It was recently revealed that the WBO has officially ordered a world title fight between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz. The announcement has generated great anticipation in the middleweight division. This decision marks a showdown between two undefeated fighters, both looking to establish themselves as the top figures in the category.

After hearing the news, Janibek Alimkhanuly took to his official “X” account, formerly known as Twitter. The Kazakh boxer stated that he and his team are ready for the fight. “See, this is official! Me and my team are ready! Now we are waiting for a response from brother Hamzah!” Alimkhanuly wrote, making his readiness for the bout clear.

The WBO has set a 15-day deadline for both teams to reach an agreement, with the deadline being October 23. If no agreement is reached, the fight will go to purse bid. This information was revealed in a letter issued by the WBO last Tuesday. However, either team can request that the fight be sent to purse bid before the deadline if they choose to do so. The minimum bid for the fight has been set at $200,000.

Janibek Alimkhanuly, holding an undefeated record of 16 wins, 11 by knockout, is a 31-year-old Kazakh who lives in Oxnard, California. In his most recent fight, he successfully defended his IBF and WBO titles with a ninth-round technical knockout against Andrei Mikhailovich.

On the other hand, Hamzah Sheeraz, also undefeated with a record of 21-0 and 17 knockouts, is a 25-year-old from London. In his latest bout, Sheeraz impressively stopped Tyler Denny in just two rounds on the undercard of the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua event. His performance has established him as a serious contender in the middleweight division, which currently lacks depth.

In addition to being ranked number one by the WBO, Sheeraz also holds the top spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings. The current WBC champion is Dominican Carlos Adames. Sheeraz has shown that he is ready to take on bigger challenges, and this fight against Alimkhanuly could be his opportunity to make a significant leap in his career.

The clash between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz promises to be one of the most exciting matchups in a division that has seen a lack of dominant figures in recent years. Sheeraz’s youth and Alimkhanuly’s experience will create a stylistic battle that boxing fans are eagerly awaiting. As both teams work toward reaching an agreement, time is running out, and the boxing world will be watching the developments closely.Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach react differently to fight announcement

The winner of this fight could solidify themselves as one of the most important figures in the middleweight division and move closer to title unification, a goal both fighters have expressed in the past. With the October 23 deadline fast approaching, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of this highly anticipated bout.See, this is official! Me and my team are ready! Now we are waiting for a response from brother Hamza!

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol spoke about the weight of history at the grand arrivals for their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight.

The Russians fight on Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an occasion that will define their decorated careers.

They fight not only to prove themselves the finest of Russia’s light heavyweights, but the finest in the world and of their generation. Beterbiev, the IBF, WBO and WBC champion at 175lbs, is widely recognised as the finest light heavyweight since the retired Andre Ward, but recognises that in the event of defeat, Bivol, the WBA champion, will instead come to be regarded as the best.

Bivol, 33, enters an even more significant fight than that in May 2022 when he so convincingly inflicted the second of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s defeats. When he spoke in Riyadh he referenced the great Roy Jones Jnr; he also spoke of the fact that a quarter of a century has passed since Jones Jnr outpointed Reggie Johnson to become the undisputed champion at 175lbs.

“Everything was for this,” he told DAZN of his 23-fight career. “I’m trying to not think about it. The first fight, after 25 years, when Roy Jones was fighting – historical fight; undisputed; amazing fight – but finally, just a fight between two guys.

“This is the hardest part – when you should forget about everything; about everybody who’s bothering you; about all opinions in the world, and you have to be only with yourself, with your positive side, not with your negative side. You should find some arguments that you are better.

“This is a dream fight for all fighters, and I’m so delighted that I have this chance. A lot of great fighters couldn’t get this chance and I got it. I was working hard, and now I need to work in the ring.

“I don’t care about 50-50; 60-40. It’s just some numbers. I’m just focused only on my task in the ring. 

“People have been waiting for this fight for many years. Two different styles; two different boxers. I’m waiting. It’s a great fight.

“I just need to be my best version. I just need to do my work. I just need to be focused every second, and use all my skills, 100 per cent.

“I have this chance and thank God that I have this chance. I thank everybody in my life, and thank you to Riyadh Season and His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, for making this fight. I’m so happy that I have this chance.

“I hope it will be a great fight and I hope I will win. I will try my best.”

Beterbiev, 39, enters Saturday’s fight – perhaps the most appealing, competitive and essential that can be made in any weight division – having forced a postponement from June 1 after rupturing his meniscus in training.

He has won all 20 of his professional fights inside the distance, and said: “Every good boxer wants to have this fight; an opportunity like this, and I’m really happy to have it.

“I’m not thinking about it, but I’m going towards this goal every day. 

“I’m good. My knee is good too.

“I’m not thinking about [the prospect of winning] now, but it’s going to happen, I hope.”

Ryan Garcia's hotel vandalism charge and case stemming from a June 8 incident at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills was dismissed on Tuesday, his attorneys told BoxingScene.

During the incident at the upscale Los Angeles hotel, footage showed a shirtless Garcia, 26, being taken into custody in handcuffs and arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism for allegedly damaging property in his hotel room and a hallway.

Garcia's attorney Michael A. Goldstein shared the following statement with BoxingScene on Tuesday.

“As stated back in July, we expected a favorable resolution of this matter and always viewed this through the lens of a civil case. This incident occurred a day after Mr. Garcia learned of his mother’s significant health issues and was under a tremendous amount of stress. He destroyed property that was ultimately paid for. We appreciate the professionalism of the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Waldorf Astoria and the court for granting our motion to dismiss the charges. Mr. Garcia continues to work on his own health and will be ready to get back into the ring soon enough.”

After the incident, Garcia reimbursed the luxury hotel for approximately $15,000 in damages, and the Waldorf Astoria didn't want to pursue the matter any further.

Garcia's co-counsel Darin Chavez told BoxingScene that the star fighter is ready to show a new and improved version of himself following his April 20 fight and fallout against Devin Haney. 

"We've all seen a much different Ryan over the last few months, and we can't wait for the world to see version 2.0 of Ryan as well as he begins the second chapter of his career," Chavez told BoxingScene. 

Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) is currently serving a one-year suspension for testing positive for the performance enhancing drug ostarine and has been teasing an exhibition fight in December in Japan. Garcia is eligible to return in April for a sanctioned fight. 

Haney sued Garcia last month for battery and fraud after suffering three knockdowns during the majority decision loss. The fight has since been changed to a no contest after it was ruled that Garcia tested positive for the banned substance. 

The super middleweight Giovanni De Carolis has announced his retirement at the age of 40.

Italy’s De Carolis (33-11-1) turned professional in 2007. In 2015 he lost a close, controversial decision to Vincent Feigenbutz, then the WBA interim champion, but he beat him in a rematch and then drew with Tyron Zeuge to retain the title – before losing their rematch. De Carolis also lost to Lerrone Richards and Kevin Lele Sadjo in European title fights.

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The heavyweight Daniel Dietz (13-0) fights fellow German Granit Shala (15-1) on December 14 in Karlsruhe, Germany. On the undercard Sarah Bormann (18-1) will fight at minimumweight against an opponent to be confirmed.

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French super welterweight Bakary Samake (16-0) will fight Wade Ryan (22-11-1) of Australia on November 23 at the Westfield Forum des Halles in Paris, France.

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Polish Knockout Promotion will promote the fight for the vacant EBU cruiserweight title between Michal Cieslak (26-2) and Leonardo Mosquera (15-0). A date and site is to be confirmed.

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Elite Boxing in Finland promotes Scandinavian Showdown, a bill on November 16 in Espoo. There will be 10 fights also involving fighters from Sweden and Norway, who are yet to be revealed.

The Finnish side is represented by super middleweight Ilari Kujala (8-0), heavyweight Keni Aliu (6-0), and welterweight Elias Okkonen (8-0-1).

British boxer Lawrence Okolie has vacated his WBC bridgerweight world title. The decision reflects his intention to move up to the heavyweight division. With this move, Kevin Lerena, who was previously the interim champion, has been upgraded to full world champion.

Okolie had previously anticipated this shift in his career. His goal is to establish himself as a world champion in three different divisions before retiring. The British boxer aims to further enhance his legacy in the sport of boxing.

The British boxer’s current record stands at 20 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws. Out of those victories, 15 have come by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of 75%. His sole loss came by judges’ decision on the scorecards. Lawrence Okolie has fought a total of 109 rounds, averaging 5.2 rounds per fight.

His last fight took place on May 24, 2024, in Rzeszow, Poland. In that match, he defeated Lukasz Rozanski by technical knockout in the first round. This dominant win reaffirmed his prowess in the ring and closed a chapter before his move to the heavyweight division.

On the other hand, Kevin Lerena holds a record of 30 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Of his 30 victories, he has knocked out 14 opponents, giving him a knockout ratio of 47%. Of his three losses, one came by knockout, and he has fought a total of 229 rounds in his career. This means his fights last an average of 6.9 rounds.Artur Beterbiev comments on his Muslim faith

Lerena has won 3 of his last 5 fights. However, in his last bout on March 8, 2024, he lost to Justis Huni by unanimous decision over 10 rounds. This fight took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.🚨 OKOLIE VACATES BRIDGERWEIGHT BELT

Lawrence Okolie has now officially vacated his WBC Bridgerweight title that he won with a first round TKO over Lukasz Rozanski in Poland in May. South Africa’s Kevin 

On this day (October 8) two years ago Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr were supposed to fight each other at The O2 Arena in London. To try to imagine this now, one can’t help but think a venue like that, which holds just shy of 20,000 people, would be a venue too small for a fight so big. Yet that is the power of both time and controversy. Whereas two years ago Benn vs. Eubank Jnr was just a fight predicated on the fame of both fighters’ fathers, now, in 2024, it is considered not only a talking point but a tipping point in British boxing. 

In fact, when you look at the sport in Britain today, there is a clear distinction between what came before Benn-Eubank Jnr and what came after it. In 2022, the pre-Benn-Eubank Jnr era, we could, as fans, cope with a cynical cash-grab fight between a welterweight and a super-middleweight, but what we didn’t like was what we experienced during fight week. What we didn’t like was to be told that one of the boxers, in this case Conor Benn, had failed a performance-enhancing drug test – two of them [for clomiphene] – and yet could still possibly fight. For most people, the idea of that didn’t fly, and even so much as entertaining it hinted at a lawlessness in boxing we each try to convince ourselves doesn’t exist. 

Indeed, who can forget that Wednesday media workout? It was there, just 24 hours after the news was broken by the Daily Mail’s Riath Al-Samarrai, that both Benn and Eubank Jnr, as well as their respective promoters, feigned ignorance and expressed a desire to continue as before, business as usual. It was there, too, that various pundits were tasked with discussing the fight as though it could still happen, with a certain sadness – or death – in their eyes the rest had managed to conceal. Perhaps closing your eyes will enable you to do that. Perhaps opening them is where the pundits went wrong. 

At any rate, the fight at that stage was not Benn vs. Eubank Jnr but more to do with ensuring that it went ahead; a concept as ludicrous now as it appeared back then. Back then, the people involved had to some extent taken the failed drug test personally and now wanted to wield and reaffirm their own power in the situation. An injury is one thing, as far as reasons to cancel, but to be told by another authority figure that there is a problem and that the fight should not happen was, to some, tantamount to disrespect. It is then that pride and ego enters the equation. It is then small print is studied. It is then everybody is liable to lose sight of what really matters: the health of two boxers. 

The health of a boxer is at stake every time they enter a ring, of course, but also at stake here was a lot of money, even a potential franchise. Already they had the posters, the taglines, and the then-and-now montages. Already they were thinking about the rematch, and the trilogy fight, and events in great big stadiums. 

This, you see, was not a one-night thing. It had been years in the making, it had been thoroughly planned out, and even if the ones doing most of the legwork and heavy lifting were Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, two retired men in their fifties, this had no bearing on the hunger of those involved in this latest iteration to make obscene amounts of money. The promoters wanted it, the managers wanted it, the trainers wanted it, and the fighters wanted it. It was all there in front of them, so close they could smell it, and yet suddenly the shell had cracked and it was rotten inside, the stench unbearable. Worse than that, everyone involved in the clean-up operation soon came to realise how difficult it is to scrub spilled egg yolk from either a counter or a floor, or indeed people’s minds. You need salt, that’s the trick. Salt provides a surface for the gooey egg to stick to, and makes gathering the egg a lot easier.

Here, though, salt was being used for a different purpose. It wasn’t being used to fix but was instead rubbed into the open wound on the knee of British boxing. A little more was then added each time one of the men involved in the fight opened their mouth in an interview and proceeded to tell us things were going to be okay. It was, in those moments, not only being rubbed in an open wound but being thrown at us, our eyes the target. 

The aim, perhaps, was to blind us to the machinations and hope we were so invested in the fight itself that we wouldn’t care how it came about or what dispensations had to be made in order for it to still go ahead. But, of course, this was missing the point entirely. The fight, regardless of its size and its earning potential, simply could not go ahead, regardless of the effort. For it to go ahead the men involved would have to risk far more than just their money and pride. They would have to run the risk of it all going wrong on the night and one of the two boxers getting seriously injured or killed. The answer to that inevitable question is the one answer each of the men involved lacked and no amount of talking, or conferring, could hide this. Similarly, even if the fight did go off without incident, by circumnavigating certain authorities and discarding certain results, the people behind Benn vs. Eubank Jnr would have both set a worrying precedent and undermined the fragile scaffolding that just about keeps everything in British boxing in place. 

Which is why, when Benn vs. Eubank Jnr was finally cancelled, the collective sigh of relief was as loud and profound as the initial groan which greeted news of the failed drug test. It was disappointing, yes, to see British boxing receive another black eye, but the sheer relief of knowing we could continue to see this thing as a sport was greater than any disappointment. If, after all, the fight had gone ahead, it would have been incredibly difficult to view boxing in a post-Benn-Eubank Jnr world the same way we viewed it in a pre-Benn-Eubank Jnr world. 

That said, still it has been different, both for us and for them. In terms of the fighters, Conor Benn has watched his career as an exciting welterweight contender descend into one of Piers Morgan interviews, basic motivational quotes/threats, and call-outs to fighters either retired or, for now, out of his league. He has boxed just twice in the last two years, beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson over 10 rounds, but has yet to box in Great Britain. 

Eubank Jnr, meanwhile, has been just as aimless of late. He has split two fights with Liam Smith, losing one and winning one, and this weekend boxes the unheralded Kamil Szeremeta in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, too, it was during the promotion for this weekend’s fight that he decided to use a press conference as an opportunity to label various promoters, including those connected with the ill-fated fight with Conor Benn, “scumbags”. He called Benn’s promoter a “scumbag” and he also called his own promoter at the time a “scumbag”. He later retracted these statements, it should be noted, but by that time Conor Benn had taken to social media and written the following: “ This is coming from the same tit that tried to blackmail me for a mil to get the fight to go ahead. You’ve had numerous different promoters for one reason and that’s because you are a prize prick and I cannot wait to knock that big satsuma head clean off your neck .”

Alas, with those words we are reminded of not only how deep the bad blood between Benn and Eubank Jnr runs, but also of how dirty and unseemly that aborted fight two years ago turned out to be. As ugly as any fight in recent memory, it was a child conceived between warring partners desperate to feel something and yet its birth fixed absolutely nothing whatsoever. Instead, it contrived to do the opposite. It simply shone a light on everything that was wrong with the sport, creating in turn an even greater desperation to compensate for what had been lost. 

If a baby, it was Rosemary’s, and now, to make it right, we look back at Benn vs. Eubank Jnr two years on as a kind of necessary sacrifice. Meaning that for all the misery and doom-mongering that surrounded it, look at what Benn vs. Eubank Jnr has ultimately brought us all. Look at the big fights being made left, right, and centre. Look at all the new revenue streams. Look at how all the promoters now get along, join hands, and chant the same tune.

“Sweet Caroline, good times never seemed so good… [So good! So good!]”

Tommy Fury has expressed his dissatisfaction with the scheduled fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The bout, set for November 15, has drawn criticism from several boxers and media personalities. Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, will face Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

This fight will take place despite the fact that Tyson, the legendary 58-year-old boxer, suffered a health issue earlier this year. This incident led to the initial postponement of the fight, which was originally scheduled for July. Although doctors have declared Tyson fit to compete, controversy remains.

The fight has been heavily criticized, mainly due to the significant age gap between the two fighters. Highlighting the fact that Mike Tyson is 58, 31 years older than Jake Paul, who is 27. Tommy Fury, the younger brother of famous boxer Tyson Fury, has lashed out at Paul, a prominent figure in social media.

In an interview with Boxing News, Fury referred to the fight as “absolutely terrible.” He also mentioned that he is not convinced nor interested in seeing a man nearly 60 years old fight someone who is 27.Tommy Fury added that Tyson’s age is concerning to him, stating:

“Mike Tyson is the same age as my dad, like I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m not interested in that fight at all.” Fury also commented on Paul’s career, pointing out that although he has managed to stay in the game, his results are unimpressive. “He couldn’t beat me, so he has to fight a 60-year-old now. So, he’s definitely gone in the right direction,” Fury said.

Jake Paul began his boxing journey in 2020 after gaining fame on YouTube. His first match was against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. Since then, he has fought former MMA stars and NBA players, earning 10 victories in 11 fights. However, his only defeat came against Tommy Fury, who beat him by split decision.Missy Elliott announced for Riyadh Season

For the upcoming fight against Tyson, Paul is considered the slight favorite, largely due to the age difference. Despite this, there is a possibility that Tyson could reclaim the power that made him famous in the boxing world. Shane Mosley, a boxing coach who has worked with Paul,

“If Mike really hits Jake, Mike can really hurt Jake,” warned Mosley. “I know what Mike can do and what Jake can do. I don’t think Jake really understands how hard Mike can hit. Mike is 58, but these are two-minute rounds, and all fighters have pride.”

Mosley also emphasized that Tyson will not go into the fight with the intention of losing. “Jake will have to tire Mike out. Jake will need to understand how these punches will come at him,” the coach concluded. The anticipation around this fight continues to build as the fight date approaches.

Dmitry Bivol doesn’t believe the aging and oft-injured Artur Beterbiev has lost a step. 

Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) will finally find out Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when he faces Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

“I feel amazing before the most important fight of my life,” Bivol told BoxingScene. “Just look at his record to see why he's a really dangerous fighter. It's proven that he's one of the most dangerous opponents. He has the skills. He's not only just a good puncher. He's a really good and smart fighter. He has experience and a boxing IQ. He has three belts for a reason. For his age, he has really good conditioning. I just need to be myself and improve on my skills. You can't prepare to get punched, you have to prepare not to get punched.”

Bivol, 33, and Beterbiev, 39, were originally supposed to fight on June 1 but the fight was postponed after Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training, adding to a long list of injuries he’s sustained in recent years. 

“I will try to do all of my best,” said Bivol. “If I can try to finish the fight, of course I will use the opportunity. In my head, I am always thinking about how to win this fight and how to make everything perfect. I am not thinking about the knockout, to be honest.”

To prepare for the fight, instead of training in Indio, California, his usual locale, Bivol trained in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan for three weeks and 45 days in Turkey, and two weeks before the fight relocated to Riyadh. 

“My body is a little bit different than when I was preparing for Canelo Alvarez two years ago,” said Bivol. “My conditioning coach can see and is giving me new and different exercises. At the same time though, it's a similar program.”

Should Bivol beat Beterbiev, WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez awaits a crack at his crown. Bivol could also be inclined to move up to cruiserweight to challenge titleholder Jai Opetaia, who is set to fight on his undercard against Jack Massey. Bivol could also attract Alvarez for their long-anticipated rematch. 

“To be honest, I don't have any plans as to who I will fight next,” said Bivol. “I don't know if the rematch would be worse for Canelo. I'm not thinking about Canelo. I waited a year and a half and it was only talk and no action or negotiations. It's a closed subject. I'm busy with Beterbiev. We'll see what happens after.” 

Bivol added that beating Beterbiev would be a more significant career accomplishment than his star-making unanimous decision win against Alvarez. 

“Both are important, but with the belts, of course, the Beterbiev win would be more important and meaningful for my soul than Canelo,” said Bivol. “It means a lot to me. For me, Canelo was a step to have huge fights in my career. It was a great opportunity for me to show the world that I am a good boxer and for them to pay attention to me. I proved that I was good and champion-worthy. 

Currently, Chris Eubank Jr. is preparing for his much-anticipated return to the ring. On October 12, the British fighter will be back in action after 13 months of inactivity. His match will be against Polish boxer Kamil Szeremeta in a high-profile card in Riyadh, which will also feature the bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

The 34-year-old British boxer knows that to secure more significant fights in 2025, he must shine with a victory. He has publicly expressed his desire to face some of the most recognized names in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions, including the unified 168-pound champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. A decisive victory over Szeremeta could be the necessary step to secure a matchup with the Mexican.In a recent interview with DAZN, Chris Eubank Jr. recalled one of the highlights of his career.

The Brighton boxer, known for his speed and aggression in the ring, revealed which he considers his most devastating punch. Surprisingly, this punch occurred during his fight against Avni Yildirim, a former opponent of Canelo Alvarez.

“My favourite power punch that I threw was against a man named Avni Yildrim in Germany,” Eubank Jr. stated in the interview. “I knocked him down, knocked him out in the fourth round, I believe it was. That was my favourite punch.” The fight took place seven years ago, and Eubank Jr.’s impressive performance secured him his third knockout victory.This memory remains a source of pride for the Briton, who has competed in multiple international venues.

Avni Yildirim’s career also led him to face Canelo Alvarez, four years after being knocked out by Chris Eubank Jr. On that occasion, the Turkish fighter faced the Mexican at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in a bout that ended similarly. Like in his matchup with Eubank Jr., Yildirim fell in the third round and chose not to continue, retiring on his stool.

As Eubank Jr. prepares for his October 12 fight, his mindset is focused on continuing to showcase his power in the ring. A devastating punch like the one he delivered to Yildirim could be the key to opening the door to a fight with Canelo, something he has longed for in recent years.

Staying healthy during the height of his career has been a painful process for Artur Beterbiev, but the three-belt light heavyweight champion is promising that he is repaired and prepared for his undisputed title fight against Dmitry Bivol on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. 

The bout between Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) and Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) was originally supposed to take place on June 1, but Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training.

“I am healthy,” Beterbiev told BoxingScene. “It feels good to be very close and almost there. It's not a big challenge. It's normal. Everyone gets some injury. Sometimes you [rehab] well and sometimes you don't. This time we did well. 

“When you have injuries, you do some modifications in training camps. We did some different things, and good things, that are much better now. I feel that I am young. Not like 29, but I am young.” 

The 39-year-old Beterbiev has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Four of his previous six fights have been delayed due to health issues.

In January, Beterbiev scored a seventh-round stoppage against Callum Smith, but the fight had originally been postponed because Beterbiev needed dental surgery that led to a bone infection in his jaw.

Before facing Smith, Beterbiev was scheduled to fight Anthony Yarde in January 2023, but that bout was also pushed back after he had surgery to remove damaged tissue from his knee. His mandatory title defense against Adam Deines in March 2021 was similarly delayed twice in 2020, once due to a rib injury and again after contracting COVID-19.

The injury struggles extend further back, with Beterbiev undergoing right shoulder surgery in 2015, and suffering a severe forehead cut in a brutal fight against Marcus Browne in December 2021.

The slight betting underdog Beterbiev will need to bring his A-game to beat Beterbiev.

“We'll see [why Bivol is the best opponent I've ever faced]. We never know who's the best. We'll know after the fight,” said Beterbiev. “He has great experience and is a good boxer. He’s a good challenge for me. We're prepared for different things and different scenarios in this fight. We are always trying to be ready 100 per cent. I'm not worried about [critics]. I'm only worried about my fight. And I try to do that only.

“I never make predictions for a fight. I'm a simple boxer who tries to do my best. We're always prepared for 12 rounds. We do the maximum. Yes, we'll see [if the knockout comes]. We're not focused on a knockout. If it happens, it happens.”

Beterbiev turns 40 in January. As rivals claim that his best days are behind him, the Montreal-based Russian insists retirement is not near. 

“We'll see. I can't say. If there are no injuries and I am good, I will continue, no problem. I enjoy doing this work,” said Beterbiev. 

The WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev, is ready to fight this weekend. The 39-year-old boxer will face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated undisputed world title clash. The fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Crown Showdown event.

Beterbiev is originally from Dagestan, but he emigrated to Quebec in 2013, obtaining Canadian citizenship. Now, he is one of the most prominent athletes representing Canada internationally. In his pre-fight statements, Artur Beterbiev emphasized the importance of the boxing community in Montreal. “They like sport”. “I appreciate that they’ve chosen me. It is a different place in the world from where I was born,” he told DAZN.

The boxer also referred to his Muslim faith as a fundamental pillar in his career. He noted that the discipline instilled by his religion has been key to his success. “I don’t know how non-Muslim people live,” Beterbiev admitted. “My coach Marc Ramsay said he would like more Muslim boxers… because they have discipline. They don’t drink, they don’t smoke, they go to sleep early.”

It’s important to mention that Beterbiev enters this fight with an impressive 20-0 record, having won all his fights by knockout. However, he faces a formidable opponent in Bivol, who is also undefeated and has notable victories over Joe Smith Jr. and Canelo Álvarez. This fight could be Beterbiev’s toughest challenge yet, but he trusts his preparation and his faith to help him emerge victorious.

The undisputed fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol promises to be an exciting duel. Boxing fans will be watching closely to see if Beterbiev can maintain his perfect record and add another win to his remarkable career.

The WBO has called for negotiations between unified middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly and Hamzah Sheeraz to begin.

Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) — a 31-year-old Kazakh living in Oxnard, California — recently defended his IBF and WBO titles with a ninth-round technical knockout of Andrei Mikhailovich.

Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs), a 25-year-old from London, has stood out as the division’s top prospect and looks to be a bona fide contender in a 160lbs scene that is otherwise lacking in depth. In September he impressively stopped Tyler Denny in two rounds on the undercard of Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua.

Sheeraz is ready to step up. He’s ranked #1 by the WBO as well as the WBC , whose titleholder is Carlos Adames.

As reported by The Ring , Sheeraz won the European middleweight belt with that win over Denny and has since been ordered to defend it against Denzel Bentley (20-3-1, 17 KOs), who like Sheeraz is being guided by Queensberry Promotions. The European Boxing Union has said that Sheeraz and Bentley have until October 31 to reach a deal.

David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2 and @UnitedBoxingPod . He is the co-host of the United Boxing Podcast . David’s book, “ Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing ,” is available on Amazon.

Hamzah Sheeraz is seen by many as one of Great Britain’s most promising fighters and a recent step up in opposition has seen him finally gain worldwide recognition. Now it seems as though a world title shot is around the corner.

Often compared stylistically to the legendary Tommy Hearns, lanky middleweight Sheeraz has impressed on the big stage during 2024 by halting Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and European champion Tyler Denny on blockbuster ‘Riyadh Season’ bills.Hamzah Sheeraz vs Ammo Williams Fight Highlights | 5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom 🥊 pic.twitter.com/jES6L1NfIQ

— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 2, 2024

Those stoppages saw Sheeraz stretch his sensational knockout streak to 15 consecutive fights, earning him a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the division, as well as one of the most talented.

At 25-years-old, time is undoubtedly on Sheeraz’s side, and he now has both the skills and momentum that not only warrant a world title shot but has convinced fans around the globe that he may be the man to end the reign of undefeated Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0), who holds both the WBO and IBF middleweight world titles.

Today, the WBO officially ordered a world title contest between Alimkhanuly and Sheeraz, with the respective teams of both men given 15 days to reach a deal.

“WBO Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest – NegotiationsTyson Fury makes weight gain plan known for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs. Hamzah Sheeraz

Gentlemen:

Please be advised that the parties herein are hereby ordered to commence negotiations for the subject matter bout. The camps are granted 15 days to reach an agreement. Failure to reach an agreement within the time provided herein will result in this Committee ordering purse bid proceedings pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid ceremony at any time during the negotiation process. Lastly, this Committee reserves the right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO rules, including, but not limited to rendering all rulings necessary to serve the best interests in the sport of professional boxing, including those in the Middleweight Division.”

Alimkhanuly knocked out Andreii Mikhailovich on Friday night in Sydney to retain his world champion status with a typically dominant performance. However, there are growing concerns that ‘Qazaq’ Style may have outgrown the 160lb weight limit and that his time in the division is coming to an end.

Should this be the case, the contest for any vacant WBO title would likely take place between Sheeraz and his fellow Brit Denzel Bentley (20-3-1), who is ranked as the world number two with the WBO.

Nick Ball has been instructed by his promoter Frank Warren to recover from the most demanding year of his career before considering their next move.

On Saturday at Liverpool’s M&S Arena the 27 year old stopped Ronny Rios in 10 rounds to make the first defense of his WBA featherweight title.

The bruising fight was his third in the space of seven months, following, in March, him moving up to world level for the first time when he drew with Rey Vargas. It was in June when he then won his title against Raymond Ford, and Saturday when he defended it in his home city.

Warren, who also promotes Daniel Dubois, compared Ball’s run with that of the heavyweight who has transformed his career with victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, but while there already exists speculation regarding a rematch between Dubois and Joshua, he will refuse to consider Ball’s career until 2025.

“He needs a rest,” Warren told BoxingScene. “I’m not even thinking about it at the moment. He needs a good rest. He’s had three absolutely tough, tough fights. I can’t think, other than Daniel Dubois, of anyone who’s fought at such a high level. He’s faced three world-class fighters in the space of seven months. How many people do that? 

“He needs a break, and I want him to have a break and then come back, with recharged batteries, and see how the land lies. He’s an exciting little sod – probably one of the most exciting fighters out there.

“I don’t think he’ll be too happy [to rest] ‘cause he’s a fighting machine, but Paul [Stevenson], his trainer, is a real sensible guy. We’ll have a conversation, and go from there. But Paul knows what needs to be done.

“[Rios] impressed me. I knew he was a tough guy. I knew he’d come to fight. Nick was sometimes trying a little bit too hard; I’d like to have seen him using his jab more; he’s got a great jab; when he uses it he’s different class. He’s a handful, and I can’t think of any guys out there he won’t beat. I really can’t. He’s a tough, tough handful for anybody. He’s relentless. 

“He [Rios] was competitive; he come to fight; he gave everything he had. He’s very, very experienced, and he was using his experience and trying to ‘old man’ him at times. He absorbed some serious punishment, and a couple of times got back into the fight. 

“Nick’s still on a learning curve, and it was a really, really good fight; it was a good opponent for him and brought the best out of him. He dug deep and done what he had to do. He was in control most of the fights.”

That Ball has twice fought in Saudi Arabia, as he did against Vargas and Ford, suggests that his next title defence could be staged there, regardless of the temptation – as would previously have been more typical – to build his profile as an attraction in his home city, and asked about the likely destination of his next fight, Warren responded: “At this stage I don’t know. If he has a break he’ll enjoy his Christmas, and see what’s happening next year. We’ve got a show in February in Saudi, and it’s Ramadan after that, so we’ll have to see. Unify the titles [is the plan].”

Warren was absent from Liverpool because he is suffering with flu, which also postponed his arrival in Riyadh for Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol, but on the same Queensberry Promotions date Jack Rafferty, 29, impressed in stopping Henry Turner, and Warren plans to revisit negotiations with him regarding a promotional agreement.

“I’d like to something with him – of course we’d do something with them, and he deserves it,” he said. “He deserves that. Henry, by the way, we’ll bring him back – let him rest up and we’ll get him back in action as well. That’s a good learning fight for him. Rafferty’s a tough competitor, no doubt about that. We’ll work with him on something, that’s for sure.

“I’d love to see that fight [between Rafferty and Pierce O’Leary]. That’d be a great fight between the two of them early next year.

“That was always going to be a tough fight [against Turner]. It was very competitive; Henry boxed extremely well for the first half of the fight, and Rafferty got himself back into the fight. I always felt as the fight went on, his experience and those 10 more fights than Henry might stand him in good stead. But Henry showed that he’s an excellent boxer. 

This year's undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has already cemented itself as a heavyweight classic. Now, with just two months to go before their highly anticipated rematch, Fury has added an extra layer of incentive for his rival.

In May, Usyk faced off against ‘The Gypsy King’ in the first-ever four-belt heavyweight contest and the first undisputed title bout in the division since 1999. Despite Fury’s mid-round success, the Ukrainian warrior turned the tide and nearly secured a knockout. Instead, he earned a split-decision victory, joining Evander Holyfield as one of only two men to be undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

However, despite Usyk's historic win, it is Fury who shares the cover spotlight with Canelo Alvarez for the new 'Undisputed' boxing video game, which launches this weekend. In a bold statement, Fury revealed that if he loses the rematch, he’ll give up his place on the cover to Usyk.

“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. If I don’t win this rematch, I’m going to relinquish that front cover and give it to Oleksandr. That’s what I’ll do with the front cover. I’ll relinquish my right to be on that front cover and give it to Oleksandr ‘The Great.’"

But Fury doesn’t expect to make good on this promise. Speaking with TNT Sports, he expressed his intent to avoid the judges altogether and avenge the lone defeat of his career with a knockout.

“I’m going to go in there with ‘destroy mode’. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious. I boxed the head right off him. Let’s talk facts. Anyone can get caught, as we’ve seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights. But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock a m**********r out!”

'Undisputed' will be available on October 11, with Canelo Alvarez on the standard version cover and Fury on the deluxe WBC edition. Meanwhile, Fury-Usyk II will take place on December 21st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling end to the year for boxing fans.

#FuryUsykRematch #UndisputedChampion #HeavyweightShowdown #FuryVsUsykII #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #RiyadhBoxing #WBCChampion #BoxingVideoGame #UndisputedGame #UsykTheGreat

Undefeated two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford took to X to respond to recent call-outs from two-division titleholder Teofimo Lopez, escalating tensions between the two fighters. Typically reserved on social media, Crawford challenged Lopez to face his last opponent, Israil Madrimov, as a prerequisite for a potential showdown.

“@TeofimoLopez you fight and beat @IsrailMadrimov next, I’ll whoop yo ass next bet? Now let’s see how much you wanna fight,” Crawford tweeted.

The exchange continued as Crawford, 37, from Nebraska, took aim at Lopez’s career achievements. “If you ever thought Teo had a better resume than me, yo momma eats dog shit, and you need to stay far away from boxing because you don’t know shit about boxing,” Crawford added.

Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs), known for his measured approach in the ring, critiqued Lopez’s level of competition. “I respect all fighters. But @TeofimoLopez only fought 3 fighters worth even talking about, and that’s Lomachenko, and [Jamaine] Ortiz beat him. [Josh] Taylor lost his fight before Teo and definitely should have moved up to 147, but we all know why he killed himself to make 140.”

Lopez fired back, tweeting, “We either lace up the gloves or SHUT YO HOE ASS UP.”

Crawford responded sharply, reminding Lopez of his earlier remarks. “@TeofimoLopez, now you said you’ll fight me for free right? Them was your words, not mine,” Crawford tweeted.

Lopez, 27, from Brooklyn, stood firm. “Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth! You A-side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing,” he replied.

Lopez, 21-1 (13 KOs), has fought twice in 2024, earning unanimous decisions over Jamaine Ortiz in February and Steve Claggett in June.

Crawford quickly dismissed Lopez’s words as mere talk. “What’s the location, you doing too much talking. I’m trying to see something. Yo daddy said you hit hard without the gloves I’m trying to find out. You don’t deserve to share the ring with greatness. All you deserve is a good ol fashioned ass whooping. So I can teach you,” Crawford tweeted.

WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has been vocal in his call-outs of boxing’s biggest stars throughout 2024 but he is yet to find a willing opponent that could thrust his name into pound-for-pound contention once again. However, Terence Crawford now appears open to a showdown with ‘The Takeover’ – one that Lopez compared to a legendary encounter.

Teofimo Lopez has twice defeated pound-for-pound contenders in recent years, notably pulling off the upsets in his two title challenges to date against Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor to defeat the top dogs at both 135lbs and 140lbs.

Yet, a surprise defeat to George Kambosos Jr. back at lightweight and more recent underwhelming displays against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett have damaged Lopez’s claim to the pound-for-pound throne.

Instead, as a multi-divisional undisputed champion, it is Crawford whom many consider at the man to beat in the world of boxing and Lopez has once again called for a clash with ‘Bud’ on social media, this time receiving a promising response.I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy.

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 8, 2024

[Lopez]: “Enough games. We lacing up to fight? The people want to see you put me on a stretcher! #Boxing

“So what we doing?! Feb. 2025 @Turki_alalshikh”

[Crawford]: “I can do that right is that’s what they want to see, you and yo Daddy”.

Shortly afterwards, Lopez doubled down on his declaration that he would face WBA super-welterweight champion Crawford for free and went on to compare the possible affair to Sugar Ray Leonard’s legendary trilogy with Roberto Duran.Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!

You A side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach react differently to fight announcementFirst off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!

Crawford Vs Lopez is the modern day era of @SugarRayLeonard VS @robertoduranbox

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 8, 2024

[Crawford]: “@TeofimoLopez now you said you’ll fight me for free right? Them was your words not mine.”

[Lopez]: “Absolutely! What I said remains. Like I told you before, in front of you! The whole world needs to watch me beat you. Not just word of mouth!

“You [are the] A-side so what we doing! I will fight you for FREE #Boxing”

[Crawford]: What’s the location, you doing too much talking. I’m trying to see something. You daddy said you hit hard without the gloves, I’m trying to find out. You don’t deserve to

[Lopez]: “First off, ain’t no diddy ova here. Secondly, you only want to fight in the streets because you don’t want no one to see me beat you!

“Crawford vs Lopez in the modern-day era of Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran.”

If Lopez is serious about a challenge for Crawford’s super-welterweight title, he will need to move up two weight divisions in order to enforce the scrap, although Crawford’s pursuit of a third undisputed title could stand in the way – as talks progress for a unification bout between he and the WBC and WBO champion, Sebastian Fundora.

Referee Thomas Taylor from Newport Beach, California, has been assigned to oversee the highly anticipated light-heavyweight championship superfight between unified champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA beltholder Dmitry Bivol on October 12 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Taylor, a seasoned referee, recently officiated Erislandy Lara’s win over Danny Garcia in Las Vegas and the draw between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. In July, he managed Junto Nakatani’s quick one-round victory over Vincent Astrolabio in Tokyo, and earlier this year, he was the third man for David Benavidez's bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in the light-heavyweight division.

Joining Taylor as the scoring officials outside the ropes will be Glenn Feldman of the USA, Spain’s Manuel Oliver Palomo, and Pawel Kardyni from Poland. Palomo notably scored Oleksandr Usyk’s big win over Tyson Fury earlier this year, while Kardyni judged Dmitry Bivol’s previous fight in Riyadh—a victory over Malik Zinad—and was on hand for Nick Ball's close win over Raymond Ford.

For the British heavyweight title rematch between champion Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, referee Victor Loughlin will be in charge, with judges Mark Bates, John Latham, and Steve Gray at ringside. Their previous encounter ended in a draw over 12 rounds in London.

#BeterbievBivol #LightHeavyweightShowdown #BoxingChampionship #KingdomArenaRiyadh #BeterbievVsBivol #RefereeThomasTaylor #RiyadhSeason #WardleyVsClarke #BoxingJudges #Bivol #Beterbiev

Featherweight Sophie Alisch has signed a long-term promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing. The unbeaten 22-year-old German is scheduled to return to the ring on October 25 at Wasserman Boxing’s promotion in Bolton, England, headlined by Harlem Eubank.

Alisch will face hometown fighter Linzi Buczynskyj and fights to move closer to a shot at the featherweight title. She is also monitoring the upcoming title bout between Skye Nicholson and Raven Chapman in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

“I’m thrilled to re-sign with Wasserman Boxing and build on the momentum we’ve already created,” Alisch said. “This partnership has been instrumental in my growth, and I’m ready to push further toward championship opportunities.”

Kalle Sauerland, head of boxing at Wasserman, added: “Sophie is already a star, but she has the talent and charisma to be a superstar and the next face of female boxing.”

For Tim Tszyu, the cut he suffered earlier in 2024 is more than a reminder of a loss — it’s a mark of unfinished business.

After his defeat in April by Sebastian Fundora, a cut on his face required 15 stitches and kept Tszyu out for nearly seven months. 

The Australian, 29, is determined to prove that the scar doesn’t define him.

"You can see it's a little V – V for vengeance," he said.

The 29-year-old former junior-middleweight titleholder (24-1, 17 KOs) is set to challenge the unbeaten IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) of Russia on October 19, from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The fight will mark the first Premier Boxing Champions event to air on Amazon Prime without a pay-per-view barrier – and therefore present Tszyu with a fitting stage for his comeback. In the inaugural Amazon Prime-PBC collaboration, Tszyu suffered the cut he now calls "a little tattoo for the rest of my life". His fight against Murtazaliev, 31, represents the first step towards redemption after his loss to Fundora, who had been a late replacement for the inactive Keith Thurman.

"Could have, would have, should have — it’s all in the past," Tszyu said. "The biggest lesson I learned was just focusing on the present."

Tszyu’s road back has been challenging. He was scheduled to fight Vergil Ortiz in August on the undercard of Israil Madrimov-Terence Crawford, but the same medical issues prevented him doing so. Increasingly, he is eager to reclaim his place among boxing’s elite and aims to become a titleholder again.

"I just enjoy the whole fight game," Tszyu said. "I enjoy the thrill of it. I enjoy training camps. I enjoy progression."

Reflecting on his upcoming opponent, Tszyu recalled a brief encounter with Murtazaliev. " I was on the same card as Murtazaliev once and I do remember thinking that he’s a tall guy, but most of my opponents are taller than me,” he said. “We gave each other a little eye-to-eye, like we knew we’d see each other down the road.”

Their fight is imminent, and Tszyu’s scar tells a story — one he hopes is not about a fall from grace, but of a fighter rising again. Murtazaliev-Tszyu could determine the next chapter in his journey.