pay-per-view.

The original date for Paul's blockbuster boxing match against Tyson was July 20, but that matchup was postponed to Nov. 15 earlier in June after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight. Paul-Tyson remains on for the new date at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"As I prepare for my fight against 'Iron' Mike, there's no better opponent for me than Mike Perry," Paul said in a statement. "He's a proven knockout artist who has shown to be a maniac in and out of the ring. This is the perfect experience for me to gain in advance of facing Mike Tyson."

Paul enters the matchup riding a three-fight winning streak, which features a unanimous decision over former UFC star Nate Diaz and a pair of knockouts against journeymen boxers Andre August and Ryan Bourland. Paul, who made a name for himself in the boxing world by primarily facing MMA fighters, is 9-1 as a pro with six knockouts.

Perry spent five years on the UFC roster from 2016-21, but he emerged as one of the most popular names in the MMA world when he signed with BKFC. Perry has won five straight fights as a bare-knuckle boxer in BKFC, including knockout victories over former UFC champions Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez.

In addition to Paul-Perry, unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will move up three divisions for a non-title junior welterweight bout against Stevie Morgan in the July 20 co-main event. Serrano is scheduled to challenge Katie Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight championship in the Paul-Tyson co-headliner later this year.

Source: The Score
 

Serrano to fight in July in preparation for Taylor​

Amanda Serrano will fight Stevie Morgan in a light-welterweight contest on 20 July in Florida.

The Puerto Rican will face undisputed champion Katie Taylor in Texas on 15 November but was originally scheduled to fight the Irishwoman on 20 July.

A health scare to headliner Mike Tyson prompted his bout with Jake Paul to move to 15 November and the co-main event between the 37-year-old Taylor and Serrano, 35, was also rescheduled to that date.

"My opponent has 13 knockouts, more than almost every other active female boxer, but I fear no woman," said Serrano.

Morgan, also 35, has fought most of her career at lightweight and has 14 wins and one loss on her record.

Serrano will compete in her 50th professional fight, having made her debut in 2009.

Source: BBC
 
Ryan Garcia suggests he has ‘officially retired’ from boxing as he awaits to learn fate over failed drugs tests

Ryan Garcia has claimed that his boxing career is over for good.

The American star picked up a huge points win over rival Devin Haney last time out, but it was revealed he had failed two pre-fight drugs tests, which came back positive for banned substance ostarine.

Garcia's fate lies in the hands of the New York Commission who are holding a meeting this week to discuss his potential punishment.

But he appears to have made up his own mind, tweeting: "I’m officially retired."

The world title challenger has claimed he will retire early in the past, but he later U-turned and said he was ready to continue his practice of the sweet science.

He also took a 15-month break from boxing during 2021 and 2022, citing mental health reasons for his absence.

The situation could mean that Haney would regain his unbeaten record, as the result of the fight may well be overturned to a no-contest.

Garcia could yet also receive a ban from the sport, which could be around the two-year mark if he is to be punished severely.

But the 25-year-old's team are hoping to use a supplement contamination defence, to get his ban reduced to around a four-month period.

Garcia's legal representative Paul Greene made a statement, which read: "The test results from samples of two supplements declared by Ryan Garcia on VADA Doping Control Forms, signed on April 19th and 20th, have returned positive for Ostarine contamination,” the statement reads.

"This confirms what we have consistently maintained: Ryan was a victim of supplement contamination and has never intentionally used any banned or performance-enhancing substances.

“Any claims to the contrary, questioning Ryan’s integrity as a clean fighter, are unequivocally false and defamatory.

"Throughout his career, Ryan has voluntarily submitted to numerous tests, all of which have returned negative results, underscoring his commitment to fair and clean competition.

“Additionally, multiple negative tests leading up to his fight against Haney further affirm his clean record.

“The ultra-low levels of Ostarine detected in his samples, in the billionth of a gram range, along with his clean hair sample proves contamination rather than intentional ingestion. The recent test results reiterate this."

He then added: "We understand Ryan's going to get some sanction, but we feel like given this evidence now it should be a light sanction.”

Garcia still has big plans in the sport, including a rematch with Gervonta Davis.

He is also open to a sequel with Haney, and his rival has suggested he will take a break from the sport until the second episode can be made.

talksport.com

Ryan Garcia suggests he has 'officially retired' from boxing

Ryan Garcia has claimed that his boxing career is over for good. The American star picked up a huge points win over rival Devin Haney last time out, but it was revealed he had failed two pre-fight …
talksport.com talksport.com
 
Ryan Garcia has been handed a one-year ban from boxing by the New York State Athletic Commission after failing a drugs test.

The 25-year-old tested positive for banned substance ostarine in two separate tests taken before his fight with Devin Haney on 20 April.

Garcia's victory against Haney will now be recorded as a no-contest - meaning Haney's undefeated record is restored.

As well as the ban, Garcia must forfeit his £950,000 ($1.2m) contract purse from the Haney fight and pay a £7,900 ($10,000) fine.

Garcia, who denied taking the substance, blamed "contamination" from a tainted supplement.

Garcia, who wrote on X on 19 June that he was "retired", responded to the ban by saying: "I was already retired so I'll just come back out of retirement for a year."

The American added: "I never cheated."

Garcia has just one defeat on his 25-fight record, a 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis, and is considered one of the biggest stars in American boxing.

His voided victory against Haney came in New York, with Garcia winning on points after missing weight before the contest.

Haney, whose record returns to 31 victories in 31 fights, said on X: "Thank you to commission for doing the right thing and making the right decision.

"I’m happy it wasn't a DQ [disqualification] because I wouldn't want [to] win like that.

"Once this suspension is over, Garcia let's run it back. Clean on a even playing field. Biggest fight [in] boxing."

Ostarine, a non-steroidal drug used to support muscle growth, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substance list since 2008.

BBC Sport has contacted the New York State Athletic Commission and Ryan Garcia's team for comment.

BBC
 
Ukad bans dead boxer before discovering mistake

UK Anti-Doping banned Moises Calleros for four years on Monday only to learn the Mexican boxer had died in March.

Calleros tested positive for cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine after his stoppage defeat by Olympic champion Galal Yafai in April 2023.

Ukad released a statement announcing Calleros' suspension but quickly removed the post after learning the fighter was dead.

"Ukad received this information shortly after publishing details of the outcome from a case," the anti-doping body said.

"Unfortunately, Ukad had no information regarding Mr Calleros' sad passing at the time of publication and has now removed all details of this case from its channels."

Calleros, who died aged 34, left behind an impressive fight record of 37 wins, 11 losses and one draw.

He made his professional debut in 2008, fighting at minimumweight and flyweight.

Calleros was unsuccessful in his one world title challenge in 2018 and was one fight away from competing in 50 professional bouts.


BBC
 

Jones Jr says son DeAndre took his own life​

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has said that his son DeAndre, "took his own life" over the weekend, at the age of 32.

Jones Jr, 55, who held world titles at middleweight, super-middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight, has asked for privacy while his family "process this loss".

"I'm so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family," Jones Jr said in a statement on X.

"I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life."

Jones Jr last fought on 1 April 2023 when he suffered a majority decision defeat against Sergio Pettis.

The American won a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Source: BBC
 

McCrory loses to Roach in brave WBA title belt bid​


Feargal McCrory went out on his shield at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC as his brave bid to dethrone WBA super-featherweight champion Lamont Roach ended in the eighth round.

It was the big homecoming for the DC native, having got past Hector Luis Garcia last November to win the belt.

His maiden defence was designed to be a showcase and invitation for unifications, but he had to work for it as the county Tyrone man had his own ambitions and gave all he could in an effort to secure the upset.

McCrory was not able to avail of this opportunity, but he could not have given any more as his corner pulled him out after the accumulation of punches eventually became too much.

Not that the contest was one-way traffic. To cause the shock, it was imperative the Coalisland boxer jumped on the champion to negate his attributes of speed and skill.

From the start, McCrory marched forward in an effort to impose his frame and make this a fight at close quarters, not just to apply pressure but to give Roach little room for manoeuvre.

But like all good champions, Roach found a way. Although ruffled early on, he adjusted, managed to force McCrory one step back so he could do likewise and land a sharp right with the separation he required.

He transferred from the ribs to head in the second - a prelude of things to come - and scored the first of his knockdowns in the third.

In fairness, it was of the flash variety as he appeared to catch McCrory a little off balance, but there was no doubting the damage in the fourth as an uppercut unlocked the door to a sickening shot to the ribs.

McCrory rose but went down again shortly after to the same shot that resulted in a 10-7 round which he did well to see out as he gasped for air.

The promises of leaving it all in the ring were no idle threat as somehow McCrory went straight at the American in the fifth - yet, tellingly, his right arm was glued to his ribs - a sign there was real damage and it did not go unnoticed.

His brave bid continued, but by the eighth and with that arm by his side, Roach could tee off with the left as McCrory remained upright, his chin unprotected, and his corner knew there was no way back, signalling enough was enough.

The Tyrone man will emerge from this with a lot of credit, but that is cold comfort as he was here for the belt.

As for Roach, he wants more and his immediate thoughts are towards a showdown with one of the division's other champions.

www.bbc.com

Feargal McCrory loses to Lamont Roach in WBA title bid

Feargal McCrory's brave bid to win the WBA super-featherweight title ends in defeat by Lamont Roach in Washington DC after his corner call a halt in the eighth round.
www.bbc.com
 

Mercado beats Britain's Ali to retain WBC title​

Britain's Ramla Ali lost to Yamileth Mercado on a unanimous points decision as the Mexican retained her WBC world super-bantamweight title in Arizona.

Ali, 34, was aiming for a maiden world title in Phoenix, but Mercado defended her title for a seventh time with the judges scoring 98-92, 98-93, 97-93 in the 26-year-old's favour.

Mercado, who has owned the belt since 2019, started the brighter and stifled Ali's counter-punching in the later rounds to take the victory.

"Didn't get the result tonight but still got the love," Ali wrote on Instagram.

"I wish Yamileth all the best and her judges."

Elsewhere, Britain's Sunny Edwards returned to winning ways after a unanimous points victory against Mexican flyweight Adrian Curiel.

Edwards, who was beaten for the first time in his career against Jesse Rodriguez in December, scored 90-82, 88-84, 87-85 with the judges.

But the bout was ended prematurely, before the ninth round, when the ringside doctor ordered the referee to stop the fight due to a cut on Edwards' right eye.

The cut was opened in the sixth round after an accidental clash of heads between the pair. The decision was met by boos by fans, leaving Edwards puzzled.

"I don’t know if the crowd realises what happened, but I had nothing to do with this," he said.

"The referee stopped the fight. I’m more upset than any of the 10,000 fans. I thought I was going to get him out of here."

Following up his win against Edwards in December, Rodriguez continued his unbeaten record with a knockout win against Juan Estrada.

The 24-year-old became the new WBC and Ring Magazine super-flyweight world champion with a devastating body punch in the seventh round.

"I saw the way he was rolling on the floor," said Rodriguez. "I knew that was it."

The American did have to survive a knockdown of his own in the fifth round, hitting the canvas for the first time in his professional career.

"I got dropped for the first time - that was crazy," Rodriguez said.

"I just got caught with a punch. The next thing you know I was on the floor, but I've always wanted to experience that."

Source: BBC
 
World champion Dixon to face fellow Briton Harper

Lightweight world champion Rhiannon Dixon will defend her WBO belt against fellow Briton Terri Harper at Manchester's Co-op Live arena on Saturday, 24 August.

Warrington's Dixon, 29, is unbeaten in 10 professional fights and will make a first defence of the title she won against Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April.

Harper, 27, is the WBA light-middleweight champion and a former super-featherweight champion so will seek to become a three-weight champion in August's fight.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/c1dmrge38v4o
 
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Hickey turns pro and targets world titles

Sam Hickey believes he can "fight for world titles and win them" after turning professional.

The 24-year-old, who won a middleweight gold medal for Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hopes to make his debut this autumn after an impressive amateur career.

"I think if you are going into the pros with the background I have got and what I have done in the amateurs, I should be trying to go all the way," Hickey told BBC Scotland. "So I am going to set high standards.

His hopes of signing off from the amateur game at this summer's Olympics in Paris, though, were dashed after his weight category was removed from the programme.

Hickey attempted to step up to light heavyweight, but the Dundee-born fighter admits it "tested me a wee bit" and he missed out on selection for Team GB.

www.bbc.com

Sam Hickey: Scottish boxer turns professional and says he 'can win world titles'

Scottish boxer Sam Hickey says he "can definitely go on and fight for world titles and win them" after joining the professional ranks.
www.bbc.com
 
Garcia 'expelled' by WBC after racist comments

Ryan Garcia has been "expelled" by the WBC after using racial slurs and Islamophobic language on social media.

The American, who last month was banned for a year from boxing following an anti-doping violation, made the comments on X's spaces platform, which allows people to have live audio conversations.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement: "Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organisation.

"We reject any form of discrimination."

In a since deleted post on X, Garcia, 25, wrote: "I was trolling, I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone, sorry if I offended you."

The American has not responded to the WBC's expulsion.

After Garcia was handed a one-year doping ban by the New York State Athletic Commission, Sulaiman said the WBC would not issue its own suspension or "punish" him because of concerns about his mental health.

It was not immediately clear what the expulsion from the WBC would entail. BBC Sport has asked the WBC for comment.

Garcia failed multiple drug tests around his fight with Devin Haney in April.

As well as a one-year ban, Garcia's upset victory over former undisputed lightweight champion Haney was overturned to a no-contest.

Garcia's family released its own statement saying his comments "do not align with his, or our family's, true character or beliefs".

"Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion -- these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised," the statement added.

BBC
 
Stevenson retains WBC title with underwhelming victory

American Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with an underwhelming points victory over Artem Harutyunyan in New Jersey.

Stevenson, 27, outclassed his Armenian opponent in a bout he was always comfortable in.

He was awarded the victory with the judges scoring the fight 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112 in his favour.

At the end of the fight there were some boos from the crowd but Stevenson defended his performance, saying "It's kind of hard to prove it if you don't got a fighter trying to fight back".

Speaking to ESPN he added: "I want to fight the best fighters.

"That's how you're going to get to see the best version of me, when you put me in the ring with somebody else that wants to fight back and compete."

Stevenson, who has previously been featherweight and super-featherweight champion, remains unbeaten since his professional debut in 2017.


BBC
 
A shame Sheeraz wont be facing Eubanks or Zhanibek on the Wembley card, was too good to be true.
 
Eubank Jr signs with Boxxer and targets Alvarez fight

Britain's former world champion Chris Eubank Jr has signed a deal with promotional company Boxxer.

Eubank Jr, who beat compatriot Liam Smith in his last fight, says he is now targeting "mega fights" with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

In September, 2023, the 34-year-old outclassed Smith in their second middleweight meeting to avenge his defeat in their first bout.

The Brighton fighter, who is now based in Las Vegas in the United States, is a two-time winner of the IBO super-middleweight.

"I'm very excited to have signed with Boxxer and [promoter] Ben Shalom," said Eubank Jr. "They fit the direction I want to go in. We have big plans over the next 12 to 24 months.

"There are big fights in the pipeline and these guys can make it happen. This is a partnership. I have the freedom and the leeway to work how I want to work, which is very rare.

"I'm in a position of power. I'm in a position to really control the direction that I want to go in so I'm excited."

Eubank Jr has been heavily linked with a bout against Mexico's WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight title holder Alvarez, and says it is a meeting "the fans want to see".

He added: "It's a fight I think I could win. The fans want to see Canelo in with guys who are going to press him, who are not going to back down, who are not going to shy away and crumble under the pressure. The fight fans know that’s the type of fighter I am."

Shalom added: "We've had the privilege of working with Chris on some massive fight nights in the UK and there will be plenty more to come in the UK and worldwide. He is a bonafide pay-per-view star.

"The hunger and ambition is there. We can't wait to see him back in action and involved in some massive fights."

BBC
 
Canelo’s Controversial Choices: Eubank Jr. In The Crosshairs

UFC boss Dana White’s decision to stage one of his events on September 14 has resulted in Canelo Alvarez leaning toward potentially choosing British boxer Chris Eubank Jr. for his next fight in September.

Weight Class Mismatch: A Familiar Story Eubank Jr (33-3, 24 KOs) would be moving up from middleweight to challenge Canelo (61-2-2, 39 KOs) for his undisputed 168-lb championship in a fight that could take occur two to three weeks after the September 14th date.

Casual fans may not care that Eubank Jr. is a middleweight, but many fans will. Every Alvarez fight became a dilemma between reality and fantasy.

Source: Boxing News 24
 
Social-media star dad keeping Fisher 'level-headed'

Boxer Johnny Fisher has thanked his social-media star dad for keeping him "level-headed and grounded" as he looks to make his way up the heavyweight rankings.

Fisher stopped Alen Babic in 36 seconds at London's Copper Box Arena last weekend and is now unbeaten in 12 fights as a professional.

His father, 'Big' John Fisher, has 44,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel and also posts videos on TikTok, many about his love for Chinese food.

"He praises me, he promotes me, but in private he tells me what the truth is and I think that's what a good dad does - tell you the truth at all times," Fisher told BBC Essex.

"He knows what's best for you and you've got to listen. If you get in there and you haven't trained properly or cut corners, gone out too late one night, it will show, and my dad is on me.

"I don't drink at all, but if I'm out till nine o'clock, 10 o'clock on a Friday or Saturday night, I'll have that text or phone call saying 'you should be at home resting'.

"All them little 1% and 2% can make all the difference when it comes to fight night."

Fisher, nicknamed The Romford Bull, had his first professional contest at Wembley in February 2021, stopping Matt Gordon.

He won the vacant Southern Area heavyweight title in his 10th fight last summer, external when opponent Harry Armstrong's corner threw in the towel at London's O2 Arena.

"My dad's helped me massively, not just because of the celebrity status he's carved out out of nowhere, quite miraculously," Fisher said.

"Before that he was helping just sell my tickets and dealing with people and their requests and doing it all by pen and paper from my front room - the old school way - he was just helping me in the background."


www.bbc.com

Johnny Fisher: Social media star dad keeps heavyweight on track

Rising heavyweight Johnny Fisher thanks his social media star dad 'Big' John for keeping him grounded as he looks to improve his 12-0 record.
www.bbc.com
 
'Future of boxing' Ennis retains welterweight title

Rising US star Jaron Ennis was hailed as "the future of boxing" after a fifth-round stoppage of challenger David Avanesyan to retain his IBF world welterweight crown.

Ennis, 27, was fighting for the first time in more than a year and took some shots from his experienced opponent, but had too much skill and power for the Russian.

He edged some competitive opening rounds before stepping it up from the third round to delight more than 14,000 fans at the Wells Fargo Center in his home city of Philadelphia.

After sending the 35-year-old Avanesyan to the canvas in the fifth, Ennis launched a sustained attack until the bell brought the round to an end.

It also brought the fight to a close, as Avanesyan's corner, on the advice of the ringside doctor, decided their fighter had had enough.

Ennis, unbeaten in 32 bouts, said he was happy with his display but added: "I felt like my timing was a little off."

"If he thinks that performance was off, the world of boxing ought to be very, very afraid," his promoter Eddie Hearn said. "He’s the future of boxing. That's what he is."

Ennis has now set his sights on facing Terence Crawford, saying: "I want the big names."

The undercard also witnessed a successful world title defence as Australia's Skye Nicolson won a unanimous points victory over Dyana Vargas of the Dominican Republic to retain her WBC featherweight belt.

The 28-year-old dominated without finding the cutting edge over 10 rounds, all three judges scoring it 100-90 in favour of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist.


BBC
 
Briton Dubois to fight for 'interim' WBC title

Briton Caroline Dubois will face Maira Moneo for the WBC 'interim' lightweight world title at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, 3 August.

Dubois, 23, has also signed a long-term agreement with promotional outfit Boxxer.

The Londoner – who will put her IBO title on the line against Uruguayan Moneo – is targeting a future bout against undisputed world champion Katie Taylor.

"I’m ready to announce myself on the big stage. I want to be world champion," Dubois said.

"I want to unify the division. I want to be undisputed and then I want to move up in weight."

Pound-for-pound star Taylor holds all four recognised world titles in the division. The Irishwoman is set to defend her belts against Amanda Serrano in November.

“After this fight, I will be on a collision course with Katie Taylor," added Dubois.

"I will be the interim champion, her mandatory and unless she vacates, we’re fighting next.”

Moneo, 31, has lost once in 15 professional fights.

The contest will take place on the undercard of the British and Commonwealth title fight between super-middleweight Zak Chelli and Callum Simpson at Barnsley Football Club's stadium.


BBC
 
Cameron 2.0 'on a mission' to reclaim world titles

Former world champion Chantelle Cameron is "on a mission" to reclaim her undisputed light-welterweight crown but does not think rival Katie Taylor will accept a trilogy bout.

Briton Cameron, 33, was outpointed by Taylor in Dublin in November, having beaten the Irishwoman on points in their first meeting in May 2023.

The Northampton fighter returns to the ring against Elhem Mekhaled in Birmingham's Resort World Arena on Saturday.

"I'm on a mission for my belts and I want to get them as soon as I can," Cameron told BBC Sport.

Cameron unified the division against Jessica McCaskill in 2022, becoming the first English boxer to hold all four recognised world titles.

Her breakthrough into boxing's mainstream, however, came through two high-quality contests with Irish superstar Taylor.

Having inflicted a first career defeat on Taylor, Cameron too lost for the first time in the rematch, before negotiations for a third bout stalled.


BBC
 
Pauls realises dream after winning British title

New British middleweight champion Brad Pauls says he has realised his dream after his title win.

The 31-year-old from Newquay in Cornwall beat Stoke's Nathan Heaney in the 12th round of a dramatic rematch in Birmingham on Saturday.

The pair had drawn their first meeting in May as Pauls inflicted a first career loss on Heaney in his 20th fight to become the first Cornish fighter to win a British title since before World War Two.


BBC
 
'I fight for the future of my family' - Garner

Super-featherweight Ryan Garner is facing the "biggest test" of his career this weekend when he fights the undefeated Archie Sharp at London's O2 Arena.

The 26-year-old boxer, nicknamed 'The Piranha', is also unbeaten with an impressive professional record of 15-0 - but his career path has been far from smooth.

A number of injuries have halted his progress. In 2017, Garner crashed into a parked car while driving under the influence of a recreational substance.

He was suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control, as well as being ordered to do unpaid work and given a driving ban by the courts.

"I got led down a wrong path," Garner told BBC Sport.

"In the years since, my daughter’s been born, and I’ve got another on the way, so that's kept me so focused and grounded.

"I was very young at the time of that incident, and now I’m a lot more mature. I do everything for my family’s future now.

"If I didn’t sort my life out, then I don’t know what I’d do, so I'm glad I have."

The Southampton man has focused on rebuilding his career, growing a fanbase in his home city, and continuing to impress in the ring with a string of wins, including eight knockouts.


BBC
 
Pauls open to third British title fight with Heaney

Brad Pauls says he is open to a third British middleweight title fight with Nathan Heaney.

Pauls stopped Heaney in the 12th round of their fight in Birmingham on Saturday to become the first fighter from Cornwall to win a Lonsdale belt for 85 years.

The bout was a rematch after the pair drew their first encounter in March.


BBC
 
Has Ennis fought anyone with a pulse yet.

Eubanks Jr straight up ducking Sheeraz.
 
Alvarez to face unbeaten Berlanga on 14 September

Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will defend his unified super-middleweight world titles against Edgar Berlanga on Saturday, 14 September in Las Vegas.

Four-weight world champion Alvarez, 34, is one of the sport's most decorated active boxers with a record of 61 wins, two draws and two losses.

Berlanga, born in New York and of Puerto Rican heritage, has won all 22 of his pro fights.

"You have a young, unbeaten, fearless puncher ready to tackle one of the all-time greats – get ready for drama in Las Vegas,” Berlanga's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said.

The bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena on Mexican Independence day weekend.


BBC
 
Veteran Chisora outpoints Joyce in London slugfest

Veteran Derek Chisora outpointed Joe Joyce in a competitive and entertaining slugfest between two British heavyweights at London's O2 Arena.

In a back-and-forth contest in which both men landed huge, telling blows, Chisora, 40, dropped Joyce, 38, in the ninth round.

At times it was uncomfortable viewing, two boxers past their peak taking unnecessary damage.

Chisora was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-92.

"I haven't boxed for a year, but I had to dig deep," he told TNT Sports.

"I was fit, but Joe is a good fighter. I knew I was going to drop him at one stage".

In what he says was a 10th and final fight at the O2 Arena, Chisora won his 35th pro bout, with 13 losses, in a career spanning 17 years.

Joyce was once was once considered the dangerman of the division but a third career defeat in his last four fights leaves the 'Juggernaut's' career hanging by a thread.

Earlier in the night, Dennis McCann, 23, captured the European super-bantamweight title with a points win over Ionut Baluta on the undercard, while super-featherweight Ryan Garner retained his WBC International title with a win over Archie Sharp.

Unbeaten heavyweight Moses Itauma, 19, knocked out 44-year-old Mariusz Wach in round two while Aadam Hamed - son of Prince Naseem Hamed - won his second pro fight by outpointing journeyman Georgi Velichkov.

BBC
 
that wasnt just chisoras retirement, should be joyce's too. u cant eat that money blows to the head and not really mess yourself up.
 
ElRaja said:
that wasnt just chisoras retirement, should be joyce's too. u cant eat that money blows to the head and not really mess yourself up.
Click to expand...

For the entertainment value and action packed style, Chisora is the closest to a Gatti for Brits in the HW division and I feel like there should be a wing for him in the pantheon of British greats because he puts on a show, shows immense spirit, guts and the qualities which have stereotypically defined the British style and quiet frankly he has been around forever and involved in so many huge nights, the guy will literally fight till the death and is again further evidence of how brutal, unforgiving and barbaric the sport of Boxing can be and while I hate to say it, we love it for those reasons and fighters like Chisora who have the heart and fortitude to compete in it. Accept this is over-blown due to the world level performances but prize fighting is also show-business.
 
Eccles out of women's 66kg boxing after split-decision loss

Great Britain's Rosie Eccles is out of the women's 66kg boxing after a split-decision loss to Poland's Aneta Rygielska in the last 32.

Eccles was on the front foot throughout the three-round welterweight bout but after edging the first on the judges scorecards, the Welshwoman was deemed to be second best to Rygielska in the next two.

The Pole was deducted a point late in the third round for failing to keep her head up but, despite that, both judges that scored the fight even at 28-28 called it in favour of Rygielska.

Only one judge actually had Rygielska ahead on the scores, 29-27, while two gave it to Eccles, 30-26 and 29-27.


BBC
 
GB's Orie loses by split decision in men's 92kg

Delicious Orie lost by split decision to Davit Chaloyan in the men's 92kg as another British boxer suffered an early exit at the Paris Olympics.

Orie, Britain's biggest medal hope in the boxing, agonisingly lost 3-2 to the Armenian in the last 16.

It means that four of Britain's six boxers have now lost in Paris.


BBC
 
Injured Catterall cancels August fight with Prograis

Briton Jack Catterall’s light-welterweight contest against Regis Prograis in Manchester on 24 August has been cancelled after he sustained an injury.

The bout was set to headline the first boxing event to be held at the newly-built 23,500-capacity Co-op Live arena.

It is unclear whether the card, which is also set to feature a WBO lightweight world-title contest between champion Rhiannon Dixon and fellow Briton Terri Harper, will be rescheduled.

“For the first time in my 30-fight career, I’ve had to withdraw due to injury,” said 31-year-old Catterall.

The Chorley fighter has won 29 fights and lost one, a contentious points defeat to former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor in 2022.

“I’m hoping to have a new date very soon”, added Catterall, who gained revenge over Scotsman Taylor in May.

“Apologies to my opponent Regis. My health comes first and I always want to ensure I’m at 100% walking into the ring.”

BBC
 
Khelif being in women's boxing not fair, says next opponent

Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori says she doesn't "think it's fair" that her next opponent, Imane Khelif, is taking part in the women's category at the Olympics.

Hamori, 23, will face the 25-year-old Algerian in the quarter-finals of the 66kg competition on Saturday.

Khelif is one of two athletes - along with Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting - who have been cleared to compete despite having been disqualified from last year's Women's World Championships after they were said to have failed gender eligibility tests.

The Hungarian Boxing Association has protested against Khelif's participation at Paris 2024, and the Hungarian Olympic Committee requested talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the issue.

Hamori, 23, wrote on social media: "In my humble opinion I don't think it's fair that this contestant can compete in the women's category.

"But I cannot concern myself with that now. I cannot change it, it's life.

"I can promise you one thing… I will do my best to win and I will fight as long as I can!"

Hamori has beaten Ireland's Grainne Walsh and Australian Marissa Williamson to reach the quarter-finals.

She has previously fought at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and was a silver medallist in the 66kg class at the 2022 European Under-22 Championships.


BBC
 
Crawford beats Madrimov to win another world title

Terence Crawford won his fourth world title at different weights by beating Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA light-middleweight crown in Los Angeles.

The 36-year-old American won by unanimous decision at the BMO Stadium to extend his unbeaten record to 41 fights.

A former lightweight world champion who was also undisputed champion at light-welterweight and welterweight, Crawford triumphed 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 on the judges' scorecards.

Defeat was the first of 29-year-old Uzbek Madrimov's 11-bout career.

"Israil was a tough competitor," said Crawford, who had not been taken to 12 rounds since 2016.

"He's real strong. He's durable. He took a lot of good shots. He got me to round 12.

"He had fast speed, a good rhythm upstairs. He was very disciplined and he fought a good fight.

"I was being patient. I didn't want to rush in with anything. That's how I got caught a couple times - I tried to eat too soon."

Crawford's win opened up the possibility of a fight with Mexico's super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

"If the money is right, we've got to fight," said Crawford.

BBC
 
American Crawford vacates welterweight world title

Unbeaten American Terence Crawford has vacated his WBA welterweight world title, elevating compatriot Brian Norman Jr from interim to full world champion status.

Crawford, 36, won a world title in a fourth division when he beat Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA light-middleweight crown earlier this month.

The move signals Crawford's intention of staying at light-middleweight in pursuit of unification fights.

Norman Jr is undefeated in 26 pro bouts with 20 stoppages.

The 23-year-old captured the interim WBA title with a stoppage win over Giovani Santillan in May.


www.bbc.com

Terence Crawford: American champion vacates welterweight title

American Terence Crawford vacates his WBA welterweight world title, elevating compatriot Brian Norman Jr from interim to full world champion status.
www.bbc.com
 
Lee and Khang share lead at Women's Scottish Open

Australia's Minjee Lee and Megan Khang of the USA are tied for the halfway lead at the Women's Scottish Open.

Khang birdied the last hole for a second successive round of 68 at Dundonald Links to make up a shot on overnight leader Lee, with both at eight under par.

England's Charley Hull also enjoyed a 68 to jump up to a share of third place on six under.

Hull is joined by American Lauren Coughlin and New Zealand's Lydia Ko, who won gold at the Paris Olympics.

"I played pretty solid today," Hull told lpga.com., external "It was super windy out there this morning, and I was pretty cold, but I felt like it was a pretty good score. Made a few birdies and an eagle on 18, as well. I'm pretty happy with my game."

Mary Liu of China and Germany's Esther Henseleit, who took silver in Paris, are joint sixth on three under.

English pair Cara Gainer and Georgia Hall are in a cluster of nine players at two under.

The three Scots in the field, Gemma Dryburgh, Kylie Henry and Laura Beveridge, all missed the cut mark for the weekend, which was four over par.


BBC
 
Crawford should seek to unify at 154 in the interim, he wont be getting the big fights he wants anytime soon.

Turki has also rustled some feathers and frankly, Canelo has enough £ to demand what he wants to do.
 
Team GB were pretty p!ss poor in Boxing, roughly the same number of fighters qualified as Tokyo and the funding was similar to, around the £12m mark, yet just the one medal. I recall the days when winning just the one was a big deal, but that was due to next to no support at all. We tend to lose more fighters to the paid ranks then other nations, Itauma perhaps would have won another medal here, a lot of the fighters were rusty with the lack of international competition due to the IBA boycott following the Ukraine invasion. The Olympic cycle was cut to three years as well and I guess the standards have been set high previously which makes this disappointing, so I hope the funding is not cut regardless of whether or not Boxing is cut in 2028; which would be farcical when you consider how culturally significant the sport is to so many countries around the world and especially the working class. Concerned for the future of British Boxing, I mean it’s not going to be crippled due to the booming paid ranks and new investment from the middle east but what happens when that gravy train stops, we still need high quality amateur fighters coming through the system to keep afloat, not always a guarantee such fighters will become elite, although they have the highest ceiling and even those who don’t pursue Olympic greatness would have that solid foundation at least.
 
Cordina, Chapman and Massey to fight for world titles

British trio Joe Cordina, Raven Chapman and Jack Massey will all challenge for world titles on 12 October in Saudi Arabia.

Welshman Cordina faces WBC champion Shakur Stevenson in an ambitious step up to lightweight to take on one of the world's most talented undefeated fighters.

Chapman will faces fellow undefeated fighter and defending champion Skye Nicolson for the WBC featherweight title.

Jack Massey, 31, will face Australian IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

The bouts will take place on the undercard of the undisputed light-heavyweight world-title fight between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Also on the undercard is the highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke.

Wardley, 29, will defend his title against Olympian Clarke, 33, after their thrilling first fight ended in a split-decision draw in March.

It is the second time a British heavyweight title fight takes place in the Saudi capital, after Wardley beat David Adeleye in October 2023.

Ipswich's Wardley has won 19 fights having competed just four times on the unlicensed white-collar scene before turning pro.

Clarke, from Burton-upon-Trent, captured bronze at Tokyo 2020 and has won eight pro bouts.

Also in action on the night is Chris Eubank Jr, who takes on Kamil Szeremeta in a middleweight bout, and light-heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker against Liam Cameron.


BBC
 
Ball among world's most exciting fighters – Warren

Frank Warren says Nick Ball could be the "most exciting fighter" on the planet as he prepares to defend his WBC featherweight title against Ronny Rios in Liverpool.

Ball fights in his hometown for the first time as world champion and is a big favourite against the USA's Rios.

Warren says Rios will have to be at his very best to have a chance against Ball.

"Nick is one of the, if not the most exciting fighter to watch in the world," Warren said at a news conference.

"Bell goes and it's non-stop action. I don't know where he gets the energy from.

"I think [his coach] must feed him Duracell batteries because he keeps going and going."

Ball, 27, won his world title via a split decision victory over Raymond Ford in May.

His world title triumph came after a controversial draw with WBC champion Rey Vargas – a fight many had Ball winning.

The draw against Vargas is the only slight blemish on Ball's 21-fight record.

He has produced five stoppages in his past seven wins and is nicknamed 'The Wrecking Ball'.

Ball promised a "special night" and an "all-action" fight for his home fans and says he believes he is the best featherweight in the world.

"This means everything to me," he said of fighting in Liverpool, with his previous two fights being held in Saudi Arabia.

"This is where I grew up. This is where I started off, on small hall shows selling tickets in nightclubs and sport centres.

"All the people who have been supporting me since day one can come and watch. I wouldn't be where I am today without them."

Rios (34-4) has twice challenged for a world title, although both were at super-bantamweight.

The 34-year-old challenger said he was yet to spot a "weakness" in Ball but that he had "to go out there and make a weakness" to win the fight.

BBC
 
Unbeaten American Stevenson signs with Matchroom

Three-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom.

The WBC lightweight champion faces Welshman Joe Cordina on 12 October.

Hearn described Stevenson as one of the "pound-for-pound greats" and the American hopes Matchroom can deliver him the "biggest names" possible.

"We will be unstoppable in and out of the ring, and I will continue to show my dominance for many years to come in the sport of boxing," Stevenson said.

"Bring on William Zepeda at the top of 2025 and I'm ready for anyone who is brave enough to step in the ring with me.

"There have been few willing to take on that challenge in recent years."

Stevenson, 27, has won world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight.

He is undefeated in 22 fights and won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Hearn, who also promotes Cordina, says Stevenson might already be "unbeatable" as a fighter.

"This young man should be a global superstar, and I believe with our machine behind him, he will land all the big fights and receive all the credit that he deserves," Hearn said.


BBC
 
Mayweather dominates Gotti after referee switch

Floyd Mayweather made light work of John Gotti III during an exhibition fight rematch in Mexico which saw a mid-bout referee switch.

Mayweather's first fight with Gotti, the grandson of the New York crime boss John Gotti, descended into farce in June 2023 when the bout was stopped in the sixth round following a mass brawl in the ring.

Saturday night's fight in Mexico City threatened to go down the same route when Panamanian referee Hector Afu left the ring in the second round and was replaced by Mexican official Alfredo Uruzquieta.

Afu was said to be angered by Mayweather's protests after the referee deemed a left hook from the American on Gotti to be illegal.

Mayweather, 47, continued to dominate Gotti when the fight resumed and the lack of punches thrown from Gotti drew boos from the 22,000-strong crowd in the Mexican capital.

Gotti's attack improved in the fourth round following the crowd's boos but Mayweather rarely looked troubled and remained on top throughout.

A formal winner was not declared and the result does not count towards either fighter's career record.

Mayweather retired in 2017 with an unbeaten career record in his 50 fights.

He has continued to fight in exhibitions, most notably against Logan Paul.


BBC
 
Injury dashes Doheny's hopes against undisputed champ Inoue

TJ Doheny's bid to become the undisputed super-bantamweight world champion fell short after a seventh-round injury prevented him from continuing his fight with Japanese star Naoya Inoue in Tokyo.

Having taken several punishing body shots from the four-weight world champion, the Irishman appeared to signal he had injured his hip with Inoue declared the winner by technical knockout.

It is a fifth career defeat for 37-year-old Doheny, while Inoue improves his record to 28-0.

In an unfortunate and anti-climactic conclusion to the fight, Doheny raised his right arm after having taken a straight right hand from the 31-year-old Inoue.

After briefly returning to his corner, Doheny crossed the ring and congratulated Inoue, who is regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Doheny, a 12-year veteran who held the IBF super-bantamweight world title from 2018 to 2019, had hoped to cause a major upset after reviving his career over the past year.

The southpaw, who has long been based in Australia, lost four out of six fights between April 2019 and March 2023, but rebounded by securing three wins in Japan to earn a shot against the 2023 ESPN and Ring magazine fighter of the year.

But while the Irishman gave a good account of himself at Ariake Arena, Inoue looked in control for most of the bout before Doheny's injury.

After a cagey opening round, Inoue went to work on Doheny's body, landed a telling straight right hand and defended cogently as he demonstrated his impressive punching power and ringcraft.


www.bbc.com

Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny: Japanese star secures TKO win in undisputed super-bantamweight bout

TJ Doheny's bid to become the undisputed super-bantamweight world champion falls short as Japanese star Naoya Inoue secures a TKO win in Tokyo.
www.bbc.com
 
ElRaja said:

really good interview with sheeraz, goes into the details good
Click to expand...
Cricket Warrior said:
Injury dashes Doheny's hopes against undisputed champ Inoue

TJ Doheny's bid to become the undisputed super-bantamweight world champion fell short after a seventh-round injury prevented him from continuing his fight with Japanese star Naoya Inoue in Tokyo.

Having taken several punishing body shots from the four-weight world champion, the Irishman appeared to signal he had injured his hip with Inoue declared the winner by technical knockout.

It is a fifth career defeat for 37-year-old Doheny, while Inoue improves his record to 28-0.

In an unfortunate and anti-climactic conclusion to the fight, Doheny raised his right arm after having taken a straight right hand from the 31-year-old Inoue.

After briefly returning to his corner, Doheny crossed the ring and congratulated Inoue, who is regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Doheny, a 12-year veteran who held the IBF super-bantamweight world title from 2018 to 2019, had hoped to cause a major upset after reviving his career over the past year.

The southpaw, who has long been based in Australia, lost four out of six fights between April 2019 and March 2023, but rebounded by securing three wins in Japan to earn a shot against the 2023 ESPN and Ring magazine fighter of the year.

But while the Irishman gave a good account of himself at Ariake Arena, Inoue looked in control for most of the bout before Doheny's injury.

After a cagey opening round, Inoue went to work on Doheny's body, landed a telling straight right hand and defended cogently as he demonstrated his impressive punching power and ringcraft.


www.bbc.com

Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny: Japanese star secures TKO win in undisputed super-bantamweight bout

TJ Doheny's bid to become the undisputed super-bantamweight world champion falls short as Japanese star Naoya Inoue secures a TKO win in Tokyo.
www.bbc.com
Click to expand...

Sounds more like a No-Mass that ‘injury’
 
Noakes defends European title in dominant fashion

Sam Noakes retained his unbeaten record and his European lightweight title with a routine win over Gianluca Ceglia at London’s York Hall.

Noakes, 27, spent seven rounds methodically breaking down Ceglia, who did not emerge for the eighth round.

Body shots had taken their toll on the Italian, who also had swelling above his right eye.

"Fights like this are really going to bring me on," said Noakes. "If the phone call comes there's a world title fight next week, I'll take it."

It was Noakes' 15th career win and 14th inside the distance, as he becomes just the second man to stop Ceglia in 26 bouts.

After 13 knockouts in his first 13 contests, Noakes came into the contest off the back of his first points win last April.

He invested in body shots throughout the early rounds, but rarely had the chance to unload on his 34-year-old opponent.


www.bbc.com

Sam Noakes: Briton defeats Gianluca Ceglia to retain European lightweight title

European lightweight champion Sam Noakes remains unbeaten after defeating Italian Gianluca Ceglia in London.
www.bbc.com
 
'Exciting to be back in danger zone' - McKinson

Welterweight Michael McKinson said he is "excited to be back in the danger zone" as he faces South African Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO world welterweight title on 19 October.

The Portsmouth-based boxer challenges for the IBO title two years after losing to the highly rated Vergil Ortiz Jr in the only defeat of his professional career.

Since that defeat, McKinson has been frustrated by a lack of quality opponents, having felt that he impressed in his chance against the American despite the loss.

"This is an opportunity I’ve been impatiently waiting for the past couple of years." McKinson, who has 26 wins on his record, told BBC Sport.

"I headlined in America two years ago and this is the level I want to fight at, Mbenge is a genuinely world-class fighter.

"This is the biggest fight of my career bar Ortiz, I’m fully focused and preparations have gone really well, I’m in amazing shape already."

Mbenge, 33, has a record of 20 wins, including 15 stoppages, and two points defeats.

Since the loss to Ortiz, McKinson has cruised to four wins, broken down as two technical knockouts and two points victories.

Three of those bouts have taken place in Bournemouth with the other in Rome.

"It was tough to go from headlining a card live on TV in America to then boxing people I’m expected to win against on YouTube streams." McKinson added.

"It’s exciting to be back in the danger zone again and to be up against someone that not a lot of people think I’ll beat.

"This is where you’ll see the best version of myself, I’m still improving everyday and I’m confident. I’ve not gone anywhere."

McKinson's match against Mbenge takes place on the undercard of Adam Azim's light-welterweight bout against Ohara Davies at the Copper Box Arena in London on 19 October.


BBC
 
Billam-Smith to face Ramirez in unification bout

WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith will take on WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez in a unification bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 16 November.

It will be Billam-Smith's third defence of his title, the 34-year-old Briton having forced a stoppage against Mateusz Masternak in December followed by a points victory over Richard Riakporhe in June.

Ramirez became the first Mexican to win a cruiserweight title when he defeated Arsen Goulamirian for the WBA belt in March.

The 33-year-old, who previously held the WBO super-middleweight title between 2016 and 2019, has a 46-1 record with 30 knockouts.

'The Gentleman', as Billam-Smith is nicknamed, won the WBO title when he defeated Lawrence Okolie at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in May 2023.

His victory against previously undefeated Riakporhe at Selhurst Park, London, avenged the only loss of his 21-fight career.


BBC
 
Injured Stevenson cancels October bout with Cordina

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has pulled out of his fight against Wales' Joe Cordina on 12 October after having surgery on his hand.

The three-weight champion was scheduled to make the second defence of his lightweight belt after beating Artem Harutyunyan in July.

"Unfortunately my hand gave out on me but in 2025 let's bounce back and take over boxing," Stevenson wrote on X.

Stevenson and Cordina were set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of the undisputed light-heavyweight world-title fight between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

The American has an unbeaten record in 22 fights, including 10 stoppages.

Stevenson, 27, signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom in August.

Hearn, who also promotes Cordina, described Stevenson as one of the "pound-for-pound greats".

Cordina was preparing to make an ambitious step up to lightweight after tasting defeat for the first time in his career.

The 32-year-old lost his undefeated record and IBF super-featherweight title against Northern Ireland's Anthony Cacace in May.

Cordina would have been one of three Britons challenging for a world title on the card next month.

Raven Chapman faces fellow undefeated fighter and defending WBC featherweight champion Skye Nicholson, while Jack Massey meets Australian IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

There is also a highly anticipated rematch between British rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke.

Wardley, 29, will defend his British heavyweight title against Olympian Clarke, 33, after their thrilling first fight ended in a split-decision draw in March.

Meanwhile, Chris Eubank Jr, takes on Kamil Szeremeta in a middleweight bout and light-heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker will attempt to extend his unbeaten record to nine at the expense of Liam Cameron.

BBC
 
Hughes to fight McKee on Ngannou-Ferreira undercard

Irishman Paul Hughes will fight American AJ McKee in Saudi Arabia on 19 October.

The lightweight bout features on the undercard of the PFL's Battle of the Giants event in Riyadh, which is headlined by heavyweight pair Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira.

Former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Hughes, 27, joined the PFL earlier this year before beating American Bobby King on his debut in June to extend his record to 12 wins and one defeat.

McKee, meanwhile, is a former Bellator featherweight title holder, with the 29-year-old winning 22 of his 23 professional bouts.

Ex-UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou is making his PFL debut after a stint boxing which saw the Cameroonian suffer defeats by Britons Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

The 38-year-old is the PFL's biggest star with his fight against Brazil's Ferreira launching the promotion's new pay-per-view Super Fight Division.

The co-main event will also feature Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg against fellow Brazilian and PFL featherweight title holder, Larissa Pacheco.


BBC
 
British rivals Edwards & Yafai set for Birmingham bout

Former flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards will face Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai in an all-British fight.

The contest will take place at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham on 30 November.

Edwards, 28, beat Adrian Curiel in June after losing his IBF flyweight title and unbeaten record to Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez last December.

Birmingham's Yafai, 31, has won all seven pro fights with five stoppages. He has been fast-tracked in the pro ranks after capturing gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

The pair know each other well having sparred several rounds as part of the Team GB set-up and as professionals.

They fought once in the as amateurs, with Edwards wining their 2015 bout by split-decision.

"This fight has always been inevitable," said Londoner Edwards. "Our last names hold weight in British boxing and around the world - and it's really time to put to bed the Edwards-Yafai saga.

"Being overlooked for the Olympic Games because of family relationships and city ties lit a fire all those years back. I beat Galal and was shelved in the same year back in 2015 and now this is my chance to show Britain who the real golden boy is."

Yafai added: "I’m happy that the fight has been made. This is going to be a massive fight for British boxing.

"I need to win a world title, and this is a fight that will put me on the cusp of fighting for one when I win in my hometown."


BBC
 
Alvarez 'best in the world' after beating Berlanga

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez remains the unified super-middleweight world champion after earning a unanimous decision over Edgar Berlanga on Saturday.

The Mexican knocked down Berlanga in the third round in front of more than 20,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The four-weight world champion then remained dominant throughout to inflict the first defeat of Berlanga's career and mark Mexican Independence Day celebrations with his fifth straight victory.

The fight was scored 118-109 by two judges and 117-110 by the third in favour of Alvarez, who retains his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.

The 34-year-old's record improved to 62-2-2 while 27-year-old Berlanga, born in New York and of Puerto Rican heritage, is now 22-1.

"I did good," said Alvarez. "Before they say I fought older fighters. Now what are they going to say? I fight younger fighters? They always talk.

"I'm the best fighter in the world. It means a lot. It's an honour for me to represent my country on this day. I feel proud about it."

Alvarez was stripped of his IBF belt in July after opting to take on Berlanga rather than the IBF's mandatory challenger William Scull.

Alvarez put Berlanga under pressure early and the younger fighter tried to respond after being caught by a right to the head in the third round, but a devastating left hook sent him down.

Vastly experienced champion Alvarez continued to go after Berlanga with fierce body blows, before rocking him with a big right in the waning seconds of the ninth.

Berlanga remained defiant, taunting Alvarez as they came out for the 12th round, but he could not find the stoppage he had predicted.

BBC
 
IBF world title not on line for Cacace v Warrington

Anthony Cacace's IBF world super-featherweight title will not be on the line against Josh Warrington at Wembley on Saturday.

Cacace defeated Joe Cordina in May to win the world title, but the IBF has said that while the Belfast boxer can face Warrington, his title will not be up for grabs.

The sanctioning body has granted permission for Cacace to fight Warrington, who was not considered a challenger because of his inactivity in the super- featherweight division and was subsequently unranked.

Warrington is a former world champion in the featherweight class and was stepping up a weight against Cacace, whose IBO world title that he has held since 2022 will be on the line in London.

While Warrington cannot take the IBF title off the 35-year-old, the incumbent will vacate his belt if he is beaten at Wembley.

However, should Cacace win, he will face a mandatory defence against Mexico's Eduardo Nunez before 20 March next year.

Cacace said he wanted both to fight for both titles against Warrington and he "doesn't know" why the two belts are not on the line on the Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois undercard.

"It's for the IBO world title. The IBF isn't on the line," Cacace told BBC Sport.

"You would need to talk to Frank [Warren, Cacace's promoter] and everybody else behind the scenes about that. I wanted it on the line.

"I've known for weeks. It's not one bit of bother to me, but at the same time I don't really understand what the hell is going on."


BBC
 
Usyk released after airport detention - Zelensky

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being detained at an airport in Poland.

A video posted on social media showed Usyk being led away in handcuffs by uniformed officials.

"I talked on the phone with Oleksandr Usyk when he was detained," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

"I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.

"I've instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko to immediately find out all the details of the incident at the Krakow airport.

"As soon as I was informed that everything is fine, our champion was released and no-one is detaining him anymore."

WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk is expected to be in London this week to watch Daniel Dubois defend his IBF title against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.

"We immediately responded to the detention of Oleksandr Usyk in Krakow and facilitated his release," Sybiha wrote on X, external.

"I was informed of the details by our Consul General. We consider such actions to be disproportionate and unacceptable towards our champion and will send a note to the Polish side."

Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk said on Instagram the incident was a "misunderstanding".

The boxer also said it was a "misunderstanding", but "was quickly resolved".

"Thanks to all who got concerned," Usyk wrote on X., external

"Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia."

It is not clear why Usyk was detained.

BBC Sport has approached Usyk's manager and Krassyuk for comment.

Usyk has not fought since 19 May when he beat Tyson Fury to become boxing's first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian vacated the IBF title in June after opting not to face his mandatory challenger in favour of agreeing a rematch with Fury, which is scheduled for 21 December.

Usyk was also the undisputed champion at cruiserweight and is unbeaten in 22 fights, winning 14 inside the distance.

www.bbc.com

Oleksandr Usyk: Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says heavyweight champion has been released after being detained at an airport

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky says heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being detained at an airport in Poland.
www.bbc.com
 
Dubois slams table & refuses to engage with rival Joshua

Daniel Dubois slammed the table in mild frustration and refused to engage with Anthony Joshua as the two British heavyweights met in an understated news conference in London.

The pair will clash in front of a reported post-war British record crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Dubois won the interim IBF title in June and was elevated to world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated.

"I need to retain this world title," he said. "It's a great thing to have but I need to legitimise myself by winning this fight."

He added: "I'm on the rise, I've got the momentum on my side. No more words - just fighting, punches. I'm ready to fight and destroy. Destroy."

The 27-year-old appeared eager for the news conference to end, while the conversational Joshua, 34, remained focused and respectful towards his opponent.

When discussions turned to a sparring session several years ago, where Dubois supposedly rocked Joshua, the champion said: "It was sparring, now we're fighting, this is different."

Dubois added: "Move on", before banging on the wooden table.


www.bbc.com

Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: Champion Dubois slams table in understated news conference

Daniel Dubois slams the table in mild frustration and refuses to engage with Anthony Joshua as the two British heavyweights meet in an understated news conference in London.
www.bbc.com
 
'Gladiator' Joshua heavier than Dubois at weigh-in

Anthony Joshua said he is "still in the battlefield" and quashed any suggestion of nearing the end of his career as the Briton weighed in heaviest for Saturday's world-title challenge against Daniel Dubois

Two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua, 34, takes on Dubois, 27, for the IBF belt at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Joshua tipped the scales at 18st during an elaborate weigh-in at Trafalgar Square, with Dubois at a career-heavy 17st 10lb.

"I look at myself as a gladiator and I'm going to step into the arena tomorrow to perform for the people," Joshua said.

"I started late in boxing but it shows you can achieve anything. I'm not a warrior in the garden yet, I'm still on the battlefield."

The central London landmark was cordoned off for arguably Britain's most extravagant fight week location ever.

Double decker buses and black cabs provided the backdrop, with Nelson's Column towering behind a stage placed between the two iconic fountains.

Greenwich-born Dubois - just as he was at Thursday's news conference - kept his words to a minimum.

"I'm ready to fight," he repeated three times.

The world title fight will be broadcast live from 19:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

'Pray for my success' – Joshua tells fans

Traditionally, the champion would weigh-in first, but such is the lure of household name Joshua, he was second to make his way out.

There was a respectful but quiet reception for Dubois, who was upgraded from 'interim' to world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt.

While many felt Dubois may come in lighter, he weighed four pounds heavier than his previous bout – an impressive stoppage victory over Filip Hrgovic.

Joshua - who also weighed 18st for his destructive knockout of Francis Ngannou in March - has been in demand throughout the week, signing autographs and obliging with selfie requests with fans.

"I want to thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin," he told the hundreds of fans who chanted his name.

"f I can ask one favour, go home tonight and pray for my success tomorrow and that I become a three-time champion of the world."

Quintessential British fight week theme continues

The event has been organised by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority.

Alalshikh says all 96,000 tickets have now been sold, eclipsing the 94,000 attendance for Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte in 2022.

In a clear sign of the Kingdom's growing influence on the sport, fight week festivities were rounded off by yet another quintessential British setting.

Earlier in the week, there was a Hollywood red carpet-style grand arrivals event in Leicester Square and Wembley Arena was transformed into Buckingham Palace for the open workouts. Thursday's news conference was held in Guildhall, a 15th century governmental building steeped in history.

There will be a performance from Liam Gallagher on Saturday, with Oasis fans hoping of an unlikely appearance by brother Noel.

Most importantly, though, the best entertainment should occur in the ring.

Joshua boasts 25 knockouts in 28 wins and Dubois has stopped 20 in 21 victories. This is probably the closest you will get to a guaranteed knockout.

BBC
 
professional showing from sheeraz, but we learnt nothing new, time for a world title fight then let the lad move up weight classes.

ddd went through AJ like a freight train, AJ needed to be on the front foot from round one to impose himself, got clocked first up then started having flash backs, as soon as he starts flicking his tongue out and talking back u know hes in survival mode. epic epic ending, and one of the most entertaining heavewieght fights ive seen in years. DDD looks great, but sounds like a retired boxer and aint even 30, he cant keeping eating punches like he does, he wont have a long shelf life.
 
'Young pretender Dubois legitimises world title reign'

Daniel Dubois was the heavyweight champion lacking a crowning moment, but on Saturday the young pretender from Greenwich legitimised his reign.

Youth, fearlessness and raw determination prevailed as Dubois destroyed the elder statesman, Anthony Joshua, in five rounds with 96,000 fans bearing witness to the passing of a torch.

When Dubois told us he was the "king slayer" only a handful listened, let alone believed him.

Now, those who labelled him a "paper champion" for being upgraded from interim to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt have been hushed.

In a marquee event where musician Liam Gallagher belted out three Oasis classics, Joshua's masterplan to become a three-time champion ended in disappointment.

The shock result leaves his distinguished career at a crossroad - or maybe hurtling into the stop sign.

BBC Sport reflects on Dubois' career-defining moment and what the outcome means for Joshua and the heavyweight division.

'I was Daniel in the Lion's Den'

Dubois, 27, becomes a top dog in the glamour division, but 'Dynamite' is not a flash in the pan and has long been prophesied for heavyweight stardom.

His father Stan instructed him to do hours of press-ups from the age of five, introduced him to pugilism aged eight and encouraged him to turn professional after a few senior bouts..

As a teenager, Dubois reportedly rocked Joshua in sparring and caught the attention of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

"I always believed in him," an "extremely proud" Warren said in the post-fight news conference.

Dubois was widely written off by pundits, fans and his peers after defeats by Joe Joyce and Usyk. There have been changes of trainers, rebuilds and even unjust calls for retirement while still in his mid-20s.

Then there are those who mocked the reserved champion's trash talk - or rather lack of - and suggested he would crumble under the pressure of a Wembley crowd.

All week he played second fiddle to Joshua, but the silent assassin refused to be intimidated when it mattered, not taking a single backwards step and dropping AJ four times.

Jeered heading into the ring but cheered as he left, Dubois told reporters: "I was Daniel in the Lion's Den. I was unstoppable. I wasn't going to be denied."

What next for Joshua and Dubois?

Boxing waited 25 years for an undisputed heavyweight champion before Usyk outpointed Fury in May.

Casual followers no longer needed an explainer on why there were multiple world champions, a lack of one single ranking system or the inner workings of four main governing bodies.

Dubois' win sets up a potential bout against the winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch, where a win could complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the sport's history and another undisputed champion.

A fresh-faced Joshua, with no miles on the clock, stopped the overmatched Charles Martin to win his first world title eight years ago. Today, he presented a very different man and fighter.

Joshua admirably spoke to the press afterwards to say "of course I want to fight again", but for the first time since facing Usyk he faced a live, dangerous opponent and came unstuck.

Maybe we were lured into a false sense by this supposed second-coming of Joshua - opponents James Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou were far from world-beaters.

Or maybe Father Time has just slowly caught up. During Joshua's purple patch he seemed unstoppable. As even the most accomplished of boxers eventually find out, purple patches are not endless.

For as long as he is active, Joshua will remain a huge draw. Though the magnitude and crossover appeal of a potential AJ-Fury contest, which promoter Eddie Hearn says could still happen, has greatly diminished.

An unprecedented Saudi-run fight week in London

If Saudi Arabia has become the home of big-time boxing, fight week in London was an exhibition of the Kingdom's growing and controversial influence on the sport.

The card was billed as a 'Riyadh Season' event and organised by Turki Alalshikh. He is the chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, funded by Saudi's Public Investment Fund reported to have spent more than £5bn on sport.

And there was little expense spared by Alalshikh in a fight week of a scale never seen before in British boxing.

Fighters experienced the Hollywood premiere treatment at a lavish grand arrivals in London's Leicester Square.

Three professional bouts were even held after Wednesday's public workout where clever staging transformed Wembley Arena into Buckingham Palace.

A news conference was staged at London's breathtaking Grade I listed Guildhall, and Trafalgar Square provided an iconic weigh-in location.

On fight night, a raucous crowd was a marked contrast from the more tranquil and quiet setting of the alcohol-free Kingdom.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Sienna Miller and film director Guy Ritchie added celebrity stardust. Saudi Arabia tourism was promoted through videos and competitions on the Wembley screens.

A booth outside the stadium allowed fans to 'capture your Saudi moment' by trying traditional middle eastern coffee, while the Kingdom's national anthem was played out before God Save the King to "honour" the organisers.

The whole event was new territory for British boxing and provides hope that the sport is heading in the right direction by staging the biggest fights regularly.

But at what cost? Fury v Usyk heads to Riyadh for the second time and there is no guarantee that Joshua or new king Dubois will compete in Britain anytime soon.

On the flip side, without the Saudi investment, there is every chance these huge heavyweight showdowns would not be happening at all.

BBC
 
British-Pakistani Hamzah Sheeraz clinches Middleweight European Boxing title against Tyler Denny

British-Pakistani boxer Hamzah Sheeraz got his hands on the Middleweight European Boxing title after gaining victory against British boxer Tyler Denny on Sunday.

The undefeated middleweight sent his British opponent to the canvas twice before overcoming him via technical knockout at the London's Wembley Stadium.

The right cross and left hook combination early in the first round resulted in the first knockdown. Sheeraz downed southpaw Denny once more in the second round with a powerful left hook. Referee Mark Bates declared the bout over and waved it off, despite the fact that the latter was able to stand again.

Hamzah, 25, on the contrary had 20 wins from 20 fights. This fight against Denny has added one to the total, making it 21-0.

Previously in May, the 25-year-old, defeated Austin “Ammo” Williams at the Queensberry v Matchroom event in Riyadh.

Along with European title, Hamzah has also won the Commonwealth and WBC ‘Silver’ titles.

On the contrary, Denny, 33, dropped to 19-3-3 and lost the strap. The defeat on Sunday broke the English athlete’s six-fight winning streak.


Geo Super
 
ElRaja said:
professional showing from sheeraz, but we learnt nothing new, time for a world title fight then let the lad move up weight classes.

ddd went through AJ like a freight train, AJ needed to be on the front foot from round one to impose himself, got clocked first up then started having flash backs, as soon as he starts flicking his tongue out and talking back u know hes in survival mode. epic epic ending, and one of the most entertaining heavewieght fights ive seen in years. DDD looks great, but sounds like a retired boxer and aint even 30, he cant keeping eating punches like he does, he wont have a long shelf life.
Click to expand...

I guess it wasn’t a terrible tick-over to bring him down from the Ammo victory, but his next fight MUST be a big one. They are chasing Eubanks but realistically, it wont happen, mentioning his name may be good for raising his own profile and probably fighting the man itself; but it’s a high risk low reward fight for Eubanks and I think if they really want it, they might be able to entice him if he has a world title. I can’t imagine he will be at 160 for long, I mean every time I see him after a while I don’t know how he makes weight lol I think a title fight with Lara could be a good piece of match making.

DDD has never been the sharpest tool in the box and is not the most eloquent lol but he can fight, I think over the past few fights he has made good progress with Don Charles, he uses his jab a lot better defensively and has quickened the speed of his feet, more than that he is no where near as reckless as I’ve seen him in the past and that composure has helped him set up the counters better. They needed to work on his conditioning because he can fade during the second half and it was partly that he got caught only when he held his feet perhaps due to the pace he set; tbh AJ got out-boxed, and the fact that he found a second wind in Rd 5 and DD still won, adds to the credibility of the win. Like you said, AJ didn’t really start confidently, but this has been a story of his career when facing higher quality opposition, his defensive instincts were just not there either and DD to be fair gave him little space to work.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
British-Pakistani Hamzah Sheeraz clinches Middleweight European Boxing title against Tyler Denny

British-Pakistani boxer Hamzah Sheeraz got his hands on the Middleweight European Boxing title after gaining victory against British boxer Tyler Denny on Sunday.

The undefeated middleweight sent his British opponent to the canvas twice before overcoming him via technical knockout at the London's Wembley Stadium.

The right cross and left hook combination early in the first round resulted in the first knockdown. Sheeraz downed southpaw Denny once more in the second round with a powerful left hook. Referee Mark Bates declared the bout over and waved it off, despite the fact that the latter was able to stand again.

Hamzah, 25, on the contrary had 20 wins from 20 fights. This fight against Denny has added one to the total, making it 21-0.

Previously in May, the 25-year-old, defeated Austin “Ammo” Williams at the Queensberry v Matchroom event in Riyadh.

Along with European title, Hamzah has also won the Commonwealth and WBC ‘Silver’ titles.

On the contrary, Denny, 33, dropped to 19-3-3 and lost the strap. The defeat on Sunday broke the English athlete’s six-fight winning streak.


Geo Super
Click to expand...
'Dil Dil Pakistan made my knockout win extra special': boxing champion

British-Pakistani boxing star Hamzah Sheeraz has said that playing Dil Dil Pakistan to over 100,000 people at the Wembley Stadium — after clinching the "Middleweight European Boxing" title by defeating British boxer Tyler Denny — made his enormous win extra special.

On September 21, at London's Wembley Stadium, Sheeraz completely dominated Denny and the undefeated middleweight sent his British opponent to the canvas twice before overcoming him via technical knockout.

As Sheeraz knocked out Danny, the song, Dil Dil Pakistan by Vital Signs was played out to the capacity crowd and the video has gone viral.



www.geo.tv

'Dil Dil Pakistan made my knockout win extra special': boxing champion

LONDON: British-Pakistani boxing star Hamzah Sheeraz has said that playing Dil Dil Pakistan to over 100,000 people at the Wembley Stadium — after clinching the Middleweight European Boxing title by defeating British...
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Sorry but that sheeraz is just picking smaller guys he has a build that is more super middleweight but even light heavyweight he's clearly fighting 10kg below the weight he should be .
 
Warren wants IBF champion Dubois to fight Usyk next

IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has "all the tools" to take over the division, says his promoter Frank Warren.

Following his stunning five-round world title demolition of fellow Briton Anthony Joshua on Saturday, Warren wants Dubois to face WBO, WBA and WBC champion Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch next.

Dubois fought Usyk in August 2023, with the Ukrainian winning via a ninth-round stoppage.

Dubois, 27, was elevated to IBF champion after Usyk vacated the belt in June, just weeks after beating Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years.

"The fight I would like to see him in now is Usyk again," Warren told BBC 5 Live. "He is a different Daniel Dubois, he is more mature physically and mentally.

"He will go from strength to strength. He will be here for a while, he is a young man and has all the tools to take this division over.

"There is a clause [for a rematch with Joshua] in his contract but not in ours. But that's not to say we wouldn't do it. It's something we'll sit down and discuss."

Usyk was ringside at Wembley, taking a brief break from his training camp as he prepares for a rematch with Fury on 21 December.

There was controversy in the fifth round when Dubois and Usyk met in 2023.

The Brit sent Usyk to the canvas, but it was ruled a low blow by the referee, with Usyk given almost four minutes to recover.

"Dubois lost his composure [after the incident]," said Warren. "I think that was down to the fact he was a bit younger and he probably did not have the ring savviness to deal with it.

"But now he is a different guy altogether, as you saw on Saturday night."

Joshua has reiterated that he has no plans to retire despite the devastating nature of the defeat.

"We came up short but we have to look at the positives, that has to be the mindset," Joshua, 34, said in a video posted on social media, external.

"Look at what we have achieved over 11 years. It has been phenomenal.

"What a rollercoaster journey - but it is far from over.

"I've got a lot more to bring to the game and long may it continue."

BBC
 
Warren & Hearn defend Saudi involvement in boxing

Promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have defended Saudi Arabia's involvement in boxing after criticism surrounding Daniel Dubois' fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium last Saturday.

The fight was organised by Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority.

Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for human rights violations and has been accused of using sport, including boxing, to improve its image at home and abroad.

The Saudi national anthem was played in the ring before the fight began. Speaking at a news conference for the latest Riyadh Season event, Artur Beterbiev's fight against Dmitry Bivol on 12 October, Warren said Saudi support "enabled" Dubois-Joshua to happen.

"Why is there criticism? A small minority complaining about the national anthem being played," Warren said.

"These type of events would not be able to be made without financial input.

"It's for the love of boxing from His Excellency [Alalshikh] that has made that happen. The fans there, did you hear anyone moaning?"

Riyadh Season has partnered with Warren's Queensberry Promotions and Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to stage big events in Saudi Arabia and the edition at Wembley was the first one in the UK.

Warren, who promotes Dubois, was echoing the comments of Hearn, who promotes Joshua. Hearn said the bout was the "shot in the arm" needed for British boxing.

"That shot in the arm was provided in the most unexpected way via Riyadh Season," Hearn said.

"With this event, [it] will mark one year since big-time boxing began in Riyadh Season. I still can't understand the negativity and moans from some people.

"Riyadh Season is a project that takes place in Riyadh. What we saw last week was a passion for sport that His Excellency has.

"A man who listened to the fight fans and went above and beyond to deliver for British fight fans who said they wanted to experience a Riyadh Season event."


www.bbc.com

Boxing: Frank Warren & Eddie Hearn defend Saudi Arabia involvement in boxing

Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn defend Saudi Arabian influence in boxing after criticism directed at Riyadh Season's involvement at Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua.
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Edwards outworks Essomba to become European champion​

Charlie Edwards took a positive step towards securing a world-title shot after dethroning European bantamweight champion Thomas Essomba with a points win at London's York Hall.

An emphatic points decision for the Englishman did not tell the full story of a close fight.

Edwards outworked Essomba for much of the 12 rounds, but the Cameroonian landed more of the power shots, specifically his left hook.

Speaking after his win, Edwards called out Liverpudlian Paul Butler and said he would like to fight any of the Japanese world champions.

"Thomas is a tricky operator," Edwards said.

"I'm a world champion, I want to fight champions. I've got options everywhere. All the champions are in Japan. I'd like to go out there."

Edwards picks up the 20th win of his career as he looks to become a two-weight champion in the next 12 months.

The Sutton-born fighter held the WBC flyweight title from 2018 to 2019 but vacated it, citing issues with making the 112lb weight.

After 19 months of inactivity, he has now won three times in the past 15 months.

Edwards described the fight as a "personal" one for him, as his brother Sunny is Essomba's manager.

Sunny, wearing a floor-length fur coat, applauded both fighters as they entered the ring.

The former IBF champion decided against being in Essomba's corner, but stuck close to his fighter as the introductions were made.

And he cut a nervous figure throughout the contest, as Edwards built up an early lead through the first five rounds.

Essomba, 36, came storming back in the second half of the fight, abandoning his counter-punching approach and buzzing Edwards with a right hand in the ninth and left, right combination in the tenth.

But Edwards was able to weather the storm and boxed calmly in the final two rounds.

Despite a competitive contest, Edwards looked assured as the 117-111, 116-112, 118-111 scorecards were read out in his favour.

Edwards wore a Butler T-shirt as he did his post-fight interview at ringside, calling it another "personal" bout for him as the former IBF champion is trained by Joe Gallagher, his former coach.

Source: BBC
 

Ryan hit with red paint before title defeat by Mayer​

Mikaela Mayer dethroned Sandy Ryan of her WBO welterweight title via a majority decision in New York on Friday.

In a fight week full of tension, there were bizarre scenes hours before the bout as Briton Ryan was hit with a can of red paint as she made her way to The Theater inside Madison Square Garden.

Ryan, who was defending her title for the third time, said the incident "unsettled" here and believes it contributed to her narrow loss.

“I’m obviously disappointed, and I’m not taking [anything] away from the decision but before coming to the venue, I had a hit and run [with paint]," she said.

"And that was definitely set up."

Mayer, 34, said she was "shocked" to hear about the incident and that it had nothing to do with her or her team.

Two scorecards read 97-93 and 96-94 for Mayer, while a third judge saw it a 95-95 draw. It leaves Ryan to pick up the pieces of her second defeat and yet another miserable title defence in the United States.

Ryan previously fought in the US in September 2023 and a controversial split decision draw with Jessica McCaskill prevented the Englishwoman becoming a unified champion.

Source: BBC
 

Terri Harper beats Rhiannon Dixon by unanimous decision to become three-weight world champion​

Terri Harper beat Rhiannon Dixon by unanimous decision to become a three-weight world champion.

The 27-year-old, who had previously held world titles at super-welterweight and super-featherweight, claimed the WBO world lightweight belt with scores of 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.

"That's the best one of my career. I've become a new fighter mentally and physically," Harper - the light-middleweight and former super-featherweight champion - said.

"There was one point in that fight where I was clocked and I really had to dig deep, but I managed to recover quite quick."

Dixon was defending the world title for the first time following her win over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April.

www.skysports.com

Terri Harper beats Rhiannon Dixon by unanimous decision to become three-weight world champion

Harper won with scores of 96-94, 97-93, 97-93; Dixon was defending the world title for the first time following her win over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal in April
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Ryan wants immediate Mayer rematch after paint attack

Britain’s Sandy Ryan says "an immediate rematch should be ordered" with American Mikaela Mayer after a controversal build-up to their fight in New York last weekend which saw her attacked with a can of red paint.

Mayer took Ryan's WBO welterweight title via a majority decision on Friday.

Before the bout, the 31-year-old from Derby was had red paint thrown over her as she made her way from her hotel to The Theater inside Madison Square Garden.

On Monday, Ryan said she had also been threatened and subjected to a "disgusting and pathetic smear campaign" on fight day.

She claimed that "defamatory" leaflets were distributed before and after the fight, that her team received threatening messages and that she was advised to leave New York "for her own safety".

After her victory, Mayer, 34, said she was "shocked" to hear about the paint incident and that it had nothing to do with her or her team.

"In light of everything that’s happened, I believe that an immediate rematch should be ordered," Ryan posted on social media on Monday.

"I felt the fight itself was close but I thought I did enough to retain my title. ESPN had me winning by two rounds and I know many other respected boxing observers also had me winning the fight."

Two of the scorecards read 97-93 and 96-94 for Mayer, while a third judge saw it a 95-95 draw.

The pair have known each other since their amateur days but have become involved in a bitter feud over training arrangements after Ryan relocated to Mayer’s gym in the United States.

They were involved in a fiery news conference on the eve of the fight.

On Saturday, Ryan said she "shouldn’t have fought" after the paint incident but now insists pulling out of the bout was never an option.

She also said the New York Police Department (NYPD) have told her they are investigating the incidents but the NYPD would not confirm this when approached by BBC Sport.

"I’ve too much pride and have worked too hard to let incidents as pathetic as these force me out of a fight – especially when that fight gave me the opportunity to fulfil a dream of headlining a card at Madison Square Garden live on ESPN," Ryan said.

"I have dedicated my life to this sport and am very grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Boxing deserves so much more than this kind of thuggery.

"I can guarantee that this will not break me and makes me more determined than ever to leave my mark in this sport over the years to come."


BBC
 
From scaffolding site to world title tilt in two years

Cruiserweight Jack Massey was at the top of a scaffolding site when he took the phone call that changed the trajectory of his life.

He had the offer to fight former world champion Joseph Parker and, despite having never fought at heavyweight, he took the opportunity with both hands.

Parker won the competitive 10-rounder but Massey, whose only other defeat came against fellow Briton Richard Riakporhe, gave a strong account of himself.

The result fired Massey back into contention at his natural weight of cruiserweight, and on 12 October the Chapel-en-le-Frith fighter will be in Saudi Arabia to tackle Australian Jai Opetaia for the IBF cruiserweight world title.

However, the picture was very different in 2022 for Massey. He was going through contract issues with a promoter and, with no fights being made, Massey ended up on a scaffolding site.

"I had to come out of the gym and get working because I've got a family to pay for," he said.

"My brother helped me out with his boss, got me a job on the scaffolding site and that just kept me ticking over, but it gave me that push, as in 'I don't want to be back doing this. I want to get back to boxing, really push on and make something of it'."

In the same year Massey and his partner suffered two miscarriages and the fighter admits he nearly quit the sport altogether.

"I was very close, to be honest. It was probably one of the toughest years of mine and my partner's lives," he said.

"It was a rough one, but we just had to be there for each other and stay positive, and this year alone has shown that you never know what's around the corner."

Massey took the Parker opportunity when it emerged and then upset the odds earlier this year when he beat fellow Englishman Isaac Chamberlain by unanimous decision to pick up the Commonwealth and European cruiserweight titles.

'I've had to borrow boots, shorts, kits before fights'

Massey has had a whirlwind 2024.

In January he brutally stopped Steve Ntere in the first round before stepping in to beat Chamberlain.

Before the turn of the year his daughter Bonnie was born and Massey got married.

The 31-year-old will once again be the unfancied fighter when he takes on Opetaia, who is 25-0.

This world title shot was unexpected and there were initial doubts over whether the IBF would sanction the contest, considering Massey was not even in the top 10 of the federation's rankings. But the IBF decided to grant an exception.

Massey relishes being the underdog.

"I quite like it. I've always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I've had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit," he said.

"I know I've got a very tough night ahead of me, he's the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there."

Massey said it did not sink in just how far he had come until he was at the launch news conference, with undefeated world champion Dmitry Bivol sitting over his left shoulder.

"It is huge," he said about the magnitude of the event he is part of.

The fight will be the biggest pay day of Massey's career to date, but his focus remains on the IBF belt.

"We are looking to secure this world title and that is when it becomes really, really life-changing," Massey said.

"That is what I have dreamed of since being a little boy, since starting at the age of 11."

The fight will take place on the undercard of the undisputed light-heavyweight world title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Bivol.

On a fight programme which features the rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, British featherweight Raven Chapman also has a world title shot as she takes on Australian Skye Nicolson.

BBC
 
Liverpool's Ball might 'jog' to arena for world title defence

Nick Ball joked he might "jog" to the M&S Bank Arena for his world title defence on Saturday in Liverpool, considering how close he lives to venue.

The WBA featherweight champion will have a night of firsts, defending his belt for the first time and headlining at the M&S Bank Arena.

Ball, 27, is a big favourite against American Ronny Rios and has not fought in a ring in his home city since 2020.

Ball lives and trains in Liverpool but has contested his last two fights in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Ball promised an "all-action" performance to pay back the support he has received from his home city.

"We get behind our own if we see someone doing well and putting the hard work in, it pays off," Ball said.

It was a largely friendly news conference, although Rios' manager insisted that while Ball "deserved" his homecoming, he had "unfortunately picked the wrong opponent" for it.

Rios, 34, has four losses in 38 fights, making him the more experienced fighter, but his previous two world title shots have been at super-bantamweight.

Ball attended the media event with his WBA belt for the first time. He won the title in June, but traditionally the new holder gives the belt back to the defeated champion and waits for his own to be delivered.

Nicknamed 'the Wrecking Ball', Ball has five stoppages in his last eight outings and was surprised to hear Rios intended to fight fire with fire in the ring.

"If he thinks he's going to get in there and push me back, he's got another thing coming," Ball said.

"It might sound good in front of the cameras, but once you get in the ring it's a different story."

Unification fights await Ball if he can beat Rios, with Angelo Leo holding the IBF title and Rafael Espinoza the WBO champion.

Ball has already faced another world champion, WBC title holder Rey Vargas, but was held to a controversial draw by the Mexican in March.

The Kirkby fighter is undefeated, with that one draw plus 20 wins including 11 stoppages on his record.


BBC
 
Muhammad Waseem set to face Georgia’s Jana Memisishi in World ranking fight tonight

Pakistan’s star boxer Muhammad Waseem is set to face Georgia’s Jana Memisishi of Georgia in a ranking fight here tonight.

The fight, approved by the World Boxing Federation (WBF), will take place at 10:30 PM local Malta time (10:00 PM PST).

Muhammad Waseem, the two-time WBC Silver World Champion, has urged Pakistanis to pray for his success, expressing his determination to secure a victory for the nation.


a-sports.tv

Muhammad Waseem set to face Georgia's Jana Memisishi in World ranking fight tonight

Pakistan’s star boxer Muhammad Waseem is set to face Georgia's Jana Memisishi of Georgia in a ranking fight in Malta tonight.
a-sports.tv a-sports.tv
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Muhammad Waseem set to face Georgia’s Jana Memisishi in World ranking fight tonight

Pakistan’s star boxer Muhammad Waseem is set to face Georgia’s Jana Memisishi of Georgia in a ranking fight here tonight.

The fight, approved by the World Boxing Federation (WBF), will take place at 10:30 PM local Malta time (10:00 PM PST).

Muhammad Waseem, the two-time WBC Silver World Champion, has urged Pakistanis to pray for his success, expressing his determination to secure a victory for the nation.


a-sports.tv

Muhammad Waseem set to face Georgia's Jana Memisishi in World ranking fight tonight

Pakistan’s star boxer Muhammad Waseem is set to face Georgia's Jana Memisishi of Georgia in a ranking fight in Malta tonight.
a-sports.tv a-sports.tv
Click to expand...
Muhammad Waseem defeats Jaba Memishishi in Bantamweight ranking bout

Pakistan’s star boxer, Muhammad Waseem, achieved another milestone on Saturday in Malta.

In a World Boxing Federation (WBF) Bantamweight ranking bout, the 34-year-old knocked out Georgian boxer Jaba Memishishi in the third round.

This adds to Waseem’s 13th professional victory, with nine of those coming by knockout.

In addition, his professional boxing record now stands at 13-2 from a total of 15 bouts.

Previously, the boxer faced a refusal for a visa from Denmark. In regard to this, the two-time WBC silver champion expressed his disappointment in an interview with a local news channel.

“I have been a world champion twice, and they rejected my visa, claiming I would disappear if I went there. I travel all over the world and was training with my coaches in London. I needed to arrive in Malta early to prepare for the upcoming world title fight,” he said.

Earlier in August, the “falcon” was hopeful for success against his opponent Sabelo, and he proved that.

He stated: “I am hopeful for success against my opponent. The world title fight is very important to me, and I do not want to miss this opportunity,” Waseem added, urging the Pakistani government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the army chief to intervene and help secure his visa.

GEOSUPER
 
Ball v Rios - big-fight predictions

Nick Ball will defend his WBA featherweight title for the first time against Ronny Rios in Liverpool on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Briton has the chance to shine in his first fight in his home city since 2020.

The M&S Bank Arena hosts the bout, with Ball a big favourite against unfancied American Rios, 34.

You can follow radio commentary and live text commentary from 20:00 BST on BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app.

Will Ball keep his title in front of what promises to be a fervent crowd? Or will Rios wreck the homecoming?

BBC Sport has asked the world of boxing for their predictions.

Former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla: "I think Ball has a strong claim to being the best active fighter in Britain right now. His draw against Rey Vargas should have been a win and he beat a world-class fighter in Raymond Ford.

"Ball is on a roll and has been superbly promoted. I see him being a little bit too strong for Rios and I believe he will get to him between rounds seven to nine.

Heavyweight Frazer Clarke: "I don't know much about Rios but I back the exciting Nick Ball. With the crest of the wave he is on, I'm a massive fan of his."

Welterweight world champion Natasha Jonas: "I think Ball wins. You try and play it down that it's just another fight but the reality is that you're in your home city as champion. All your friends and family will be there and you want to perform in front of them. As much as you don't want to put pressure on yourself, there is pressure.

"But as long as he does what Nick Ball does then he will have no problems in securing a great win and homecoming. I don't think Frank Warren would put him in a sticky situation where he could be toppled."

Former light-middleweight champion Hannah Rankin: "On paper this is a tough homecoming for Ball. Rios has a very good record and a 50% knockout rate. However he's only had one fight in the last two and a half years so hasn't been very active, unlike Ball who's about to have his third fight this year and is flying high on momentum.

"So I'm going with Ball on points or a late stoppage. I think he'll have a tough task early on but his youth and recent activity will allow him to come on strong in the later half of the fight to dominate."

Former super-featherweight world champion Barry Jones: "I think it's a perfect defence for Ball and a difficult task if he isn't up to his game. Rios is an aggressive fighter and a really good body puncher. The way Rios boxes, coming forward and closing the gap, that's what Ball does well too. But Ball can box a little bit as well.

"I think it could be a typical Ball performance where he breaks you down and breaks your heart. There is more weight behind his shots. I don't think he will knock Rios out but will wear him down with the weight and accuracy of the shot and stop him late on. A home defence in an exciting fight will bolster his prestige and his revenue potential."

British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley: "I think Ball is the real deal and will win. I've watched a number of his fights and I'm always impressed and excited by him. Boxing is about bringing entertainment and Ball does that in abundance."

Middleweight Denzel Bentley: "I feel like Ball is in a good place at the moment and now that he's a champion, he's going to hit another level and show why he's a world champion.

"Rios has been about a while and has been in with some good names but Ball is younger, fresher and even though he's the champion he's still hungry, so I'm going Ball by late stoppage."

Lightweight Sam Noakes: "I think Ball wins by stoppage in the middle rounds. I feel in his last few fights he's gone from strength to strength and I think it being his homecoming fight we are going see him at his best."

BBC
 
Fury-Usyk 2 undercard announced featuring Itauma

Heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher will feature on the undercard of Tyson Fury's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on 21 December in Saudi Arabia.

Itauma will take on Australian Demsey McKean, while Fisher will face fellow Briton Dave Allen.

Both Itauma and Fisher are undefeated in their careers and have been touted as the next generation of heavyweight stars.

Also on the undercard is Dennis McCann, who fights Liverpudlian Peter McGrail in an intriguing super-bantamweight contest.

McCann is undefeated in 17 fights while McGrail has just one loss in 11 contests.

Fisher, 25, takes on a seasoned veteran in 32-year-old Allen, who has six losses, two draws and 23 wins on his record.

Fisher has 11 knockouts in 12 wins, while 19-year-old Itauma will also be looking to extend his stoppage record.

Itauma has eight knockouts from 10 bouts and McKean represents a big step up in quality for the teenage prospect.

The southpaw has one defeat - against Filip Hrgovic last year - in 23 bouts.

Fury is seeking revenge against Usyk to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, after losing their undisputed contest in May.

Fury-Usyk undercard in full

Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2 - WBC, WBO & WBA heavyweight titles

  • Israil Madrimov v Serhii Bohachuk - super-welterweight
  • Moses Itauma v Demsey McKean - heavyweight
  • Johnny Fisher v Dave Allen - heavyweight
  • Dennis McCann v Peter McGrail - super-bantamweight
  • Isaac Lowe v Lee McGregor - featherweight
BBC
 
'Generational fight' - Ice-cold Beterbiev & Bivol weigh in

Eddie Hearn predicted a "generational fight" as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol weighed in before their undisputed light-heavyweight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

WBO, WBC and IBF champion Beterbiev came in at 12st 7lb, exactly on the limit, with WBA title holder Bivol weighing 12st 6lb.

"This is a generational fight between two ice-cold competitors," said Matchroom's Hearn, who promotes Bivol.

"Bivol already slayed the pound-for-pound king in [Saul 'Canelo'] Alvarez and this is what he wants more than anything.

"I believe Dmitry Bivol will be the undisputed champion tomorrow night."

The unbeaten pair meet in a historic bout on Saturday with all four light-heavyweight belts on the line for the first time.

Roy Jones Jr was the last undisputed champion in the division, earning that status in 1999 and reigning until 2002, but that was during the three-belt era.

A crowded stage saw the three promoters involved in the event - Hearn, Frank Warren and Ben Shalom - jostling for position and the priority middle spot between the two fighters facing off.

Heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley provide the chief support when they meet in a rematch after they fought to a draw in March.

British heavyweight champion Wardley was a pound lighter than in their previous encounter, tipping the scales at 17st 4lb.

Clarke came in at 19st 5lb - up 5lb from seven months ago - which made him 29lb heavier than his opponent.


www.bbc.com

Beterbiev vs Bivol: 'Generational fight' in Saudi Arabia - Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol weigh in

Eddie Hearn talks of a "generational fight" as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol weigh in for their undisputed light-heavyweight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
www.bbc.com
 
Beterbiev edges Bivol to become undisputed champion

Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol by majority decision to become the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion as one of boxing's most-anticipated fights lived up to the hype in Saudi Arabia.

In a contest that could have gone either way, Bivol, 33, won the earlier rounds with his superior movement and combinations.

Fellow undefeated Russian Beterbiev, 39, was undeterred and forced his way back into the fight with relentless pressure and power punching.

With scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112, Beterbiev becomes the division's first undisputed champion since 2002, and the first ever in the four-belt era.

"I feel not bad. I did not good today. I wanted to box with more quality," said a modest Beterbiev - who is now WBC, WBA (Super), IBF and WBO champion.

Bivol was defeated for the first time in 24 bouts.

"I am a warrior. I don't know, I did my job but I felt like I could do better but it was just the opinion of some judges," he said.

In the chief support, Fabio Wardley retained the British heavyweight title with a spectacular first-round stoppage win over Frazer Clarke in a rematch of March's fight-of-the-year contender.

Wardley, 29, landed a heavy, looping right hand to hurt the challenger and floored him with another ferocious right.

A dazed Clarke admirably rose to his feet but was in no position to continue as the referee halted the contest.

A fight for the purist delivers on the hype

Two unbeaten champions with differing but equally effective styles produced a match-up of the highest level in a fight to make the boxing purist salivate.

A watchful Bivol shone early on as he circled around the ring, working behind the jab and landing smart combinations.

Despite his menacing power, two-time Olympian Beterbiev's boxing skills often go under the radar. He continued to walk Bivol down and landed a vicious body shot in the fifth.

Just when it appeared Bivol was tiring, he responded with a flurry of shots to momentarily stem the pressure, but Beterbiev would not back down.

Both champions were hurt in a terrific seventh. A combination from Bivol stunned Beterbiev, who sprung into action seconds later to end the round with some ferocious power shots.

Beterbiev's corner told him he needed a knockdown as the fight entered the championship rounds.

He could not find the finishing punch to maintain his perfect knockout record but ended the fight on top, winning rounds 10, 11 and 12 on all three judges scorecards.

Beterbiev's historic win in the Middle East undoubtedly cements his place as up there with all-time light-heavyweight greats, but in such a close and entertaining fight, there will be a clamouring from the boxing fraternity for a rematch.

However, Bivol's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he was "disgusted" by the decision.

"I don't want to disrespect Beterbiev but that judge should never work again," Hearn said.

"They're both tremendous fighters. No one on our row had Beterbiev win. We got in the ring and I'm looking round at Beterbiev and they're all deflated."

Wardley cleans out Clarke in one round

Wardley and Clarke could not be split in their all-action first fight on Easter Sunday, but the rematch was as clinical as it comes.

Olympian Clarke leaned on his amateur grounding with a smart double jab in the first minute but Wardley – who contested just a handful of unlicensed white collar bouts before turning pro – unleashed the raw power to score his 17th stoppage in 18 wins.

"I've got dynamite power in each hand. Once I've hurt someone, I know I can get rid of them," unbeaten Wardley – who won his 18th pro fight – said.

Clarke received medical assistance in the ring before heading over to congratulate the champion. The 2020 Olympic bronze medallist left before the result was announced.

"I can't help it, war by name and war by nature," Wardley said. "Once I have my enemies hurt, there's no help for them unless the bell rings."

He now surpasses domestic level and plans to set upon a path towards world level.

With Wardley and IBF champion Daniel Dubois, and prospects such as Moses Itauma, the future looks bright for British heavyweight boxing.

BBC
 
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