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World champion Davis arrested on domestic violence charges

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was arrested on Friday on misdemeanour domestic violence charges.

The arrest was related to an incident near Miami, Florida, on 15 June, Father's Day.

Davis allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, the mother of two of his children, outside her home.

The 30-year-old was taken into custody in Miami but has since been released on $10,000 (£7,400) bond, with a court hearing scheduled for 29 July.

He has twice previously been arrested on battery domestic violence charges, in February 2020 and December 2022.

Davis has also served 44 days in jail in 2023 after violating the terms of a 90-day house arrest sentence, in relation to a criminal hit-and-run case that occurred in his hometown of Baltimore in November 2020.

The former IBF super featherweight champion is unbeaten from 31 professional fights, although his most recent bout was a controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr in March and they have a rematch scheduled for August.

BBC
 
nice win by sheeraz, statement knockout against a decent oppenent who went all the way against canelo, looks good under andy lee.
 
Britain's Sheeraz stops Berlanga as Stevenson retains title

Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz made a successful step up to super middleweight with a destructive fifth-round stoppage victory against Edgar Berlanga in New York.

In the other co-main event, Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over William Zepeda.

Sheeraz, 26, knocked Berlanga down twice in the fourth round and again at the start of the fifth to force the referee to end the fight.

The impressive victory improves Sheeraz's record to 22-0, with one draw and 18 wins inside the distance.

It was the Briton's first fight since that draw - against WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in February - after which he decided to make the step up to super middleweight.

Berlanga's record is now 23-2 after a second defeat in three fights, with March's stoppage of Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz preceded by a unanimous points defeat by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

Meanwhile, Stevenson comfortably won on all three judges' scorecards against Zepeda to make a third defence of his WBC lightweight title.

Two judges scored the bout 118-110 and a third saw it 119-109 for the 28-year-old American, who improved his unbeaten record to 24-0 with 11 knockouts.

It was a first career defeat for Mexican Zepeda, 29, whose record is now 33-1.

The card was held at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, one of the show courts at Flushing Meadows, host venue of the US Open tennis.

BBC
 
ElRaja said:
nice win by sheeraz, statement knockout against a decent oppenent who went all the way against canelo, looks good under andy lee.
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Sometimes you have to go in there and fight believing you will come out on top and that’s what he did . A slowish start but a clinical finish .

The taller guy usually stays at distance against a puncher but Hamza decided to take it inside and dominated with his uppercuts along with a varied arsenal of shots all around .

A good weight for him now , looks a certain future world champion now . The next big British Pakistani boxing star has arrived after Amir khan .
 
Taylor deserves place in Hall of Fame – Frampton

Josh Taylor's accomplishment in becoming undisputed world champion should be recognised as "one of the great British sporting feats ever" and the Scot is deserving a place in boxing's Hall of Fame, says Carl Frampton.

The 34-year-old is retiring on medical grounds after a career during which he won Commonwealth Games silver and gold medals for Scotland, represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and became the first – and so far only – male fighter from the UK to capture all four world titles in a single division.

"Josh should be proud of everything he's done in his career, especially becoming an undisputed champion," former world champion Frampton said.

"We see how much of a big deal it is that people make of the undisputed heavyweight champion when Oleksander Usyk beat Daniel Dubois at the weekend. Josh Taylor was undisputed in 18 fights - that's unbelievable. Hard to fathom, really.

"So I think that's what people should remember Josh for. It literally doesn't happen unless you're someone like a Vasiliy Lomachenko or a Usyk or someone like that. That's the calibre of fighter that achieves this.

"Josh Taylor becoming undisputed champion in 18 fights in a marquee division, not down at light-flyweight where nobody fights or anything like that, a marquee division, should be recognised as one of the great British sporting feats ever.

"Undisputed light-welterweight champion in 18 fights is Hall of Fame behaviour, I think."

Taylor and Frampton, a former two-weight world champion, trained alongside each other when both were under Shane McGuigan's wing, with the Scot making his professional debut on a show headlined by Frampton in Texas back in 2015.

"I was there the whole way, pretty much," Frampton told BBC Scotland.

"Josh is a great friend of mine and he's a good person as well. And he does a lot of good things behind the scenes, which people don't see. Josh is just a good fella.

"I'm very, very proud that I was able to witness some of his greatness up close and personal."

BBC
 
Rafale Nidhal said:
Pacman got robbed
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Horrible decision, they robbed him of history, should have broken Bernard Hopkins record as oldest champion ever, and also the first HOF inductee to win a world title. But his performance was as such that he has become bigger then any decision given by the judges and social media won’t forget it either, I was just a teenager when I watched him knock Ricky Hatton out cold to the point I thought he was actually dead, from all that time, he is dancing with the top welters of today which puts him in very rare company; simply unreal.
 
Oleksandr Usyk faces being stripped of world title after knocking Daniel Dubois out

Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered to defend his WBO heavyweight crown against Joseph Parker - or face the prospect of being stripped of the prestigious belt. The Ukrainian secured undisputed heavyweight supremacy for a second occasion following his devastating knockout victory over Daniel Dubois before 90,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

Usyk dominated proceedings from the opening bell to the final moment. Although 'Triple D' enjoyed fleeting success during the contest, the 'Cat' swiftly concluded matters in the fifth round. Usyk floored the British fighter with a crushing right hook and against expectations, Dubois managed to rise from the canvas, only to be finished moments afterwards when the Ukrainian unleashed a precision left hand.

Following his second triumph over the Briton, Usyk has received a rather firm directive from the WBO. The sanctioning organisation has commanded the two-weight undisputed champion to put the title on the line against Parker.

In correspondence dispatched to both camps, the WBO stated: "Gentlemen: Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations between the subject matter fighters to discharge the mandatory title defence obligation.

"By virtue of this order, the parties have thirty (30) days upon issuance of this letter to reach terms. Failure to do so will result in this committee ordering purse bid proceedings in accordance with WBO regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum bid in the Heavyweight division is one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Any of the parties herein may request purse bid proceedings at any time during negotiation stages.

"Lastly, the WBO reserves its right to issue any and all further rulings deemed necessary, helpful and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including but not limited to serving those interests that best serve boxing, and the WBO Heavyweight Division. Do not hesitate to contact the WBO headquarters if you have any questions or concerns."

Should Usyk choose not to face Parker, he will be forced to surrender his WBO belt - or face being stripped of it.


 
'My world caved in' - Taylor on forced retirement

For any athlete who has reached the top of their sport, saying goodbye can be the hardest part. When that decision is taken out of your own hands, it becomes harder still.

"It's just been like my world's caved in," Josh Taylor tells BBC Scotland two weeks on from the devastating diagnosis that brought his boxing career to an immediate halt.

A routine eye exam following defeat by Ekow Essuman in May showed extensive damage.

An initial scan found a tear in the retinal tissue behind Taylor's left eye, but a closer examination found there were actually six. The specialist laid it out plainly - continue boxing and you risk going blind.

The Tartan Tornado enjoyed a career few fighters could dream of - a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, an Olympian and, in 2021, becoming the first - and so far only - male fighter from the UK to win four belts in a single division as he became undisputed light-welterweight world champion.

After consecutive defeats in his past three bouts, Taylor did not want his storied career to finish on a losing note and had hoped for "one or two more fights", but the potential loss of his vision in one eye put paid to thoughts of a fairytale ending.

The sudden transition from active fighter to former boxer has been tough to process.

"I'm feeling quite down in the dumps, to be honest," said the 34-year-old. "I've had two weeks to absorb it, but the more I think about it, the more upset I get.

"I know I've sort of completed the game in a sense in terms of becoming undisputed champion, but not going out on my own terms, it was kind of like a kick in the teeth.

"It was kind of like falling straight off the edge of a cliff. I'm not going to risk losing my sight for the sake of just one more fight. But it was like the end of my world."

'Heart-warming response softened the blow'

Elite athletes often speak of the difficulty of transitioning out of the sport that has defined them for most of their life. The structure of a training schedule, the lofty goals to aim for and everything that drives them on a daily basis, it all disappears overnight.

Taylor speaks incredibly honestly, and with visible emotion, about "the slump" he is experiencing since he was told his boxing career was over.

What has provided solace in this tough period is the mountain of messages, from fans and fellow fighters alike, paying tribute to the Scot for his magnificent achievements since he publicly announced his retirement on Monday.

"The messages of support that I've had has helped me, helped lift me because it's made me feel a little bit better, made me feel appreciated, made me feel that I've done good in the sport," he says.

"I've had a lot of great messages from some high profile names and just my friends and people I haven't heard from in a long time.

"For the last few years I've had nothing but hate with every single post that I've written, there's always a section of the comments that there's just hate and stuff like that. I think this is the first one in the last two or three years that I've not had any.

"So the response has been quite heart-warming and made me appreciate what I achieved, kind of softened the blow a little bit and it's cheered me up a little bit. So I'd like to say thank you to everybody that's taken time to message me."

'Someone that wasn't afraid to be great'

Taylor admits his diagnosis perhaps "saved me from myself" - a fighter will always want to fight.

What the future now holds for the boy from Prestonpans who conquered the world is unclear.

He's open to some punditry work and with his direct, unvarnished honesty, he would seem tailor made for that.

He will go back to where it all started, Lochend Boxing Club, to help out his friend and mentor Terry McCormack, inspiring the next generation. "Maybe we'll find the next Josh Taylor", he says.

One day he might even open his own gym in East Lothian. He has a lot left to give to the sport, even if his own time under the lights has now come to an end.

So how would Josh Taylor like to be remembered?

"I don't know, I've never thought about it," he says.

"They're going to remember me any way they want, but I would like to hope they thought I was an all-action kind of fighter and wasn't afraid to take a fight.

"Someone that come up and took on all challenges and wasn't afraid to try to be great.

"Just a fighter."

BBC
 
Rodriguez failed drug test in US before Yafai fight

Francisco Rodriguez Jr failed a drug test in America in December, six months before his fight with Galal Yafai in Birmingham.

Rodriguez, 31, beat Olympic gold medallist Yafai in a points decision in June, with the British boxer suffering his first defeat as a professional.

After the fight, Rodriguez tested positive for banned substance heptaminol and the Mexican is now under investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and UK Anti-Doping (Ukad).

The test was conducted on fight night and administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada), as part of the WBC's Clean Boxing Program.

But it has now emerged that this is the second time Rodriguez has failed a drug test in six months.

Rodriguez's win over Josue Jesus Morales on December 15 in San Antonio was declared a no-contest by the Texas Commission after he failed a post-fight drug test.

"Francisco Rodriguez failed his drug test on 15/12/24 and was put on a 90-day suspension and was assessed a $500 administrative penalty," the Texas Combative Sports Program said.

There is no world governing body in boxing and the Texas Commission are not required to inform other commissions of the decision.

The commission did say Rodriguez's suspension was recorded on the national data base Boxrec.com as "rules violation" which the British Boxing Board of Control have access to.

Before Rodriguez's fight with Yafai, BBC Sport reached out to the Texas Commission to ask why his fight with Morales was registered as a 'no-contest' but received no reply.



www.bbc.com

Boxing: Francisco Rodriguez Jr failed drug test in America before positive test against Galal Yafai

Francisco Rodriguez Jr failed a drug test in Texas last December and received a 90-day suspension.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
@KingKhanWC @ElRaja


I don’t know if this will be good, but the fact that it will exist is pretty amazing though lol The lead cast is pretty decent to & it’s arguably one of the tougher biopics to do among the greats, will defo be supporting it.
 
shaz619 said:
@KingKhanWC @ElRaja


I don’t know if this will be good, but the fact that it will exist is pretty amazing though lol The lead cast is pretty decent to & it’s arguably one of the tougher biopics to do among the greats, will defo be supporting it.
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should be interesting, but i see that actor and just think of lockerbie after the docu-film on the plane bomb.
 
Eubank-Benn rematch announced for November

The much-anticipated rematch between British rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November.

Eubank beat Benn by unanimous decision in a thrilling middleweight contest at the same venue in April.

Despite no title being on the line, the bout between the bitter foes - which took place 35 years after their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, first fought - garnered huge attention.

And after Eubank was named the winner 116-112 on all three judges' scorecards, a rematch was wanted by fans and touted by promoters.

A second bout had been agreed for 20 September, however it fell through amid concerns Eubank would not be ready.

Now organisers Ring Magazine, which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, have announced , externalthe rematch will take place on 15 November.

Eddie Hearn, Benn's promoter and chairman of Matchroom Boxing, also shared the same date via Instagram, external.

Eubank and his camp have not yet commented on the announcement.

BBC
 
Second boxer from Tokyo event dies from brain injury

A second Japanese boxer has died from brain injuries suffered at an event in Tokyo.

Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died on Saturday after he was beaten via knockout in the eighth round of his fight with Yoji Saito on 2 August.

It follows the death of Shigetoshi Kotari on Friday from injuries sustained during a separate bout on the same card at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.

Both boxers underwent surgery for subdural haematoma - a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain.

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said, external it "mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito".

It added: "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."

Following the event, the Japan Boxing Commission announced all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will now be 10 rounds instead of 12.

Urakawa is the third high-profile boxer to die in 2025 after Irishman John Cooney passed away in February following a fight in Belfast.

Cooney died aged 28 after suffering an intracranial haemorrhage from his fight against Welshman Nathan Howells.

BBC
 
The most dangerous combat sport in the world, Boxer’s are made different.

RIP to these two warriors, we need a thorough investigation into what happened. While the sport is significantly safer compared to the 18th century, we need to get to the bottom of how this past week could have been avoided.
 
lower weight boxing is way more dangerous than heavy weight boxing, one well timed punched from a heavy weight and its lights out, plus the refs are more likely to account for the more obvious damage heavier boxers are taking, whereas lighter boxers often dont have the same knockout power, or ability to inflict obvious damage, yet repeated trauma to the head is much worse at lower weight classes.

there needs to come a point where u have open scoring after every round, its pointless for boxers to keep taking a hammering in unwinnable situations. you might also need to make gloves for lighter weights smaller so the puncher's ability to knock opponents out increases.
 
Trimmed-down Whyte weighs lightest in 10 years

Moses Itauma v Dillian Whyte

Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Date: Saturday, 16 August

A trimmed-down Dillian Whyte looked in terrific shape - at his lightest weight in 10 years - for Saturday's heavyweight bout with fellow Briton Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia.

The 37-year-old Londoner tipped the scales at 17st 6½lb (110.9kg), more than a stone lighter than his previous bout.

"By the grace of God, training has been good and things have worked out," underdog Whyte said.

Itauma, 20, weighed in a pound heavier at 17st 7½lb (111.35kg) at Friday's weigh-in in Riyadh.

The southpaw from Chatham, Kent, has stopped 10 of his 12 professional opponents and is a heavy favourite to extend his unbeaten record.

There was a slightly intense atmosphere after the pair exchanged words during the face-off at Thursday's news conference, where Itauma accused Whyte of "playing a sheep to catch the wolf".

"I'm a chilled guy until people mess about with me," Whyte reflected the next day.

"With me, I don't need to bully or go crazy. I can switch just like that. So relax, bro, we're good. Me and him ain't got no beef. It's business."

Asked what he saw when he looked into Whyte's eyes after the weigh-in, Itauma said: "A wounded animal."

Earlier, Liverpool's WBA featherweight world champion Nick Ball weighed exactly on the 9st (57.15kg) limit, with Australian challenger Sam Goodman a pound lighter.

Ball, 28, is Britain's only reigning male world champion and holds a record of 22 wins and one draw.

Can Whyte turn back the clock?

Whyte lost his only world title bid to Tyson Fury in 2022 and has struggled for consistency in recent years.

Whether he can turn back the clock remains to be seen. He weighed 18st 9lb (118.38kg) during a lacklustre win over Ebenezer Tetteh last December.

But eight months on, he appears in the best shape of recent years and wore a grim, serious look as he took to the stage.

He is at his lightest since his win over Marcelo Nascimento in 2015.

With 31 wins from 34 fights, Whyte insists he still harbours world title ambitions. A defeat by Itauma would all but end those hopes.

Itauma has also slimmed down for his toughest test to date, weighing nine pounds lighter than at his previous fight - a destructive second-round stoppage of Mike Balogun in May.

A win on Saturday would edge Itauma closer to a world title shot. The Slovakia-born fighter is seen by many as the future face of British heavyweight boxing.

"I just want to get to the easy bit, the fight," Itauma said.

With Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua nearing the twilight of their careers, Itauma has been tipped as their potential successor on the global stage.

BBC
 
'What next?' - Itauma blows away Whyte in one round

Moses Itauma needed less than two minutes to emphatically stop Dillian Whyte and further strengthen his credentials as the next heavyweight star.

Headlining a card for the first time, the 20-year-old Briton rose to the occasion in what was billed as the biggest test of his career to date.

After some precise and powerful combinations, Itauma sent Whyte, 37, down with a thundering right.

With 119 seconds on the clock, referee Mikael Hook waved off the fight after Whyte had climbed back to his feet.

Itauma has now won all 13 of his bouts as a professional, with 11 of those victories coming by knockout.

"What is next? I will fight anyone they put in front of me," Itauma told DAZN.

"[The crowd] are saying [undisputed champion Oleksandr] Usyk. The team mentioned they want me to get some rounds out. Any of them can happen."

Itauma has only gone beyond the second round on two occasions and has eight first-round stoppages on his record.

Itauma has shown maturity beyond his years since winning in just 23 seconds on his professional debut in 2023 - and has continued to excel with every step up.

Heavyweight rivals Joseph Parker, Derek Chisora and Lawrence Okolie were among those watching at ringside as the rising star put on another statement performance.

The Slovakia-born fighter walked first to the ring, despite being the A-side, but was made to wait for more than three minutes - longer than the fight lasted - by Whyte, who delayed his entrance.

After throwing a few early feints to get a read on his opponent, Itauma started to unload and quickly found the range for his heavy hands.

Whyte was clearly feeling the power and back on the ropes as Itauma picked his shots carefully.

A right hook to the temple proved the telling blow and, despite bravely getting back to his feet, Whyte was deemed not fit to continue.

"How he did it, his temperament, control and composure - he fights better than guys at their peak and he is 20 years of age," Queensberry's Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He did a job on somebody who has been at the best levels."

Despite getting into the shape of his career - weighing the lightest for 10 years - Whyte could not cut it with Itauma and questions linger over his future.

Itauma's dreams of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history ended in May, but this victory puts him firmly on track for a title shot in boxing's glamour division in the next 12 months.

With Tyson Fury in retirement, Anthony Joshua in the twilight of his career and Daniel Dubois losing his IBF title to Usyk last month, Itauma once again demonstrated he is the great British heavyweight hope in waiting.

'I don't want to call out Usyk'

Itauma has been carefully managed through the first two years of his career and it is unlikely he will be rushed into a fight beyond his means to put all that hard work in jeopardy.

Undisputed champion Usyk remains the man to beat, but Itauma is happy to take another step before potentially going up against the two-weight great.

"I put on a performance for you guys so it's now 'who's next?'," Itauma said.

"I don't want to call out Usyk because I don't believe I deserve the opportunity, but guys that do deserve the opportunity - I want to fight those lot.

"So maybe Agit Kabayel, maybe Joseph Parker. Maybe them type of names."

Parker is certainly not afraid to take on a challenge - as he showed by taking on the widely avoided Martin Bakole on just two days' notice and earning a stunning win.

"[Itauma] is a great talent," Parker told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.

"He put on a great display in terms of power, aggression and picking his shots. For a 20 year-old to be under the lights, he took the pressure on.

"I would love to share the ring with him one day and we probably will."

BBC
 
Itauma looked formidable, at that age also!

Whyte, despite his advanced age was supposed to be a decent test.

I was really hoping (somehow) that Whyte would win but alas....
 
GOSH11 said:
Itauma looked formidable, at that age also!

Whyte, despite his advanced age was supposed to be a decent test.

I was really hoping (somehow) that Whyte would win but alas....
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Apparently Whyte was carrying a leg injury; I hate when rubbish like this comes out after a fighter loses a fight, it takes away from Itauma’s performance. However, there are far more credible opponents who can pose some questions or at least give Itauma more rounds. His promoters need to get their act together, if they want to push him to the top at a rapid rate then you need to step-up with the opposition:

- Michael Hunter
- Bakole
- Joe Joyce
- Hrgovic
- Zhang
- Even Chisora

Are all much better options who can help get some answers.

Itauma’s last few wins do nothing for his career besides profile building & he has developed a reputation now so they need to crack on.
 
hrgovic would be the best opponent for itauma now, hrgo aint very dynamic but has good durability, hes unlikely to pose itauma a massive attacking threat unless itauma leaves himself open somehow, and is likely to take a lot more damage before going down. also hes coming off a win himself, and isnt too old, so it makes sense from a lot of sides. then id go kabayel, wardley, and if he can manage them well, usyk later next year.
 
Cesar Chavez Jr jailed after US deportation

Former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has been jailed in his native Mexico after his arrest in the United States in July.

The Mexican boxer was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Studio City, Los Angeles, five days after fighting Jake Paul in nearby Anaheim.

The 39-year-old has now been detained in a prison in the northern Mexico state of Sonora, the country's national arrest registry showed on Tuesday, as he awaits charges.

It said that the boxer was arrested at a checkpoint in the border city of Nogales on Tuesday morning and transferred to a federal institution in Sonora's capital of Hermosillo.

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference that he had been deported.

She previously said there was a warrant for his arrest for charges of arms trafficking and organised crime, and that prosecutors were working on the case.

The Mexican attorney general's office declined to comment.

Chavez Jr, who held the WBC middleweight title from 2011 to 2012, is the son of three-weight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez.

Mexican prosecutors allege he acted as a henchman for the powerful Sinaloa cartel, which Washington designated a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this year.

Chavez Jr's lawyer and family have rejected the accusations.

BBC
 
Jake Paul to face lightweight champion Davis in exhibition

Jake Paul will take on WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in an exhibition fight in Atlanta, Georgia on 14 November.

Davis' title will not be on the line because of the huge gulf in weight between the two men.

Paul weighed 200lbs for his last bout with Davis currently campaigning at 135lb.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul found fame on the Disney Channel and then as an influencer before stepping into the world of boxing and has a record of 12 wins and one defeat as a professional.

"Yes, he is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, any time, any place, against all odds," Paul wrote on X, external.

Paul added "first David, then Goliath" in what could be seen as a reference to reports he was in talks over a fight with British heavyweight Anthony Joshua.

Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, recently told BBC Sport that Paul could likely be next for the two-time heavyweight champion when he returns from injury in 2026.

American Davis is undefeated in 31 fights as a professional, winning 30 and drawing one, with 28 of his victories coming by knockout.

Paul beat 39-year-old former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr by unanimous decision in his last fight.

The 28-year-old earned a decision victory against 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November.

Davis retained his WBA lightweight title in his last contest after fighting to a draw against Lamont Roach Jr in March.

In January, Davis was ranked number eight in the pound-for-pound rankings.

Paul has been on a mission to try and convince the boxing fraternity of his ability since making his professional debut in 2020.

After beating a YouTuber, a former NBA player and three former UFC fighters, Paul fell to his first defeat at the hands of Tommy Fury in 2023.

But with a disparity of around 65lbs between Paul and Davis in their last fights this bout will do little for either fighter's reputation.

There is also a significant height difference with Paul standing at 6ft 1in compared to the 5ft 5in 'Tank', while Davis will be giving up nine inches in reach.

The contracted weight, number of rounds and size of gloves for the exhibition are yet to be confirmed.

Paul wore bigger 14oz gloves and contested shorter rounds against Tyson, given the former world champion's age.

There are striking similarities to when Paul's older brother, Logan, fought Floyd Mayweather in 2021.

Mayweather, an undefeated five-weight world champion, was 35lbs lighter and six inches shorter than his opponent during that exhibition.

BBC
 
Conlan delivers emphatic win against Bateson

Michael Conlan roared "I'm back" as he stopped Jack Bateson in the fourth round at Dublin's 3Arena on Friday.

The 33-year-old Belfast man delivered a stunning right hand to drop and ultimately stop the Yorkshireman with 10 seconds remaining in the round to claim the vacant WBC International featherweight title and improve to 20-3.

Conlan was in the second fight of a comeback following back-to-back defeats in 2023 and was much improved from March's return against Asad Asif Khan.

Bateson seemed to be asking a few questions in the early rounds but despite appearing untroubled by a flash knockdown in the third, there was no coming back from the finish as the 31-year-old's record slipped to 20-2-1.

"It was everything we worked on in training camp," Conlan told Channel 5 after his win.

"I've got to thank (coach) Grant Smith from the bottom of my heart. He brought me into that gym (in Sheffield), made me part of the family and I feel at home. He's a master technician as a coach and everything we worked on, everything he said, played out and the finish came with it.

"I am back and next time I want to go big."

Conlan, fighting in Dublin for the first time as a professional, exhibited some of the silky switch-hitting skills early on which were a feature of his former amateur bouts in the city 10 years previous.

Still, Bateson appeared to have settled in the hostile surroundings, not getting drawn in and using his feet to stay mostly out of danger and although he took a flush right, the Leeds man landed with one of his own.

It was a cagey second with Conlan seeking to draw a mistake from Bateson, crouching and shooting downstairs, but the visitor was disciplined and was not taking the early bait, his footwork making him difficult to pin down.

However, Conlan made something of a breakthrough in the third as Bateson was forced to take a count when his gloves grazed the canvas. It seemed to stem more from a tangle of legs, but a short right hand also landed in the process.

There was no disputing the knockdown in the fourth as Conlan's crisp jab unlocked the door, opening a gap he exploited with a huge right hook that dropped Bateson heavily. Although the visitor managed to get to his feet, the fight was waved off.

"It's very special," Conlan said of his emphatic win.

"To come back to Dublin finally, after almost 10 years for my first pro fight here, I'm very proud. It's a very special night."

BBC
 
Ripped Crawford jeered at Vegas weigh-in

A shredded Terence Crawford was booed relentlessly by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's fans as a Mexican crowd made the home fighter feel as if he had walked straight into the lion's den at Friday's weigh-in in Las Vegas.

Crawford - jumping up two divisions - weighed the same as the defending champion.

Mexican Alvarez, 35, will defend his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF and WBO titles at the Allegiant Stadium.

Unbeaten Crawford is aiming to become the first male three-division undisputed champion in the modern era. He came in just half a pound under the 12st (75kg) limit.

The 37-year-old Nebraska native looked in incredible shape, with defined abs showing despite the extra weight.

The official weigh-in was held behind closed doors at the Fontainebleau on Friday morning.

But several thousands of fans packed in the T-Mobile Arena later for the ceremonial weigh-in, which felt like a full-blown victory parade with a carnival of Mexican flags, football kits and chanting.

Crawford looked composed and undeterred, smiling amid the jeers.

"I feel wonderful. I can't wait until tomorrow," he said before blowing kisses to the crowd.

Crawford in shape, but legend Lewis fires warning

Alvarez fans congregated outside the arena hours before the fighters even appeared.

Every time Crawford's name was read, or his face flashed on the big screen, it was drowned beneath a tidal wave of boos.

When the fighters stood next to each other there appeared little difference in size or height.

Crawford first became world champion at lightweight before unifying the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.

Thirteen months ago, he moved up to light-middleweight and beat Israil Madrimov in arguably his closest contest yet.

Alvarez, who turned professional at just 15 in 2005, has a record of 63 wins, two defeats and two draws. Saturday marks his 21st fight in Las Vegas.

His experience at super-middleweight could prove decisive. Neither fighter has been dropped as a professional, but Alvarez's natural power at 12st may push Crawford into uncharted territory.

"I trained for everything. I get back to basics. I need to put everything in this fight," Canelo said.

British legend Lennox Lewis warned Crawford about the dangers of stepping up in weight.

"It's not really easy coming up in weight. You get hit hard and sometimes it can affect you," Lewis told BBC Sport.

"What Crawford has to realise is not to get hit to save his energy. He's coming up against a guy who can hit hard.

"To absorb those punches takes the energy out of you."

Crawford's sweet spot - pancakes, pounds and potential upset?

Jumping up in weight has, historically, left challengers vulnerable against naturally bigger champions.

Yet in Las Vegas this week, many pundits and fighters are tipping Crawford to win - a testament to his adaptability and ring IQ.

Crawford looks toned and muscular - not having put on weight at the expense of his athleticism - but whether he can carry the same speed, timing and precision into the ring remains the question.

He says the extra pounds have been a blessing rather than a burden.

"It's been different because I don't have to worry about anything - the weight room, strength and conditioning, when I'm eating and things like that. I'm as happy as could be," he told BBC Sport on Tuesday.

The freedom has even extended to breakfast.

"I woke up and ate pancakes this morning. I would never have been able to eat pancakes before," he said.

If Crawford can dethrone Alvarez in Nevada, it won't just be another indulgence. It will be the syrup on top of a career already dripping with greatness.

BBC
 
Canelo/Crawford,

Both weigh the same at 167.5 lb, Canelo looked dry and Crawford had completely hydrated with his meals etc

By fight night Canelo would have rehydrated properly and gained another 15lb at least.

You could argue that Bud is a few pounds lighter on fight night because he has peaked in terms of the weight, but my gut is telling me there wont be a monumental weight disparity between the two.

In short, I don’t necessarily think weight will be a massive factor unless Bud gets caught flush like Amir Khan, but how often does Bud ever get caught clean? Bud is a decent wrestler to & I don’t envision him being rag dolled in the pocket or pushed against the ropes.

This is a genuine super-fight between two elite fighters, and I feel it will come down to who you think is the superior boxer, it’s chess match; and when you consider Boxing abilities, as good as Canelo is, I have to go with Bud for his higher ring IQ and adaptability.

Assuming all is fair with the judges, Bud is likely to be out-boxing Canelo who struggles with fighters who are quick, use angles, reset and give themselves space.

Unless Canelo lands a hail mary, I expect Crawford to win a dominant points decision or win by TKO.

If Canelo does win, people need to give him credit because he’s risking everything for this fight.
 
i love bud but dont see how canelo gets bullied here, and canelo is far too wily to take bud lighlty and fall behind on points. if it goes to points canelo is getting it, bud would have to win by 3 or 4 points at least to get judges points. hope the fight is as good as the build up, great to see kellerman back in boxing too. brillaint to see it on netflix too, anyone have any idea when the main fight gonna be, dont wanna stay up for it, will pbly set an alarm for it.
 
History-maker Crawford stuns Canelo in Vegas

History-maker Terence Crawford stunned Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on points in Las Vegas, becoming the first male fighter in the modern era to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions.

In front of 70,000 fiercely pro-Alvarez fans at Allegiant Stadium, Crawford - jumping up two weight divisions - delivered a masterclass, underlining his status as boxing's pound-for-pound star.

The unbeaten 37-year-old from Ohio showcased his full arsenal of skill, defence, power and timing, leaving Alvarez, 35, clinging on at the final bell and silencing the partisan crowd.

Despite the judges scoring it tighter than expected - 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 - the verdict capped off a defining performance, on the grandest stage, that will be remembered long in the sport's history.

"I'm not here by coincidence," said Crawford, draped in the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and IBF super-middleweight titles.

Despite the victory, the Omaha fighter did not rule out retiring after his 42nd straight professional win.

"I don't know, I've got to sit down with my team and we'll talk about it," he added.

Fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend, Alvarez - who loses for the third time in his 68th bout - had his status, pride and the hopes of a nation on the line, but came up against a generational great.

BBC
 
i thought bud won that by 7 or 8 rounds, which is just as well because i knew canelo would get 3 or 4 rounds at least. crawford the skinny terminator is just relentless, he looked like he could have gone another 3 rounds in there, absolute athletic specimen. canelo just could rock bud, and couldnt build up attritonal damage with the body shots either, buds conditioning out of the this world, and the extra muscle on the smaller natural frame seems to have played into buds favour here. great fight, and great to see canelo magnanimous in defeat. i think bud might get persuraded for 3 or 4 more fights, which i suspect might include a canelo rematch, given hes now the money man of the division.
 
shaz619 said:
Canelo/Crawford,

Both weigh the same at 167.5 lb, Canelo looked dry and Crawford had completely hydrated with his meals etc

By fight night Canelo would have rehydrated properly and gained another 15lb at least.

You could argue that Bud is a few pounds lighter on fight night because he has peaked in terms of the weight, but my gut is telling me there wont be a monumental weight disparity between the two.

In short, I don’t necessarily think weight will be a massive factor unless Bud gets caught flush like Amir Khan, but how often does Bud ever get caught clean? Bud is a decent wrestler to & I don’t envision him being rag dolled in the pocket or pushed against the ropes.

This is a genuine super-fight between two elite fighters, and I feel it will come down to who you think is the superior boxer, it’s chess match; and when you consider Boxing abilities, as good as Canelo is, I have to go with Bud for his higher ring IQ and adaptability.

Assuming all is fair with the judges, Bud is likely to be out-boxing Canelo who struggles with fighters who are quick, use angles, reset and give themselves space.

Unless Canelo lands a hail mary, I expect Crawford to win a dominant points decision or win by TKO.

If Canelo does win, people need to give him credit because he’s risking everything for this fight.
Click to expand...

I told ya”ll
:akhtar
 
Ricky Hatton found dead at home as police issue statement

Boxer Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home. A police cordon is in place at his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that a body has been found and said that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The Stockport-born fighter was 46 years old. Ricky, who would have turned 47 in October, had spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction, as reported by the MEN.

He made several attempts to take his own life and overcame an fall out with his family who he made up with after addressing his own mental health.

During his boxing career, the Manchester City fan held multiple world championships, as well as UK titles, and was named Fighter of the Year in 2015.

He was due to return to the ring with a fight planned in December.

A GMP spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious."

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Ricky Hatton found dead at home as police issue statement

A police cordon is in place outside the boxer's home
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
 
@ElRaja @KingKhanWC @Suleiman

He didn’t need a 22x22 ring.
He didn’t need a rehydration clause.
He didn’t need a catch-weight.

Bud would have beaten the 4 kings.

Simply the greatest fighter of his era.

It’s about time he’s given his respect.

Absolutely dominated Canelo who I gave about three rounds, you could argue Bud won all 12, truly astonishing moving up two divisions in the way and he only had one fight at 154 and none at 160.

This is the greatest win in Boxing from the last 30-50 years.
 
Am not the biggest fan of the saudis, but what is it with these hypocrites booing Turki, without this man, we would never get to see these fights. Turki had to pay Canelo with his arm & leg to take on the risk, Bud took the fight for peanuts, he has been chasing greatness his entire career, not his fault fighters always tried to avoid him, Bud left Bob Arum just to make the Spence fight, he’s a throwback and up their with the best in history.
 
Fighters who I genuinely want to see do well make me anxious during the fight (Amir Khan was excellent at that but his Canelo Ghost has been vanquished last night :yk), but I was never made to feel that because of how good Bud is. I was more nervous about the judges, not entirely happy with the scoring as I had it 117-111 but I will take that, Bud had to look like he could possibly win all 12 rounds to get the decision.
 
Bud should never have dropped from his no.1 P4P spot, Usyk beat fighters in a division in transition and even the fights with Fury were close. Each time Bud has had to face an elite P4P fighter, he has absolutely dominated them, who else has done that this century? Floyd against a Manny carrying a shoulder injury and that was just the one fight, Bud has beaten elite fighters at their absolute best.
 
How was Bud going to carry so much weight deep into the fight ? His supreme conditioning helped but he was controlling the pace of the fight all night, that just takes the stuffing out of your opponent & Bud was fresh going into the 12th, Canelo was winded in the second half and by the 8th it looked like he had enough, he doesn’t seem keen on chasing a rematch either; Bud earned his respect and he knew he got dominated / who the superior Boxer is between the two.
 
also love the the way bud carries himself, never chased anyone, never played the fool, never got involved in personal spats, kept grinding, and kept believing. i hope he doesnt retire, as he said, in boxing terms he isnt that old, i believe 260 professional rounds, with the phsysical condition he is in, he could go to a more conservative, less exhausting style of boxing and still beat pbly anyone else. im pretty sure turki is thinking of who fights sheeraz next, but bud would be technically and physically a whole different level to canelo it seems.
 
ElRaja said:
also love the the way bud carries himself, never chased anyone, never played the fool, never got involved in personal spats, kept grinding, and kept believing. i hope he doesnt retire, as he said, in boxing terms he isnt that old, i believe 260 professional rounds, with the phsysical condition he is in, he could go to a more conservative, less exhausting style of boxing and still beat pbly anyone else. im pretty sure turki is thinking of who fights sheeraz next, but bud would be technically and physically a whole different level to canelo it seems.
Click to expand...

Unless there’s a payday out there which he can’t refuse, I’d like to see him retire, the reason being, he chased everyone for so many years, during his absolute peak he was done dirty by promoters & opponents alike. Now he’s the A side and biggest name in the game, and the form to back him up to; why should he give any of these guys a shake now, after being forced into the dark for so long. Andre Ward was in a similar position & decided to retire as the best in the world. On the flip side, Bud may feel like he should take all the oppourtunities that he wasn’t previously given, but at the same time, he has never been about the money so hopefully makes the right choice, trick question is this, what challenges are there which can add to his legacy?

At 168 lb, he just beat the best & arguably the biggest name in the sport. For the semantics, he could clean up 154 lb but there’s nobody big enough fighting to create another super-fight. And it would be suicide to go north of 168 lb.

There really is nothing for him to prove after this and I can’t see a fight which is genuinely appealing in the same way.
 
Absolutely devastated to hear about Ricky, on a day which is supposed to be a celebration for the sport of Boxing, we are given some seriously devastating news.

Just this weekend we witnessed disgusting protests which do little to ‘unite’ the kingdom, but Ricky Hatton bought people from all backgrounds and creeds together, he unified the country through boxing & truthfully, there will always be only one Ricky Hatton.

Carried the sport in the UK in the 2000’s & inspired some big names to pick up the gloves up north, was a big part of some events involving some huge names & at his best he was a credible P4P fighter in his own right.
 
shaz619 said:
@ElRaja @KingKhanWC @Suleiman

He didn’t need a 22x22 ring.
He didn’t need a rehydration clause.
He didn’t need a catch-weight.

Bud would have beaten the 4 kings.

Simply the greatest fighter of his era.

It’s about time he’s given his respect.

Absolutely dominated Canelo who I gave about three rounds, you could argue Bud won all 12, truly astonishing moving up two divisions in the way and he only had one fight at 154 and none at 160.

This is the greatest win in Boxing from the last 30-50 years.
Click to expand...

It was indeed a dominant and clinical performance from Bud, which wasnt a surprise to me as Canelo hasnt been in a war for years. Bud has power in both hands, while happy for a tear up, his ring IQ is on another level. He knows when to counter, when to move, when to slow or speed up . Great fighter, love to see him fight again.

Ricky Hatton's death is a big shock, he was still so young. I feel for his family and its a sad week for British boxing fans. A man who was so kind and open to all, so inspirational dies alone having problems. It shows nobody really cares when you are down. Big loss for UK boxing.
 
KingKhanWC said:
It was indeed a dominant and clinical performance from Bud, which wasnt a surprise to me as Canelo hasnt been in a war for years. Bud has power in both hands, while happy for a tear up, his ring IQ is on another level. He knows when to counter, when to move, when to slow or speed up . Great fighter, love to see him fight again.

Ricky Hatton's death is a big shock, he was still so young. I feel for his family and its a sad week for British boxing fans. A man who was so kind and open to all, so inspirational dies alone having problems. It shows nobody really cares when you are down. Big loss for UK boxing.
Click to expand...

Bud is the most complete Boxer I’ve ever seen in my time, it’s a damn shame how he was used by Top Rank wasting his youth, you could see Bud had a genuine moment with Turki at the end, all he ever wanted was the litmus test for his legacy, he cut all ties & took peanuts to fight Spence as well. Turki with The Ring as well has been doing an amazing job for Boxing. Offensively & defensively Bud has everything, even if someone wants to make a case for Floyd, he was never truly box-office in the ring, all the casuals tuned in wanting to see him get beat due to his personality, otherwise he didn’t have a crowd pleasing style.

Huge loss to the sport, it’s sad right when the most genuine people go this way while evil satans live forever, Ricky should have been around family & friends during his struggles and kept in view; don’t want to make it a race thing but a lot of these Goreh don’t respect their parents or elderly, someone famous like him probably got exploited a lot; every time Ricky is going through something, he seeks salvation in the ring, past his peak years and having abused substance, your body is not going to respond well; we are very lucky we have Islam, because we bow before the lord during hardship, these guys got no where else to go.
 
shaz619 said:
Bud is the most complete Boxer I’ve ever seen in my time, it’s a damn shame how he was used by Top Rank wasting his youth, you could see Bud had a genuine moment with Turki at the end, all he ever wanted was the litmus test for his legacy, he cut all ties & took peanuts to fight Spence as well. Turki with The Ring as well has been doing an amazing job for Boxing. Offensively & defensively Bud has everything, even if someone wants to make a case for Floyd, he was never truly box-office in the ring, all the casuals tuned in wanting to see him get beat due to his personality, otherwise he didn’t have a crowd pleasing style.

Huge loss to the sport, it’s sad right when the most genuine people go this way while evil satans live forever, Ricky should have been around family & friends during his struggles and kept in view; don’t want to make it a race thing but a lot of these Goreh don’t respect their parents or elderly, someone famous like him probably got exploited a lot; every time Ricky is going through something, he seeks salvation in the ring, past his peak years and having abused substance, your body is not going to respond well; we are very lucky we have Islam, because we bow before the lord during hardship, these guys got no where else to go.
Click to expand...

Spot on bro, the tragic death of Ricky is a reminder to us all , life is so short and even a bigger reminder we are lucky to have faith and people around us. A man who did so much for all people from all communities, spoke with decency and kindness is found all alone dead with nobody around him caring for him when they know he was struggling. I will watch a re run of his classic fights tonight.
 
Collazo retains titles after surprise Vayson stoppage

Oscar Collazo retained his flyweight world titles in bizarre fashion after Jayson Vayson's corner stopped the fight in the seventh round - much to the surprise of the Philippines fighter.

With Vayson under pressure but competing gamely against Puerto Rico's Collazo, his assistant trainer jumped on to the apron to prompt the referee to end the contest in Indio, California.

Vayson walked back to his corner wearing a perplexed expression as whistles and boos rang out from equally baffled members of the crowd.

The 27-year-old said he had mixed feelings on the stoppage as Collazo, 28, retained his WBA and WBO belts.

"My corner thought I was breaking. I wanted to fight. I respect the decision of the corner for the safety of the boxer," said Vayson.

Collazo knocked Vayson down in the first round, with the challenger doing some of his best work in the fourth - performing a number of body shots.

When the fight was stopped, Collazo, who has won the first 13 fights of his career, was ahead on all three judges' scorecards.

In the co-main, American Gabriela Fundora stopped Canada's Alexas Kubicki to retain her undisputed flyweight title.

With Fundora continuing to deliver heavy punishment in the seventh round, the referee stopped the contest, extending the 23-year-old's unbeaten record to 17.

BBC
 

Khan 'rolling dice' as promoter with Nigeria fight night​

Amir Khan has had a career many boxers dream of.

Olympic silver at 17. Unified world title in his 20s. Unforgettable nights with Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

And then, years later, reality TV infamy with his own BBC documentary - not forgetting his role in I'm a Celebrity's "strawberry-gate".

Now the former champion has swapped fight nights and jungle antics for a new adventure.

On Wednesday, Khan will bring top-tier professional boxing to Nigeria for the first time on the country's Independence Day, when the streets of Lagos will be alive with parades, music and national pride.

"You can imagine all the hype. Everyone will have a day off and will want to come," Khan tells BBC Sport from his home in Dubai.

The event, called Chaos in the Ring, is being promoted by Khan's AK Promotions in partnership with African-based Balmoral Group Promotions.

It follows his debut card in Ghana earlier this year, but Khan believes Lagos will be even bigger.

"I'm still new to the game but I want to learn quick and move quick," he says. "Why Africa? I think it's an untouched market."

A cruiserweight encounter between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne headlines, while British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez will tick off a "bucket list fight" by boxing on Nigerian soil.

Taking fighters back to their roots is a key theme of Khan's promotion.

Earlier this year, Londoner Ohara Davies boxed in Ghana, where his parents are from.

It is something Khan himself never had the chance to do. The son of Pakistani parents who emigrated to the UK, he has always spoken with pride about his heritage and the bond it gave him with fans in South Asia.

"If I had the opportunity to fight in Pakistan, that would have been amazing," he says.

www.bbc.com

Boxing: Amir Khan becomes boxing promoter with Nigeria fight night

Amir Khan wants to build a legacy outside the ring as a boxing promoter as he brings a professional fight night to Nigeria.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

Inquest opened into Hatton death​

The inquest into the death of former boxer Ricky Hatton has been opened and adjourned.

The 46-year-old, who won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, was found dead at his home in Hyde on 14 September.

South Manchester Coroner's Court, in Stockport, heard that Hatton was found by his manager Paul Speak.

The court was told by Alison Catlow, of Greater Manchester Police, that Hatton was last seen by his family on 12 September and appeared well.

The following day he did not attend an event as expected.

On 14 September Speak, who was in court to represent the family, attended Hatton's home to pick him up for a flight to Dubai.

Hatton, who was known as The Hitman, was found unresponsive.

Senior coroner Alison Mutch said they are awaiting the final cause of death, but it was indicated as hanging.

No family were in attendance.

A full inquest has been scheduled for 20 March.

Tributes poured in from the sporting world following news of Hatton's death, with Amir Khan remembering him as "one of Britain's greatest boxers" and Tyson Fury saying he was a "legend".

Hatton was one of Britain's most popular fighters, building a loyal following with more than 30,000 supporters travelling to Las Vegas for his title bout with Floyd Mayweather in 2007.

Thousands lined the streets for Hatton's funeral procession last week.

Source: BBC
 
hassan918 said:

Inquest opened into Hatton death​

The inquest into the death of former boxer Ricky Hatton has been opened and adjourned.

The 46-year-old, who won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, was found dead at his home in Hyde on 14 September.

South Manchester Coroner's Court, in Stockport, heard that Hatton was found by his manager Paul Speak.

The court was told by Alison Catlow, of Greater Manchester Police, that Hatton was last seen by his family on 12 September and appeared well.

The following day he did not attend an event as expected.

On 14 September Speak, who was in court to represent the family, attended Hatton's home to pick him up for a flight to Dubai.

Hatton, who was known as The Hitman, was found unresponsive.

Senior coroner Alison Mutch said they are awaiting the final cause of death, but it was indicated as hanging.

No family were in attendance.

A full inquest has been scheduled for 20 March.

Tributes poured in from the sporting world following news of Hatton's death, with Amir Khan remembering him as "one of Britain's greatest boxers" and Tyson Fury saying he was a "legend".

Hatton was one of Britain's most popular fighters, building a loyal following with more than 30,000 supporters travelling to Las Vegas for his title bout with Floyd Mayweather in 2007.

Thousands lined the streets for Hatton's funeral procession last week.

Source: BBC
Click to expand...

Tragic. :(

Ricky Hatton was a fearless man who stepped into the ring with the most destructive fighters in his weight and gave it all. It shows some people are suffering so much with their mind. Feel for his family esp his children.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Tragic. :(

Ricky Hatton was a fearless man who stepped into the ring with the most destructive fighters in his weight and gave it all. It shows some people are suffering so much with their mind. Feel for his family esp his children.
Click to expand...

I was really worried and expected the worst when I read Amir’s tweet, I think people close to him knew right away. But somehow this revelation ended up being way worse then I could have imagined. This man looked for salvation in the ring & people should have been deeply worried and never left him, it was one final push from him to try and cure the sickness in the mind. An absolute warrior in the right and true working class hero outside of it, and even the best of us can fall victim to our own mind.
 
shaz619 said:
I was really worried and expected the worst when I read Amir’s tweet, I think people close to him knew right away. But somehow this revelation ended up being way worse then I could have imagined. This man looked for salvation in the ring & people should have been deeply worried and never left him, it was one final push from him to try and cure the sickness in the mind. An absolute warrior in the right and true working class hero outside of it, and even the best of us can fall victim to our own mind.
Click to expand...

I had no idea , I watch most fights but rarely read or watch interviews of boxing .

It’s so sad, he was the Hitman who would go into a tear up with anyone , fearless . As you know he was much loved by almost all , from every community. If others knew where was his support ? I know from friends who have competed in combat sports , taking damage can over time effect your mind , they mention it’s like some sort of warped depression which nobody can see . Many also after retirement seem lost without the discipline and energy of boxing . Add personal issues to this and it’s not easy . It’s a very tragic way to go bro . I hope anyone who is thinking of this would go and talk to someone
 
shaz619 said:
I was really worried and expected the worst when I read Amir’s tweet, I think people close to him knew right away. But somehow this revelation ended up being way worse then I could have imagined. This man looked for salvation in the ring & people should have been deeply worried and never left him, it was one final push from him to try and cure the sickness in the mind. An absolute warrior in the right and true working class hero outside of it, and even the best of us can fall victim to our own mind.
Click to expand...
the saddest people learn to mask their sadness better than anyone. to reach that level of despair you start believing sharing your problems will only burden others.
 
Usyk targeting 2026 return but rules out Itauma

Oleksandr Usyk says he will continue to fight for two more years and plans to return to the ring in 2026, but has ruled out a bout with British heavyweight Moses Itauma.

Usyk, 38, stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian, who also previously held all four recognised world titles at cruiserweight, had previously hinted that he would fight only once more before retiring.

However, the pound-for-pound star appears to have reversed that decision.


www.bbc.com

Oleksandr Usyk: Champion rules out Moses Itauma fight but planning 2026 return

Oleksandr Usyk is targeting a return to the ring in 2026, but has ruled out a bout with British heavyweight Moses Itauma.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
KingKhanWC said:
View attachment 158894

@shaz619

Looking forward to this !
Click to expand...

Same here it has been on my list for a while and the cast is excellent, I really hope it does well at the box-office and paves the way for Amir’s movie, he could be played by Riz Ahmed, if I had some script writing experience I’d love to write that lol Am more into traditional fiction writing. Am surprised it has taken too long, Naz is the most influential british boxer of all time imo
 

Briton Okolie to headline 'historic' card in Nigeria​

British heavyweight Lawrence Okolie is set to headline a card in Nigeria on 19 December.

The former cruiserweight world champion's opponent in Lagos - on a card promoted by Queensberry's Frank Warren and Amir Khan - is yet to be announced.

Okolie's parents were born in Nigeria and the 32-year-old is set for his first professional bout in Africa, which is one of boxing's emerging markets.

Fellow Londoner David Adeleye is also on the undercard, with undefeated German heavyweight Emanuel Odiase also in action.

It comes as Eddie Hearn's Matchroom is expected to hold a show in Ghana on 20 December, with reports of Anthony Joshua potentially fighting in either Ghana or Nigeria at the start of next year.

"Big time boxing comes to Lagos," said Okolie, who has a record of 22 wins, 16 stoppages and one loss.

"This will be a historic moment for Africa, my family and my career.

"There's been a lot of talk, but let's see who really wants to dance...

"Thanks to Frank [Warren], George [Warren] and Queensberry for making this happen for me."

Former light-welterweight world champion Khan, the head of AK Promotions, continues his efforts to establish himself as a promoter.

The retired boxer has already co-promoted shows in Nigeria and Ghana this year and has made a point to open the door for British fighters with African heritage to compete in Africa, like Okolie and Adeleye.

"Lagos is about to witness something special," Khan said.

"This event brings together explosive heavyweights and Nigeria's rising stars.

"I'm proud to be part of a night that will inspire the next generation of African fighters."

Source: BBC
 
What an incredible fight between Parker & Wardley, this is what HW boxing should be, leaving it all in the ring beyond the 0’s and title shots. Incredible pace from Rd 1 till the end.

Parker started well with his reach/speed and ring generalship, he pushed Wardley back and hit him with multiple combinations; showing clear intent, Rd 2 this continued and Parker got caught square & Wardley made him respect his power, it took a while for Parker to regain his rhythm and then he was coasting with his Boxing skills really.

I think Parker’s ego lost him this in the end, there was no need for him to engage Parker but I bet he felt Wardley didn’t belong in the same ring as him and it cost him spectacularly, you can question the stoppage, but this is the UK & if you’re going to look for a scrap and get caught in the heat, then unless there’s enough coming back the ref’s going to stop the fight, to be fair to Parker his head movement was good on the ropes but he put himself in a vulnerable position, we be benefited with the thriller so it feels harsh to criticise him.

Personally, I think Parker would have made for a better opponent for Usyk & I don’t know he will get that shot now. Good on Wardley though, what a story, it takes about 5 years to learn the fundamentals of Boxing, with no prior experience & 8 years since he picked up the gloves, he has made it this far. He got an elite chin & power though; batting for his case in an Usyk fight, I guess over a 12 rounder, it’s difficult to get a round against the Ukranian even if it’s close & competitive it will largely go against you, so I guess the more likely route to beat him is to flatten him and Wardley got the power to do that & hopefully will prepare well and not allow the occasion to get him like Dubois did.
 
shaz619 said:
What an incredible fight between Parker & Wardley, this is what HW boxing should be, leaving it all in the ring beyond the 0’s and title shots. Incredible pace from Rd 1 till the end.

Parker started well with his reach/speed and ring generalship, he pushed Wardley back and hit him with multiple combinations; showing clear intent, Rd 2 this continued and Parker got caught square & Wardley made him respect his power, it took a while for Parker to regain his rhythm and then he was coasting with his Boxing skills really.

I think Parker’s ego lost him this in the end, there was no need for him to engage Parker but I bet he felt Wardley didn’t belong in the same ring as him and it cost him spectacularly, you can question the stoppage, but this is the UK & if you’re going to look for a scrap and get caught in the heat, then unless there’s enough coming back the ref’s going to stop the fight, to be fair to Parker his head movement was good on the ropes but he put himself in a vulnerable position, we be benefited with the thriller so it feels harsh to criticise him.

Personally, I think Parker would have made for a better opponent for Usyk & I don’t know he will get that shot now. Good on Wardley though, what a story, it takes about 5 years to learn the fundamentals of Boxing, with no prior experience & 8 years since he picked up the gloves, he has made it this far. He got an elite chin & power though; batting for his case in an Usyk fight, I guess over a 12 rounder, it’s difficult to get a round against the Ukranian even if it’s close & competitive it will largely go against you, so I guess the more likely route to beat him is to flatten him and Wardley got the power to do that & hopefully will prepare well and not allow the occasion to get him like Dubois did.
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I thought the stoppage was premature. Parker is the champion, he should have been allowed at least another 15-20 seconds. As you know many HWs look out on the ropes but have often come back with huge counters to knock out the dominating opponent.

Wardley looks a normal guy not like most HW boxers but is a beast with serious will and determination. He was throwing shots like it was the first round, his stamina looks immense too.

Uysk is a different level but Wardley is younger, if he goes all out he may tire out the Ukranian in the latter rounds and another nice ref may make him undisputed.
 
KingKhanWC said:
I thought the stoppage was premature. Parker is the champion, he should have been allowed at least another 15-20 seconds. As you know many HWs look out on the ropes but have often come back with huge counters to knock out the dominating opponent.

Wardley looks a normal guy not like most HW boxers but is a beast with serious will and determination. He was throwing shots like it was the first round, his stamina looks immense too.

Uysk is a different level but Wardley is younger, if he goes all out he may tire out the Ukranian in the latter rounds and another nice ref may make him undisputed.
Click to expand...

I would have been more bothered if it was for a genuine world title fight and I do feel in those contests the ref should be more lenient. Joseph Parker knew he was fighting in the UK, Howard Foster has quiet the history as well, as an observer we were robbed off a clinical finish, but the ref saved Parker to imo & unlike US ref’s, and we do see way too many controversial finishes here as the big negative, the ref’s better protect the fighters. After such a brutal war, literally each man fighting on the brink of death & that part of this sport will always be incomparable to any other form of combat, I think it was a merciful ending & as someone who is a fan of Parker I am kind of glad it ended like that because nobody gives him a shot & and he has literally risked everything & took on all comers, Parker can still come back after this, I think he didn’t need the extra weight for this and he did gas significantly due to the pace and that’s saying something because his fitness is so good.

Wardley’s determination is unreal & it’s a shame his abilities are so limited because we need someone with his belief & will to face Usyk who’s not the Muhammad Ali people make him out to, his best win so far is Dubois 2 at HW, beating fighters past their best shouldn’t make you an ATG HW all of a sudden.

Usyk needs to face fighters that are fresh / in-form, guys like Kabayel, Wardley, I would have added Parker to but he will need to recover now - but another name Usyk missed that was in good form, and down the line Moses Itauma.

It’s like rating Ali primarily for beating Sonny Liston or Mike Tyson beating Larry Holmes; the lineage might have changed and those are good names to have on the resume, but both men beat the very best available in their best form and are not just credited for dethroning great HW’s who were a shadow of their former self.
 

Mayweather rematch 'almost' agreed - Pacquiao​

Manny Pacquiao says he has "almost" agreed a rematch with fellow boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

The former multi-weight world champions first met in 2015, in what was billed as the 'Fight of the Century'.

Mayweather won after 12 rounds by unanimous decision but Pacquiao said he had a shoulder injury and told the BBC in 2018 that he "cannot retire with peace of mind with that defeat".

The 46-year-old retired in 2021 but returned to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in his comeback fight in July, with Barrios retaining his title after a majority draw.

Mayweather has had a string of exhibition bouts since retiring with an undefeated record in 2017 and the 48-year-old American is scheduled to face Mike Tyson next year.

But Pacquiao says Mayweather's camp are "in negotiations" over a rematch that would "probably" take place in Las Vegas.

"It depends on whether we can understand each other," the Filipino told Seconds Out., external "My people and his people [are] directly co-ordinating."

Referring to his injury in 2015, Pacquiao added: "It's very interesting because, right now, I don't have a shoulder problem.

"I'm sure the world of boxing will be excited if the rematch will push through. He has his own decision so I cannot prevent him from fighting Mike Tyson."

Mayweather's exhibition fight with former heavyweight champion Tyson, 59, is scheduled for next spring but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

Source: BBC
 
Underwhelming Buatsi outpoints Parker in Manchester

British light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi made a winning yet underwhelming start to life under new promoters Queensberry with a points victory over Zach Parker in Manchester.

The Olympic bronze medallist's work rate and punch output seemingly secured him a majority decision in a close 10-round contest at the Co-op Live Arena.

But Parker had his moments, landing some telling single shots in a fight where the styles never quite clicked, with excessive holding spoiling the action.

Two judges scored it 96-94 to Buatsi, with the third a 95-95 draw.

"It wasn't my best performance but what do champions do? They win," Buatsi said in the ring as he was met by boos from the crowd.

The Londoner returned to winning ways after his first professional defeat - an epic battle with Callum Smith in February - to claim a 20th career victory.

Some ringside observers felt Parker, 31, should have been awarded the decision but the Derbyshire fighter suffered the second loss of his 28-fight career.

Promoter Frank Warren had previously hinted that Buatsi could next face the winner of November's WBC world-title clash between champion David Benavidez and fellow Briton Anthony Yarde, who fight on 22 November in Saudi Arabia.

"I'll be watching. I'll have a few weeks off but I'll make sure I'm ready," Buatsi added.

Buatsi earns victory in dull affair

Buatsi's progress has stalled in recent years through promotional disputes and long spells of inactivity.

Once tipped as the future of British boxing, he now finds himself trying to fulfil that early promise - perhaps in what feels like a final roll of the dice - under new promotional backing.

He began cautiously, with neither fighter willing to overcommit in a cagey opening few rounds.

Parker, whose only previous defeat came at super-middleweight against John Ryder in 2022 after breaking his hand mid-fight, was making just his second appearance at light-heavyweight.

By the halfway stage, Parker had made it competitive, making life awkward for Buatsi, who worked behind a tight guard to edge the cleaner rounds.

The crowd's patience wore thin amid frequent holding, with Parker slipping to the canvas several times during clinches.

Parker finished the stronger, but many rounds were difficult to score. Although, former world champion Carl Frampton - commentating on Dazn - had it particularly wide in favour of Parker, giving Buatsi just one round.

Buatsi moves on, but with the likes of heavy hitter David Benavidez, and Russian star Dmitry Bivol ruling the division, the road to world glory - on this evidence - still looks steep.

Hatton tribute fuels all-Manchester battle

In the co-main event, Lyndon Arthur beat Bradley Rea by split-decision in a terrific all-Manchester battle to capture the European light-heavyweight title.

The arena fell silent for a deeply poignant tribute before the fight as 10 bells rang in memory of Manchester's own Ricky Hatton, who died aged 46 in September.

It was the first major televised fight night in the city since Hatton's death. As the final chime faded, the silence gave way to a roar of "there's only one Ricky Hatton".

The action inside the ropes matched the emotion. Arthur was floored by a left hook flush on the chin in the second round, rising shakily to his feet on the count of eight.

But the Manchester United-red shorts of Arthur soon came forward again. Across the ring, Rea - in rival City blue - was marked up early, heavy swelling forming under his eye as the pair traded punishing blows.

Rea, 27, landed power punches but Arthur, 34, fought fire with fire with stinging uppercuts as the intensity rarely dropped over 12 rounds.

Arthur edged the decision with judges scorecards of 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112, but both fighters were relentless and full of heart, everything their hero Hatton stood for.

BBC
 
KingKhanWC said:
I thought the stoppage was premature. Parker is the champion, he should have been allowed at least another 15-20 seconds. As you know many HWs look out on the ropes but have often come back with huge counters to knock out the dominating opponent.

Wardley looks a normal guy not like most HW boxers but is a beast with serious will and determination. He was throwing shots like it was the first round, his stamina looks immense too.

Uysk is a different level but Wardley is younger, if he goes all out he may tire out the Ukranian in the latter rounds and another nice ref may make him undisputed.
Click to expand...

Usyk keeps himself in pristine condition even when not in camp. He will school wardly with exceptional distance and timing just as he did to Fury and Joshua.

Wardly is courageous, but has glaring weaknesses. If it weren't for the one punch Justin Hini schooled him for majority of the fight who again kept his distance to perfection and was picking wardly off with ease.
 
Trainer urged Williams against boxing comeback

Liam Williams has revealed his long-time trainer Gary Lockett discouraged him from making a boxing comeback.

Williams retired after a humbling first-round defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz in February 2024, citing fears over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after suffering "several concussions".

Last week the former world title challenger announced his comeback and has since told BBC Sport: "I feel like a new man."

"I wouldn't want to look back in a couple of years when it's too late and wish I had a couple more fights," said Williams.

But the 33-year-old's decision was not initially backed by his coach.

Lockett threw in the towel to save his fighter from further punishment against Sheeraz after he was put down twice in the opening round at London's Copper Box Arena.

Afterwards, he agreed with Williams' own assessment that he was "done".

Although the pair remained close, the former middleweight's return to Lockett's gym in Cardiff earlier this year was met with a cold shoulder.

"Gary didn't want to train me. He said: 'I'm not really interested'," Williams recalled.

"He told me I was a good friend, it's not just a boxer-coach relationship, and said 'I care about you dearly'."

Lockett's duty of care towards his fighter was unsurprising.

He saw first-hand the dangers of boxing, having been in Nick Blackwell's corner when he suffered a bleed on the skull against Chris Eubank Jr in 2016, which left him in an induced coma for more than two weeks.

Blackwell was also a stablemate of Williams.

"Gary said to me: 'Leave it alone. You have had some great nights, you have had a great career. You have got nothing else to prove, you can stay happily retired.'"

'I'm made for boxing'

Like so many other retired fighters, Williams admitted he struggled to fill the void left after hanging up his gloves.

"It was [rubbish]. Life is great for a couple of weeks or months, then it's like 'is this it?'," he said.

"I have boxed since I was nine years old. It's in me. That's what I'm made for."

The Welshman convinced Lockett he still had something left to give in the sport by telling him to let his stable's best talents - which include ex-world champion Joe Cordina, European lightweight champion Gavin Gwynne and British title contender Rhys Edwards - try to knock him out in sparring. Now the pair are preparing to work together again.

"Things went very well, no one took my head off," said the man nicknamed 'The Machine', whose record stands at 25-5-1, with 20 wins via knockout or stoppage.

"I feel a bit of a break has done me the world of good."

Williams revealed he suffered multiple concussions before retirement, including one three weeks before facing Eubank Jr, when he was floored four times.

"If you go and have another concussion you can drop dead. That was a bit of an idiot move from me [fighting Eubank Jr], but me being a fighter I thought I could still do it," he said.

"I was losing too much weight. That last week, losing the best part of a stone in the 12 to 18 hours before the weigh-in, it's a big ask to recover from that.

"I was standing on the scales thinking, 'I'm going to fall over'."

After those struggles to make the 11st 6lbs (160 lbs) middleweight limit, Williams did not rule out a repeat at that weight but was intending to return eight pounds heavier at the "safe option" of super-middleweight.

Despite his new lease of life, thoughts of CTE remain on his mind.

"It always has been because I have got children which I have to think about," he said.

"It was much more of a worry at this point two years ago. Now I've got my stuff together and I'm doing things right.

"I feel much healthier than I was back then, head and body. I have had a number of brain scans and everything is checking out."

Williams insisted he was also in a much better frame of mind than during the period when he fought Sheeraz and had won back the trust of his coach after four months back in training.

"We've had a couple of chats, he says 'I'm happy, you are looking good'," said Williams.

"I'm at that stage now where I'm ready for something to be announced."

So what can the boxing world expect from a man who won British, European and Commonwealth titles the first time round?

"I've come back for the same reason I was in boxing before. Winning a world title would be the one. Realistically I don't know if I will get back there," he said.

"The goal is just to be in the biggest fights possible. I'm not planning this being a five-year comeback, I'm going to go a fight at a time.

"If things are going great then we will have longer. If things aren't going great, it won't be that long.

"I have got a lot more to give and I know I can prove a lot of people wrong."

BBC
 

Callum Simpson defends European, British and Commonwealth titles against Troy Williamson in Leeds on December 20​

The BBC and BOXXER today announce that Callum Simpson will defend his European, British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against Troy Williamson in a headline showdown at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday, December 20, broadcasting live and free-to-air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

The event, titled The Future Now, marks the next chapter in the BBC’s partnership with BOXXER, showcasing world-class boxing to a new generation of sports fans across the UK.

In one of the most anticipated domestic clashes of the year, Simpson (18-0, 13 KOs) returns to his homeland of South Yorkshire following his explosive European title win over tough Ivan Zucco at Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley in the summer.

English Super Middleweight Champion Williamson (21-4-1, 14 KOs) is ready to play the Grinch and spoil the Christmas party. The Darlington-boxer is riding high after his destructive ninth-round stoppage win over Mark Dickinson to capture the English belt. With a new lease of life in the super middleweight division, the former British Light Middleweight ruler is hungry to continue his resurgence and make a statement this festive season.

Live and free-to-air on BBC Three and iPlayer, the event will bring boxing to new audiences and inspire the next generation of fans.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “We are thrilled to bring another huge night of British boxing to the audience live and accessible across the BBC. Callum Simpson and Troy Williamson are two outstanding fighters and this will be a huge showcase for British boxing. BBC Three’s young audience loves live sport and this is exactly the kind of event that will capture the attention of new fans and create unforgettable sporting moments.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said: “Callum Simpson v Troy Williamson is exactly the kind of fight we want to deliver for a national BBC audience. It’s a massive 50/50 domestic title clash between two elite fighters at the top of their game. Leeds will be electric on December 20, and we’re excited to showcase these incredible athletes to a whole new generation of fans. There are more big announcements coming, watch this space.”

Callum Simpson said: “Leeds is going to be bouncing with the Barnsley Army on December 20. Troy’s a tough fighter but this is my time and I’m ready to prove again why I’m one of the most exciting boxers in Britain right now. To headline live on the BBC is massive and we’re putting Yorkshire boxing back on the map at the same time.”

Troy Williamson said: “Callum’s had a great run but he’s never faced anyone like me. I’m gonna ruin his Christmas. I’ve been in big fights, I’ve been the champion, and I know what it takes. This is my opportunity to show that I’m number one and to take the belts home with me.”

www.bbc.com

Callum Simpson defends European, British and Commonwealth titles against Troy Williamson in Leeds on December 20

Live and free-to-air on BBC Three and iPlayer, the event will bring boxing to new audiences and inspire the next generation of fans
www.bbc.com
 

Donovan agrees to fight Paro in Brisbane in January​

Irishman Paddy Donovan has agreed terms to fight Australian Liam Paro in Brisbane in an IBF world welterweight title eliminator on 16 January.

Paro's promoter No Limit Boxing made the announcement on social media that an agreement was in place for the fight to act as chief support to Nikita Tszyu's middleweight fight against Michael Zerafa.

The winner of Paro-Donovan will be next in line to fight for the world title that is currently held by Belfast's Lewis Crocker.

Crocker has been granted a voluntary defence first after beating Donovan in September in their rematch.

Donovan, 26, now has the opportunity to jump straight back into a world title fight should he negotiate a way past fellow southpaw Paro who is seeking to become a two-weight champion next year.

Paro made a successful move up to welterweight in September having previously been an IBF world champion at light-welterweight.

The 29-year-old's sole blemish in 28 fights came when losing the IBF title to Richardson Hitchens in Puerto Rico last year, but has won twice since including his most recent win over France's David Papot.

He will have home advantage at Brisbane Entertainment Centre against Donovan who is seeking to avoid a third-straight loss.

Source: BBC
 
Joshua v Paul? Hearn says 'maybe' with camps in talks

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is in talks to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Joshua, 36, has not fought since he was stopped in the fifth round by British rival Daniel Dubois in September last year.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, said in August it was likely Joshua's next fight would be against Paul - and on Thursday confirmed that talks had taken place between the two camps.

Media outlets reported on Wednesday that a fight between the pair was almost a done deal, but Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that "everyone has jumped the gun" with these claims.

"Our focus is on 2026," added Hearn. "We have a big fight planned for February and a big fight hopefully against Tyson Fury next year.

"We may run out in 2025. We were just going to have a low key fight somewhere - if that is going to destroy the run of Mr Paul and make tens of millions of dollars in the process, then maybe. Nothing is confirmed yet."

Any fight between the pair would face sanctioning questions given the difference in experience between the two fighters and is unlikely to be considered as a professional bout. An exhibition fight is the most plausible outcome.

Paul, 28, was due to face lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis in an exhibition bout on 14 November before the fight was cancelled.

The decision came after a lawsuit was filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend accusing him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Olympic gold medallist Joshua won his first world title, the IBF belt, in 2016, adding the WBO and WBA crowns over the next two years before losing all three in a shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

He regained all three belts in a rematch against Ruiz later that year and defended them against Kubrat Pulev, before back-to-back defeats by current undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua then went on a run of four straight wins until he was dismantled by Dubois at Wembley Stadium, leaving his future under scrutiny, with his record at 28 wins and four defeats.

Paul has 12 wins and one loss in his professional boxing career - that defeat coming against Fury's brother Tommy by split decision in 2023.

However, he has only fought at heavyweight once before, a drab points win over a then 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November 2024.

BBC
 

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul will be 'real fight' under Queensberry rules and not an exhibition, says Eddie Hearn​

Eddie Hearn has told Sky Sports Anthony Joshua's proposed fight with Jake Paul will not be an exhibition and instead will be a heavyweight contest under Queensberry rules.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday, Hearn revealed nothing is confirmed yet regarding the fight but it is in the works.

"No, not an exhibition. We're not interested in exhibitions. It's a real fight," Hearn said.

"There's stuff to be resolved and discussed. It would be a real fight with Queensberry rules, 10-ounce gloves. The rounds would be agreed. The weight, I mean, we may come down to a number that's more suited for Jake, if that is even a thing.

"It's a heavyweight fight. There was a bit of a jumping of the gun from the media last night.

"It's a cruiserweight moving up to heavyweight. We were going to have an eight-round fight this year, on an undercard somewhere.

"We didn't expect that to be against Jake Paul, but it just so happens that if it is, it's for 50 times more money than we were going to fight for.

"I think if there is any chance of that fight happening next week, you'll probably hear about it. It's not done, despite rumours. We have had an approach from MVP [Most Valuable Promotions]. I have my doubts.

"I mean, if he would be crazy enough to entertain that, we would be willing to oblige, in all honesty.

"I think it would be virtually impossible for the levels of money involved to turn down the opportunity to be in that fight. But, like I said, nothing confirmed yet, and we'll see what happens."

Hearn also revealed a mega British bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury next year is still the ambition, regardless of whether a clash vs Paul comes to fruition.

"Our plan is really cemented with Turki Al-Sheikh for 2026. And that's a big fight in February, and then Tyson Fury.

"That's what is being discussed. That's what he's telling us he's going to make happen. We'll leave that to him.

"So if we do run out, and just wipe out Jake Paul before Christmas, and make I don't know, £50m or £60m, sweet as a nut. If not, we won't do it, and we'll wait until February. But, you know, I think some people get on their high horse.

"The best thing to be in this situation is just purely honest. We ain't turning this down. For that type of money to go out there and have a little run out, no problem at all.

"The serious stuff, the world championship aspirations that we have, the fight with Tyson Fury, that is very much the focus of what we're doing. But this would be something small in between."

www.skysports.com

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul will be 'real fight' under Queensberry rules and not an exhibition, says Eddie Hearn

Anthony Joshuas promoter Eddie Hearn to Sky Sports: No, not an exhibition. Were not interested in exhibitions. Its a real fight. It would be a real fight with Queensberry rules, 10-ounce gloves. If he would be crazy enough to entertain that, we would be willing to oblige
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
 

Eubank Sr denies being paid to reunite with son​


Chris Eubank Sr has refuted claims he was paid to attend April's fight between his son Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, in the build-up to Saturday's rematch.

Eubank Jr and Benn will meet for a second time - just as their fathers did in the 1990s - at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Eubanks had been estranged for several years before emerging from a car together and stunning the boxing world on the night of that first bout.

"They are lying to you [about receiving money], and if you are spouting what they told you then they are a liar," Eubank Sr said.

"I speak and I want truth, nothing but. That's a true entertainer."

There have been claims in recent weeks that Eubank Sr was paid to be by his son's side in April, which the former two-weight world champion strongly denied.

In a BBC film released this week, Eubank Jr confirmed his father would be at the rematch but he was not expected to be present at the news conference.

The pair arrived on stage to Tina Turner's 'The Best' - the song Eubank Sr used as his ringwalk.

"I'm here to support. I'm here to protect [my son]," Eubank Sr, dressed in a tweed suit, added.

"In regards to the love of a son, if a father takes money, nothing wrong with that. If a father doesn't take money, study that. I am here for heart and love."

Nigel Benn, who had also heard the rumour, refused to comment when pushed by Eubank Sr to reveal where, and instead said he just wanted to focus on his own son before joking he would "have it" with his old rival.

The two fathers did face off after the news conference before embracing.

www.bbc.com

Eubank vs Benn 2: Chris Eubank Sr denies being paid to reunite with son

Chris Eubank Sr refutes claims he was paid to attend April's fight between his son Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, in the build-up to Saturday's rematch.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

Ex-world champion Parker fails drugs test for cocaine​

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a possible ban from boxing after testing positive for cocaine.

The 33-year-old New Zealander failed a drugs test on the day of his fight with Fabio Wardley on 26 October.

He was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) on 25 October.

Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport Parker tested positive for the recreational drug and not performance enhancing drugs.

His promoter, Queensberry Promotions said:, external "Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley.

"While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made."

Parker could receive a two-year ban but could also be suspended for as little as three months depending on circumstances.

Any ban would be handed down by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

Ukad, however, did not administer this test and will need to conduct its own investigation.

The BBC has contacted Vada and the BBBC for comment.

Parker's UK manager Spencer Brown told Reuters: "We are in total shock at the findings.

"It is very early days and we will get to the bottom of it all."

Boxer Liam Cameron was given a four-year ban in 2019 for testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolic acid of cocaine, but rules have changed since then with rugby league player Adam Rusling getting a three-month ban in 2024 for testing positive for cocaine and MDMA.

Parker was hoping to put himself in position for a fight against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, but was upset by Briton Wardley at the O2 Arena.

Parker was heavyweight champion between 2016 and 2018, with his reign ended by Britain's Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.

Source: BBC
 

Hearn spies Eubank's weight as Benn wants redemption​

Chris Eubank Jr vowed to put on a "fight of the decade contender" in his rematch with Conor Benn on Saturday.

The bitter rivals engaged in a final tense face-off at Friday's ceremonial weigh-in at the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Eubank looked emotionless but Benn, who said he was too fiery when he lost their first fight in April, appeared the more charged of the two.

"Everything is on track for a Chris Eubank Jr knockout win," Eubank said.

"This is what I love to do, this is my life. I'm not excited, this is what I was bred to do. I can't wait to go out there and show the world yet again.

"The first fight was a fight of the year contender. This fight will be a fight of the decade contender."

After being the stars of the news conference on Thursday, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn were not on stage for the weigh-in.

The boxers weighed in officially on Friday morning behind closed doors and both tipped the scales at 11st 5lb (72kg).

Despite it only being a ceremonial weigh-in, the scales were turned on and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said Benn weighed 11st 13lb (76kg) with Eubank two pounds lighter.

Both fighters are bound by a rehydration clause that prohibits them from weighing more than 12st 1lb (77kg) on Saturday morning.

www.bbc.com

Eubank vs Benn 2: Chris Eubank Jr promises 'fight of decade contender' with Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr vows to put on a "fight of the decade contender" in his rematch with Conor Benn on Saturday.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Hearn spies Eubank's weight as Benn wants redemption

Chris Eubank Jr vowed to put on a "fight of the decade contender" in his rematch with Conor Benn on Saturday.

The bitter rivals engaged in a final tense face-off at Friday's ceremonial weigh-in at the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Eubank looked emotionless but Benn, who said he was too fiery when he lost their first fight in April, appeared the more charged of the two.

"Everything is on track for a Chris Eubank Jr knockout win," Eubank said.

"This is what I love to do, this is my life. I'm not excited, this is what I was bred to do. I can't wait to go out there and show the world yet again.

"The first fight was a fight of the year contender. This fight will be a fight of the decade contender."

After being the stars of the news conference on Thursday, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn were not on stage for the weigh-in.

The boxers weighed in officially on Friday morning behind closed doors and both tipped the scales at 11st 5lb (72kg).

Despite it only being a ceremonial weigh-in, the scales were turned on and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said Benn weighed 11st 13lb (76kg) with Eubank two pounds lighter.

Both fighters are bound by a rehydration clause that prohibits them from weighing more than 12st 1lb (77kg) on Saturday morning.

'Redemption is all that matters'

There has been talk of slower ticket sales for the rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with some suggestions that the appetite to see Eubank and Benn meet again is not quite there.

But this was the first event of fight week when the public were allowed to attend and there was standing room only with the queues around the corner to gain entry.

Eubank made one final attempt to wrest control of proceedings before fight night by making Benn wait an extra few minutes before they were announced on to the stage.

Both men received a warm welcome and plenty of cheers when they eventually emerged.

The build-up to this bout has been less dramatic than earlier in the year when Eubank slapped Benn with an egg at a news conference, and coming in overweight by 0.05lb the day before the fight.

Although the hostility remains, it appears the respect they gained for each other after a bruising contest has ensured no-one oversteps the line.

"I'm excited to get in there and do the business," Benn said.

"It's a blessing. I'm a welterweight but I want to come in heavy. I'm not concerned about what Chris does.

"Do not miss it. Make sure you tune in. Redemption is all that matters."

What is the rehydration clause?

Just as when Eubank and Benn fought in April, there is a rehydration clause that both must adhere to - meaning neither man can put on more than 10lb between Friday's weigh-in and Saturday morning.

Benn's team feel the rehydration clause allows for a more level playing field.

The weight disparity, with Benn jumping up two divisions for this contest, has been a hot topic in the build-up to both fights.

In April, Eubank missed the middleweight limit of 11st 6lb by 0.05lb at the weigh-in - but came in comfortably below the rehydration limit the next day.

Fighters usually shed fat over the course of their training camp to get close to the agreed or stipulated weight limit.

Prior to the weigh-in, which takes place a day before fight night, they may dehydrate to lose the final bit of weight.

Losing water weight close to the fight allows them to refuel with food and water much more easily.

Eubank says he usually puts on about 14lb after a weigh-in.

BBC
 
'Call it a day' - Frampton & Bellew react to Eubank's loss

Chris Eubank Jr's rematch defeat to Conor Benn may be the time to retire, according to former boxers Carl Frampton and Barry Jones.

Eubank, 36, was beaten unanimously by Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, seven months on from Eubank's victory in the first meeting between the two.

All three judges scored the fight convincingly in favour of Benn with Eubank struggling to even challenge his rival, months after beating him.

"It was a great performance from Conor, but this might be the time to call it a day for Chris," retired world champion Frampton told DAZN.

"I'm not trying to be harsh, I'm just being honest."

Former WBO super-featherweight champion Jones echoed Frampton's sentiment, pointing to Eubank's struggles throughout fight.

"I do think it should be the end for Chris," said Jones on DAZN.

"It was evidence from round one that he was flat. It could be weight or it could be wear and tear, I think it's the latter.

"We should give all the credit to Conor Benn, but there were opportunities for Chris to pull the trigger.

"He didn't throw his punches from round one. He was quite lethargic."

Lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, who has won belts in multiple weights, said Eubank was clearly "weight drained".

Eubank has fought most of his recent career at middleweight but was restricted by a rehydration clause on fight day that prevented him from putting more than 10lbs.

Boxing legend turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya also defended Eubank's performance.

"Let me give you a little tutorial on boxing," he said on X.

"Eubank never had a chance due weight drain."

Coach and former boxer Paul Smith said before the fight he felt it was a step too far for Eubank but praised the Briton for a "great career".

"People who always seemed to dislike or hate him ended up growing to love him in the end. Like his dad," he added.

As convincing a win as you'll ever see - Bellew

WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew disagreed with suggestions of a retirement for Eubank, but did say that Benn's performance would have won the fight "10 times out of 10".

"Round seven and eight, he tried to put it together but he couldn't' work out the timing and rhythm of Conor Benn," said Bellew said.

"He was out jabbed, outworked and bullied.

"All of the good things came good to Conor Benn. That was the difference. Benn used the speed and size to his advantage. [Eubank] couldn't deal with Conor Benn.

"As convincing and one-sided a win as you'll ever see in boxing."

Frampton said that Benn's management of his emotions made a difference in the rematch.

"Benn was controlled with his attacks. He wasn't putting in too much energy," added the Northern Irishman.

"I think emotions are good for Benn, but I think they were too much for him in the last fight."

Rapper 50 Cent, real name Curtis James Jackson, walked Eubank to the ring and called for a trilogy bout.

"What a fight them boys went to war tonight, they gotta do that again," he said on X.

BBC
 

Fuelled by fear, Benn ends 35-year wait for revenge​


Conor Benn assured the boxing world earlier this week that things would be different this time.

Benn told us he could keep a handle on his emotions as he prepared for Saturday's rematch with Chris Eubank Jr - the latest instalment of a family feud that began with their fathers 35 years ago.

It was hard to believe, considering how much of a charged individual he is, in and out of the ring. But as he dropped Eubank for the second time on the way to an emphatic, calculated win, Benn proved his doubters wrong.

"It's been hard facing my first loss and coming back from adversity," Benn said.

"As a man you go through things in life and don't know why but you have to - facing your own demons each day.

"When I said I beat myself that night [in the first fight with Eubank in April], I meant it. My head wasn't in the right place."

Benn's successful revenge bid is the latest piece of adversity he has had to overcome.

He is no stranger to dragging himself through tough times.

The fighting son of one of the most famous boxers in British history, told by his school he was possessed by demons aged 12, at the centre of a two-year doping scandal and suffering defeat at the hands of the son of his father's arch nemesis – Benn has dragged himself away from the brink over and and over again.

"I feel like I'm going to go home and cry," he told a packed media room.

"A calm Conor is a better Conor.

"I'm fuelled by fear of losing. I love winning but fear losing more and couldn't lose to the same man twice. Did I really lose or did I learn?"

Saturday's event was promoted as "unfinished business", but in the build-up it did not feel like that really rang true - there was no contention over the result of the first contest.

Maybe it was harking back to the rivalry between their fathers, who fought a controversial draw in their second and final meeting in 1993.

It was a feud that gripped the British public but felt unsettled.

The scars of that fight still haunt Benn's father Nigel and at the post-fight news conference he was dragged right back into that mindset.

"He [Eubank Sr] just loves the limelight, he doesn't care about his son, " Nigel Benn said.

"I don't think I'll ever speak to him again. He tries to quote scripture but he doesn't know what he's talking about."

As Nigel was growing more and more animated, his son began to laugh and could possibly picture himself speaking about Eubank Jr in three decades.

Despite still holding a grudge, it did feel like Nigel was able to gain some closure on the feud through his son.

"I don't know if Conor knows but this is my last training camp," he added.

"I won't be doing this any more. I have three lovely kids in Australia that need me. I have a lovely wife that needs me."

The sons were never meant to fight. Eubank Jr is seven years older, and Conor Benn has operated two weight classes lower for most of his career.

But the appetite to see two icons - Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn - back in the boxing sphere alongside their offspring was insatiable.

As characters, they could not be further apart.

Eubank Sr is a performer, often pulling focus from his son with his dance moves, while the elder Benn is straight and to the point.

At the post-fight news conference, Nigel had changed out of his cream suit and donned a blue Team Benn tracksuit.

He entered the room next to his son and they were followed by a group of around 20 people made up of family, friends and coaches.

Benn made sure to pay tribute to every one of them after helping him through "dark times" when he was banned from boxing after testing positive for a banned substance.

"There were a lot of people in the changing room that were there for me in those dark times," Benn said.

"I wasn't strong enough to do it alone and they gave wisdom and helped carry me. The win is for them."

'Winning the WBC belt is heavy on my mind'
In beating Eubank, Benn has achieved something his father was unable to do.

He is already looking to his next goal, following in Nigel's footsteps by winning the WBC world title.

Benn keeps his father's belt on the wall at his gym to provide motivation when he is going through gruelling sessions.

"Winning the WBC title is heavy on my mind," Benn said.

"It's the title my dad won and is my dream. I'm up on him with Eubank-Benn rivalry and now want that title."

Benn silenced his doubters by winning the rematch and he will have plenty more waiting in the wings to make a case for why he cannot win a world title.

Even promoter Eddie Hearn admitted he did not think Benn was capable of winning a regional title when he saw him make his debut in 2016, describing him as a "mess".

Benn agreed. "I was worse than that, I was terrible," he replied.

Hearn plans to push for a world title fight next and an all-British affair could be on the cards.

Jamie Conlan, who manages IBF champion Lewis Crocker, said the Northern Ireland fighter was open to facing Benn if he beat Eubank.

Having held up his side of of the bargain, Benn will surely be chasing that opportunity.

Source: BBC
 

Joshua to fight YouTube star Paul in December​

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight YouTube star Jake Paul in a professional bout next month.

Britain's Joshua, the 36-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion, will take on the YouTuber-turned-boxer at Kaseya Center in Miami.

The fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, will take place on 19 December and consist of eight three-minute rounds.

Joshua, who weighed more than 250lbs during his previous three fights, must come in at under 245lbs and both fighters will wear regulation 10-ounce gloves.

The bout is a replacement fight for Paul, who was scheduled to take on Gervonta Davis in an exhibition earlier this month before it was cancelled because of a lawsuit filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend.

"This isn't an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day," said 28-year-old Paul.

"When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no-one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted."

Speculation that Joshua would fight Paul was initially denied, but he will return to the ring against the American for the first time since being knocked out by then IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

"I took some time out and I'm coming back with a mega show. It's a big opportunity for me," said the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

"Whether you like it or not, I'm here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.

"Mark my words, you'll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face."

Paul became famous via a YouTube account that now has close to 21m subscribers.

However in recent years he has switched his attention to boxing and has primarily fought as a cruiserweight at about 200lbs.

He weighed in at the heavyweight weight of 227.5lbs when he beat former world champion Mike Tyson in an exhibition fight in 2024 that attracted 108m viewers.

Paul then beat former world middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, via a unanimous points decision, a victory that earned him the number 14 spot in the WBA cruiserweight rankings.

But Paul - who has a 12-1 win-loss record, with seven knockouts - has only boxed a total of 70 rounds since turning professional in 2020.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) by contrast, has 12 years of experience as a professional and has boxed more than 160 rounds.

"It's an incredible day," Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, told Sky Sports.

"Jake thought of this in March of this year and said, 'I want to fight Anthony Joshua'.

"People laughed then. In July the question was asked, 'do you see this happening?' - and the plan was to do this in March or April of 2026. Plans changed and Jake stood up and said, 'I want to face Joshua now'."

Joshua's decision to take the fight raises question marks about his future in top-level boxing, while Paul was accused of making a "mockery" of the sport in the past when he likened himself to Muhammad Ali.

"This is a huge step up for Jake Paul," said promoter Frank Warren.

"It's dangerous for Jake - this is someone with vast experience he's fighting. Jake's had some fights, but not to this level.

"But I'll tell you who it's more dangerous for - it's AJ. If he gets caught - he's done. I'm not saying that's going to happen but if it does, he's finished. AJ's vulnerable, I've always thought he's been vulnerable.

"People will pay to watch it; it's a car crash and people will tune in to see a car crash."

British heavyweight Moses Itauma, who trains with Joshua, said the bout was a "terrible" idea and Paul should "fire his advisers" as it was "100%" dangerous for the YouTuber to step into the ring.

"You don't mess around with things like this," Itauma told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I like Jake Paul and I'm not saying he shouldn't take the fight. I just feel like he needs to weigh up the outcomes. If I was Jake Paul's brother, I'd be very worried."

The 20-year-old also said he does not blame Joshua for taking the money to fight Paul rather than worrying about whether it will affect his boxing legacy.

Itauma added: "Your kids can't eat legacy. If you're talking about getting paid hundreds of millions of dollars to fight a YouTuber, why not?"

When we heard this speculation last week I wondered whether it was a publicity stunt to keep his name in the headlines.

Anthony Joshua is a former Olympic champion and a two-time world champion. He's fought some of the biggest names in the sport, such Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk twice, and Daniel Dubois.

In contrast Paul has not fought anyone near the level of Joshua, and hasn't really campaigned as a heavyweight.

I have just interviewed Moses Itauma - a rising star of British boxing - and he said Jake Paul should sack every member of his backroom staff who talked him into this contest, because on paper this looks like a huge mismatch.

But it will be a huge event, because Jake Paul is a huge internet personality.

Paul has always wanted people to classify him as a legitimate boxer and he has said for a while that he could beat Joshua because of the perceived vulnerability that he cannot take a big punch.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said last week that his plan is to face Tyson Fury next year and that he was looking for a run-out in December against a lesser-known opponent.

But for the money being thrown at them, they thought 'why not go out and get handsomely paid for it?'.

We've been told Joshua could make up to £50m from this and I guess ultimately the money was too good to turn down.

It's incredible to talk about a two-time world champion taking on a YouTuber-turned-boxer - but this is where we are in the sport.

Source: BBC
 

Wardley to be world champion as Usyk gives up belt​

Britain's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his title.

It comes after Ukrainian fighter Usyk informed the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against Wardley.

The WBO said Usyk had "elected to relinquish his title after thoughtful consideration".

Usyk still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

He first became the four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before giving up the IBF title five weeks later and deciding not to fight the mandatory challenger.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri called Usyk "a champion of champions" in a statement.

"The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion," Olivieri said.

"His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era."

The WBO added that its doors "will always remain open to Usyk and his team".

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 by defeating Anthony Joshua and went on to defend it four times.

In July, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against interim champion Joseph Parker of New Zealand, only for a back injury sustained by Usyk to force the postponement of the fight.

But Wardley, 30, took the interim title from Parker with a huge upset in the 11th round at London's O2 Arena last month and was mandated to face Usyk before the end of September.

The WBO is yet to officially confirm Wardley's promotion but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality.

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a new star of the sport," Warren posted on X.

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a promoter and I could not be prouder of Fabio Wardley.

"Some huge fights ahead for 2026 as he defends his WBO belt and creates a true legacy in the sport."

Wardley only began boxing aged 20, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had just 21 professional fights.

Source: BBC
 
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