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Great performance from both Beterbiev and Bivol, very close fight; I gave Beterbiev the edge by a round or two for his pressure and stiffer shots, though Bivol’s work was a lot cleaner, both men have tremendous chins and took some real pomp in the fight. Bivol was well ahead early on due to his superior movement and lightning jab which have Beterbiev issues, then he settled in the second half, picked better shots and worked the body, with Bivol’s pace declining, he took more punishment but a lot less then prior opponents due to his exceptional defence. Bivol is a very boring fighter but this was probably his most fun fight, he is a very difficult fighter to open up, I also think Beterbiev (while he wasn’t loading up) power was impacted by the knee injury, he still has plenty there but I am not sure if it’s all available, he is bound to feel discomfort each time he turns the hips. A landmark victory nonetheless and Beterbiev deserves it.
 
I had Bivol 7 to 5 due to the first half of the fight.

Artur is a beast of a fighter will love a rematch between these 2 warriors.
 
Only watched very brief highlights where bivol seemed to be dominating and knocked beterbievs head back a few rimes and the commentators were noticing how well dimitry was performing.
The beterbiev who knocked down usyk a few times in the amateurs seemed to be troubled by bivol who didn't mind brawling with Artur.
Hopefully they have a rematch before beterbiev retires
 
Clarke back in UK after surgery on broken jaw

Heavyweight Frazer Clarke has had surgery on his jaw and cheekbone following his first-round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The 33-year-old was taken to hospital after suffering a fracture high on his jaw in their British title fight.

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said Clarke underwent "minor" surgery in Riyadh on Sunday. He landed back in the United Kingdom on Monday morning.

"He's feeling more motivated than ever to come back bigger and better in the new year," Shalom told Sky Sports.

Clarke, a 2020 Olympic bronze medallist, lost for the first time as a pro as Wardley, 29, retained his British title at the Kingdom Arena.

In a rematch of March's fight of the year contender which ended in a draw, Wardley hurt Clarke with a strong right hand in the first round after a flurry of punches.

Clarke rose to his feet but with his jaw visibly out of place, the referee stopped the contest.


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Frazer Clarke has surgery on broken jaw after loss to Fabio Wardley

Heavyweight Frazer Clarke has surgery on his jaw and cheekbone following his first-round stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
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Boxer Williams retires after 'several concussions'

World title challenger Liam Williams, one of Wales' best boxers of the past two decades, says he has retired from the sport after receiving "several concussions".

The 32-year-old, who won British, European and Commonwealth titles, says he is hanging up his gloves because he is worried about taking further blows to the head and suffering further damage to his brain.

Williams says he fought Chris Eubank Jr in 2022 despite knowing he was suffering the effects of a concussion and against medical advice heading into the fight as he "didn’t want to let down his fans".

Williams says he realised after his last fight - a first round KO defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz in February - that he "had taken too much", and does not want to "just fight for money" and "jeopardise his future with his family".

Williams says he worries about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head and concussion. The condition, which gradually gets worse over time and leads to dementia, can only be diagnosed post-mortem.

"I know that boxing is brutal," Williams added.


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Boxing: Welshman Liam Williams retires after 'several concussions'

World title challenger Liam Williams, one of Wales’ best boxers of the past two decades says he has retired from the sport after receiving "several concussions".
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Bivol took serious punishment in that fight, it’s not so obvious because Beterbiev looks like he is throwing arm punches all the time but the leverage he puts into his shots is very subtle, I don’t think he was loading up but just look at Bivol’s face after the fight.
 
shaz619 said:
Bivol took serious punishment in that fight, it’s not so obvious because Beterbiev looks like he is throwing arm punches all the time but the leverage he puts into his shots is very subtle, I don’t think he was loading up but just look at Bivol’s face after the fight.
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Spot on!

Damage is key in combat sports inc Boxing. Artur's jabs are very heavy, rocked back Bivols head on numerous occasions esp in the 2nd half. His body shots hurt too, his right hooks even at the guard hurt, in fact everything this man throws hurts!

Bivol is tough as nails too, others would have lost focus and stopped moving but he stood up well.

Bivols plan was to win on points, hence he went in to win the early rounds knowing Artur starts slowly. It nearly paid off.

I scored it 115-113. I cant recall a fight which flew by so quickly. Not sure what you think but imo undisputed fights should be 15 rounds like yesteryear? Imo Artur would have ended the fight if another 3 rounds were available.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Spot on!

Damage is key in combat sports inc Boxing. Artur's jabs are very heavy, rocked back Bivols head on numerous occasions esp in the 2nd half. His body shots hurt too, his right hooks even at the guard hurt, in fact everything this man throws hurts!

Bivol is tough as nails too, others would have lost focus and stopped moving but he stood up well.

Bivols plan was to win on points, hence he went in to win the early rounds knowing Artur starts slowly. It nearly paid off.

I scored it 115-113. I cant recall a fight which flew by so quickly. Not sure what you think but imo undisputed fights should be 15 rounds like yesteryear? Imo Artur would have ended the fight if another 3 rounds were available.
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It’s difficult maybe for the casual observer to view and perhaps from the TV in general, but most ring side saw the damage he was doing, behind the gloves, through the guard and overlooked by a lot of people which you mentioned just now was the body work, yes I have no doubt even those punches on the gloves you actually feel those as well, and he wasn’t loading up! and he had a dodgy knee to! I will credit Bivol for his exceptional defence / toughness and back foot pedigree but it was not sustained and he struggled during the second half / championship rounds especially. I gave it to Beterbiev by a point but I missed Round 4 live, and most appear to point out that was the turning point and if he won that then I probably would have the same score as you.

It makes me appreciate Boxing legends and history in general so much, to think there was a point when you had police stoppages and then coming all the way down to 12 rounds, we would certainly avoid controversial scorecards with the extra three, no doubt about that and I am in favour of it for special fights especially, I am certain Hagler would have had his hand raised at the end of his war with Leonard.
 
'Showman' Yarde targets Buatsi fight after lay-off

Anthony Yarde says he wants to fight Joshua Buatsi or Artur Beterbiev in the near future as he prepares to make his return to the ring on Saturday.

The light-heavyweight has spent nine months on the sidelines, due to a "contractual dispute" with his long-time promoters Queensberry.

Yarde, 33, makes his return against Ralfs Vilcans on the undercard of Adam Azim v Ohara Davies, an event promoted by Ben Shalom's Boxxer.

Speaking at a news conference Yarde dismissed criticism about his opponent, who is unheralded and has fought most of his pro career in his home country of Latvia.

"I want to be in the ring. Everyone is going to have their opinion on the level I should be fighting, or the fight, or how big the fight should be," Yarde said.

"I want the biggest fights out there. That's Joshua Buatsi, that's Beterbiev 2, that's [Dmitry] Bivol."

Yarde has a loss on his record to the newly crowned undisputed champion Beterbiev in 2023.

Beterbiev stopped Yarde in a defence of his world title before going on to beat Bivol in their undisputed contest last Saturday.

Yarde failed in his first world title attempt in 2019, but expects another opportunity and said "three's the charm".

Queensberry's Frank Warren has not commented on Yarde's fight with Boxxer, but Shalom said the Englishman has not signed a long-term promotional deal.

"We don't have many genuine superstars that can capture the attention as mainstream stars and Anthony Yarde is one of them," Shalom said.

"There's Josh Buatsi, there's Ben Whittaker, there's Anthony Yarde all in the domestic light-heavyweight scene [in the UK].

"You can expect a showman. There's not many fighters, if any, in the division that can fight the way Anthony Yarde can fight. He is a super talent."


BBC
 
Beterbiev ordered to face IBF mandatory challenger

Artur Beterbiev has been ordered to defend his IBF light-heavyweight title against the mandatory challenger, a day after Dmitry Bivol appealed to the four sanctioning bodies to back an immediate rematch.

Russian Beterbiev, 39, became the division's first four-belt world champion with a split-decision victory over compatriot Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Bivol's promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Vadim Kornilov publicly lambasted the scorecards, which were 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 for Beterbiev.

Bivol, 33, sent a request through his lawyer on Wednesday to the WBO, WBA, IBF and WBC, asking for their support in securing a rematch with Beterbiev.

But the IBF has now officially ordered Beterbiev to begin "negotiations" with a mandatory challenger, German Michael Eifert.

This may well not be the end of the matter, however.

The IBF says Beterbiev can still request an "exception" to make a voluntary defence which would be considered.

As sanctioning bodies, the organisations authorise fighters to compete for their world titles, but none of the four major sanctioning bodies have the power to overturn an official result.

The British Boxing Board of Control was in charge of overseeing the weekend's event, as has been the case for most Saudi fight nights in the last 12 months.

While Hearn said the 116-112 scorecard was "disgusting", Bivol did not publicly question the result.

Bivol suffered the first defeat of his 24-fight career, while Beterbiev was taken the distance for the first time as a professional.


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Boxing: Artur Beterbiev ordered to face IBF mandatory despite Dmitry Bivol appeal to sanctioning bodies

Artur Beterbiev has been ordered by the IBF to face a mandatory challenger.
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Wardley's dream Portman Road bout 'closer than ever'

British heavyweight Fabio Wardley says that his dream fight at Ipswich Town's Portman Road is still "on the cards" following some big wins in Saudi Arabia.

The 29-year-old knocked out fellow Briton Fraser Clarke on Saturday in the first round to defend his British and Commonwealth titles.

The devastating finish early on resulted in Clarke having to go to hospital and have surgery on his jaw and cheekbone.

Despite two of his last three contests being held in Saudi Arabia, Wardley still wants to live the dream of stepping into the ring at his beloved Ipswich Town.

"It’s still the dream and it’s on the cards," Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"If anything it’s closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he’s done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Prior to Saturday's first round stoppage win, Wardley was held to a draw by the same opponent Clarke in a gruelling 12 round contest at London's O2 Arena.

The draw was the first time since his professional debut that he had not knocked out the man stood in front of him.

Wardley has been recognised by the Ring Magazine and entered their top 10 rated heavyweights, moving into ninth position.

"When you look at the rest of the names in there you’ve got Usyk, Fury and AJ," Wardley added.

"I’m like three or four places behind these people and it seems a bit mad, these are all great things for me though and I’m just buzzing for the future.

"I’ll sit down with my team next and decide which path we move onto next.

"I want to position myself as best as I can for a world title shot or eliminator, I need to take advice because right now I’m in uncharted territory in my career."


BBC
 
The 'bumpy road' to Edmondson's British title win

Light-heavyweight Lewie Edmondson thanked his team for standing by him as he looked back on the "bumpy road" that has led him to winning the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles.

The boxer from Southampton defeated Dan Azeez at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday, as part of a card headlined by super-lightweights Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

At 28, this was Edmondson's first time fighting for a title and completing 12 professional rounds.

It was also his 10th pro victory in a career that has been successful but full of injuries and serious health scares.

"It’s been a bumpy road, I’ve had big operations and septicaemia but my team always stood by me." Edmondson told BBC Sport.

"I feel mentally tougher now because of what I’ve been through, I’ve had times in the hospital when I didn’t know If I’d pull through.

"We’ve also done multiple camps through injuries, we’ve just stayed in the gym working though and I’ve always pushed hard because we knew nights like this were destined for us."

Septicaemia, external is another term used to describe blood poisoning. It is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by large amounts of bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Edmondson says that this all initially came from an ingrown hair that he had a number of operations on. He did not box and was in and out of hospital for 18 months and admits he was close to "not being here today".

His bout on Saturday was a close contest as former European and British champion Azeez was familiar with having boxed him in the amateurs and sparred on many occasions.

After 12 rounds the fight went to the judges, Edmondson celebrating triumphantly in the ring as his majority decision victory was announced, one judge scoring it a draw and two in favour of the Southampton man.


BBC
 
great wins for hamzah and azim. hamzah looks ready for a title shot, which is nuts when u think how far he looked 3 years ago v skeete. hes really upped his game, learned to manage distance, and is getting stronger. if he keeps improving like he is, he is gonna be a massive problem in a few divisions. only thing that can hold him back now is either injury or externalities.

azim, i only saw the highlights, but looked strong, ive often complained about the one-dimensionality of his attacks, it looked good to see him put some combos together, and also a take few hits himself. ohara, clearly his heart wasn't in the game and has taken one last pay day, but its a good name on the cv for azim nonetheless. was also pleased to see some attitude from him over the whole dalton smith business, although i dont see what he, at 22, gains from fighting a 28 year old with signifcnalty more experience at this level. i think the eubank fight, with all the media that comes with it, might be a better risk reward play if that can be made again.
 
Joshua will fight Fury or Dubois next – Hearn

Anthony Joshua will definitely face either Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury next, says the heavyweight's promoter Eddie Hearn.

Briton Joshua, 35, suffered a fourth career defeat when he was stopped by IBF world champion Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September.

Fury, who has long been linked with a super-fight with Joshua, will face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on 21 December after losing to the Ukrainian in May.

"It's weird saying it after a knockout defeat but AJ is actually in a really good position," Matchroom boss Hearn told BBC Sport.

"We're going to fight Dubois or Fury next. That's it. No other interest or warm-up."

Dubois, 27, dropped Joshua multiple times in front of a reported British record crowd of 96,000 before the fight was halted in the fifth round.

A rematch had been mooted for 22 February in Saudi and the champion's promoter, Frank Warren, has confirmed Dubois will most likely fight on that date.

It may be against a different challenger, with Hearn saying Joshua may need more time to prepare.

"AJ desperately wants revenge but the only issue is timing," he said. "For the rematch to happen in February, training camp will have to start in a couple of weeks.

"There are always niggles and he had a few so physically it's just a case of whether AJ is ready to do that."

Joshua may instead await the outcome of 36-year-old Fury's rematch with Usyk.

"It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won," Hearn said.

"Then we're sitting there going 'hang on a minute, we're fighting Dubois but we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing.'

"Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title."

BBC
 

Former WWE Champion Claims He Received Offer To Fight Mike Tyson Before Jake Paul​

During a recent signing event, Former WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley revealed that he had been offered the opportunity to fight Tyson several months back. “I was offered Mike Tyson several months back. I thought that would be a good fight. People asked me the same question about whether I can beat Mike Tyson. I’m not going to say, ‘Oh yeah, I can beat Mike Tyson,’ but I would like to do the fight. That’s what it’s all about to me.” Said Lashley, providing details about the offer.

Lashley has expressed interest in fights that align with his goals, and the chance to face Tyson certainly caught his attention. It was the same way in August 2022, where Lashley mentioned he’d been approached for a potential match with Tyson back then as well, though nothing has materialized yet on either occasion.

Now a free agent after parting ways with WWE, Lashley is rumored to be joining AEW, where his former stablemates Shelton Benjamin and MVP are already present.

Source: ProPakistani
 
Briton Catterall beats Prograis in chaotic thriller

Jack Catterall earned his third headline win in a year and put himself in position for a title fight in 2025 with victory over Regis Prograis in their light-welterweight bout in Manchester.

A bruising, see-saw encounter at Co-op Live saw Catterall knocked down in round five following a flurry of blows from Prograis ending with a heavy right jab to the jaw.

Both men then hit the canvas in the eighth round, grappling before tumbling and almost falling through the ropes in a bout that was occasionally chaotic but always watchable.

Catterall brought his best in round nine, twice sending Prograis to the floor with solid right strikes. The American received a count to eight on both occasions before resuming.

Following a nervous start, Catterall grew into the fight and gained control in the latter stages as Prograis desperately sought a knockout, twice sweeping himself off his own feet with attempted haymakers.

Ultimately the judges all went for Catterall - one 117-108, the other two 116-109, 116-109 - as the 31-year-old Chorley-born fighter followed victories over Jorge Linares and Josh Taylor in the past year with another notable win.

On the undercard, Campbell Hatton was unable to avenge his defeat by Jimmy Joe Flint. The son of former world champion Ricky Hatton was beaten by unanimous verdict in front of his home Manchester crowd.


BBC
 
Sheeraz, Ball & Itauma sign new deals with Warren

World champion Nick Ball, middleweight star Hamzah Sheeraz and heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma have signed long-term deals with Frank Warren's Queensberry.

Belfast's IBF super-featherweight Anthony Cacace has also signed a new deal, alongside super-bantamweight Liam Davies who faces Shabaz Masoud on Saturday in Birmingham.

Undefeated lightweight Sam Noakes, who has 14 stoppages in 15 fights, also committed his future to Queensberry.

Warren secured Ball two world title fights in 2024 and the Liverpudlian is now on track for unification fights.

Ball, 27, is undefeated in 22 fights with one draw and successfully retained his WBA featherweight title on home soil last month.

"That Nick Ball, Anto Cacace and Liam Davies have reached world title status is a particular joy, and the good news is that I am certain there are more world champions to come from this group," Warren said.

Sheeraz appears one fight away from his first world title shot as a professional after 21 wins in a row and a dismantling of European champion Tyler Denny at Wembley Stadium in September.

Teenager Itauma has already been earmarked as a future world champion and will face Australian Demsey McKean on 21 December in a massive step up for the 19-year-old.


BBC
 
McCrory claims tough points win over Carrillo in Belfast

Belfast's Padraig McCrory got back to winning ways with a tough fought points victory over Leonard Carrillo in Belfast on Friday.

The 36-year-old beat the Colombian on a 98-91 scorecard in his first bout since being stopped by Edgar Berlanga in February.

Carrillo arrived with a record of 17-5, with 16 of his wins inside the distance, so his threat could not be underestimated and he brought that power into the Belfast ring.

This was no easy return assignment for McCrory as his opponent tested his resolve form the start, stinging the home favourite on a number of occasions in what was a wild first round.

Referee Hugh Russell Jnr was the first on the deck as his slip brought a roar of amusement from the crowd and soon it was cheers as Carrillo was on the canvas from a punishing McCrory left.

The 35-year-old from Barranquilla rose and turned the tables on McCrory as the Belfast man found himself in real trouble but managed to stay upright.

Carrillo seemed happy to wait for his opportunity to counter with one big shot until a late surge had the home fighter in a little difficulty at times in what was a tense finish that ultimately went the way of McCrory.

On the undercard, Ruadhan Farrell claimed the Irish super-bantamweight title after a unanimous decision win over Connor Kerr (98-92, 97-93, 100-91).

The cards don't paint a true picture of the ten rounds that were competitive but Farrell - who won a March meeting between the pair for the BUI Celtic title - was getting the better of an entertaining battle and was a worthy winner nonetheless.

Also celebrating was Coleraine's Matthew Boreland who passed his first real test in just his fourth professional fight as he took a points win over Scotland's Calum Turnbull.

The main event saw Liverpool's Robbie Davies Jr recover from a 10th round knockdown to beat former super-featherweight world champion Javier Fortuna on points


BBC
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
Good performance from Masoud

No idea how that was a split decision
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There’s always one dodgy card, but I found it a little shocking that Davies was the favourite, I guess a part of it would be the lower profile of Shabaz due to lack of media coverage and faith as well in the past with the relationship with Frank Warren not quiet working out. But he has been grinding behind closed doors and has a very decent following here in the midlands who have been loyal from the start of his career, in-fact I’d say he has more of a following here then Galal Yafai who has been handled very poorly. Shabaz’s boxing pedigree was evident from the start of his career and I’d actually say he is more of a natural orthodox fighter which wouldn’t be so obvious for someone tuning in now because he box’s superbly from the southpaw stance as well, you could argue Ben Davison deserves some credit for his development to because the two have been together from the beginning, Shabaz’s style is very much similar to Billy Joe and they got the right people in the camp who use to work with him as a pro in the past as well. Yes, he doesn’t bang, but that’s partly a choice, his style doesn’t rely on him loading up on his punches and I think he has enough pop to keep fighters at bay.

It is mad to think Davies was being touted as a future Inoue opponent, still a world class fighter and ranked consistently high by all respected publications unlike Shabaz was. But there are levels and Inoue unfortunately for the division, is an all time great fighter.

I don’t really want to see Shabaz in with Inoue anytime soon, I think they should build on this win and make the resorts world arena their territory, plenty of world ranked opposition to make fights with and take his progression to the next level.
 
I agree, when I heard about Inoue I was immediately thinking I don't see a situation where Shabaz wins that

Love watching Shabaz fight, it's entertaining but I've always felt the lack of serious power is what will stop him from hitting the top level
 
Geordie Ahmed said:
I agree, when I heard about Inoue I was immediately thinking I don't see a situation where Shabaz wins that

Love watching Shabaz fight, it's entertaining but I've always felt the lack of serious power is what will stop him from hitting the top level
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Shabaz seems like a bloke who wants to get better and it’s an area they can work on for sure, part of it is intent as well, though for this fight, it was right for him to pick Davies off who is known to hit harder. Some fighters are just blessed with heavy hands, but it certainly can be improved and when the desire is there, you can hurt any fighter if you keep catching them with cumulative shots or a high work rate; remember when Josh Warrington use to get ridiculed similarly, but he hurt so many of the elite names in his division. I think he has world level tools and should wait a bit for the alphabet titles to get split again, defo wouldn’t match him with Inoue who inevitably will move up I reckon
 
Lewis wants Fury to be 'heavier' in Usyk rematch

Lennox Lewis thinks Tyson Fury will have to "to do a lot more" to beat Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight rematch on 21 December.

Fury, 36, will be seeking revenge against unified champion Usyk having lost their first encounter in May by split decision.

Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, is backing Fury to beat his rival if he learns from his mistakes in the first fight.

"I think Fury learnt what he needs to do next time because he didn't do enough. He needs to do a lot more. I like him a bit heavier for his fights and not moving around as much," Lewis told the 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast.

"He has to conquer his own self first. He's been through these things before so I think he can do it because he knows what to do.

"He's been at lows before and at highs before. He's down here right now, he knows how to get back up here. He just needs to put in the work."

Before 37-year-old Usyk defeated Fury, British fighter Lewis was the last man to become reigning undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999.

The Briton defeated Evander Holyfield for the title, winning in a rematch after their draw earlier that year.

Lewis competed in three key rematches in his career. He twice came back to win after losing a first bout, once to Hasim Rahman in 2001 and once to Oliver McCall, who beat him in 1994 before folding to defeat in 1997.

Now 59, Lewis says he was driven by "revenge" in those contests and says Fury will be going through the same thing after the first loss of his career.

"Every day I woke up training for this person, ready for this person, thinking about them the whole day. I took it real serious," Lewis said.

"Wake up every day to their picture. Stick it on the wall. And be thinking about them all the time. It’s a mental war you’re going in against."



BBC
 
Benn's provisional doping suspension lifted

Conor Benn's provisional suspension has been lifted after a two-year battle with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Benn, 28, is an unbeaten welterweight with a 23-0 record, but in 2022 he twice tested positive for a banned substance, women's fertility drug Clomifene, in voluntary drug tests.

His suspension has been withdrawn after Ukad said the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) was "not comfortably satisfied" that it and the Board had proved he had committed an anti-doping rule violation.

Benn says he has been "cleared of any wrongdoing" and has always been "an advocate for clean sport".


www.bbc.com

Conor Benn: British fighter has provisional suspension lifted after two-year battle

Conor Benn's provisional suspension is lifted after a two-year battle with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).
www.bbc.com
 
Benn's provisional doping suspension lifted

Conor Benn's provisional suspension has been lifted after a two-year battle with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Benn, 28, is an unbeaten welterweight with a 23-0 record, but in 2022 he twice tested positive for a banned substance, women's fertility drug Clomifene, in voluntary drug tests.

His suspension has been withdrawn after Ukad said the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) was "not comfortably satisfied" that it and the Board had proved he had committed an anti-doping rule violation.

Benn says he has been "cleared of any wrongdoing" and has always been "an advocate for clean sport".

"This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life," Benn wrote in a statement published on X., external

"[It has been} a rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight."

Ukad say the "charge against him has been consequently dismissed" however, they are reviewing the decision "in accordance with its appeal rights".

They have 21 days to lodge that appeal.

Ukad added it is "unable to publicly disclose" the full decision of the NADP at this time without Benn's consent.

A key issue at the heart of Benn's case was the drug tests were conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) and paid for by Benn's promoters Matchroom Boxing, and not by Ukad.

The NADP lifted his ban in July 2023 but he was provisionally suspended again after appeals by Ukad and the BBBofC were upheld in May.

When will Benn box again?

Benn is now free to resume his fighting career in the UK and plans to reschedule a bout with Chris Eubank Jr.

Both fighters' teams are pushing for the contest and the preference is for the fight to take place in the UK, rather than in Saudi Arabia.

Eubank and Benn clashed in the Kingdom last month during the week leading up to Artur Beterbiev's victory over Dmitry Bivol. Benn then joined his rival in the ring after Eubank stopped Kamil Szeremeta.

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Benn, said he expects the fight to happen early in 2025.

"It's the easiest fight in the world to promote," he said.

"The first time we sold out the highest ever gate at the O2 for boxing. It was sold so quickly I can't even tell you. Now, with everything, its three or four times bigger," he said.

"I think you'll see it in February or March 2025. It can land in Riyadh but AJ-Dubois (Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois) was epic for British boxing and this will be too.

"It's always nice to have at least one stadium fight a year. To do that in the first quarter would be encouraging for what might follow."

What is the timeline for Benn's anti-doping case?

Benn was initially suspended from boxing in March 2023 after he failed two voluntary tests for clomifene before his cancelled bout with fellow Briton Chris Eubank Jr.

The pair were scheduled to meet on 8 October 2022 at a catchweight of 157lb, around 30 years after their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr fought. Eubank Sr won the first fight in 1990, while the 1993 rematch was declared a draw.

Clomifene can be used to boost testosterone levels in men, and is banned inside and outside competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).

BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith said Benn was provisionally barred from participating in any capacity in a competition organised, convened, authorised or recognised by his organisation.

Benn has always insisted he is innocent of intentionally doping. He has blamed "contamination" for the findings. His defence outlined there was a fault with the Vada testing laboratory.

An independent report by the WBC in February 2023 said his failed drugs test was not intentional and could have been caused by a "highly-elevated consumption" of eggs, but Benn was still under investigation by Ukad and the BBBofC.

NADP lifted the suspension last July and Benn believed he was free to fight in the UK again.

However, appeals made by Ukad and the BBBofC against that decision were upheld in May.

Speaking to BBC Sport in October, promoter Hearn said Benn had been "penalised by his resistance to accept guilt" and that his fighter would be fighting in the UK sooner had he taken a ban handed to him following the failed test.

"For me, knowing and believing he is innocent, to see what he has had to go through over the past two years is pretty brutal," Hearn said.

"Unfortunately because of the way the process has played out, he's ruffled feathers with the authorities and he hasn't played ball.

"They would have liked to tidy the situation up quickly but he wanted to appeal, explore and provide his reasoning and evidence."

Benn has fought twice in the United States with the most recent in February a unanimous points win over Peter Dobson in a welterweight contest in Las Vegas.

Had he accepted guilt and a subsequent ban in the UK, however, it is unlikely American athletic commissions – who tend to side with sanctions handed to fighters by their international counterparts – would have allowed Benn to compete in the country.

BBC
 
Taylor booed in narrow points victory over Serrano

Ireland's Katie Taylor was booed as she successfully retained her undisputed light-welterweight title with a contentious points win against Amanda Serrano at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.

The pair served up another classic in their rematch, with Serrano's relentless volume punching and Irishwoman Taylor's smart countering.

Taylor repeatedly leaned in with her head, causing a nasty cut above Serrano's right in the fourth round which opened up later in the fight as blood poured down the Puerto Rican's face.

The 38-year-old was docked a point for a headbutt in the eighth, which convinced those in attendance that Serrano had done enough to gain revenge for a close points loss in 2022.

But all three judges scored the fight 95-94 for Taylor.

"I knew it was an absolute slugfest in there, an absolute war," Taylor said as she welcomed a trilogy bout.

"I definitely didn't agree with the point deduction. I certainly wasn't fighting dirty. Sometimes it gets rough in there.

The fight was chief support to 58-year-old Mike Tyson's comeback fight against Jake Paul as Taylor defended her IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles, extending her record to 24 wins and one defeat.

For seven-division world champion Serrano, 36, it was only a third defeat in a remarkable 51 pro fights.

"I knew when it went to the judges it was going to be a little shady," Serrano said.

"Every time you get a cut it hurts. You get blood in your eye. She kept headbutting me, but we knew that from the very beginning, the first fight."

Taylor edges another close classic

The super-fight was deserving of topping the bill, yet the striking dome-shaped stadium was almost full when the boxers made their ring walks.

A smiling Serrano lapped up the applause, dancing her way through a line of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Taylor, in black with gold trim, was more understated in her ring walk but still soaking up the atmosphere as she sauntered down the runway without any real urgency.

Serrano began strongly, whipping in a left hook in the closing seconds of round one to buckle Taylor's legs.

Bray native Taylor knew all about her opponent's power, having somehow stayed on her feet in a memorable fifth round of the first fight.

She once again weathered the storm and landed combinations in the second as the bout began to heat up.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was not sure whether he would be given accreditation for the fight after criticising the Tyson-Paul bout, watched on at ringside.

The challenger complained to the referee about Taylor's excessive holding as both women trading punches in a terrific fifth, Serrano with the accurate blows.

The ringside doctor took a look at Serrano after another clash of heads in the fifth, as the crowd gasped at the close-up on the big screen.

Serrano valiantly continued, her eyesight hindered as she wiped blood every few seconds. Taylor targeted the damage with left hooks as both boxers threw caution to the wind.

Taylor was hurt by an uppercut in the seventh before replying with a two-punch combination. The fight was living up to all the hype, with Serrano's warrior spirit winning over those fans who may not have already been invested in the chief support.

After the point deduction, Taylor continued with her punches but so did Serrano.

Just like they did at New York's Madison Square Garden, Taylor and Serrano continued to throw hands until the final seconds of round 10.

Serrano outlanded Taylor and was more accurate in her punching. She also landed 324 punches over 10 rounds. More than they landed combined in their first fight.

An inspiring rivalry enters another chapter

Often the sequel is never as good, and while the standard of the first fight would have taken some beating, Taylor and Serrano delivered another masterpiece.

Two years on from their first fight in New York, they earn career-high seven figure paydays and remain two of the most recognisable and biggest draws in female boxing.

The close nature of a second fight and the controversy over the result sets up the trilogy bout nicely, as Taylor welcomed three-minute rounds for a third fight.

In a fight week dominated by the controversial main event, with Paul's foul language and Tyson slapping his opponent, Taylor and Serrano conducted themselves professionally and showcased the best side of the sport.

The hope is, though, that having entertained fans with 20 sensational rounds and a rematch being broadcasted to millions globally on Netflix, the Serrano-Taylor rivalry can inspire a generation of boxers and fans.

BBC
 
Ramirez outclasses brave Billam-Smith to unify titles

Mexican Gilberto Ramirez defeated Britain's brave and bloodied Chris Billam-Smith on points in Riyadh to become unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion.

The victory was a comfortable one for 'Zurdo' on the cards, the judges at ringside scoring it 116-112, 116-112 and 116-113.

Ramirez moves to 47-1 with his only professional defeat being by former light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol.

He dominated the majority of the fight in Saudi Arabia and landed a high volume of devastating blows as Billam-Smith admirably fought on, staying on his feet for the full 12 rounds but he was not at the level to dethrone Ramirez.

This defeat is the second blemish on the Bournemouth fighter's record, his other loss to Londoner Richard Riakporhe in 2019.

"I guess there's a bit of irony," Billam-Smith said in the ring after the bout.

"My initials are obviously CBS, I say 'consistency builds success' and I think he had the consistency tonight. They deserved to come out with the win. I have a huge amount of respect for him."

He added: "Next I will enjoy a rest, enjoy Christmas. We'll have to go back and keep improving."

Meanwhile, Ramirez continues his fine streak at his new weight, winning a second world title in only his second fight at cruiserweight.

"I feel great. I'm a true champion, everyone saw," Ramirez said.

"I mean, I'm prepared for those guys. We know he was a tough fighter. A strong guy. He was a champion. It was an honour for me to fight him and get the belt.

"Next I want to unify with all the champions. That's the main goal for me."

Ramirez draws blood and sets himself up for further unification

WBO champion Billam-Smith was the first to make his way to the ring at the Venue arena, a stern look on his face as he completed a lap of the canvas with his arm raised.

It was far from the raucous crowd Billam-Smith is used to back home, but at ringside there was some familiar faces with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe - also a legendary former player and manager of Billam-Smith's beloved AFC Bournemouth - and some of his players in attendance.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund owns a majority stake in Newcastle, as the country continues to invest millions into sport.

The kingdom has been accused of using sport and famous sportspeople as vehicles for 'sportwashing' as Saudi Arabia continues to be criticised for its human rights record.

Just before the first bell, chants for both fighters could be heard and as it got under way, it was first Billam-Smith who landed clean.

He connected with some decent shots that snapped back the head of Ramirez.

However, Ramirez got to work in the rounds that followed, landing some powerful shots and in the fourth round, connecting with a huge right hook that ended up cutting Billam-Smith over his left eye.

In the fifth, the Mexican stunned the Briton with a huge left hand just before the bell rang.

The referee paused the action at the start of the seventh round, such was the damage done to Billam-Smith's left eye. The ringside doctor inspected the cut, and confirmed the fight could continue.

"It was a few rounds there where I couldn't see out of that eye," Billam-Smith admitted.

Ramirez continued on his destructive path in the final rounds, landing the more significant and eye-catching shots.

The Mexican appeared to tire towards the end of the bout, Billam-Smith having moments of joy but it was all too little too late, with the Briton's coach Shane McGuigan vocally frustrated at how the fight was playing out.

Billam-Smith emptied his gas tank in the final minute, but it was not to be as Ramirez became the first Mexican to unify world titles at cruiserweight.

Ramirez has now set himself up to further unify the cruiserweight division, with both IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBC champion Noel Mikaelian sharing their desires to fight the winner of this contest.

BBC
 

Eubank stays unbeaten in scrappy win over Erdogan​

Harlem Eubank stayed unbeaten and collected the 20th victory of his career by defeating Nurali Erdogan on points in Newcastle.

The 30-year-old was making his debut at welterweight, but put in a largely uneven performance over eight rounds against France's Erdogan.

All three judges saw it for Eubank, scoring the contest 77-73, 79-70 and 77-72.

"Different style tonight, first fight at welterweight, tough guy who just wanted to tie up," Eubank said of the fight.

"I went in there to get the job done. A unanimous decision win, I'm happy."

Of the grappling, Eubank placed the blame on his opponent, saying: "I felt strong in there, the grabbing made it difficult."

Eubank last fought just over 12 months ago and showed obvious signs of ring rust as he never really found his rhythm.

Erdogan, 27, was meant to be soft introduction to the welterweight division, with just one stoppage in 16 wins – but Eubank was untidy from the first bell.

He was warned repeatedly about holding, but it was Erdogan who was deducted two points for it in the second half of the bout.

In a fight lacking any real action, Eubank was wobbled momentarily by a left hook in the fifth round, but was otherwise untroubled by the visibly bigger Erdogan.

Eubank, who battled through a cut for the last two rounds, was eventually deducted a point in the final minutes, but Erdogan's previous point deductions had already secured a win for the Briton.

Eubank, the cousin of fellow boxer Chris Eubank Jr, was due to fight Adam Azim at light-welterweight but the bout never materialised, despite the pair facing off in the ring in March during the Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke card.

Speaking of future fights, neither Eubank or his team mentioned Azim, but said they were targeting "big things" in 2025.

Source: BBC
 
Golden Boy Promotions opposes Garcia exhibition bout

Golden Boy Promotions has denied Ryan Garcia is set to fight in an exhibition bout on 30 December in Japan.

Garcia, 26, announced he was due to face Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo and appeared alongside his opponent in a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The American is currently serving a doping suspension in the United States until 20 April 2025 and will need to provide a clean urine test before his licence can be reissued.

Golden Boy chief Oscar de la Hoya reacted to the media event, saying his company had "exclusive rights" to any Garcia fights.

"The organisers of this event have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur," he said.

"As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia."

Garcia failed multiple drug tests before his win over Devin Haney in April.

That win was overturned to a no contest and the New York State Athletic Commission banned Garcia for one year from competing.

The proposed exhibition fight with Anpo is expected to be no more than eight, two-minute rounds with no winner announced.

Golden Boy Promotions had put out a release promoting Tuesday's news conference before De la Hoya made his statement on social media.

Speaking at the news conference, Garcia said the exhibition fight was his "only option to stay active".

"This is my only route, so I found a way. Obviously taking months off ruins you, you lose a step, so we're going to see how it goes.

"From there, we'll make a decision, I'm just trying to get in the mix of things after a long break, get used to training, stay in shape and just continue developing for a big fight in April."

BBC
 
Chisora to face Wallin in Manchester 'last dance'

British heavyweight Derek Chisora will face Sweden's Otto Wallin in Manchester on Saturday, 8 February.

A veteran of 48 fights, Chisora will turn 41 six weeks before the fight at the Co-op Live arena.

The Londoner, who earned a unanimous points decision win over Joe Joyce in July, suggested he is close to retirement.

"I've had some amazing nights in Manchester, both in the ring and in the warehouse raves, so it was only right I had one last dance up north," Chisora said.

Zimbabwe-born Chisora made his debut in 2007. He has lost 13 pro fights, including three to Tyson Fury and a world-title shot against Vitali Klitschko in 2012.

"Come 8 February I'm going to be bringing war to Wallin, be ready for my penultimate showreel knockout," he added.

Chisora was in negotiations to fight Jarrell Miller before the fight fell through amid a dispute between the American and his promoter.

Wallin, 34, has won 27 pro fights with two defeats.

He inflicted a cut on Fury which needed 47 stitches before losing on points in 2019 and was stopped by a dominant Anthony Joshua last year.

"I know I'm walking into the lion's den, but I will be ready for it and ready to get the victory," Wallin said.

British light-heavyweights Willy Hutchinson and Zach Parker will contest the chief support bout at the 23,500-capacity indoor arena.


BBC
 
Ukad will not appeal Benn suspension being lifted

Conor Benn's hopes of returning to the ring in Britain moved a step closer as a result of UK Anti-Doping's decision not to appeal his suspension being lifted.

The 28-year-old had his British licence revoked in 2022 by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) after two failed drugs tests in the lead up to his cancelled fight against Chris Eubank Jr.

The suspension was lifted earlier this month, with Ukad saying the National Anti-Doping Panel was "not comfortably satisfied" it and the BBBofC had proved he had committed an anti-doping rule violation.

Ukad was given 21 days to appeal but the organisation has decided against doing so.

Following the decision, the BBBofC also confirmed, external it would not be lodging an appeal.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has a separate period in which it can appeal.

The 28-year-old, who has an unbeaten 23-0 record in the welterweight division, tested positive for women's fertility drug Clomifene.

Benn, who has not fought in Britain since April 2022, has always denied doping and said he had been "cleared of any wrongdoing" when his suspension was lifted.

He has fought twice since his suspension, but both fights - victories against Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024 - were in the United States.

Benn is now free to resume his fighting career in the UK and plans to reschedule a bout with Eubank Jr.

Both fighters' teams are pushing for the contest and the preference is for it to take place in the UK rather than in Saudi Arabia.


BBC
 
Yafai puts on masterclass to beat Edwards

Olympic champion Galal Yafai put on a masterclass to beat long-term rival Sunny Edwards and win the interim WBC flyweight title.

Yafai dominated for six rounds before the referee stepped in to halt the action at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham.

Edwards, who reigned as IBF flyweight champion between 2021 and 2023, announced his retirement post-fight.

The victory extends Yafai's unblemished record to nine victories, with seven of those wins coming inside the distance - and it puts him in line for a shot at WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji in 2025.

"It means everything to me," Yafai told DAZN.

"I think people underrate me. I won Olympic gold. It was my night tonight.

"Winning gold in the Olympics was the best achievement I could ever do but beating Sunny tonight was a better feeling that standing on that podium."

Edwards beat Yafai when they met as amateurs in 2015 but was unable to match the intensity of his opponent in the Midlands.

The Londoner retires with 21 wins and two defeats on his record.

"Win, lose or draw I was always going into the sunset," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"This was the last thing I wanted to do, fight Galal, but I left a few clues with my posts on social media 'the last dance'.

"My body is falling apart, I've got bad ankles, wrists, shoulders, back, everything is bad about me. It has been a hard career with the wear and tear on my body."

Yafai lives up to the hype

Yafai, long touted as a future world champion after collecting gold at the 2020 Olympics, did not take the opportunity to soak up the cheers from the majority of the 5,000 in attendance in his home city of Birmingham as he raced down the ramp and into the ring.

Some have questioned the quality of his previous opponents and there was no doubt that facing Edwards was a huge step up, but he exuded confidence from the first bell and overwhelmed his rival for every second of every round.

Both fighters promised fireworks in the build-up but only one managed to deliver on that promise, with Yafai exploding out of the blocks.

Yafai, fighting in Birmingham for the first time since August 2023, displayed the full catalogue of shots, working head and body seamlessly and denying Edwards any breathing space in the ring.

Edwards could be heard telling his trainer "I don't want to be here" in between rounds.

He struggled to find his rhythm and when he did manage to land heavy with a right, Yafai stopped, shook his head and smiled.

The pair both come from fighting families with Edwards' brother Charlie a previous holder of the WBC flyweight belt, while Yafai's brothers Kal and Gamal were WBA super-flyweight and European super-bantamweight champions respectively.

There was tension between their siblings, with Charlie, Kal and Gamal involved in several public disputes, including throughout fight week and in the locker room in the hours before the main event.

But the relationship between Sunny and Galal has always been respectful and that was evident at the end of fifth when they touched gloves and nodded at each other.

The action was finally halted in the sixth when Edwards was backed up on the ropes and unable to answer back with a flurry of punches landing on his head.

"I had the best camp I could - I was worried about what Sunny could do to me," Yafai told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Whatever Sunny decides to do, he has been the man for many years now. I've looked up to him.

"Sunny is someone I have always wanted to beat. I knew I was better. He has been a great advocate."

'Boxing has absorbed my life' - Edwards

In the build-up to Saturday's bout, Edwards dropped hints about not being in the right space and the potential of retiring, admitting "a loss can make or break a fighter but I think it depends on where they are at in their life".

Stepping on to enemy territory to face Yafai, it was no surprise that Edwards was welcomed into the arena by a wall of boos from a hostile crowd, however, it was nothing but cheers and respect from the crowd when he announced his retirement in the ring.

Edwards started boxing aged nine, following his older brother Charlie into the gym, and pugilism quickly consumed his life.

After training in Sheffield with Team GB and enjoying a successful amateur career, Edwards made the move into the professional ranks in 2016.

The 28-year-old ascended through the ranks with incredible skill, putting the British flyweight division on the map, and won the IBF title by beating Moruti Mthalane to extend his record to 16-0 in 2021.

After four successive defences, Edwards dared to dream but came up short when trying to unify against WBO champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez in December 2023.

Edwards bounced back to beat Adrian Curiel in June but was unable to find his groove against Yafai.

"I'm touching 20 years in a boxing career, and have been professional for about eight, and I've been busy," Edwards said.

"The only thing I think about when I get out of the ring is getting back in it and it has absorbed my life, my happiness, my effort.

"I've missed so many sports days, so many firsts of my kids' lives to do this.

"I couldn't get through a camp for the last four of five years without a bad wrist, a bad hand, a bad shoulder - I had to miss two or three weeks of training for this camp because I couldn't walk."

BBC
 
World champion Dubois to face Parker in Saudi

Briton Daniel Dubois will defend his world heavyweight title against former champion Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on 22 February.

Dubois, 27, made a spectacular first defence of his IBF belt by beating Anthony Joshua in September.

New Zealand's Parker, 32, held the WBO title between 2016 and 2018 before losing it to Joshua.

Also on the card in Riyadh, Artur Beterbiev will defend his undisputed light-heavyweight crown in a rematch with fellow Russian Dmitry Bivol.

Undefeated Londoner Hamzah Sheeraz will challenge for his maiden world title against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames.

Shakur Stevenson will put his WBC lightweight belt on the line against Floyd Schofield while Zhilei Zhang faces Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight title to complete the blockbuster card.

Dubois captured the interim title with an impressive win over Filip Hrgovic last year and was elevated to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

The Londoner legitimised himself as a world champion when he upset the odds by dismantling two-time champion Joshua inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium.

Parker earns a title shot after a four-fight winning streak, including impressive wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhang in his past two fights.

In October, Beterbiev defeated Bivol by majority decision to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion since 2002.

Many ringside observers felt Bivol, who suffered a first career defeat, should have been awarded the decision.

Ilford-born Sheeraz, 25, has won all 21 pro bouts with 17 stoppages. He withdrew from an ordered fight against WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly to take on Dominican Adames, who has lost once in 25 bouts.

BBC
 
BouncerGuy said:
Yafai puts on masterclass to beat Edwards

Olympic champion Galal Yafai put on a masterclass to beat long-term rival Sunny Edwards and win the interim WBC flyweight title.

Yafai dominated for six rounds before the referee stepped in to halt the action at BP Pulse Live in Birmingham.

Edwards, who reigned as IBF flyweight champion between 2021 and 2023, announced his retirement post-fight.

The victory extends Yafai's unblemished record to nine victories, with seven of those wins coming inside the distance - and it puts him in line for a shot at WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji in 2025.

"It means everything to me," Yafai told DAZN.

"I think people underrate me. I won Olympic gold. It was my night tonight.

"Winning gold in the Olympics was the best achievement I could ever do but beating Sunny tonight was a better feeling that standing on that podium."

Edwards beat Yafai when they met as amateurs in 2015 but was unable to match the intensity of his opponent in the Midlands.

The Londoner retires with 21 wins and two defeats on his record.

"Win, lose or draw I was always going into the sunset," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"This was the last thing I wanted to do, fight Galal, but I left a few clues with my posts on social media 'the last dance'.

"My body is falling apart, I've got bad ankles, wrists, shoulders, back, everything is bad about me. It has been a hard career with the wear and tear on my body."

Yafai lives up to the hype

Yafai, long touted as a future world champion after collecting gold at the 2020 Olympics, did not take the opportunity to soak up the cheers from the majority of the 5,000 in attendance in his home city of Birmingham as he raced down the ramp and into the ring.

Some have questioned the quality of his previous opponents and there was no doubt that facing Edwards was a huge step up, but he exuded confidence from the first bell and overwhelmed his rival for every second of every round.

Both fighters promised fireworks in the build-up but only one managed to deliver on that promise, with Yafai exploding out of the blocks.

Yafai, fighting in Birmingham for the first time since August 2023, displayed the full catalogue of shots, working head and body seamlessly and denying Edwards any breathing space in the ring.

Edwards could be heard telling his trainer "I don't want to be here" in between rounds.

He struggled to find his rhythm and when he did manage to land heavy with a right, Yafai stopped, shook his head and smiled.

The pair both come from fighting families with Edwards' brother Charlie a previous holder of the WBC flyweight belt, while Yafai's brothers Kal and Gamal were WBA super-flyweight and European super-bantamweight champions respectively.

There was tension between their siblings, with Charlie, Kal and Gamal involved in several public disputes, including throughout fight week and in the locker room in the hours before the main event.

But the relationship between Sunny and Galal has always been respectful and that was evident at the end of fifth when they touched gloves and nodded at each other.

The action was finally halted in the sixth when Edwards was backed up on the ropes and unable to answer back with a flurry of punches landing on his head.

"I had the best camp I could - I was worried about what Sunny could do to me," Yafai told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Whatever Sunny decides to do, he has been the man for many years now. I've looked up to him.

"Sunny is someone I have always wanted to beat. I knew I was better. He has been a great advocate."

'Boxing has absorbed my life' - Edwards

In the build-up to Saturday's bout, Edwards dropped hints about not being in the right space and the potential of retiring, admitting "a loss can make or break a fighter but I think it depends on where they are at in their life".

Stepping on to enemy territory to face Yafai, it was no surprise that Edwards was welcomed into the arena by a wall of boos from a hostile crowd, however, it was nothing but cheers and respect from the crowd when he announced his retirement in the ring.

Edwards started boxing aged nine, following his older brother Charlie into the gym, and pugilism quickly consumed his life.

After training in Sheffield with Team GB and enjoying a successful amateur career, Edwards made the move into the professional ranks in 2016.

The 28-year-old ascended through the ranks with incredible skill, putting the British flyweight division on the map, and won the IBF title by beating Moruti Mthalane to extend his record to 16-0 in 2021.

After four successive defences, Edwards dared to dream but came up short when trying to unify against WBO champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez in December 2023.

Edwards bounced back to beat Adrian Curiel in June but was unable to find his groove against Yafai.

"I'm touching 20 years in a boxing career, and have been professional for about eight, and I've been busy," Edwards said.

"The only thing I think about when I get out of the ring is getting back in it and it has absorbed my life, my happiness, my effort.

"I've missed so many sports days, so many firsts of my kids' lives to do this.

"I couldn't get through a camp for the last four of five years without a bad wrist, a bad hand, a bad shoulder - I had to miss two or three weeks of training for this camp because I couldn't walk."

BBC
Click to expand...

I was at the fight, I’d always back Yafai as a hometown guy and feel his promotion has been terrible when you consider he’s a gold medal winner. But at the same time am sad being a big fan of Edwards work in the past, he got pasted quiet badly, and while he was tentative compared to his peak form, and more battle worn, because Yafai was so good at cutting the ring off, Edwards could not glide around the ring like he use to. Terrific performance from Yafai though, needs more high profile fights, and box in the states as well because Hearns doesn’t really know what to do with the midlands market.
 
shaz619 said:
I was at the fight, I’d always back Yafai as a hometown guy and feel his promotion has been terrible when you consider he’s a gold medal winner. But at the same time am sad being a big fan of Edwards work in the past, he got pasted quiet badly, and while he was tentative compared to his peak form, and more battle worn, because Yafai was so good at cutting the ring off, Edwards could not glide around the ring like he use to. Terrific performance from Yafai though, needs more high profile fights, and box in the states as well because Hearns doesn’t really know what to do with the midlands market.
Click to expand...

Bro. What a Card we have for February 22nd . Every fight is a potential star billing.
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Bro. What a Card we have for February 22nd . Every fight is a potential star billing.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, it’s the best card I’ve ever seen for the 21st century. Any of the fights could main event in their respective territories. Promoters calling it amazing with no shame given they’ve been responsible for spending very little on their undercard’s in the past.

IMG_3752.jpeg

The most intriguing thing for me is the quick turn around for Beterbiev & Bivol, you can make a case for either man in terms of who it benefits, just around 3 months since the last fight if you account for some rest as well!
 
Former world champion Vazquez dies aged 46

Former world super-bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez has died aged 46.

It was announced in November that the Mexican, who was nicknamed 'Magnifico', had been diagnosed with cancer.

Vazquez held the IBF, WBC and The Ring super-bantamweight world titles in a 49-fight career that included 44 wins and five defeats.

He had a famous rivalry with compatriot Rafael Marquez, with the pair winning two fights apiece from their four bouts between 2007 and 2010.

Vazquez retired after losing their final fight.

"Thank you Israel for so many great memories that you have given us through your actions inside the ring but most importantly outside of it," wrote WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on social media.

"You are now eternal, rest in peace, everything will be all right."


BBC
 
Okolie claims round-one TKO in debut at heavyweight

Londoner Lawrence Okolie made a dream start to life as a heavyweight with a first-round win over Hussein Muhamed at Wembley's OVO Arena.

The former cruiserweight world champion landed a well-timed counter-right hand to send Germany's Muhamed to the canvas with 46 seconds left in the round.

Muhamed, like Okolie, had only been beaten once before but was clearly out of his depth. He rose to his feet on the count of eight and stumbled towards the referee, who smartly ignored the away fighter's protests and waved off the contest.

"As soon as I hit them, they start going. I'm ready for the best in the world," Okolie said.

The 31-year-old jumped up divisions after losing his WBO cruiserweight title to Chris Billam-Smith last year.

He won the WBC bridgerweight title in May, before signing with promoter Frank Warren and stepping up to heavyweight.

Okolie weighed in at a whopping 18st 6lb on Friday, two and half stone heavier than his previous fight and more than four stone than he did against Billam-Smith.

He said he felt solid at the new weight.

"I felt tired having to make that [cruiserweight] - now I know every round I can be explosive and then recover," Okolie explained.

The Hackney fighter has been criticised over the years for his excessive grappling and clinching - a style which, albeit often effective, resulted in many dull contests.

Though much tougher tests await, he delivered on his pre-fight promise of an explosive performance as Warren told the fighter to expect "big fights in 2025".

Bentley outpoints Pauls, Adeleye demolishes Dacres

In the main event, Denzel Bentley won the British and European middleweight titles and remained on course for a second world-title shot by outpointing Brad Pauls.

Bentley edged a competitive back-and-forth encounter and dropped Pauls in the 10th round with a seemingly innocuous jab.

Pauls was well supported with chants of 'Newquay Bomb' by his travelling Cornwall contingency, though there were a number of empty seats in the arena, presumably some fans who may have considered buying a ticket on the door put off by Storm Darragh.

All three judges scored it in favour of Bentley, who is still the number one challenger for WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, having lost to the Kazakhstani in 2022.

Earlier in the night, David Adeleye sent a message to other British heavyweights with a stunning first-round stoppage win over the previously undefeated Solomon Dacres.

Joe Joyce and 2024 Team GB Olympian Delicious Orie watched from ringside as Adeleye unleashed a powerful lead left hook one minute and 20 seconds into the contest.

The punch skimmed Dacres' head but appeared to scramble his senses as he crashed heavily into the ropes and to the canvas.

British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Sam Noakes continued his undefeated record with a dominant unanimous decision win over Ryan Walsh, after brother Sean Noakes had outpointed Matthew Rennie.

BBC
 
Pauls will 'get more belts' after Bentley defeat

Brad Pauls says he will "get more belts" after losing his British middleweight title to Denzel Bentley.

The Cornish fighter, 31, lost a unanimous points decision to the Londoner at Wembley Arena on Saturday.

The win also saw Bentley claim the European and WBO International belts, making him the organisation's number one contender for its world title.

Pauls started slowly, but recovered to win a couple of the middle rounds before Bentley assumed control - knocking the Newquay fighter down in the 10th round.

"It was not the result I wanted, I'm absolutely gutted, but I did try my absolute best," Pauls said in a video message on social media after the fight.

"Massive respect to Denzel Bentley who's a great fighter, definitely above British level.

"I took a shot at something higher, it didn't work out, but I'll do what I always do and dust myself off and go again."


www.bbc.com

Brad Pauls voes to come back stronger after Denzel Bentley loss

Brad Pauls says he will "get more belts" after losing his British middleweight title to Denzel Bentley.
www.bbc.com
 
Inoue title defence postponed after Goodman injury

Naoya Inoue's planned Christmas Eve defence of his world super-bantamweight titles has been postponed after Australian challenger Sam Goodman suffered an injury in training.

Goodman's gym announced on Saturday that he had cut his eye while sparring, with reports saying he needed four stitches., external

A new date has been set for Friday, 24 January, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

"I'm sorry to everyone who was looking forward to it," 31-year-old Inoue wrote on his X account., external.

"We hope you will come again on the new dates. Let's fight at our best."

Both fighters have a 100% record, with Japanese champion Inoue claiming 25 of his 28 wins via knockout.

He is putting his IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO belts on the line against 26-year-old Goodman, who has eight knockouts in his 19 victories.

BBC
 
Where is Joshua? I can't find him – Dubois

Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight world champion, believes Anthony Joshua "wasn't ready" to fight him on 22 February next year, despite lengthy talks about their prospective rematch.

Dubois, 27, was expected to fight Joshua again after beating him in September, but will instead face top contender Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua's team say the former unified world champion is carrying an injury and Dubois says Parker, 32, is a "different" challenge than his domestic rival.

"I don't think Joshua was ready for it. Where is AJ? I can't find him. I've been looking for AJ but I can't find him. On to the next one now," Dubois told BBC Sport.

"Parker's been on a good run, he's experienced and a veteran.

"I just have to be faster and better than him in every department. I think I'll do a job on him but it will be a good fight."

Dubois was speaking from his hotel in Riyadh having flown into town in time for Oleksandr Usyk's news conference with Tyson Fury on Thursday.

The world champion will be ringside to watch WBC, WBO and WBA (Super) champion Usyk defend his title against Fury on Saturday.

Dubois ran into his next opponent Parker in the hotel, embracing the New Zealander before giving him a fist bump.

Dubois targets Usyk v Fury 2 winner

Despite his upcoming title defence, Dubois is eager to fight the winner of Usyk-Fury and said he would take on either, but would prefer to face Usyk, who he lost to in 2023.

Dubois, who was stopped in the ninth round, floored Usyk in the fifth round of their unification contest but it was deemed a low blow.

"I'd be happy [to fight Fury] but I'd love to fight Usyk after what happened in Poland and the history behind it. I'd love to get that back and do a rematch," Dubois said.

"I don't think he would say no to business. Money talks in boxing and it would be a huge fight to get that back, to right that wrong.

"I'm the world champion and he's got the other belts to make it [an] undisputed [fight]."

Usyk has teased a move back down to cruiserweight should he beat Fury for a second time, but Dubois feels that is unlikely.

Having faced Usyk, Dubois said Fury would need to "jump" the Ukrainian to beat him, but when asked to pick a winner, he would not.

"They are both top guys. It was a good back and forth last time, Fury showed his chin," Dubois said.

"I'm sitting on the fence. Either man."

BBC
 
big fight tonight, my money is on fury, getting wilder 2 vibes, hes trying to feign like he coming in super heavy but i aint buying it, take away the showboating and i think he reckons he can outpoint usyk over 12 with a knockout chance in the 3rd quarter of the fight.

by the same token i dont think usyk falls for the gimmicks either. expect a cagey 2 rounds, followed by a technical exchange for the next 3 or 4, fury will weigh up his chances and go for the kill between 6 and 8 maybe, if he cant then he'll get off the gas and try to take the points.

usyk wants the fight to go deep, and im guessing he'll aim for not drop more than 2 rounds in the first 7 or 8, then finish strong. he'll expect fury to be a bit stronger a bit slower, and will likely expect as much and go hardest in rounds 9, 10 just after fury attempts to kill it off.

fury ko rounds 6-9, otw points win for fury IMO. but im a fury fan so maybe a bit biased.
 
Puerto Rican boxer Bamba dies aged 35

Boxer Paul Bamba has died aged 35, his manager Ne-Yo has announced.

Puerto Rican Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title by defeating Mexican Rogelio Medina on 21 December.

Singer Ne-Yo, who signed Bamba to his management company in November, confirmed the news in a joint-statement alongside Bamba's family on Instagram.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives," the statement read.

"He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.

"But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination.

"We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief."

Bamba won each of his 14 fights in 2024 by knockout, culminating in his world title win against Medina in New Jersey.

Following that win last week Bamba posted on his Instagram: "This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn't easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcome and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances.

He added: "If you've got what some might call an outlandish goal, go chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn't as brave as you, prove people wrong."

In all Bamba recorded 19 wins in 22 career bouts and earned 18 of those victories by knockout.

Jake Paul, who Bamba had called out for a future fight, posted on X: "RIP Paul Bamba."

BBC
 
ElRaja said:
big fight tonight, my money is on fury, getting wilder 2 vibes, hes trying to feign like he coming in super heavy but i aint buying it, take away the showboating and i think he reckons he can outpoint usyk over 12 with a knockout chance in the 3rd quarter of the fight.

by the same token i dont think usyk falls for the gimmicks either. expect a cagey 2 rounds, followed by a technical exchange for the next 3 or 4, fury will weigh up his chances and go for the kill between 6 and 8 maybe, if he cant then he'll get off the gas and try to take the points.

usyk wants the fight to go deep, and im guessing he'll aim for not drop more than 2 rounds in the first 7 or 8, then finish strong. he'll expect fury to be a bit stronger a bit slower, and will likely expect as much and go hardest in rounds 9, 10 just after fury attempts to kill it off.

fury ko rounds 6-9, otw points win for fury IMO. but im a fury fan so maybe a bit biased.
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How did you score it in the end, I never saw it like the judges at all
 
BouncerGuy said:
Puerto Rican boxer Bamba dies aged 35

Boxer Paul Bamba has died aged 35, his manager Ne-Yo has announced.

Puerto Rican Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title by defeating Mexican Rogelio Medina on 21 December.

Singer Ne-Yo, who signed Bamba to his management company in November, confirmed the news in a joint-statement alongside Bamba's family on Instagram.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives," the statement read.

"He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.

"But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination.

"We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief."

Bamba won each of his 14 fights in 2024 by knockout, culminating in his world title win against Medina in New Jersey.

Following that win last week Bamba posted on his Instagram: "This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn't easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcome and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances.

He added: "If you've got what some might call an outlandish goal, go chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn't as brave as you, prove people wrong."

In all Bamba recorded 19 wins in 22 career bouts and earned 18 of those victories by knockout.

Jake Paul, who Bamba had called out for a future fight, posted on X: "RIP Paul Bamba."

BBC
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RIP, Boxing is the most brutal combat sport in the world, nothing else compares
 
shaz619 said:
How did you score it in the end, I never saw it like the judges at all
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scoring aside, i was worried when i saw fury, everyone knows boxing aint the cleanest sport but my guy came in looking juiced to the gills. his movement was terrible and usyk got off a lot of scoring shots. i had it a lot closer, i thought fury edged it by one, but he just never kept up the work rate and tbh i would have accepted usuk winning by a round, but four i didnt see coming, and that too unanimous. there were a lot of rounds where fury was stronger for 2 mins, then usuk would dominate the last minute.

it is what it is tho, and if your gonna come in that heavy and that juiced then u better get the KO, the fact that he couldn't even knock usyk down over 24 rounds when dubious showed exactly what u need to do is pretty bad, and even josh had him wobbling for a few rounds in the middle of the first fight. i think fury should retire now, nothing left to gain, but i reckon he'll go do wrestling or other random stuff to make money. his legacy is done, the fury of the second wilder fight was something else, that was the power and movement he needed, and it just aint there anymore.
 
ElRaja said:
scoring aside, i was worried when i saw fury, everyone knows boxing aint the cleanest sport but my guy came in looking juiced to the gills. his movement was terrible and usyk got off a lot of scoring shots. i had it a lot closer, i thought fury edged it by one, but he just never kept up the work rate and tbh i would have accepted usuk winning by a round, but four i didnt see coming, and that too unanimous. there were a lot of rounds where fury was stronger for 2 mins, then usuk would dominate the last minute.

it is what it is tho, and if your gonna come in that heavy and that juiced then u better get the KO, the fact that he couldn't even knock usyk down over 24 rounds when dubious showed exactly what u need to do is pretty bad, and even josh had him wobbling for a few rounds in the middle of the first fight. i think fury should retire now, nothing left to gain, but i reckon he'll go do wrestling or other random stuff to make money. his legacy is done, the fury of the second wilder fight was something else, that was the power and movement he needed, and it just aint there anymore.
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Yes that image with the shorts up was a sore before they had him pull them down, but I don’t think it was juicing or that he intentionally put that weight on. After the first fight he went on a 2 month bender and was in the worst shape he could possibly be in, and this was what he could physically achieve for the fight imo, I don’t think the plan was to knock Usyk out, it was to neutralise his pressure by holding the centre and making better use of his physical attributes to box at arms length. Usyk’s work rate was good but I just feel his pitter patter jabs for a minute at a time made it appear as though the fight was scored like an amateur contest when he got hit with the more telling blows, you could argue Fury could have done a little more but Usyk barely dominated a round and Floyd himself once said how can you give a guy a round for having a good minute, did the other 2 minutes just vanish, if someone is going to get a round for that minute they better have done some serious damage.

Yes, the man who fought Wlad or Fury would have ensured it was a more conclusive result. But in this fight, I think Fury knew he was in terrible condition, his fitness just wasn’t there, so he fought the best fight he possibly could and I thought maximised his best attributes incredibly well. Remember, many expected Usyk to stop him this time round but he ended up getting a boxing lesson. The other factor playing on Fury’s mind would have been the bigger punchers failing to take Usyk out, while Fury at his best would be best equipped to execute such a game plan, this version’s best shot was to outbox him but I don’t think anyone is getting a decision against Usyk. I don’t consider Usyk to be the best HW of his era, argument can be made he is the best of a division in transition, never fought any of the top three HW’s in their peak and is picking up the scraps with his pitter patter style, tough fighter and ATG CW however. Fury imo should have retired after the Chisora fight, still the best HW his era, but it’s the money and his well being he keeps fighting on for, he will probably carry on until he can’t physically continue.
 
shaz619 said:
Yes that image with the shorts up was a sore before they had him pull them down, but I don’t think it was juicing or that he intentionally put that weight on. After the first fight he went on a 2 month bender and was in the worst shape he could possibly be in, and this was what he could physically achieve for the fight imo, I don’t think the plan was to knock Usyk out, it was to neutralise his pressure by holding the centre and making better use of his physical attributes to box at arms length. Usyk’s work rate was good but I just feel his pitter patter jabs for a minute at a time made it appear as though the fight was scored like an amateur contest when he got hit with the more telling blows, you could argue Fury could have done a little more but Usyk barely dominated a round and Floyd himself once said how can you give a guy a round for having a good minute, did the other 2 minutes just vanish, if someone is going to get a round for that minute they better have done some serious damage.

Yes, the man who fought Wlad or Fury would have ensured it was a more conclusive result. But in this fight, I think Fury knew he was in terrible condition, his fitness just wasn’t there, so he fought the best fight he possibly could and I thought maximised his best attributes incredibly well. Remember, many expected Usyk to stop him this time round but he ended up getting a boxing lesson. The other factor playing on Fury’s mind would have been the bigger punchers failing to take Usyk out, while Fury at his best would be best equipped to execute such a game plan, this version’s best shot was to outbox him but I don’t think anyone is getting a decision against Usyk. I don’t consider Usyk to be the best HW of his era, argument can be made he is the best of a division in transition, never fought any of the top three HW’s in their peak and is picking up the scraps with his pitter patter style, tough fighter and ATG CW however. Fury imo should have retired after the Chisora fight, still the best HW his era, but it’s the money and his well being he keeps fighting on for, he will probably carry on until he can’t physically continue.
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i just go on gut instint, and fury's shoulders, triceps, even his face, if i was a gambling man, i would find it extremely difficult to say he wasn't... enhanced, and given what you've said, its all the more reason to. i know theres drug checks and stuff, but furys background aint clean, and im pretty sure hed have access to the latest tech if he wanted it.

as for the fight, i agree with you, but it became obvious that fury looked good on the front foot, and looked poor on the backfoot, at some point no matter what was happening, even with usyks pitter patter punches fury just looked like he was losing on the back foot.

i think the final nail in the coffin, given what turki al sheikh said, its obvious the saudis are done with him, something happened somewhere along the line where i dont think they see a long term future with him in boxing, altho im guessing they still might use him for exhibition stuff.

i partially agree with u on the usyk point, all that notwithstanding, if a cruiser weight can ramp with the heavyweights over 69 rounds and i think he hasnt been knocked down (technically), then u at least have someone who is a technical master, and whilst hes not a heavyweight ATG, i think theres an argument to be made that he is a technical ATG.
 
ElRaja said:
i just go on gut instint, and fury's shoulders, triceps, even his face, if i was a gambling man, i would find it extremely difficult to say he wasn't... enhanced, and given what you've said, its all the more reason to. i know theres drug checks and stuff, but furys background aint clean, and im pretty sure hed have access to the latest tech if he wanted it.

as for the fight, i agree with you, but it became obvious that fury looked good on the front foot, and looked poor on the backfoot, at some point no matter what was happening, even with usyks pitter patter punches fury just looked like he was losing on the back foot.

i think the final nail in the coffin, given what turki al sheikh said, its obvious the saudis are done with him, something happened somewhere along the line where i dont think they see a long term future with him in boxing, altho im guessing they still might use him for exhibition stuff.

i partially agree with u on the usyk point, all that notwithstanding, if a cruiser weight can ramp with the heavyweights over 69 rounds and i think he hasnt been knocked down (technically), then u at least have someone who is a technical master, and whilst hes not a heavyweight ATG, i think theres an argument to be made that he is a technical ATG.
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Possibly you can never know for sure & the sport itself isn’t clean, the past conviction wasn’t handled well and I give him the benefit of the doubt when UKAD risked bankruptcy being a mickey mouse governing body. But I can see the logic behind it now and some of the all time greats did it during a similar phase in their careers. Watching it live I just felt he held his ground quiet well for 85% off the fight, he took a couple of rounds off due to has gas tank issues later in the fight and this is why he didn’t go head hunting, if he did he risked being stopped within the first 6, Fury calculated the limits of his engine quiet well. Usyk to me struggled to make adjustments in the fight with Fury holding his ground, Usyk’s a lot more poker faced so didn’t show how hurt he was but he wasn’t able to find an answer to that Larry Holms style jab from the philly shell, and he rarely looked for punch no.3 or no.4 & Usyk didn’t have enough opportunity to counter and when Fury did get through a chopping right hand and body shot, he clinched him. From a pure technical stand point I saw more from Fury then Usyk, Usyk’s footwork was supreme and much better with him being the lighter man, and he worked more in the 2nd half, but it felt to me like his primary plan revolved around Fury’s gas tank being emptied; there were’t any moments of brilliance from him like in the first imo. Not that he’s not a good technician, I just didn’t see it on the night, I honestly must have watched a different fight to everyone else which is why am so flabbergasted still. And there is no doubt Usyk is an ATG overall, though I don’t rate his achievements at HW as highly as others and I wouldn’t rank him higher than AJ either personally.

Am glad you mentioned that about Turki because I’ve felt that for a long time, knowing the Fury’s I didn’t expect a rosy relationship and 100% something has happened between them & the saudis behind the scenes. Fury I don’t think wanted to fight with his cut in the first fight until that fine came along as well, at the end of the day when they throw a stupid amount of money it’s hard to say no to anything, that is unless you’re an American fighter and wrapped in cotton wool. They’ve milked Fury as much as they could now, there’s still that AJ fight I don’t have as much interest in and think AJ has the edge there as he still carries pop and has the better fitness out the two.
 
shaz619 said:
Possibly you can never know for sure & the sport itself isn’t clean, the past conviction wasn’t handled well and I give him the benefit of the doubt when UKAD risked bankruptcy being a mickey mouse governing body. But I can see the logic behind it now and some of the all time greats did it during a similar phase in their careers. Watching it live I just felt he held his ground quiet well for 85% off the fight, he took a couple of rounds off due to has gas tank issues later in the fight and this is why he didn’t go head hunting, if he did he risked being stopped within the first 6, Fury calculated the limits of his engine quiet well. Usyk to me struggled to make adjustments in the fight with Fury holding his ground, Usyk’s a lot more poker faced so didn’t show how hurt he was but he wasn’t able to find an answer to that Larry Holms style jab from the philly shell, and he rarely looked for punch no.3 or no.4 & Usyk didn’t have enough opportunity to counter and when Fury did get through a chopping right hand and body shot, he clinched him. From a pure technical stand point I saw more from Fury then Usyk, Usyk’s footwork was supreme and much better with him being the lighter man, and he worked more in the 2nd half, but it felt to me like his primary plan revolved around Fury’s gas tank being emptied; there were’t any moments of brilliance from him like in the first imo. Not that he’s not a good technician, I just didn’t see it on the night, I honestly must have watched a different fight to everyone else which is why am so flabbergasted still. And there is no doubt Usyk is an ATG overall, though I don’t rate his achievements at HW as highly as others and I wouldn’t rank him higher than AJ either personally.

Am glad you mentioned that about Turki because I’ve felt that for a long time, knowing the Fury’s I didn’t expect a rosy relationship and 100% something has happened between them & the saudis behind the scenes. Fury I don’t think wanted to fight with his cut in the first fight until that fine came along as well, at the end of the day when they throw a stupid amount of money it’s hard to say no to anything, that is unless you’re an American fighter and wrapped in cotton wool. They’ve milked Fury as much as they could now, there’s still that AJ fight I don’t have as much interest in and think AJ has the edge there as he still carries pop and has the better fitness out the two.
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my two cents would be that the only time usyk has looked uncomfortable to me was in the middle rounds in joshua 1 fight, when josh landed a flurry of body shots. usyks movement was gone, he was totally defensive, and eventually rode it out cos he has crazy mental strength, and other time was obviously dubois. if his strategy was to pick off rounds, that IMO doesnt make sense. how can fury honestly be worried about head hunting in the first three or four rounds, hes gone down in pretty much every fight in his career, his size, power, etc, the only thing to me that made sense was to come out swinging like wilder 2. it is what it is tho, and this chapter is closed. heavyweight boxing is done for a good few years imo.
 
ElRaja said:
my two cents would be that the only time usyk has looked uncomfortable to me was in the middle rounds in joshua 1 fight, when josh landed a flurry of body shots. usyks movement was gone, he was totally defensive, and eventually rode it out cos he has crazy mental strength, and other time was obviously dubois. if his strategy was to pick off rounds, that IMO doesnt make sense. how can fury honestly be worried about head hunting in the first three or four rounds, hes gone down in pretty much every fight in his career, his size, power, etc, the only thing to me that made sense was to come out swinging like wilder 2. it is what it is tho, and this chapter is closed. heavyweight boxing is done for a good few years imo.
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In that second fight he was badly hurt as well against Josh, I can't recall him being moved as much in the first to the body but maybe it's my memory, I don't think Dubois was boxing too terribly against Usyk and it wasn't just the body shot which I thought was 100% legal and against Fury in the first he had serious trouble in the middle rounds but again, as you said his mental strength and chin are excellent. I see what you're saying and I would agree, but I just reckon Fury is shot and he knows it to, part of it could be mental as well and the kind of camps he has, I don't think he has the fire he use to, he acknowledged that in the presser by saying he needed the KO, no chance you're beating Usyk on points in Saudi.

Many people criticised the era which has gone by but they don't know what they had, Usyk could box another 5 years and it would be like the Klitchko's era, I hope he gets stopped to save us the trouble. Dubois is the more entertaining HW out there left and Itauma is promising but needs a bit more time. Josh/Fury/Wilder could still be involved in some entertaining nights but why risk their brain cells. We had a good run mate.
 
shaz619 said:
In that second fight he was badly hurt as well against Josh, I can't recall him being moved as much in the first to the body but maybe it's my memory, I don't think Dubois was boxing too terribly against Usyk and it wasn't just the body shot which I thought was 100% legal and against Fury in the first he had serious trouble in the middle rounds but again, as you said his mental strength and chin are excellent. I see what you're saying and I would agree, but I just reckon Fury is shot and he knows it to, part of it could be mental as well and the kind of camps he has, I don't think he has the fire he use to, he acknowledged that in the presser by saying he needed the KO, no chance you're beating Usyk on points in Saudi.

Many people criticised the era which has gone by but they don't know what they had, Usyk could box another 5 years and it would be like the Klitchko's era, I hope he gets stopped to save us the trouble. Dubois is the more entertaining HW out there left and Itauma is promising but needs a bit more time. Josh/Fury/Wilder could still be involved in some entertaining nights but why risk their brain cells. We had a good run mate.
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i might have got the josh fights the wrong way round, not sure, lol.

dubois is entertaining but he has the charisma of of spoon, itauma is promising i agree, but its gonna be years before he develops fully, also hes another whos not the most marketing savvy.

the hw division needs American fighters, this may sound fairly xenophobic but if an individual sport doesnt have english speaking players at the highest level, its disappears in terms of marketability. look at whats happened to tennis vs the era u had the great American players, or federer and the aussie, Americans, etc. tennis is virtually dead, whereas a sport like F1, built primarily off the marketing of an English streaming show has grown exponentially.
 
Dubois retains title as head clash ends Camara bout in draw

British lightweight Caroline Dubois retained her WBC world title after her contest with Jessica Camara ended in a frustrating technical draw because of a clash of heads.

On her 24th birthday, Dubois dropped the challenger with a smart, straight left hand in the first round in Sheffield.

The Londoner sensed an early finish and continued to pile on the pressure in the second as blood flowed down from Camara's left eye after the accidental coming together of heads.

The referee and ringside doctor waved off the contest before the third, ruling the 36-year-old Canadian – whose right eye was also heavily swollen - was not fit to continue.

"The blood wasn't coming in her face, she didn't want it," said Dubois, who won her first 10 pro fights.

"It was either getting stopped by a doctor or I'm stopping it. I wish her well and hope she has a safe flight home."

Dubois was upgraded from interim to full world champion after Katie Taylor vacated her belt. She has called for a unification fight with Doncaster's WBO champion Terri Harper next.

Barnsley's Callum Simpson defended his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight title with a second-round stoppage of Steed Woodall in the main event.

The 29-year-old Simpson sent Woodall to the canvas with a barrage of shots, before the referee intervened after another attack moments later, despite the protests of Woodall, 30.

Dubois dominates the four minutes of draw

It was not the outcome Dubois wanted, but an otherwise impressive four minutes of boxing from the champion.

Her entrance to a dance remix of Whitney Houston's 'I'm every woman' hyped up the sold-out 3,000 crowd, made up almost entirely of fans supporting Yorkshireman Simpson.

Dubois came out with real intent. She landed a crisp body shot early in round one, before flooring Camara with the southpaw left.

Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith cheered his stablemate on from ringside as Dubois landed hurtful, menacing power punches.

Camara was on a four-fight winning streak, but the Montreal fighter was clearly out of her depth as she sighed on return to the corner.

Dubois continued to bulldoze her way through in the second, grunting with each punch thrown.

She looked set for a sixth stoppage win before the disappointing finish brought a premature end to proceedings. If the contest had gone past the fourth round, it would have been decided by the judges' scorecards.

"The cut was on the side and it [blood] wasn't dropping in the eye. I was surprised we didn't go past four rounds," added Dubois' trainer Shane McGuigan.

'The best female fighter on the planet' - McGuigan

It has been quite the few months for the Dubois name. The Greenwich fighter's estranged brother, Daniel Dubois, stopped Anthony Joshua in September to retain his world heavyweight title.

Long heralded as the future of women's boxing, amateur standout Dubois – despite this draw with Camara - has done everything asked of her as a professional.

"She is the best female fighter on the planet by a mile," said McGuigan.

Her boxing profile does not yet marry up with her abilities, however. Dubois' record is void of that marquee opponent, one which could propel her stardom.

A unification contest with Harper or Brazil's IBF champion Beatriz Ferreira would be a real step up, but both fights Dubois would be confident of winning.

BBC
 

Daniel Dubois vows to beat Oleksandr Usyk in potential rematch if he can overcome Joseph Parker​


Daniel Dubois has escalated his war of words with Oleksandr Usyk, insisting that the Ukrainian was "lucky" in their first fight and would be beaten in a potential rematch later this year.

However, Usyk's camp has responded by insisting the Brit won't even beat Joseph Parker when he makes the first defence of his world heavyweight title next month.

Dubois claimed the IBF title when he beat Anthony Joshua in September and has since called for an undisputed showdown with Usyk, who holds the WBO, WBA and WBC belts.

The pair first met in a controversial fight in Poland in 2023 when Dubois floored the Ukrainian with a body shot in the fifth round, which the referee ruled a low blow and subsequently gave him additional time to recover.

Usyk went on to win via knockout, but Dubois told Sky Sports a rematch would look very different.

"I wouldn't let him off the hook next time, he said at the Ring Magazine Awards.

"He got away lucky last time.

"I need to right that wrong and get my revenge. But first things first is Joseph Parker, all eyes are on him."

Usyk enjoyed two victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, but promoter Alex Krassyuk is not currently contemplating a potential rematch with Dubois.

That's because he expects Parker to snatch the IBF title from him when they fight in Riyadh on February 22.

"You never know. We have no idea [what's next]," Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

"Now it's time to relax. It's time to take a rest.

"Then after Dubois fights Parker, which I think Parker is going to win, we just don't know what's going to happen next."

Dubois, however, insists he can carry the momentum of his historic Wembley Stadium victory over Joshua into next month's fight in Saudi Arabia.

And he insists he will overcome Parker, who has pulled off stunning upsets against Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder in his last two outings.

"I'm confident, I'm ready," Dubois added.

"Everyone has to grow up haven't they? I'm confident, ready to fight and ready to go for him and keep going.

"We're on a roll and I really want to keep this momentum going until we're at the top."

www.skysports.com

Daniel Dubois vows to beat Oleksandr Usyk in potential rematch if he can overcome Joseph Parker

Usyks promoter Alex Krassyuk believes Dubois will lose to Parker in Riyadh on February 22, stalling hopes of a potential rematch after their controversial fight in Poland in 2023; both world heavyweight champions were at the Ring Magazine Awards in London on Saturday evening
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
 
Eubank to fight Benn in London in April

Chris Eubank Jr will fight Conor Benn in their long-awaited showdown in April in London, according to Saudi boxing organiser Turki Alalshikh.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a possible venue for the all-British fight which could take place on 26 April.

The bitter rivals were scheduled to meet in October 2022, which would have been 29 years after their revered fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr fought for a second time.

However, the contest was called off after Conor Benn failed a voluntary drug test, which sparked a two-year battle with anti-doping authorities that culminated in his suspension being lifted last November.

Benn has posted a picture of himself signing a contract alongside his promoter Eddie Hearn and Alalshikh, who has organised some of the biggest fights in recent years as chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority.

Posting the same picture, Hearn wrote: "The biggest fight in British boxing has been made."

In a post on X on Wednesday, Alalshikh wrote: "Eubank Jr vs Benn done in April, London."

Eubank Jr has yet to confirm he has signed a contract.

The 35-year-old will be the favourite against 28-year-old Benn, who steps up from the welterweight limit of 10st 7lb (147lb) for the bout.

Benn has not fought in the UK since 2022, but he competed twice in the United States during his provisional suspension.

The Briton has always denied intentionally doping and will again be subject to Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) testing for the Eubank bout.

Eubank, who usually fights at middleweight, has one loss in his last nine outings but avenged that 2023 defeat to Liam Smith later that year.

Benn has not fought at an elite level but has an unbeaten record of 23 wins with 14 knockouts.

BBC
 
There are rumours that Turki is looking to buyout all the major governing bodies, unifying the alphabet titles so there is only one champion per division; he wants to create a new league system with the UFC as inspiration. I think it’s a great idea and he has done wonders for the sport, however, not sure I trust the Saudi’s and what would be left of the sport if they get bored. At the moment he is losing money so there needs to be a more substantial pay-off, not sure if promotion of the Saudi 2030 vision is a good enough, Turki has put his own money into Ring Magazine though.
 
Its not the biggest fight in British boxing. Eubank is past it now, only fighting for a payday. Benn is a good talent but has been inactive for a while now.

Their names are known, so will sell out but no major interest from boxing fans.

I think Benn will beat him, possibly stop him.
 
shaz619 said:
There are rumours that Turki is looking to buyout all the major governing bodies, unifying the alphabet titles so there is only one champion per division; he wants to create a new league system with the UFC as inspiration. I think it’s a great idea and he has done wonders for the sport, however, not sure I trust the Saudi’s and what would be left of the sport if they get bored. At the moment he is losing money so there needs to be a more substantial pay-off, not sure if promotion of the Saudi 2030 vision is a good enough, Turki has put his own money into Ring Magazine though.
Click to expand...

It will be interesting to see if all the W's will sell, im not sure they will esp WBC.

What Turki should do is start his own World Championship belt, one for each weight. Over time with big names it will surpass the others, similar to UFC model. However there are many more boxers out there compared MMA fighters, so plenty of room for other belts to put on big fights too.

As for Saudi, yes anything can change esp in the middle east. Im not sure the World cup will go ahead unless there is some peace in the region, other than this the Saudis wealth is only increasing, so boxing will be good for a decade or so.
 

Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr boxing bout scheduled for April in London​


The long-awaited grudge match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr is set to finally take place in London in April after a delay of several years, organisers have confirmed.

What should have been an initial bout between the two British boxers in October 2022 was called off when Benn failed a voluntary drug test in fight week, but the 28-year-old confirmed the bout in a social media post on Wednesday.

Benn will reportedly have to move up from welterweight to fight Eubank Jr, who has a professional record of 34 wins and three defeats, in what was previously billed as a “catchweight” fight.

Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, posted on X: “Eubank Jr vs Benn done in April, London, by the name of ‘Fatal Fury City of the Wolves’. Soon I will announce the day and the location.”

The bout has been promoted as a “second generation” contest that saw the rivals’ fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, battle it out in two ferocious contests in the early 1990s.

www.aljazeera.com

Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr boxing bout set for April in London

The ‘second generation’ contest will see the British boxers face-off after Benn’s suspension delayed the original fight.
www.aljazeera.com www.aljazeera.com
 
KingKhanWC said:
It will be interesting to see if all the W's will sell, im not sure they will esp WBC.

What Turki should do is start his own World Championship belt, one for each weight. Over time with big names it will surpass the others, similar to UFC model. However there are many more boxers out there compared MMA fighters, so plenty of room for other belts to put on big fights too.

As for Saudi, yes anything can change esp in the middle east. Im not sure the World cup will go ahead unless there is some peace in the region, other than this the Saudis wealth is only increasing, so boxing will be good for a decade or so.
Click to expand...

You are right, the WBC would probably be the most challenging sale due to its links to various criminal syndicate’s, not just the recent Kinahan stuff but the Mexican cartel.

That could happen, there were some rumours that Vince McMahon could be running this new league which I would find very intriguing; he opened the door for western sports in Saudi and they love him. The reason why I can’t see him creating a new brand / championship entirely is due to Boxing history, it wont quiet work like with the UFC who took advantage off a relatively infant sport. Most casuals can’t appreciate the lineal world championship but are familiar with the alphabet titles and to be honest, the sport has unfortunately been linked to them for a century and it is difficult to replicate the same prestige.

However, there’s a massive saving grace here for Turki and the system you mentioned, because in my view he doesn’t even need to purchase said governing bodies after becoming the new owner of Ring Magazine; who are well respected in Boxing and have their own rich legacy, they’ve been around for almost as long as the alphabet titles and have mostly been governed really well. They are a lot more closely aligned with the historic championship lineage in each division, and personally, I see it as a big deal when the top two can only win that belt opposed to the ABC championships (unless its a unification fight), even more than undisputed.

Turki can create a new league under the banner/system of The Ring, perhaps he could re-brand the title by calling it ‘The Ring World Championship’ opposed to The Ring Magazine Championship. He already got all the right people on board to devise rankings etc It’s literally just pick up & play and he can put his own spin on things to make it all feel a bit more special. I will say that Turki is a genuine hardcore Boxing fan, because when he bought Ring Magazine, he also hired people who had left the company during their re-structuring a few years ago and one or two of them I speak to as well and highly respect, so I am hopeful for much better UK representation with The Ring again.

I agree, on paper it’s all looking good, I just wonder what it would all look like if they left but that’s just my pessimism (They are losing money for overpaying for fighters/events), Turki is a proper fan and not a casual, the guy even knows about Floyd’s Mayweather’s protected record and the onus on protecting the 0 which has been terrible for the sport lol
 

KSI to face ex-footballer Bridge in boxing match​

Former England footballer Wayne Bridge will face YouTuber KSI in a boxing bout on 29 March.

The contest - at a venue currently unknown - was announced during a Misfits boxing event in Manchester on Saturday.

Bridge, 44, won 36 England caps and played in the Premier League for clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City.

He retired from football in 2014 and fought TV star Spencer Matthews in a charity bout for Sport Relief in 2018.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has fought on several occasions, including against Tommy Fury in 2023.

KSI lost on points on that occasion, in a bout which was not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) which governs the sport in the United Kingdom because KSI did not hold a professional boxing licence.

Most of KSI's boxing career have not been professional fights, and it is unclear which outfit will oversee his contest with Bridge.

KSI's bout with Fury was overseen by the Professional Boxing Association (PBA), but Misfits have since stopped working with the outfit.

Crossover bouts involving influencers and social media personalities have gained huge traction with audiences in recent years, despite questions about whether they damage the credibility of the sport.

In November, Jake Paul defeated 58-year-old former world champion Mike Tyson in a bout attended by more than 70,000 in Texas and watched by millions on Netflix.

Source: BBC
 
hassan918 said:

KSI to face ex-footballer Bridge in boxing match​

Former England footballer Wayne Bridge will face YouTuber KSI in a boxing bout on 29 March.

The contest - at a venue currently unknown - was announced during a Misfits boxing event in Manchester on Saturday.

Bridge, 44, won 36 England caps and played in the Premier League for clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City.

He retired from football in 2014 and fought TV star Spencer Matthews in a charity bout for Sport Relief in 2018.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has fought on several occasions, including against Tommy Fury in 2023.

KSI lost on points on that occasion, in a bout which was not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) which governs the sport in the United Kingdom because KSI did not hold a professional boxing licence.

Most of KSI's boxing career have not been professional fights, and it is unclear which outfit will oversee his contest with Bridge.

KSI's bout with Fury was overseen by the Professional Boxing Association (PBA), but Misfits have since stopped working with the outfit.

Crossover bouts involving influencers and social media personalities have gained huge traction with audiences in recent years, despite questions about whether they damage the credibility of the sport.

In November, Jake Paul defeated 58-year-old former world champion Mike Tyson in a bout attended by more than 70,000 in Texas and watched by millions on Netflix.

Source: BBC
Click to expand...

Bridge pulls out of KSI fight after YouTuber 'crossed line'​

Former England footballer Wayne Bridge has pulled out of his fight with KSI after the YouTuber "crossed the line" with remarks about his ex-girlfriend's alleged affair with former team-mate John Terry.

The bout, which had been scheduled to take place on 29 March, was only announced two days ago.

In a statement posted on Instagram, external, Bridge said: "These are deeply personal comments that affect mine and other families involved in the situation.

"I'm a family man first and my priority is protecting them. Of course, I expected to face some criticism, but I feel like what was said on Saturday crossed a line."

In 2010, Bridge gave up his place in the England squad and Terry was stripped of his captaincy following the allegations of infidelity, which also resulted in the breakdown of Bridge's relationship with French model Vanessa Perroncel, with whom he has a son.

Bridge, 44, is now married and has two children with his wife Frankie, who was a singer with girl group The Saturdays.

He added: "My opponent is someone that many children look up to around the world, including my kids.

"I hope one day he will look back on this differently. I personally don't want to be involved in these exchanges. Deep down I know this is the right thing to do."

www.bbc.com

Wayne Bridge v KSI: Former England footballer pulls out of fight after YouTuber 'crossed the line' with personal taunts

Former England footballer Wayne Bridge pulls out of his fight with KSI after the YouTuber "crossed the line" with remarks about his ex-girlfriend's alleged affair with former team-mate John Terry.
www.bbc.com
 

Olympic history-maker Ngamba to turn professional​

Cindy Ngamba will make her professional debut on the undercard of Natasha Jonas' unification fight against Lauren Price on 7 March in London.

The 26-year-old made history at last year's Paris Olympics as the first member of the Refugee Olympic Team to win a medal.

Ngamba won bronze and the Cameroon fighter has now set her sights on becoming world champion in the paid ranks.

"I have shared the ring with the best of the best in the Olympics and as an amateur. I want to share the ring with the best as a professional and push myself as far as I can go," Ngamba said.

"I'm looking forward to showcasing my skills as a professional for the first time.

"It is time for me to show what I am capable of and to continue to represent myself, Great Britain and all the refugees around the world."

Ngamba has signed a "multi-fight" promotional deal with Boxxer and promoter Ben Shalom described her as an "incredible athlete".

She will make her bow on all-female card headlined by welterweight champions and domestic rivals Price and Jonas.

WBC lightweight world champion Caroline Dubois will also feature on the undercard, as will Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman who face off in a featherweight contest.

Super-middleweight champion Savannah Marshall is also expected to be added to the undercard.

Source: BBC
 

IBA asks Trump to 'look into' 2028 Olympics omission​

The International Boxing Association has asked United States president Donald Trump's new administration to "look into" the sport's omission from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the IBA - which ran the Olympic Games' boxing programme - in 2019 because of concerns over its finances, governance, ethics, refereeing and judging.

Having failed to meet required reforms set out by the IOC, the IBA was stripped of its role - a decision upheld in April 2024 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) following an appeal.

The IOC organised boxing at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and, though it says it will not do so at future Olympics, it remains hopeful the sport can be restored to the programme through a new international federation.

At present boxing is not part of the 2028 plans - but a final decision on its inclusion has not yet been made.

World Boxing, which hopes to secure the recognition to run Olympic boxing, has already reached 60 members.

But the Russian-led IBA, which wants to re-establish its own governing status, has asked Trump, who took office as president of the United States for the second time on Monday, to help restore boxing to the Olympic programme.

"They [the IOC] have announced in the last 12 months that boxing will not be part of the Olympic program for LA28; it would be very much appreciated if your team could look in to this situation," an open letter from the IBA to Trump read.

"We sincerely hope that boxing will be part of the celebrations in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and will indeed become a great showcase of genuine love to the sport from the American nation and fans worldwide."

Trump, who enjoyed a brief foray in boxing promotion during the early 1990s, has been elected on a four-year term and will be in office when the Games are held in Los Angeles in 2028.

Source: BBC
 

Conlan signs with Sauerland's Wasserman Boxing​

Michael Conlan has signed a deal with the Wasserman Boxing agency headed by well-known promoter Kalle Sauerland as he attempts to maintain his world title ambitions.

The Belfast man, 33, has not fought since being knocked out in seven rounds by England's Jordan Gill in December 2023.

That defeat came after world title losses against Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez.

Conlan said this month that he was targeting a return to the ring in 2025 and is being tipped to fight on a 7 March bill in Brighton when his fellow Belfastman Tyrone McKenna will take on Harlem Eubank.

Unbeaten Eubank, a cousin of Chris Eubank Jnr, is part of the Wasserman Boxing stable which also includes British light-middleweight champion Josh Kelly.

"I still firmly believe I have the ability to get to the very top, and I did not want to retire and 10 or 15 years down the line thinking 'what if?'," said Conlan.

"For this defining period in my career, it was vital to partner with the right promoter and I am thrilled to team up with Kalle, [his brother] Nisse and the whole team at Wasserman Boxing."

www.bbc.com

Michael Conlan: Belfast boxer signs with Kalle Sauerland's Wasserman Boxing

Michael Conlan links up with the Wasserman Boxing agency headed by promoter Kalle Sauerland as he attempts to maintain his world title hopes.
www.bbc.com
 
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn's highly anticipated fight will be on 26 April at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saudi boxing organiser Turki Alalshikh has announced.

Earlier this month Alalshikh, who has organised some of the most high-profile fights in recent years as chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, confirmed a deal had been struck between the fighters.

Englishmen Eubank and Benn are bitter rivals and were due to meet in October 2022, 29 years after their revered fathers Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn fought for a second time.

However, that bout was called off after Benn failed a voluntary drug test, sparking a two-year battle with anti-doping authorities, which culminated in his suspension being lifted last November.

BBC
 

'Monster' Inoue too strong for overmatched Kim​

Japanese world champion Naoya Inoue defended his undisputed super-bantamweight crown with a destructive fourth-round stoppage win against the overmatched Ye Joon Kim.

The 31-year-old controlled the opening rounds before increasing the intensity and dropping Kim with a flush right hand at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

The Korean challenger, who took the fight at just 11 days' notice, valiantly attempted to get up on the count of 10 but the 32-year-old was saved from further damage as the referee halted the contest.

Nicknamed 'Monster' for his outstanding knockout ratio, unbeaten Inoue defended his WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles with a 26th stoppage in 29 professional wins.

"I didn't have enough time to study my opponent so I took some time to see what's coming from him," Inoue said.

Inoue is a four-weight world champion and arguably boxing's number one pound-for-pound boxer.

He is also a two-weight undisputed champion having won all four recognised world titles at bantamweight.

Inoue said his next two fights will take place in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia.

Superstar Inoue cruises past Kim
Inoue was originally set to fight Sam Goodman in December and again in January before the Australian twice withdrew because of injury.

Earlier in the week, stand-in opponent Kim boldly predicted he would "crush" Inoue and cause one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

But the gulf in class soon became apparent as Inoue began to land straight rights through southpaw Kim's guard.

Kim, with swelling under his right eye, found a short burst of success with a combination in third. The challenger's willingness to let his hands go, however, invited counters from Inoue.

A left hook forced Kim into the corner in the fourth before the finishing cross right brought an inevitable end as Kim lost for the third time in 26 bouts and was stopped for the first time as a pro.

All-Japanese super fight on horizon
Inoue's past eight fights have taken place in Japan but he will now return to Las Vegas for the first time since 2021.

Unbeaten Mexican Alan David Picasso is being lined up as a potential opponent in April.

A win could then set up the much-anticipated all-Japanese showdown with WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani.

Nakatani, who defends his title against David Cuellar on 24 February, has amassed his own spectacular record of 29 wins with 22 knockouts.

Source: BBC
 
‘Boxers need protection’: new union to offer fighters PFA-like support

Paul Smith says the lack of care and protection for boxers “is not surprising anymore” and that the Global Fighters Association (GFA) will bring support to fighters.

Much like the Professional Footballers’ Association, the GFA aims to introduce a framework where financial support and adequate aftercare is offered to athletes. Retired middleweight Smith – brother to active British fighters Liam and Callum Smith – is one of the group’s founding members alongside the likes of Amir Khan.

The need to provide a support framework and give fighters access which other sports offer is “critical” and has never been needed more, according to the GFA. Boxing and MMA are the only two sports without recognised union representation.

“There’s not enough care, there’s not enough protection for fighters, after boxing there’s no pension funds in place, there’s no insurance, there’s no healthcare,” Smith said. “Contractually it’s a minefield and boxers need a bit of protection like in any other sport. The sad part about it is that it comes to the stage where it’s not surprising anymore. It should never be that way at all.”

Co-founder Martin O’Shea said: “The timing of this is critical, it’s never been needed more. We realised that if we built the right team then the timing for this wouldn’t be better because of the need for it and its popularity was reaching levels where it would be unsustainable for working practices to continue in this way.”

This year will see more eyes drawn to the boxing world, with Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch in February and Natasha Jonas vs Lauren Price headlining in March. The GFA wants to work alongside stakeholders and promoters in an effort to “educate” and maximise future fighter support.

“We at the GFA would like to educate stakeholders and bring them along with us,” the acting general secretary Paul Maloney said. O’Shea added: “[The promoter] Ben Shalom has been supportive and generally there’s an acceptance that there is a need for this and it’s gone on long enough. If they’re going to benefit by more people coming through the ranks in better shape and making their families more secure, then who will oppose that?”

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/feb/05/boxers-union-offers-fighters-pfa-like-support-and-care
 
Wallin aims to end Sweden's 65-year wait for heavyweight world champion

Cool, calm and collected, heavyweight Otto Wallin is happy to take everything in his stride but knows he needs to take some risks to achieve the ultimate reward of becoming a world champion.

Wallin's nickname 'All In' seems to contrast hugely with his quiet and reserved persona outside the ring. However, he is a different character once he steps through the ropes.

"It's about risk and reward," Wallin told BBC Sport.

"When you get an offer for a good fight, that's what you have been waiting for so you are going to take it. I think I have a smart team around me that advise me.

"I haven't won all of them, but I always believe I learn and can get better."

Wallin, 34, headlines at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena against Derek Chisora on Saturday in a bout that has been elevated to an IBF title eliminator, with the victor in line to face either champion Daniel Dubois or Joseph Park, who square off on 22 February in Riyadh.

Sweden has not celebrated a heavyweight world champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1960. Wallin believes "it's time we have another one".

The build-up for the event billed as 'The Last Dance' has largely centred around Chisora, who will make his 49th ringwalk and last on UK soil, with the 41-year-old planning to retire after his 50th bout overseas.

For Wallin, he is happy to allow his rival to take the limelight as he focuses on the job in hand.

"The crowd will be on his side. I like that, though. There is less pressure," Wallin added.

'I had a tough time with boxing'

Wallin wasn't the first choice to face Chisora in the UK send-off on Saturday, with Jarrell Miller initially in negotiations until a dispute between the American and his promoter opened the door.

It's not the first time that Wallin has proved to be the go-to man in his career - he has earned a reputation for stepping up when opportunities are presented.

Wallin went up against Tyson Fury, prior to the Briton's second meeting with Deontay Wilder, but came up short to suffer the first loss of his career.

He rebuilt momentum with a run of six successive victories, including the biggest win of his career against former unified cruiserweight world champion Murat Gassiev, although he also endured several downs during that sequence.

A meeting with BJ Flores was cancelled on the day it was scheduled to take place after the American was deemed medically unfit to compete, while Dillian Whyte withdrew on just 10 days' notice due to a shoulder injury.

"Back then I had a tough time with boxing, it felt like I was in a bad place with fights," Wallin said.

"I would have liked bigger fights during that period but everything happens for a reason. I'm just glad I'm getting opportunities now and I can take full advantage of them."

After seeing off Gassiev in Turkey, Wallin earned a date with Anthony Joshua but the former two-time heavyweight champion proved too good and stopped him in round five.

"I was the underdog [against Gassiev] but I came through and beat him," Wallin added.

"I was worried I wouldn't get an opportunity like this again. Sometimes you have to wait and then all of a sudden you get a call like I did for this fight [against Chisora]."

A gamer with his eyes on the prize

Outside of the ring, Wallin has tried to find the right balance between training and relaxing.

Wallin has varied his training regime as he seeks to achieve peak physical fitness - working "boxing, cardio and weights" - but has also ensured he makes time to switch off and refresh mentally by playing computer games.

"I play Counter-Strike on the PC," Wallin said.

"It's a nice way to relax, even though it's not so relaxing when you play - it can be competitive.

"I tried [boxing game] 'Undisputed', I'm in it. I'm pretty happy with myself [on the game]... the only thing that I was upset about was that Jake Paul has better stats than me."

BBC
 

Boxer Cooney dies after title fight defeat​

Super-featherweight boxer John Cooney, 28, has died after his defeat by Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday.

The Irish boxer suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following the bout at the Ulster Hall.

Galway man Cooney was assessed by the medical team in the ring before being stretchered out and transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

"It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away," MHD Promotions said on behalf of the Cooney family.

"Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John's life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.

"He was a much-loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John 'The Kid' Cooney."

The contest was stopped in the ninth round at the Ulster Hall in what was Cooney's first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title.

The Galway boxer won the Celtic title with a first-round win over Liam Gaynor in November 2023 at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, on the undercard of Katie Taylor's revenge win over Chantelle Cameron.

Cooney then spent a year out of the ring recovering from a hand injury before returning to beat Tampela Maharusi of Tanzania in October 2024 in London.

www.bbc.com

John Cooney: Irish boxer dies after suffering brain injury in Belfast fight

Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney dies after suffering a brain injury in last Saturday's defeat by Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast.
www.bbc.com
 

Alvarez to fight Scull in Saudi unification bout​

Four-weight world champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will meet IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull in the first bout of a four-fight deal agreed with Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season.

The 34-year-old Mexican will fight in Saudi for the first time against Scull, 32, on 3 May.

The fight was confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority, on Saturday.

Alvarez will then meet American Terence Crawford in September before two more Saudi-organised bouts in 2026 as part of the four-fight deal announced earlier this week.

Alvarez holds the WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles - he was stripped of the IBF belt instead of facing Scull, but will have a chance to reclaim it in May and once again be the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has said he was involved in talks to fight Alvarez in May and claimed the Mexican "ducked" him.

Source: BBC
 
Boxing coach Gallagher diagnosed with cancer

Boxing coach Joe Gallagher has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer.

Gallagher, 56, has trained a host of world champions including Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla.

The Englishman, who received his diagnosis in November, has begun chemotherapy.

"It's been a lot to take in over these past few months. I just wanted to carry on as normal as possible while I tried to process thing," Gallagher said.

"I would like to say no matter how busy life gets, your health should always come first.

"We can overlook things and put things off because we're always so 'busy', but ultimately there's nothing more important than your health.

"I didn't have any major symptoms, so if you feel something isn't right, no matter how small, please don't put it off - please go and get checked, as it could save your life."

Gallagher praised the support of his family and fighters, with Jonas scheduled to fight Lauren Price on 7 March in London in a welterweight unification bout.

"I know I have to prioritise my health at this time, yet boxing is giving me that bit of escapism I need right now. As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love," he said.

"I've only just begun my fightback against this disease, there's still so much I am processing, which is very hard to talk about right now; it's also a very difficult time for my family and friends too."

Gallagher won Ring Magazine trainer of the year in 2015. He was the first British born coach to win the award.

Gallagher has trained six world champions including Callum Smith, Liam Smith, Paul Butler and Lawrence Okolie.

BBC
 
Catterall's world title dream upset by Barboza Jr

Jack Catterall suffered an agonising split-decision points defeat by Arnold Barboza Jr in Manchester, dealing a major blow to the British light-welterweight's world title ambitions.

Unbeaten American Barboza edged a tight contest to win the WBO 'interim' belt, with several rounds difficult to score and neither man stamping their authority at the Co-op Live Arena.

Catterall, 31, was at times outworking and outmanoeuvring his 33-year-old opponent, landing smart counter punches, but Barboza ended the rounds strongly, with crisp and well-timed power shots.

Two judges scored the bout 115-113 to Barboza, while the third had the same outcome for the home favourite.

Chorley's Catterall lost for the second time in his 33-fight career, with the only other blemish a controversial split-decision points defeat by Josh Taylor in 2022, which he avenged last year.

WBO world champion Teofimo Lopez now has 180 days to defend against Barboza, who could be elevated to the position as title holder if his compatriot decides to pursue a different opponent.

"Tricky fight, close fight, there are no arguments and congratulations to Barboza. I thought I just did enough but no excuses," said Catterall.

Decision too close to call in cagey affair

Europe's largest indoor arena – with a capacity of 23,500 - was around a third full as a boisterous crowd repeatedly chanted 'Chorley' to welcome Lancastrian Catterall to the ring.

Quite fittingly, he made his entrance to the song 'I just can't wait to be king' from the Lion King.

Catterall, who started boxing aged 11 and turned pro in 2012, is a reserved family man, yet there has been a swagger and spring in his step throughout fight week.

Barboza, though, had won all 31 of his pro fights and arrived in the UK full of confidence on the back of a career-best win over Jose Ramirez in November.

Neither fighter was willing to overcommit early on and Catterall edged the first two rounds with the cleaner work. The Californian responded well, cutting off the ring and landing jabs and good body shots.

A terrific counter-puncher, southpaw Catterall's approach, while appreciated by purists, does not always lend to the most entertaining of styles.

He landed a great two-punch combination in the sixth round, before his rival returned the favour with a flush right.

Catterall was warned for a low blow in the seventh and, as the round drew to a close, his legs dipped after a right from Barboza.

The Catterall faithful turned the volume up a notch when the American hit the canvas in the 11th. He instantly shot up to his feet and protested a slip, with replays showing he fell over Catterall's trailing leg as a jab landed.

Barboza and Catterall both celebrated at the final bell as pundits and ringside reporters shrugged their shoulders and compared contrasting scorecards with the decision too close to call.

'Straight back to the gym for me'

The loss was disappointing for Catterall, who was enjoying a golden period in his career. In the past 15 months, he had beaten former champions Taylor, Jorge Linares and Regis Prograis.

But he came up against an undefeated foe who was motivated by his own pursuit for world honours.

"I want to see him go and fight for the world title, hopefully he beats Teofimo," added Catterall. "It's straight back to the gym for me."

Catterall missed out on becoming England's first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he lost to Taylor three years ago in Glasgow. Most ringside observers felt he should have been awarded the decision against the Scot.

If he does not ever win a world title, that loss – and the injustice of it – may unfortunately be what 'El Gato' will be most remembered for.

BBC
 
American Shields tests positive for marijuana

American Claressa Shields is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana following her win over heavyweight Danielle Perkins on 3 February in Michigan.

The 29-year-old - who is a three-weight undisputed champion - has been suspended from fighting in the state by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission.

Shields tested positive after providing an "oral fluid sample" after the fight.

Marijuana is banned in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).

American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after receiving a one-month ban following a positive drugs test for marijuana.

The WBO, which is a sanctioning body and does not have the power to suspend boxers, has requested a "show notice" from Shields, asking her to explain herself, while the Michigan Commission has opened its own investigation into whether she should face disciplinary action.


www.bbc.com

Boxing: Claressa Shields tests positive for marijuana

Claressa Shields is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana following her win over Danielle Perkins in Michigan in February.
www.bbc.com
 
BouncerGuy said:
Catterall's world title dream upset by Barboza Jr

Jack Catterall suffered an agonising split-decision points defeat by Arnold Barboza Jr in Manchester, dealing a major blow to the British light-welterweight's world title ambitions.

Unbeaten American Barboza edged a tight contest to win the WBO 'interim' belt, with several rounds difficult to score and neither man stamping their authority at the Co-op Live Arena.

Catterall, 31, was at times outworking and outmanoeuvring his 33-year-old opponent, landing smart counter punches, but Barboza ended the rounds strongly, with crisp and well-timed power shots.

Two judges scored the bout 115-113 to Barboza, while the third had the same outcome for the home favourite.

Chorley's Catterall lost for the second time in his 33-fight career, with the only other blemish a controversial split-decision points defeat by Josh Taylor in 2022, which he avenged last year.

WBO world champion Teofimo Lopez now has 180 days to defend against Barboza, who could be elevated to the position as title holder if his compatriot decides to pursue a different opponent.

"Tricky fight, close fight, there are no arguments and congratulations to Barboza. I thought I just did enough but no excuses," said Catterall.

Decision too close to call in cagey affair

Europe's largest indoor arena – with a capacity of 23,500 - was around a third full as a boisterous crowd repeatedly chanted 'Chorley' to welcome Lancastrian Catterall to the ring.

Quite fittingly, he made his entrance to the song 'I just can't wait to be king' from the Lion King.

Catterall, who started boxing aged 11 and turned pro in 2012, is a reserved family man, yet there has been a swagger and spring in his step throughout fight week.

Barboza, though, had won all 31 of his pro fights and arrived in the UK full of confidence on the back of a career-best win over Jose Ramirez in November.

Neither fighter was willing to overcommit early on and Catterall edged the first two rounds with the cleaner work. The Californian responded well, cutting off the ring and landing jabs and good body shots.

A terrific counter-puncher, southpaw Catterall's approach, while appreciated by purists, does not always lend to the most entertaining of styles.

He landed a great two-punch combination in the sixth round, before his rival returned the favour with a flush right.

Catterall was warned for a low blow in the seventh and, as the round drew to a close, his legs dipped after a right from Barboza.

The Catterall faithful turned the volume up a notch when the American hit the canvas in the 11th. He instantly shot up to his feet and protested a slip, with replays showing he fell over Catterall's trailing leg as a jab landed.

Barboza and Catterall both celebrated at the final bell as pundits and ringside reporters shrugged their shoulders and compared contrasting scorecards with the decision too close to call.

'Straight back to the gym for me'

The loss was disappointing for Catterall, who was enjoying a golden period in his career. In the past 15 months, he had beaten former champions Taylor, Jorge Linares and Regis Prograis.

But he came up against an undefeated foe who was motivated by his own pursuit for world honours.

"I want to see him go and fight for the world title, hopefully he beats Teofimo," added Catterall. "It's straight back to the gym for me."

Catterall missed out on becoming England's first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he lost to Taylor three years ago in Glasgow. Most ringside observers felt he should have been awarded the decision against the Scot.

If he does not ever win a world title, that loss – and the injustice of it – may unfortunately be what 'El Gato' will be most remembered for.

BBC
Click to expand...

This guy should have been undisputed champion but got robbed, it was such a terrible robbery that the MP of Chorley wrote a letter to the police. Then he had to wait years for the Taylor rematch who in the interim went onto to either lose or vacate his belts. Still he rebuilt his career with wins over Linares, Taylor & Prograis, finally getting closer to another title shot and loses the interim position due to a close points decision not going his way. Cruel sport.
 
World champion Dubois out of Parker fight with illness

Heavyweight Daniel Dubois' world-title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday is off after the champion fell ill two days before the fight.

The Briton was being medically evaluated in Saudi Arabia and missed Thursday's news conference, before being withdrawn later in the evening.

Dubois, 27, was scheduled to make a second defence of his IBF title. There is no information on the nature of his illness.

New Zealand's Parker, 33, will instead fight Congolese Martin Bakole who has been drafted in as late-replacement.

"If he is ill, I hope he gets better soon and I'm looking forward to Saturday and having a great show," Parker said before learning of the replacement.

Dubois has won 22 pro fights with two defeats. He won the 'interim' IBF title against Filip Hrgovic and was elevated to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

The Londoner made a first defence of his belt by stopping Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September.

Parker has a record of 35 wins and three defeats. He held the WBO heavyweight title between 2015 and 2017.

The highly-rated 33-year-old Bakole, who is based in Scotland, has lost once in 22 bouts with 16 knockouts.

The contest is the chief support to the undisputed light-heavyweight fight between champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Also on the card, Briton Hamzah Sheeraz challenges Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title.


www.bbc.com

Dubois vs Parker: British world champion out of fight with illness

Heavyweight Daniel Dubois' world title defence against Joseph Parker on Saturday is in doubt with reports that the champion is ill.
www.bbc.com
 
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