In a surprising turn of events, Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, the acclaimed boxing trainer behind Chris Eubank Jr.'s recent triumph over Liam Smith, got arrested at Manchester Airport. The incident unfolded after the security personnel reportedly detected a firearm inside his luggage. The 53-year-old McIntyre was in preparation to board a flight to Atlanta on Sunday morning when this unexpected incident occurred. His baggage, which was routinely scanned, allegedly revealed not just a firearm but also an associated magazine and rounds of ammunition. Upon this discovery, the UK Border Force swiftly intervened. The seriousness of the situation escalated to a point where armed police officials had to make their presence felt in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport. It was here, amidst the passengers waiting in the departure lounge, that McIntyre, affectionately known to many in the boxing world as 'BoMac', was taken into custody. He is now under investigation on grounds of suspected firearm possession. This incident has taken many by surprise, primarily because just the previous evening, McIntyre had played a pivotal role in Eubank Jr's impressive victory against Liam Smith at the renowned Manchester Arena. The high-profile rematch garnered significant attention, making the events of the subsequent morning even more shocking. It's essential to highlight McIntyre's reputation in the boxing community. Apart from mentoring Eubank Jr, he is also known for his association with the two times undisputed world champion, Terence Crawford. His expertise and guidance have played instrumental roles in the success stories of these athletes. While the sporting world reels from this news, the specifics and circumstances leading to the firearm's presence in McIntyre's luggage remain unclear. The team representing Eubank Jr. has been approached for a statement regarding the situation but has chosen to remain silent at this juncture. Sky Sports News, which has been closely following this development, also reached out to the Greater Manchester Police for an official statement or comment, awaiting their response. As the story unfolds, the boxing community and fans worldwide eagerly await more details, hoping for clarity on an incident that could potentially impact the careers and reputations of some of the sport's most prominent figures.

Former cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, has issued a strong cautionary message to Tyson Fury regarding his upcoming fight against a formidable opponent. Fury is scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a crossover boxing match, a decision that has garnered criticism from various quarters. John Fury, Tyson's father, has expressed his desire to see Tyson engage in another crossover fight, this time in the MMA octagon against mixed martial artist Jon Jones. John believes Tyson's skill set would translate well in both boxing and MMA.

“Tyson isn’t the best in the world for nothing. If he crosses over, the Tyson I know, he can get in the octagon with anybody. I think you’ll see that with Jon Jones. I want to see that with Jon Jones. I don’t want to see a boxing match, I want to see both men with an all-in battle royale and let the best man at the end of it put their hands up and say I’m the best man, the hardest man and the baddest man on the planet. That would be my plan [to see that fight next]. Go out with a bang, let the world see you’re the real deal in all walks of life not just a boxing match.”

Bellew, however, has delivered a stern warning to Fury, advising him against taking on Jon Jones under MMA rules. Bellew has previously described Jones as a "monster" and emphasized that no boxer would stand a chance against him in an MMA setting. Bellew cautioned Fury that even if he believes he possesses wrestling skills and strength, Jones's expertise and power would make him extremely dangerous. Bellew predicted that Jones could potentially inflict serious injuries on Fury if he were to engage in an MMA fight with him.

“No boxer has any chance whatsoever against [Jon Jones]. As soon as somebody comes at you and starts doing this (crouches down), just hold your hands up and say ‘I’m good’, I don’t need any of this. Tyson Fury, mate I know you think you can wrestle, I know you think you’re strong and heavy, if he [Jon Jones] gets hold of you he is pulling limbs off. You’re going to lose your ankle your knee, your arm, you’re going to lose something. Jon Jones is a freak of nature, the guys a monster.”

The upcoming crossover fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou is set to take place on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite the outcome affecting both fighters' professional records, Fury's WBC title will not be on the line for this bout.

John Fury, father of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, holds a different perspective on the upcoming boxing match between his son and MMA veteran Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is set to make his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in a non-title bout on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. While many expect a one-sided contest, John Fury believes the fight will be more competitive than anticipated. Expressing his respect for Ngannou, John Fury acknowledged his status as a world champion in MMA. He believes that Ngannou is taking the challenge seriously and predicts that he will bring his best efforts to the ring against Tyson Fury. John Fury doesn't foresee his son emerging from the match without some significant battle scars, stating that Tyson might face injuries like a broken leg or arm. He emphasized that the compensation for the fight is important due to the anticipated intensity of the bout.

"I hold him in the highest esteem and the highest regard. He's world champion at his game, he's taking on the best in the world, taking it seriously and I do believe he's going to bring the smoke."

To prepare for the fight, Ngannou has enlisted the assistance of former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as his head trainer. John Fury holds a great deal of admiration for Mike Tyson and acknowledges naming his own son after the legendary boxer. He believes that Mike Tyson's presence in Ngannou's corner will contribute significantly to his training and approach. John Fury highlighted the dynamics at play, suggesting that Ngannou's desire to impress Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury's strong ego create a backdrop for a fierce contest. He emphasized the value of having Mike Tyson as a mentor in Ngannou's training camp, expressing confidence that Mike will provide valuable insights into boxing techniques and strategies.

"Bear in mind he's got Mike Tyson there and he wants to impress Mike Tyson. And then Tyson [Fury] has got an ego as big as Morecambe so the stage is set for a battle royal." "He couldn't have a better mentor in his camp than the great Mike Tyson, I'm sure Mike will show him the boxing moves he needs."

Carl Froch has advised Liam Smith, the former WBO light-middleweight champion, to consider retirement following his recent knockout loss to Chris Eubank Jr. Froch praised Eubank's performance, stating that it was the best he had ever seen from him. The rematch between the two British boxers surprised many, as Smith, who had previously defeated Eubank with a fourth-round knockout, found himself knocked down in the fourth round and eventually stopped by the referee in the 10th round. Eubank showcased his skills by maintaining a sharp performance throughout the fight. He effectively used a solid jab and incorporated uppercuts to keep Smith on his toes. Froch, speaking on his podcast "Froch on Fighting," commended Eubank's performance while acknowledging Smith's struggles.

“That was probably the best I have ever seen him against a really, really bad version of Liam Smith. I can’t take credit away from Chris Eubank Jr because he performed really well, but unfortunately for Smith that could be the end of the road for him.”

Froch pointed out that Smith seemed uncomfortable at the 160-pound weight class and expressed doubt about his ability to drop down to 154 pounds or move up to the super middleweight division. He observed that Smith's weight challenges played a role in his defeat and suggested that this loss might signal the end of Smith's career.

“I thought he was comfortable at 160. He obviously isn’t. He’s took 42lbs off so he can’t go down to 154, he’s gunna have to stay at middle, and he can’t go up to super middleweight, he’s not big enough. But at middle you’ve just seen what happened to him. He can’t do it.”

Froch later stated in an interview on talkSPORT Boxing that he believes Smith's career is finished. He cited Smith's difficulties in finding the right weight class and expressed concern about his prospects moving forward.

“This could be career curtains. He’s had a fantastic career. He’s 35 years old, he got badly beaten because he couldn’t do the weight so I think that could be the end. “I think Liam Smith looks shot and finished at 35 years old. He can’t do 160lbs, he’s 35 years-old had a career at 154lb so if he can’t do 160 what’s he going to do? Step up to middleweight, well he’s not big enough. So for me his career is over.”

The boxing community widely viewed the fight as one-sided and turned their attention to Eubank's future opponents.

After Chris Eubank Jr.'s impressive victory over Liam Smith in their Smith vs Eubank rematch, Conor Benn took a swipe at him, boldly stating he'd defeat him in just four rounds. Eubank Jr., fresh off his victory, is keen to face Gennady Golovkin next and also threw challenges to both Conor Benn and Kell Brook. Eubank Jr. silenced skeptics with a commanding performance in Manchester, securing two knockdowns and a 10th-round stoppage. This was a comeback from his unexpected knockout defeat to Smith earlier this year. With both fighters now having a decisive victory each, the possibility of a Smith vs Eubank third match to settle their intense rivalry is up in the air. Eubank Jr. has long expressed a desire to face Golovkin. The two were on a collision course in 2016, but Golovkin ended up facing Brook in London. Tom Loeffler, Golovkin's promoter, had mentioned in January that a UK showdown with Eubank Jr. was on the table. At 41, Golovkin has been out of the ring for a year, following a loss to the acclaimed Canelo Alvarez. His last fight before that was a defense of his middleweight titles in Japan, where he also clinched the WBA title by defeating Ryota Murata. Eubank Jr.'s aim to fight Golovkin revolves around those belts. However, Golovkin recently vacated his unified titles and currently has no scheduled matches. Eubank Jr. voiced his eagerness to Sky Sports, stating:

“Listen, I want to fight Triple G. I don’t know where he is right now, but wherever you are Gennady, you’ve been holding onto them belts for too long. I want to take one, so let’s get that on if we can. 100 per cent.”

Previously, a bout between Eubank Jr. and Benn was in the works, but it was canceled due to Benn's failed drug tests. With Benn now cleared to fight in the UK, this match seems likely. Eubank Jr. is also eyeing a potential match with Brook, stating:

“There’s some big names out there, I see a few of these guys in the crowd. I’m coming for you Conor, I’m coming for you. I’m coming for you Kell, I’m coming for you. Anyone else who wants it, we’re going to put on a show for the fans, that’s for sure.”

Benn responded to Eubank Jr.'s callout, saying on social media:

“Not impressed... it’s curtains in four rounds if you fight me at 160lbs.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn chimed in on the potential bout, tweeting:

“Eubank v Benn..absolutely massive.”

Conor Benn, a notable welterweight contender, was left unimpressed despite Chris Eubank Jr.'s decisive victory over Liam Smith in their Smith vs Eubank 2 rematch. Previously, in Smith vs Eubank first bout, Smith had floored Eubank in just four rounds. However, the Smith vs Eubank 2 rematch told a different story in Manchester. While Eubank seemed to control each round, knocking Smith down twice and compelling the referee to end the Smith vs Eubank 2 match, Benn remained skeptical. A potential face-off between Benn and Eubank had been in the cards last October. Still, plans went awry when Benn tested positive for a prohibited substance, a development that has kept him tied in a legal tussle with the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD. Benn speculated that Smith's subpar performance was due to a leg injury. He commented:

“Smith made him look good. What, it takes you ten rounds to dispatch of someone who’s got a broken leg? I’m not really impressed.”

as reported by Talk Sport and No Smoke Sport. He further expressed his desire to settle their unfinished business with Eubank. Benn added:

“You could definitely see that it was an injury, that’s all that was. 100 percent, you could tell Smith wasn’t on his game. His punches lacked precision, and he couldn't evade the oncoming blows."

He critiqued Eubank's strategy, saying:

“I didn’t think it was an impressive performance. If you’ve got a wounded man in there, you should take charge and finish it. If my opponent was injured and unable to fight back, I'd ensure they wouldn't last the round."

Although Benn acknowledged that Eubank's performance had improved, he firmly believed Smith's condition played a major role in that. Benn confidently stated his strategy if he were to face Eubank:

“I’d get hold of him [Eubank] within four, I’d go on the offensive right from the start. I'm ready for that match, anytime."

Furthermore, Benn emphasized his willingness to ascend two weight classes to battle Eubank.

In a stunning turnaround from last Smith vs Eubank 2 encounter, Chris Eubank Jr. decisively overcame his past defeat, delivering a masterclass against Liam Smith. Eubank, making a return to the Manchester's AO Arena where he faced a shocking fourth-round defeat seven months earlier, commanded the ring and secured a tenth-round stoppage win. Reflecting on his victory IN Smith vs Eubank 2, Eubank commented:

"It was essential. There are so many big matches out there that I need to be a part of."

After the surprising setback in January, Eubank took some strategic moves, primarily hiring Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre, known for training the renowned Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford. This partnership could well make McIntyre the 2023 Trainer of the Year contender. Interestingly, Smith’s multiple postponements, due to injuries, gave Eubank extended preparation time. Unfortunately for Smith, this seemed to disadvantage him.

"What transpired tonight was what should’ve occurred in January,"

Eubank recalled, indicating that his earlier loss was a mere fluke. From the get-go, Eubank dominated Smith vs Eubank 2 bout. He kept Smith on the defensive, mastering both jabs and uppercuts. Smith's attempts at offense were constantly thwarted, and by the fourth round, he faced a setback reminiscent of Eubank's earlier defeat, being sent to the canvas with a swift uppercut. Rounds continued in Eubank’s favor, with Smith's responses weakening, culminating in a tenth-round stoppage. For Smith, the evening marked the end of a successful spell, with this being his first defeat after four consecutive victories.

“From the beginning to the end, everything just didn't go my way. Chris was on top of his game. That's the story. When I win, I celebrate. When I lose, I accept it."

Eubank's control of the Smith vs Eubank 2 match was evident in the punch stats, with him landing 33.3% of his total punches, while Smith managed just 25%. In a lighthearted moment, Eubank remarked, “I threw so many punches, my trunks’ lettering came off." But he also took the time to acknowledge Smith's spirit, saying,

"Liam is a warrior. Much respect to him and his team."

Eubank is now setting sights on future challenges, mentioning fighters like Conor Benn and Kell Brook. However, one name stands out for Eubank — Gennadiy Golovkin, commonly known as Triple G. Though a match between them was planned once but never materialized, Eubank seems eager to rekindle that possibility, stating:

“I really wish to face Triple G. If he’s available, we should make it happen.”

Boxing fans were treated to a riveting evening of action-packed bouts in Smith vs Eubank 2, with Jack Cullen and Frazer Clarke stealing the limelight with their extraordinary performances. In the buildup to the much-anticipated Smith vs Eubank 2 fight, Jack Cullen took center stage against Mark Heffron. The stakes were high, with both contenders setting their sights on the coveted British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles. Cullen, demonstrating immense skill and precision, landed a powerful left-hook on Heffron in the third round. The punch sent Heffron spiraling to the canvas, and though he tried to recover, the impact was too much. Overwhelmed with emotion, Cullen reflected on his childhood dream of achieving such a title, and the realization of that dream was evident in his jubilation. This match proved that in boxing, moments can be transformative, with dreams realized in mere seconds. On the same Smith vs Eubank 2 night, Frazer Clarke, Great Britain's 2020 Olympic Bronze medalist, also captivated the audience with his performance against David Allen. The match was set at Manchester's AO Arena, with both fighters showcasing sheer determination and skill. Clarke, tall and dominant, used his left jab effectively, keeping Allen on the defensive for most of the early rounds. Allen, not to be outdone, tried to adopt a more defensive stance, but Clarke's relentless offense put him on the back foot. However, the sixth round brought tension and drama. Clarke, after being penalized for low blows, shifted his strategy, targeting Allen's head. This sudden change in tactic took Allen by surprise. As the round concluded, Allen's discomfort was evident, and upon returning to his corner, it was clear he couldn't continue. Later, it was revealed he had suffered a perforated eardrum. This setback marked the end of Allen's four-fight winning streak, while Clarke, continuing his unbeaten journey, advanced his record to an impressive 8-0. The evening was a testament to the unpredictable nature of boxing. Each match, each round, holds the potential for surprise and drama. As both Cullen and Clarke move ahead in their careers, they'll undoubtedly look back on this night as a pivotal moment in their journey.

Adam Azim showcased his endurance by fighting through a ten-round bout for the second time in a row. After ending a consecutive six-fight knockout spree seven months prior, Azim was tested again, this time by Ukraine's Aram Fanyan. By the end of their match, the judges favored Azim with scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. This bout, featured on Sky Sports Box Office, took place at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. With this win, Azim's record improved to 9-0, with 6 of those being KOs. Earlier in the year, he had marked his first ten-round distance bout by outclassing Santos Reyes at the OVO Arena Wembley. A scheduled bout in June had been deferred because of an infection Azim had from a training injury. Despite the delay, he celebrated his 21st birthday and returned to the ring as planned. During the fight, Azim maintained his stance, keeping Fanyan at bay, who was constantly looking for opportunities with his signature left hook. While Fanyan managed to land a few good punches, Azim remained largely unshaken. Instead, he focused on his own strength, emphasizing his powerful jabs and dodging Fanyan's attempts. The bout had its intense moments. In the third round, Fanyan's left hook had Azim slightly wobbly, but he recovered swiftly. As the rounds progressed, Azim was cautious, avoiding any undue risks, especially given Fanyan's deceptive power. There were several noteworthy moments, including Fanyan's attempts to overpower Azim with wild right punches and Azim's continuous effort to leverage his jab. By the eighth round, both fighters intensified their strategies. Azim amplified his offense, while Fanyan used his left hook to push back. The ninth round had its dramatic moment when the referee warned Fanyan for an improper move, leading to some discomfort for Azim, though it was short-lived. Both boxers displayed their skills, but it was Azim who had the upper hand. With this bout, Fanyan's impressive ten-fight winning streak came to an end, and his record adjusted to 23-2 with 5 KOs.

Mikaela Mayer, after her latest win in Manchester against former European champion Silvia Bortot, has her eyes set on a match against IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas. Mayer's performance stood out during the Smith vs Eubank 2 event, with her securing victory in all ten rounds according to referee Steve Gray's evaluation. Mayer, who formerly held the super-featherweight champion title, recently shifted to the super-lightweight category. Now, she's focused on climbing the ranks in the welterweight division. She mentioned that she's gearing up to move from 130 to 147, acknowledging the challenges of the transition after maintaining her former weight for years. Mayer is confident in her readiness to face Jonas. Adding to the anticipation, Jonas, who became a two-weight world champion in July by defeating Kandi Wyatt, was present during Mayer's recent match. From the ringside, she too showed enthusiasm for a potential match against the 2016 Rio Olympian Mayer.

“I’m ready for that fight, yeah,” Mayer told Sky Sports post-fight. “I’ve been preparing my body to go up, it’s a big jump going from 130 to 147. It takes time to do what I did [by] keeping my body down at that weight for so many years, but I’ve already been working on it and I’m prepared to go to 147 and take on Natasha Jonas right away. “That’s definitely the one I want next, and from what I hear she’s game and wants it too.”

The old adage goes, "If it's not broken, don't fix it," and that seems to be Jermell Charlo's mantra. With a commendable track record that could well pave his way to the Hall of Fame, Charlo has consistently proven his mettle in the junior middleweight category, boasting impressive victories and multiple title streaks. However, come September 30th, Charlo is set to momentarily leave his familiar domain of 154 pounds to square off with Canelo Alvarez. But the leap of two weight classes and an additional 14 pounds doesn’t seem to faze the boxer from Houston. There's no denying that facing Canelo presents a significant step up in competition for Charlo. But despite the mounting pressure and the monumental challenge ahead, Charlo remains unfazed. Many speculate he should restructure his training for this bout, but Charlo dismisses such suggestions. Speaking candidly on Cigar Talk, Charlo remarked:

“Maintain the routine that has been working. It’s just about adjusting to a new weight. No overhaul needed.”

His belief in consistency and familiarity as his winning formula isn't unfounded. Over the years, especially in the 154-pound category, Charlo has demonstrated a consistent strategy, albeit with minor tweaks when necessary. For instance, his initial face-off with Brian Castano resulted in a split decision draw, only for Charlo to turn the tables in their subsequent bout. Similarly, in 2018, Charlo faced a setback against Tony Harrison but bounced back with a decisive victory in their rematch. Ultimately, it's Charlo's unwavering faith in his preparations and his relentless dedication that fuels his confidence, irrespective of who he's up against or the weight class. As Charlo puts it:

“The key isn't to overcomplicate things. Commit, work tirelessly, and remain focused on the goal.”

Terence Crawford and Errol Spence are reportedly gearing up for a rematch. Bryan ‘Bomac’ McIntyre, Crawford’s coach, recently disclosed to Pro Boxing Fans that Spence has invoked the rematch clause. Although confirmed, the exact date of the match remains uncertain. It could potentially be scheduled in the last part of this year or early in 2024.

“Spence activated his rematch,” said McIntyre following a question. “That’s confirmed, but we don’t have a date and stuff like that.”

While the location hasn't been finalized, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which hosted their initial bout on July 29, is a top contender, with the MGM Grand Garden Arena also in the mix. The forthcoming face-off is expected to be at junior middleweight (154-pound cap). Previously, Spence has mentioned his struggle to meet the welterweight limit, hinting that his initial bout with Crawford would mark his final fight at 147 pounds. Their previous encounter was among the most awaited bouts in recent times. Crawford showcased his prowess by knocking Spence down thrice, eventually securing a win in the ninth round. This victory was significant for Crawford, not only maintaining his unblemished record (40-0, 31 KOs) but also earning him the title of Ring Magazine welterweight champion. In addition, Crawford unified the championship, integrating Spence’s WBC, IBF, and WBA titles with his existing WBO title. Despite his commendable track record, Crawford was only slightly favored over Spence in their initial meeting. After his defeat to Crawford, Spence, hailing from Desoto, Texas, now has a record of 28-1, with 22 KOs.

John Fury, the father of renowned boxer Tyson Fury, has shared his concerns over his son's upcoming match against the former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. The two are set to face each other in a ten-round non-title match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28, under conventional boxing rules. The bout aims to identify the unofficial 'baddest man on the planet.' While Ngannou is stepping into a boxing ring for the first time, he carries a reputation as one of the most potent strikers globally from his time in the UFC. John Fury remarked in an interview with Seconds Out, sponsored by Freebets.com,

"He's world champion at his game, he's taking on the best in the world, taking it seriously, and I do believe he's going to bring the smoke. I'm expecting Tyson to come out with a broken leg or a broken arm."

Another intriguing aspect of the fight is that Ngannou has sought guidance from boxing legend Mike Tyson, interestingly, the inspiration behind Tyson Fury's name. Discussing this, John said:

"Keep in mind he's got Mike Tyson there, and he wants to impress Mike Tyson." He further emphasized that the influence of Mike Tyson in Ngannou's corner might be a significant advantage, noting, "He couldn't have a better mentor in his camp than the great Mike Tyson, I'm sure Mike will show him the boxing moves he needs."

Overall, while Tyson Fury is preparing for this unique face-off, his father remains concerned, suggesting the intensity of the upcoming battle:

"Exhibition or not, they're going to be fiercely competitive."

Trainer Brian McIntyre doesn't subscribe to the idea that Errol Spence Jr.'s loss to Terence Crawford was solely due to his weight cut, as he points out that the responsibility for that lies with Spence's own coach, Derrick James. Crawford, under the guidance of McIntyre, emerged as the unified welterweight champion in July by stopping Spence in the ninth round at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Though Spence refrained from making excuses for his performance, speculations have circulated post-fight suggesting that his longtime adherence to the 147-pound weight limit may have drained him. A rematch is now being planned after Spence invoked his rematch clause, with the inclination for the rematch to occur at 154 pounds. Adding fuel to the weight-drain theory, James, Spence's trainer, recently indicated that a rematch at 154 pounds would yield a different outcome. In response to James' remarks, McIntyre expressed his disagreement, stating in an interview with RingIQ TV, "I would say that's an excuse. He had the same time to weigh in as Bud [Crawford]. He was aware of the fight months before it happened, so if he struggled with his weight, that reflects poorly on Derrick James' coaching." McIntyre emphasized that everyone had ample time to prepare for the fight and stressed that he wasn't seeking excuses. He asserted that Spence had no justifications, unlike others.

“I would say that is [an excuse],” McIntyre said of James’ comment in an interview with RingIQ TV. “Again, you know, he had to weigh in the same weight as Bud. He knew about the fight months before, so, I mean, if he was weight drained, that’s just bad coaching on Derrick James’ part. “We all had the right amount of time to prepare for this fight. I’m not looking for no excuses or anything of that nature. Errol had no excuses; everybody else did.”

Crawford, who holds the authority to determine the weight for the rematch, has indicated his willingness to fight Spence at the 154-pound limit.

The highly anticipated match-up between former heavyweight champions Andy Ruiz Jr. and Deontay Wilder seems to have hit a wall. The World Boxing Council's order for their final eliminator has been withdrawn due to extended and unsuccessful negotiations. Fans are left disheartened as it appears the two fighters will not be meeting in the ring anytime soon. The main reason for the breakdown is disagreements over the fight purse. Ruiz is still holding out hope for the bout. He mentioned his expectation of being paid $10 million to face Wilder, a figure that he disclosed during an Instagram Live session. He expressed his discontent, stating that the offer he received was similar to what he made in his previous fight against Luis Ortiz in 2022. Ruiz argued that with every win, especially after defeating Ortiz, his compensation should increase.

“They’re trying to pay me what I made for my last fight. It doesn’t make sense. You’re climbing up the ladders and then you get a big task. You’re supposed to beat him. I beat [Ortiz] and the purse is supposed to go higher and higher and higher. That’s the way it goes. If you don’t know, then don’t say s***.”

For reference, Ruiz was reportedly paid $1 million for his bout with Ortiz, which he secured with a unanimous decision, knocking down the Cuban fighter twice. On the other side, Wilder's team feels that Ruiz's financial expectations are unrealistic, suggesting he's asking for too much. Wilder has hinted at the possibility of Ruiz being side-lined in the future because of these demands. As it stands, the spotlight now shifts towards Wilder potentially facing Anthony Joshua in 2024. However, excitement for this Saudi Arabia proposed match-up has also dimmed, with updates becoming less frequent.

In the lead-up to their Saturday night clash, both Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith brought a palpable intensity to Friday's weigh-in. Smith successfully weighed in at 11st 6lbs, while Eubank met the middleweight limit at 11st 5lbs 5oz. After the weigh-in formalities, a tense face-off ensued, with neither fighter willing to back down. Kalle Sauerland, Eubank's promoter, intervened to separate them gently, allowing for photos to be taken. In that charged moment, a brief exchange of words occurred before they parted ways, knowing that the next time they meet would be in the ring on Saturday night. Eubank emphasized the significance of the impending fight, especially due to his previous loss to Smith, where he was stopped in the fourth round. He stressed the immense importance of securing a victory in this rematch.

"This fight is a do-or-die situation. It holds tremendous weight in my career; everything is on the line."

Eubank's determination was evident as he continued:

"Pressure has been a constant companion since day one—from within, from my father, and from the fans. It's what has propelled me forward. I welcome the pressure."

He confidently predicted an intense battle, stating:

"This will be an all-out war; he won't make it to the twelfth round."

In response, Smith promptly fired back, challenging Eubank's assertion:

"He won't even reach the twelfth round because I'll stop him again."

Smith expressed his disbelief at Eubank's statement, considering his past victory.

"After I halted him in only four rounds, his claim sounds unbelievable."

The verbal exchanges between the two fighters amplified the anticipation for their rematch, promising an explosive showdown inside the ring.

Leading up to his bout against Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk found himself amused by the speculations surrounding the match. A significant talking point was the fact that Dubois's coach, James Ali Bashir, previously trained Usyk for about three years during his professional career. Many believed that Bashir would share insights into Usyk's vulnerabilities with Dubois. However, the match in Wroclaw, Poland, saw Usyk, aged 36, emerging victorious by stopping Dubois in the ninth round, successfully defending his WBO, WBA, IBF, and IBO titles. Although Usyk's performance was dominant, there was a tense moment in the fifth round. Dubois managed to land a right-hand body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas. But referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow, offering Usyk a recovery period, a decision that sparked debate among spectators. Post-match, Usyk expressed his views on Bashir's association with Dubois. While he acknowledged Bashir's reputation and integrity, he felt that his former trainer's knowledge about him was superficial. Usyk conveyed that, despite their professional relationship, Bashir didn't truly understand him on a personal level. Usyk then humorously mentioned that if anyone truly knew him, it would be his wife, not his mother, emphasizing how close their bond is.

“James Ali Basher is a great person,” Usyk told SecondsOut. "He’s a famous person. He’s a good man. But he wouldn’t teach Dubois any secrets because he knows none of them. Though we worked together for long time, he couldn’t [teach] me [anything personally]. “He didn’t know me [personally]. That’s why he couldn’t tell that corner any secrets that I have because he just doesn’t know them. I will tell you the person who knows me real, who knows me like I am. I wouldn’t tell you it’s my mom, but it’s my wife. She knows who I am.”

Joseph McNally has disclosed that the forthcoming rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. has not undergone VADA testing. This highly anticipated match is set to occur on Saturday at the AO Arena in Manchester, England and will be broadcasted exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office. Smith triumphed over Eubank in their initial encounter in January at the same location, ending the fight within four rounds. The rematch, initially slated for June 17 and later July 1, will now take place on September 2. The topic of doping has dominated the discussions leading up to this fight, especially given the recent doping controversies surrounding heavyweight Robert Helenius and super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner. McNally, Smith's trainer at the Rotunda gym in Liverpool, commented that Smith hasn't undergone any doping tests by the agency in preparation for his bout with Eubank Jr. In response to McNally's claims, Eubank Jr., aged 33, took to social media to support clean athletes in the sport, prior to defending his 32-3 (23 KOs) record against Smith. McNally retorted by questioning Eubank Jr.’s reference to getting tested by the UK Anti-Doping agency, stating he hasn't seen any VADA involvement in this bout's preparation.

“Chris [Eubank Jr.] made a comment, he was giving the likes of Conor Benn and Robert Helenius and others a bit of sh!t because he’s just had a p!ss test,” McNally said in an interview with ESBR Boxing. Eubank Jr., 33, took to Instagram to slate the names McNally had mentioned, stating that “there’s still clean athletes representing the sport we love”, ahead of putting his 32-3 (23 KOs) record on the line against the Liverpudlian again. “Listen,” McNally continued, “I ain’t seen no VADA for this one. “VADA hasn’t walked into my gym and tested Liam Smith once so what’s [Chris Eubank Jr.] bragging about getting tested by [UK Anti-Doping] for?"

It's worth noting that Baumgardner faced controversy last month following her title defense against Christina Linardatou, and Helenius entered his match against Anthony Joshua on short notice after securing a victory in Finland just a week prior. McNally expressed frustration at the perceived inadequacies of the UKAD testing procedures. He emphasized the seriousness of the sport and how crucial clean competitions are, given the stakes and potential risks involved for the athletes.

“UKAD’s testing is a load of sh!te and it is disheartening and we’re seeing it a lot more because they’re getting caught. “It’s a f------ travesty for the sport because people’s lives are on the line in there and it just shouldn’t be happening.”

Last weekend in Poland, Daniel Dubois clashed with Oleksandr Usyk for the WBA Super Champion title. While Dubois sought the victory, he was halted in the ninth round, allowing Usyk to hold onto his title. Dubois' camp is now looking into contesting the result, pointing to what they perceive as an unfairly adjudged low blow. Despite this contention, many in the boxing community doubt that their appeal will gain any traction. Traditionally, once the primary fighters within the WBA face off, the 'Regular' title is considered redundant. However, a recent twist has come to light. Only days after Usyk's victory, the WBA declared that, due to an ongoing legal dispute, Mahmoud Charr (formerly known as Manuel Charr) would be reinstated as the Regular Champion, placed just below Usyk. This announcement explained that Mahmoud Charr had been lobbying for this reinstatement since 2021. Charr lost his "champion in recess" designation in December 2021 because he hadn't competed within the designated timeframe and couldn't finalize a match with Trevor Bryan. But after two years of legal wrangling, the WBA has now reinstated his status. The WBA has established conditions regarding this decision. Firstly, Charr has to compete against Jarrell Miller, who holds the 5th position in the division, before October 14. After this bout, the winner will then face another contender, as determined by the WBA.

“As part of a court settlement, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has reinstated Mahmoud Charr as regular champion of the organization’s heavyweight division. After the fight in which Oleksandr Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois, the Ukrainian had remained as the only heavyweight champion. However, the organization is forced to make the decision to reinstate Charr as regular champion in order to continue with the normal operation of the body. Charr lost his status as champion in recess in December 2021, after not having fought in the scheduled time and after the impossibility of agreeing a fight with Trevor Bryan. After two years and a judicial process in between, the WBA has decided to reinstate the regular champion status to the boxer. After a thorough study by the WBA on the best way to execute this move, the WBA set two key conditions. First, Charr must face Jarrell Miller, 5th rated boxer of the division before October 14. And second, the winner of this matchup must face the next available contender, which will be determined by the body.”

It's worth noting that since 2017, Charr has only had three bouts, with none of his opponents ranking in the WBA’s top 15. Similarly, the directive for Charr to compete against Jarrell Miller has raised eyebrows. Miller is infamous for his past doping controversies, particularly leading up to a canceled bout with Anthony Joshua. Like Charr, Miller's recent record is sparse, with only three fights since 2018 and none against high-ranking WBA heavyweights. To conclude their announcement, the WBA asserted that their decision aligns with the best interests of the boxing community.

Roy Jones Jr. has shared his insights on Chris Eubank Jr's tactical choices leading up to his rematch with Liam Smith. Many critics believed Eubank's defensive approach in their first meeting was a misstep. Speaking with Sporting Post, Jones expressed that Eubank could increase his odds against Smith by adopting a more aggressive strategy. Jones elaborated on the thought, explaining that Chris recognized the flaws from their last duel. He conveyed hope that Eubank would heed Bomac's guidance to adopt a more confrontational style in the rematch. Highlighting Smith's direct approach in the ring, Jones suggested that Eubank needs to match that intensity and bring back his old combative spirit. Jones also pointed out that merely relying on boxing techniques might not be sufficient against a fighter like Smith, especially if one hasn't been committed to the boxing craft for a lifetime. He mentioned how even formidable fighters, like Canelo, eventually decided to confront Smith head-on after some initial defensive moves. Jones felt that Chris has an advantage in physical strength and was taken aback by Smith's knockout in their previous bout, suspecting that an elbow injury on Eubank's part might have influenced the outcome.

“Chris knows what he has to do in this fight, he knows what he has to do, and he knew after the fight with Liam what he should have done.” “Hopefully he will listen to Bomac, and hopefully Bomac will get it across to him that you have to go out there and make it a fight and you can’t be moving around and boxing because Liam’s a straightforward guy who is going to bring it to you.” “I think he wins the fight. You don’t need to box Smith, you need to go out there and fight. You need to be the old Eubank and get down, right, dirty and fight.” “You can’t box Liam Smith if you haven’t been a boxer your whole career. Even Canelo boxed for a little while, then met him head on. I never thought Liam could hurt Chris, which tells me the elbow had a lot to do with it, so if he meets him head on, he’s the bigger stronger fighter.”

The rematch is eagerly awaited, especially after the surprising outcome of their first match. Given the heightened stakes, there's speculation that the defeated party might contemplate retirement.