Gervonta Davis has confirmed that he will defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jnr on December 14 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 

Davis, 29, stopped Frank Martin in June, and Ryan Garcia in what represented the biggest fight of 2023. 

There had been speculation surrounding him fighting the IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in a unification contest, but the WBA had since approved their super-featherweight champion Roach, also 29, moving up to 135lbs.

Davis’ leading divisional rival Shakur Stevenson recently signed for Matchroom, whose promoter Eddie Hearn insisted he plans to match with Davis, after a fight with William Zepeda, in 2025.

The growing demand for a fight between them and Davis’ profile as one of the sport’s leading figures regardless means that his agreeing to fight Roach will disappoint, something the challenger perhaps recognised when he posted on social media: “Me versus everybody.”

There was also a post from Davis. The official fight poster that confirmed the date and venue, complemented by, simply: “The One.”

#DavisRoach #GervontaDavis #LamontRoach #WBA #lightweight #December #VasiliyLomachenko #RyanGarcia #FrankMartin #WilliamZepeda #ShakurStevenson #Boxing #BoxingNews #Sports #News 

Lamont Roach is a good fighter. He’s technically sound; he’s a championship-level fighter.

But as far as opponents for Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a pay-per-view event go, I’d prefer to see someone who has produced explosive performance at the highest level or at least is a polarising personality.

Davis is a bonafide pay-per-view star. Whether you agree that so many of his fights should have been on pay-per-view – and I disagreed with most of them – he’s been established on pay-per-view for a while now. What’s been lacking is the proper opposition necessary to charge those kinds of fees.

Roach is a solid fighter. But he hasn’t reach the pinnacle, and I also don’t think he’s the nature of character to compensate for that. He’s had success at super featherweight, but it’s taken him a while to do so. If he’d made numerous title defences a fight between him and Davis might make more sense, but he’s made one, against Feargal McCrory. 

We’ve seen Davis in this sort of fight before – such as against Hector Luis Garcia, who since being stopped by Davis has only lost a split decision to Roach. But then that’s become the pay-per-view model – once a fighter has that status, he stays on pay-per-view regardless of his opposition.

Frank Martin, Davis’ past opponent, is also a solid fighter – and unlike Roach is established at lightweight. He’d been on course to fight Shakur Stevenson, and he’d produced some good performances that meant there was a curiosity surrounding him at the highest level. There’s no question Davis is of the highest level, which is why the careful selection of his opposition is frustrating. 

It’s also relevant that Roach – who is spoken about highly by those who know him – isn’t the biggest of super featherweights, where he still appears capable of making defences of his WBA title, and that Davis is such a powerful lightweight. If Davis is the biggest star in the division, and Stevenson is his biggest rival, then I feel similarly about this fight to how I did when Stevenson was matched with Joe Cordina. It feels more like the sort of fight that would be acceptable if Davis-Stevenson was made, and then Stevenson had to pull out with an injury and be replaced; if we could be confident Davis-Stevenson would come next, it would make far more sense, but it doesn’t even seem close.

Davis has to be considered a heavy favourite. With respect to Roach, if he won, it would be the upset of the year, and a match-up capable of producing the upset of the year shouldn’t be on pay-per-view.

A lightweight fight I’m much more positive about is William Zepeda-Tevin Farmer. Farmer presents Zepeda with a different style as he continues to move up in level; Farmer’s a former world champion, and a very crafty southpaw, and by fighting him Zepeda’s strengthening his hopes of fighting Davis or Stevenson in the future.

Southpaws are largely dominant at lightweight, which makes Farmer a very suitable opponent, and one capable of showing us where Zepeda, who so far has been impressive, is at. Farmer may be past his best, but Zepeda isn’t defending a world title, and their fight’s on the undercard of that between Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto Ramirez. I anticipate moments where Farmer’s on top, and testing Zepeda, even if I expect Zepeda to both learn from him and win.

As a side note, when Stevenson-Cordina was announced, we were also told we could expect Stevenson-Zepeda and then Stevenson-Davis in 2025. Stevenson being with Matchroom and DAZN – the broadcaster Zepeda’s fighting on, albeit under Golden Boy Promotions – means a fight between them wouldn’t come as a surprise. 

But I see very little reason to believe Stevenson-Davis will happen after that. Matchroom have no say over Davis’ movements. I’m happy to go on record as writing that I don’t believe Stevenson-Davis will happen in 2025, and while I expect Stevenson-Zepeda to take place, it will be late in the year, instead of early, as we’ve also been told.

#LamontRoach #PaulieMalignaggi #GervontaDavis #Boxing #News #Sports #MatchroomBoxing #ShakurStevenson 

Lamont Roach Jnr says he brings far more to the table than Frank Martin, the undefeated lightweight contender who was knocked out in highlight-reel fashion by Gervonta “Tank” Davis in June.

“Respectfully, I’m not Frank Martin. Frank Martin started boxing when he was, what, 15?” Roach said in an interview with Naji Grampus of “Cigar Talk.” (Martin was actually 17, according to the Premier Boxing Champions website .)

“Frank Martin don’t got the experience that he needed – as everybody could see, it’s not like that I’m just talking shit or nothing like that – he didn’t have the experience to be in there with someone as skilled or as experienced as [Tank]. I got the same skill level as Tank. I got the same experience as Tank. I got the reflexes. I got the ability. I damn sure got the IQ. Question is, what makes people think I'm gonna end up like those guys that didn’t have the experience and skills?”

Davis is 30-0 (28 KOs). The only fighters to last the distance with him were German Meraz, back in 2014 when Davis was in his ninth pro fight, and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, whom Davis defeated by decision in 2021. After the Cruz bout, it was revealed that Davis had a hand injury.

Roach acknowledges Davis’ power but also believes in his own chin.

“I think I got hit on my shit a couple times. Ain’t nobody ever dropped me,” Roach said. “Ain’t nobody ever seen me hurt in no fight.”

A counter right hook that dropped Roach in his 2019 loss to Jamel Herring was ruled a slip – “The ref saw that my foot came up and I tripped. That’s why he didn’t call it a knockdown,” Roach said.

But Roach (25-1-1, 10 KOs), while proclaiming his own attributes, also acknowledges that Davis has few weaknesses.

#LamontRoach #GervontaDavis #Tank #Davis #FrankMartin #

Lightweight contender William Zepeda, considered by many to be the best fighter in the division without a title, isn't exactly chatty. But who needs to talk when you throw punches the way he does?

Zepeda, known for his relentless punch output and to-the-point interviews, will face former IBF junior lightweight titleholder Tevin Farmer on Nov. 16 on “Latino Night” at Riyadh Season’s The Venue in Saudi Arabia.

It’s a big stage, but don’t expect Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) to deliver any charismatic pre-fight banter – he leaves that to the other guys.

“I’m very honored to take part in Latino Night,” Zepeda said at a Los Angeles press conference, providing exactly what has come to be expected from him: a brief, no-frills statement. That is the Zepeda experience.

Zepeda has been on a steady rise, keeping it all business as he has stopped Roberto Ramirez in the fifth round in November 2020 and cruised to dominant wins over Hector Tanajara Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr., Maxi Hughes and Giovanni Cabrera. His next opponent, Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs), isn’t a walk in the park either. A tricky southpaw, Farmer will test whether Zepeda can handle the kind of slick defense he would face in, say, a showdown with Shakur Stevenson – a potential dream fight for fans.

We’re getting ahead of ourselves, but why not? Zepeda’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has already compared the fighter to Mexican legend Salvador Sanchez. No pressure, right?

Farmer, 34, gave unbeaten lightweight Raymond Muratalla a tough time, and this fight should give us a direct comparison that can tell us where Zepeda fits in the division. Can he dominate like so many expect, or will Farmer throw a wrench into his plans? Either way, Zepeda doesn’t seem too bothered in pre-fight conversations.

“I’ve got a great opponent in front of me, but one of the things I want to do is give a great show and represent Mexico proudly,” Zepeda said.

Again, all business.

Expect the same from him come fight night – just a lot of punches, and maybe, in the event of a win, a postfight smile.

#WilliamZepeda #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #News #Sports #RiyadhSeason 

Nick Ball is targeting a rematch with Rey Vargas and a future fight with Naoya Inoue after successfully defending his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios.

Ball was defending his title for the first time and making his first appearance in Liverpool, his home city, for over four years. His growing support there had to watch his past two fights in Saudi Arabia– a controversial draw against WBC titlist Vargas followed by Ball winning his belt by defeating Raymond Ford – from afar. 

His loyal supporters turned up in their thousands to Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to support one of their own. The 27 year old couldn’t believe the reception he got after fighting in the city’s iconic venue for the first time, after previously boxing in nightclubs and halls elsewhere in the city.

“It hasn’t even sunk in,” Ball told BoxingScene. “It’s crazy to think how far I've come. I’ve always dreamed of it knowing it was going to happen. With the right backing, the right team around me, the right promoter – Team Queensberry. They’ve made it happen and brought boxing back to Liverpool. Massive night and I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s the start of something new. I’m world champion but bringing the boxing back to Liverpool in the M&S Bank Arena – it’s where everyone wants to come. I feel like this is only the start; many more nights to come here.”

Ball’s homecoming was a huge success via him producing an all-action performance against the 34-year-old Rios and battling through a broken nose to drop him twice before eventually stopping him in the 10th round. 

“I always knew I had him hurt,” Ball continued. “I could see in his eyes that he was broken, he was getting out of the stool drained. So, I knew I just had to keep it on him but at the same time take my time; stay switched on. He was dangerous at times in there. I knew I was getting to him, but it was just a matter of when and it finally came.”

“I've been hit by harder punches but he was landing clean with right hands and jabs what I shouldn’t be getting hit with – as you can see from my nose. That’s boxing isn’t it? Every fight you learn and I’ve definitely learned from that one. So, I'll be taking it into the next fight.”

Ball’s focus had firmly been on Rios, but that changed after the fight when he named a rematch with Vargas and a fight with undisputed super-bantamweight champion Inoue as potential options.

“I need a shot at Vargas because that’s my belt,” he said. “I should have it on this other shoulder but it’s coming. Everything happens for a reason so only time will tell.

“[And] everyone is going on about Inoue’s name, aren’t they? He’s a super bantamweight – there isn’t any super bantamweights calling him out. But obviously, if he comes up to my weight I’m going to show him who the man is at this weight. Of course, I’d fight him 100 per cent. He’s a quality fighter and everyone is speaking us fighting so of course I would.”

Ball had paid a visit to Liverpool football club’s iconic Anfield earlier in the week to promote his date with Rios. 

“[Fighting there] would be next level,” Ball said. “I was there this week for the Champions League game [against Bologna] with my dad and that was a special night. I said to him, ‘Imagine fighting here, I’m going to make it happen’, so hopefully one day it does.”

#NickBall #ReyVargas #NaoyaInoue #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans #FightNews #News #Sports

The upcoming pay-per-view fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jnr on December 14 in Houston will be the first time they have fought as pros – but their third meeting overall.

“We competed twice before in two close fights in the amateurs,” Roach said in an interview with Naji Grampus of “Cigar Talk.” ”Honestly, if you ask him, he’ll probably tell you that I am one of his better opponents to date.”

Those amateur fights took place in 2011, back when the fighters were both teenagers. Davis, who was born in November 1994, was 16 at the time, while Roach, born in August 1995, was approaching his 16th birthday. They’re both now 29 years old. Davis is the WBA lightweight titleholder, while Roach is the WBA junior lightweight titleholder.

They also sparred as kids, Roach said.

“They took a point from him and then they took a point from me that I don’t think that they were supposed to,” Roach said. “We sent it to USA Boxing and they granted me an at-large bid to go to the nationals. It was like, ‘OK, maybe that point should’ve been taken.’ They put us on two sides of the bracket and we met up in the championship of the nationals.

“He’s definitely different. He’s definitely better. He’s world-class better. Just like I am,” Roach said. “He’s a world-class fighter. He’s where he’s at for a reason. I’m a fan of him. That motherfucker can fight. I know what I’m capable of. I’m one of them. So why not show the world? Why not show him? That’s what we’re supposed to do.”

“He wasn’t really like no devastating knockout puncher or nothing like that when we was kids,” Roach said. “People would consider me more of a power puncher in the amateurs rather than now, except for the people that be in the ring with me.”

#GervontaDavis #LamontRoach #NajiGrampus #Boxing #PrimeVideo #Boxing #BoxingNews #BoxingFans

Every young fighter turns professional with dreams of taking the sport by storm, racing through the levels, and quickly becoming a well-paid, household name. 

Once the excitement of a professional debut has faded and the daily grind of life as a professional has set in, the realisation that title fights and packed arenas are years and thousands of hours of hard work away can understandably test that early eagerness and intensity. 

It was immediately obvious that Andrew Cain was different.

From the start, Cain carried himself with a menacing, intimidating air, and was deadly serious about his profession. He ruthlessly stopped his first six opponents and word will have also undoubtedly spread through the journeyman community about the potential hazards of fighting the Liverpudlian. 

Nine years after turning professional, Cain, 13-1 (12 KOs), is a regular on TNT Sports and is the British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion. On Saturday night he stopped Colombia’s Lazaro Casseres in two rounds at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena and received a warm welcome from his home city, but Cain still isn’t where he wants to be. He is getting closer and closer but, if anything, having his goals within reach has made the 28 year old even more intense and determined.

“I’ve got a weird sense,” he told Queensberry Promotions after stopping Casseres inside two rounds. “I can’t really explain it. It’s all well and good winning these fights and stuff. I wanna change my life; I wanna become financially stable. This is my dream – fighting in these arenas – but I’m not gonna be happy until I’ve secured myself and I’m comfortable.”

Shortly after Cain completed his night’s work, his gym mate Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight title by stopping Ronny Rios in nine rounds. Ball’s homecoming provided Cain with an ideal showcase to fight in front of his home crowd, but he is more than ready to step out of his friend’s shadow and to test himself at world level.

He has rebounded well after losing a split decision to Inout Baluta last year. On paper, that looks like the type of result that may indicate a limit to a fighter’s potential but – not wanting to let an opportunity slip – Cain rashly entered that fight with a damaged hand, an injury that quickly became much, much worse and resulted in a 13-month lay-off. 

He has since been back to his vicious best, recording three successive victories and collecting the British and Commonwealth titles. Cain believes that when observers focus on his power they overlook his other qualities, and he insists that he has the all-round ability to thrive at the highest level. 

“What bantamweight in the world is taking my punches?” he asked. “None of them. Get me in there with any of them.

“Having punch power is one thing. I had one fight where I was badly injured and I wasn’t able to flow the way I should have and I think I probably got hit with 10 clean shots. I think I’ve probably been hit 13 or 14 times – not even clean – in my whole career. I’m not just a puncher. I don’t get hit. I’ve got good eyes in there. I see everything coming. I’ve got good defences. 

“I’ve got everything and I just want to keep proving it and proving it time and time again. Get my family secure, get a nice house, and I won’t be happy until I’ve done that.”

#AndrewCain #Boxing #BoxingNews #Sports #News

Anthony Cacace, the current IBF super featherweight champion, has responded to Leigh Wood’s recent call-out. The 35-year-old fighter stated that he would gladly face Wood, but only if the pay is right. Cacace, who currently holds the world title, expressed that the risk of vacating his belt must come with fair compensation.

Cacace is set to face a mandatory challenger in the near future. He is scheduled to fight Eduardo Núñez before March 2025. Although he has time, facing Wood would require vacating his world title. However, this is a step Cacace is not willing to take without significant reward.

“If I’m going to have to vacate a belt, I want paid to vacate the belt and my purse on top,” Cacace said. “It’s not just vacating, it’s giving away your crown, and that’s your bargaining chip. Once that’s gone, it’s gone,” said Cacace.Despite the complexities of facing Leigh Wood, Anthony Cacace has shown interest in the fight.

However, he also emphasized the importance of being ready for his IBF title defense. He expressed that he is more than willing to fight Leigh Wood, but he also needs to prepare for the IBF and the fight with Núñez.

The IBF champion also acknowledged that Eduardo Núñez has patiently waited for his world title shot. “He stepped aside for the last fight against Josh Warrington,” Cacace explained. “He’s been waiting on the sidelines for some time and deserves his chance.”

Similarly, the Irish boxer showed empathy towards Núñez. Emphasizing that he understands what it’s like to wait for a title shot.Tyson Fury reacts to UFC Pereira vs. Rountree fight

“It’s nice being the champion and not being in that position, but I know the position he’s in, and it’s not nice to be there. It’s Núñez as of now, but we need to iron things out,” Cacace concluded.

Whether Anthony Cacace will fight Leigh Wood or defend his title against Núñez remains to be seen. However, the champion made it clear that any decision will depend on receiving a financial offer that motivates him to vacate his belt.

#boxing #BoxingNews #AnthonyCacace #IBF #featherweight #LeighWood #EduardNunez #UFC 

The iconic hip-hop artist Missy Elliott will headline the opening of Riyadh’s 2024 season. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 12, led by the undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol at the Kingdom Arena.

Elliott, a multiple Grammy Award winner, will perform her biggest hits. Songs like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “The Rain” will be part of her setlist. This event is part of her “Out of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience” tour, her first headlining tour in over 25 years.

Since her 1997 debut with the album “Supa Dupa Fly,” Missy Elliott has been an influential figure in rap and hip-hop. Her work broke barriers, making her one of the first women to stand out in a predominantly male genre. Her impact was officially recognized last year when she became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Surprise Guests at the Concert

She won’t be alone on this grand night. Missy Elliott will

Additionally, rumors suggest that producer Timbaland, Elliott’s close friend since high school, might join the concert. Timbaland is also part of Missy Elliott’s current tour, making his participation in the ceremony highly possible. If confirmed, this would add an epic touch to Saturday’s event.Riyadh Season This year’s is special… with artist Missy Elliott at the opening of #RiyadhSeason 🔥❤️

See you on October 12 😎

Book your ticket 🎟️ https://t.co/QmWtLAwJkr

#BigTimepic.twitter.com/y3mmtwNOnC

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 6, 2024

is now on WhMissy Elliott announced for Riyadh SeasonatsApp!

#RiyadhSeason #MissyElliott #LightHeavyweight #BeterbievBivol #ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #Boxing #BoxingNews #TurkiAlalshikh

It is almost impossible for an undercard fight to steal the show on a night that Anthony Joshua fights at Wembley Stadium, but it was widely predicted that Anthony Cacace-Josh Warrington would provide the in-ring fireworks to match those that lit up the London sky in September.

Daniel Dubois’ stunning knockout of Joshua regardless totally overshadowed everything else that took place under Wembley’s famous arch, but the fight between Cacace and Warrington never quite caught fire. 

Cacace, 23-1 (8 KOs), was initially disappointed by his performance, but after knocking out Joe Cordina to win the IBF super-featherweight title and then outpointing the two-time featherweight champion Warrington, the 35 year old Irishman has rightly taken the time to think more rationally.

“At the time I felt like I very much underperformed,” he told Queensberry Promotions. “I look back now and think that I got control of a two-time world champion. I controlled the pace; the length. I controlled most things. Looking back, I controlled it very handily and it was a nice solid win but I expect my performance to be higher and harder from here. I want stoppages. I want to get them out of there.”

Cacace has spent years on the outside looking in but now finds himself with a host of realistic options. He has always had talent but he suddenly also has a reputation.

He has a high-profile mandatory challenger in the dangerous Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez, but his status as a world champion offers him new privileges, and after spending years boiling his broad 5ft 10ins frame down to 130lbs, the idea of moving up to the lightweight division and chasing the big names – and associated paydays – also greatly appeals. 

As does the idea of returning home as a champion. Cacace won the British title in Birmingham, and was crowned the IBF champion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After beating Warrington in London, he likes the idea of fighting in front of a home crowd in Belfast. 

“Anyone and everyone,” Cacace responded when asked who he is targeting next. “There’s lightweight there. [Vasiliy] Lomachenko; any of these boys. Any of these lightweights. Give me a crack at them. 

“At my weight, there’s a mandatory in ‘Sugar’ Nunez. Business is business. It has to be right for me. I fear no man – no man whatsoever – but business has to be right for me at this stage of my life.

“I would love that [to headline at home]. Only now am I feeling the love of the people back home on my estate; in Belfast; in Northern Ireland. To even sell half of the Odyssey Arena out would be unbelievable. That would be a big achievement for me.”

#Boxing #BoxingNews #Undercard #AnthonyCacace #JoshWarrington #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #Featherweight

Current light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, known for his devastating knockout power, aims to maintain his unblemished record of winning all his fights by knockout as he prepares for his highly anticipated bout against Dmitry Bivol on October 12 in Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev holds three of the four most prestigious world titles in the light heavyweight division, and this fight promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the year.

The clash between Beterbiev and Bivol features contrasting styles: Beterbiev is renowned for his aggression and overwhelming power, while Bivol is celebrated for his technical prowess, footwork, and solid defense. The outcome of this fight could set the stage for a potential showdown with Canelo Álvarez, who has expressed a strong desire to return to the light heavyweight division after his previous attempt ended in defeat against Bivol in 2022.

In a recent interview with The Stomping Ground, Beterbiev was asked about the possibility of facing Canelo in the future. He seemed uncertain but did not dismiss the idea entirely. “I don’t know when… Canelo Álvarez had one belt from my division that time I wanted to fight with him, but now… I don’t think so… It’s.. I don’t interestingly really the interesting have fight with him,” Beterbiev remarked. When pressed about the importance of the belts, he affirmed, “Of course.”

Both fighters remain focused on their upcoming clash, which holds significant implications for the future of the light heavyweight division. Additionally, Beterbiev hinted at the possibility of moving up to cruiserweight if he secures a decisive victory over Bivol, indicating his ambition to further expand his boxing legacy.

As anticipation builds for this pivotal showdown, the stakes are high, and the future of the light heavyweight division hinges on the outcome of this battle between two of boxing's powerhouses.

#BeterbievVsBivol #BoxingNews #LightHeavyweight #CaneloAlvarez #KnockoutPower #BoxingLegacy #ArturBeterbiev #DmitryBivol #SaudiArabia #FightNight

Two weeks after Daniel Dubois’ stunning IBF heavyweight title victory over Anthony Joshua, the spotlight has shifted away from a significant undercard result at Wembley Stadium. In a bout that would have dominated the British boxing conversation on any other weekend, Mark Chamberlain suffered a shockingly comprehensive defeat to the skilled Josh Padley, who many viewed as merely a showcase opponent for the Portsmouth fighter.

Sam Noakes, a lightweight rival watching from the crowd, weighed in on Chamberlain's defeat. “I ain’t gonna kick a man when he’s down,” said Noakes (15-0, 14 KOs). “The sad reality of boxing is there’s only two people in there and somebody’s got to lose.”

Prior to the fight, momentum had been building for a potential clash between Noakes and Chamberlain, with promoter Frank Warren expressing hope that their matchup could headline the O2 Arena for a lightweight world title in the future. However, those plans are now on hold as Chamberlain needs to secure a couple of impressive wins to make the fight viable. He may also consider moving up to the 140-pound division.

Despite Chamberlain's setback, Noakes is not left stranded. The 27-year-old has been on a tear in recent fights, holding the British, Commonwealth, and European lightweight titles, alongside impressive world rankings with the WBO, IBF, and WBC. He has established himself as one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects.

“Obviously, it doesn’t really make a difference to me whether he wins or loses,” Noakes remarked. “That fight between me and him has if not gone away, it’s probably slowed down, but I wish Mark all the best. I’ve never been a Mark Chamberlain hater. He’s still a good fighter. He might have had an off night. There might have been certain factors that we don’t know about going on behind closed doors. Hats off to Padley. An unbelievable performance, and I’m a bit gutted for Padley too because he’d have had Mark’s belts if it had been at lightweight.”

Noakes added, “Listen, it’s boxing and we’re all big men at the end of the day. It’s not like he’s been beat once and now he’s rubbish. He’ll come again. I don’t know if he’s going to move up now or whatever. I’m just staying in my lane and focusing on what I’m doing. He’s gotta do him, and I’ve gotta do me.”

#MarkChamberlain #SamNoakes #BoxingNews #Heavyweight #Lightweight #BoxingCommunity #BoxingMatch #FightNight #BritishBoxing #JoshPadley

Famous British boxer Tyson Fury has shared his thoughts on the main event of UFC 307, where champion Alex Pereira faced Khalil Rountree. Fury remarked, “We don’t play in the fight game,” emphasizing the brutal and demanding nature of combat sports. He highlighted the commitment and physical sacrifice required of athletes in both boxing and MMA. Fury praised Rountree as the “Warrior of the modern day,” acknowledging the courage he displayed inside the cage. This reaction underscores Fury’s respect for MMA fighters and the sacrifices they make when stepping into the octagon.

In the fight, Pereira defended his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship for the third time this year. Although Rountree started strong in the early rounds, Pereira showcased his skill and resilience, ultimately winning by TKO in the fourth round.

The UFC 307 card featured more exciting matchups, including Julianna Peña's thrilling split decision victory over Raquel Pennington, with the judges scoring it 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47, crowning Peña as the new UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion.

Another notable fight saw Mario Bautista edging out UFC legend José Aldo by split decision, with scores of 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28. This victory was significant, given Aldo’s status as a UFC Hall of Famer.

UFC 307 took place on October 5, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

#TysonFury #UFC307 #MMA #AlexPereira #KhalilRountree #Warrior #CombatSports #UFCChampions #JuliannaPeña #JoseAldo #FightNight #DeltaCenter #SaltLakeCity

Famous British boxer Tyson Fury has shared his thoughts on the main event of UFC 307, where champion Alex Pereira faced Khalil Rountree. Fury remarked, “We don’t play in the fight game,” emphasizing the brutal and demanding nature of combat sports. He highlighted the commitment and physical sacrifice required of athletes in both boxing and MMA. Fury praised Rountree as the “Warrior of the modern day,” acknowledging the courage he displayed inside the cage. This reaction underscores Fury’s respect for MMA fighters and the sacrifices they make when stepping into the octagon.

In the fight, Pereira defended his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship for the third time this year. Although Rountree started strong in the early rounds, Pereira showcased his skill and resilience, ultimately winning by TKO in the fourth round.

The UFC 307 card featured more exciting matchups, including Julianna Peña's thrilling split decision victory over Raquel Pennington, with the judges scoring it 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47, crowning Peña as the new UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion.

Another notable fight saw Mario Bautista edging out UFC legend José Aldo by split decision, with scores of 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28. This victory was significant, given Aldo’s status as a UFC Hall of Famer.

UFC 307 took place on October 5, 2024, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

#TysonFury #UFC307 #MMA #AlexPereira #KhalilRountree #Warrior #CombatSports #UFCChampions #JuliannaPeña #JoseAldo #FightNight #DeltaCenter #SaltLakeCity #MixedMartialArts #FightFans #UFCHighlights #SportsNews

Before 2020, there had been only four male undisputed champions in boxing’s four-belt era. Since then, that number has skyrocketed to 10 more, with a potential increase to 11 next week, depending on the outcome of the fight. (Details on those asterisks will come later.)

What was once a rarity is now becoming more common. However, this surge in undisputed champions does not diminish the significance of the accomplishment; rather, it reflects positive developments in the sport, where the best are occasionally facing off against one another (though still not often enough).

The two best light heavyweights in the world, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, will headline a card on Saturday, October 12, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner will be the second man to be named an undisputed champion in 2024, following Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship victory over Tyson Fury in May.

The four major world titles mean that champions must deal with as many as four mandatory challengers. Some of these challengers may not have significant names, making it easier for champions to opt for more lucrative fights instead. For example, Canelo Alvarez chose to part ways with his IBF title rather than face mandatory challenger William Scull, instead opting for the better-known Edgar Berlanga, his WBA mandatory challenger.

Additionally, getting the top fighters to agree to share the same ring often requires contractual rematch clauses. This was the case for Usyk, whose time as the undisputed heavyweight champion lasted little more than a month due to his obligation to face Fury again on December 21. He also lost his IBF title because he could not defend against his mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois.

As of now, there is only one current undisputed champion in men's boxing until October 12. Naoya Inoue claimed all four titles last year and has since made one mandatory defense against Luis Nery (WBC) in May and one voluntary defense against TJ Doheny last month. He now faces two mandatory challengers: Sam Goodman (IBF and WBO) and Murodjon Akhmadaliev (WBA).

Opinions differ on when the four-belt era began—specifically, when the WBO was officially recognized as a major world title alongside the other three sanctioning bodies. Regardless, here are the fighters who have achieved the coveted undisputed reign during this period:

Bernard Hopkins - September 2004: Some consider Hopkins the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era when he defeated Oscar De La Hoya to add the WBO belt to his IBF, WBA, and WBC titles.

Jermain Taylor - July 2005: Taylor became the next undisputed middleweight champion by virtue of his disputed decision over Hopkins in 2005. He relinquished his IBF belt three months later rather than face top-ranked challenger Arthur Abraham.

Oleksandr Usyk - July 2018: Usyk became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by defeating Krzysztof Glowacki, Mairis Briedis, and Murat Gassiev in a World Boxing Super Series tournament.

Teofimo Lopez - October 2020: Lopez’s undisputed status is debated, but he is recognized for his victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Josh Taylor - May 2021: Taylor won the vacant titles left by Terence Crawford and unified the 140-pound division by defeating Jose Ramirez.

Canelo Alvarez - November 2021: Canelo unified the super middleweight division by defeating Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant.

George Kambosos Jr. - November 2021: If Lopez is considered undisputed, Kambosos’s upset victory over him also gives him that status.

Jermell Charlo - May 2022: Charlo became the undisputed junior middleweight champion after defeating Brian Castano.

Devin Haney - June 2022: Haney unified the lightweight division by defeating Kambosos, earning him the IBF, WBA, and WBO belts.

Naoya Inoue - December 2022: Inoue's dominance in the bantamweight division earned him all four titles before he moved up in weight.

Terence Crawford - July 2023: Crawford achieved undisputed status in the welterweight division after defeating Errol Spence.

Naoya Inoue - December 2023: Inoue claimed undisputed status in the junior featherweight division, joining Crawford as a two-weight undisputed champion.

Bivol first won the WBA’s interim title in May 2016 and was elevated in 2017 when Andre Ward retired. He achieved Fighter of the Year honors in 2022 with victories over Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez.

Beterbiev captured the IBF belt in November 2017, added the WBC title in 2019, and unified with the WBO belt in 2022.

Beterbiev vs. Bivol may be the final fight for a while that installs a new undisputed champion. The boxing community is eager to see how long the winner, along with Naoya Inoue, can maintain their undisputed status.

In women's boxing, there has also been a notable increase in undisputed champions in recent years, with 12 champions crowned since 2019.

Moreover, Gabriela Fundora and Gabriela Celeste Alaniz are set to fight for the undisputed flyweight championship on November 2.

In total, men’s boxing has seen 10 undisputed champions since 2020, while women’s boxing has named 12 since 2019. The excitement continues with two undisputed championship fights approaching in the next few weeks.

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.

#UndisputedChampions #Boxing #Beterbiev #Bivol #NaoyaInoue #CaneloAlvarez #TerenceCrawford #Women'sBoxing #FightNight #BoxingHistory #ChampionshipBouts #BoxingCommunity #GabrielaFundora #GabrielaCelesteAlaniz

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has provided a key update on the future of former world champion Anthony Joshua, suggesting that he will likely continue working with trainer Ben Davison despite facing recent criticism. As Joshua looks to rebuild his career, he must make crucial decisions about strengthening his technical team ahead of his next fight.

Since late 2023, Joshua has partnered with Davison after short stints with Robert García and Derrick James. Their collaboration started off strong, with Joshua securing impressive victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou in their first two outings together. These wins heightened expectations for a potential comeback from the British heavyweight.

However, Joshua's recent defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley has cast a shadow over his prospects. Despite being the favorite, Joshua suffered a knockdown in the first round and fell again in the subsequent rounds, leading to a loss. This performance raised doubts about his corner's effectiveness, with many experts criticizing the team for a lack of crucial guidance during key moments.

Despite the criticisms, Hearn remains optimistic about Davison's role. In an interview with @FightHubTV, the promoter expressed confidence in Joshua's physical condition and training, stating, “He’s happy with his training camp. In my opinion, there won’t be any changes.”

Joshua's future in boxing remains uncertain, with a return expected in 2025. While potential opponents like Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury have been mentioned, no confirmations have been made. Hearn believes Davison will continue to be an essential figure in Joshua's camp as he charts his way back to the top.

#AnthonyJoshua #EddieHearn #BenDavison #BoxingNews #Heavyweight #BoxingLife #Comeback #FightNight #BoxingCommunity #BoxingFans

Ronny Rios is considering retirement following his defeat against WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball. At 34, Rios faced a world title opportunity for the third time, having previously lost to Rey Vargas and Murodjon Akhmadaliev in the super bantamweight division.

In a determined performance, Rios battled through two knockdowns but ultimately succumbed to Ball’s relentless pressure in the 10th round. After being knocked through the ropes, he bravely climbed back under them to return to his feet, but his corner decided to throw in the towel to prevent further punishment.

“I’m disappointed,” Rios told BoxingScene. “I know everyone is saying you showed a lot of heart, but at the end of the day, man, I came to win. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the victory, but having a strong support system really helps out. Not the result I wanted – people can say you’re a warrior – but I came here to win. I’m thankful to have the people I have on my side.”

Rios reflected on the fight, acknowledging the knockdowns, stating, “The first one was a legitimate knockdown. I felt it and was like, ‘Oh shoot, you’ve got to get back up and get back in the game.’ The second one was more of a push, and I told the ref, but the last knockdown – that was legitimate.”

He added, “I heard a little bit of ringing – I wanted to continue – but the referee stopped the fight. At the end of the day, it’s not my job; it’s my corner’s job to protect me and I understand. I’m a fighter at the end of the day; I want to go out on my shield, but it’s okay.”

Prior to the fight at M&S Bank Arena, Rios had expressed confidence in his experience against Ball. However, he was surprised by the younger fighter's tactical approach. “He’s good,” Rios commented. “Even though he’s only 27, he had a lot of tactics that were little veteran tactics, little dirty moves, and stuff like that. I wish the referee would have warned him a little more, but that’s not my job. At the end of the day, it is what it is.”

Rios also acknowledged his regret at not adhering more closely to the game plan, stating, “I wish I would have followed the game plan more. I wish I had used more movement, so that’s probably going to haunt me for a while. My corner was saying stick and move, but I wasn’t listening. At the end of the day, it’s all on me. I’m not going to look at the good things; I’m going to look at the bad things. I went out there; I tried; there was no quit in me. I can walk away if I want to.”

After briefly retiring in 2022, Rios returned to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a world champion. However, following his third unsuccessful attempt, the likelihood of achieving that goal seems increasingly remote.

“I don’t want to fight just to fight,” Rios said. “I want to fight to win a world championship. So, I don’t know [if I’ll continue] right now; I have mixed feelings. I’ll go back and see if I really want to do this because, at the end of the day, I want to win a world championship. If I come back, it’s going to be to become a world champion and be the best. If I don’t, I went out there and gave it everything I had. So, I’m okay about walking away too.”

#RonnyRios #NickBall #BoxingNews #RetirementTalk #Featherweight #ChampionshipDream #FightNight #BoxingCommunity #BoxingLife #BoxingFans

Nick Ball stopped the brave Ronny Rios in the 10th round during his first defense of the WBA featherweight championship in Liverpool, England. Ball (21-0-1, 12 KOs) promised his home fans an exciting performance in his first fight back in the city in four years, and he certainly delivered.

From the opening bell, Ball pressed the action, undeterred even by a broken and bloodied nose. Rios (34-5, 17 KOs) fought valiantly through two knockdowns but ultimately succumbed to Ball’s relentless pressure in the 10th round. A vicious onslaught in the corner blasted Rios through the ropes and onto the canvas. Although the brave veteran returned to the ring, his corner wisely threw in the towel to save him from further punishment.

“I’m delighted,” Ball said post-fight. “Massive turnout for me. To be honest, I think I got a bit carried away with the crowd. I got hit with a few too many shots, but it is what it is. It all made for a good fight.”

Ball, the WBA featherweight champion, was unlucky not to unseat WBC titleholder Rey Vargas in March when they fought to a contentious draw. Now, he aims to capture the titles he feels were denied to him and become undisputed at 126 pounds. “I want the ones with the other belts,” he stated. “I’ve got one of four. I’m coming for them belts. That green one would be nice to get; it should be mine anyway.”

Walking to the ring with confidence, Ball was cheered on by his loyal supporters, who had watched from home when he won the title against Raymond Ford in June in Saudi Arabia. As the fight began, Ball wasted no time, showing his intentions with a powerful left hook that whistled past Rios’ chin. He treated the three-time world title challenger with no respect, landing hooks to the head and body.

In the second round, Ball continued his offensive, forcing Rios onto the ropes. Although Rios fired back to the body, his efforts met with limited success. The third round saw Rios crash to the canvas after a left hook from Ball, but he bravely rose to his feet, determined not to let his final shot at a world title slip away. Despite being backed up, Rios managed to survive the round under the watchful eye of referee Bob Williams.

Many expected the fight to end in the fourth round, but Rios battled through and occasionally found success with body shots. The difference in power was apparent, yet Rios managed to cause damage to Ball’s nose in the fifth. Unfazed, Ball manhandled Rios in the sixth round, treating him like a sparring partner.

In the seventh, Ball nearly found a knockout again, dropping Rios early in the round. Once more, Rios climbed back to his feet, showing his resilience. While Rios might not have been winning the exchanges, he began to find his shots more often.

The eighth and ninth rounds were Rios’ best; though he didn’t win them, he appeared more at ease with Ball’s power and pushed the champion back at times. However, Ball was determined not to let Rios gain confidence in the 10th round. He pinned Rios in the corner, unleashing a barrage of punches reminiscent of the great Mike Tyson.

Rios crumbled under the blistering attack, collapsing through the ropes and onto the corner of the canvas. Although he bravely attempted to get back up, it was too late; his corner threw in the towel at two minutes and six seconds of Round 10.

Ball delivered the knockout he promised his home supporters, leaving the Liverpool crowd hopeful that they may have found a local fighter capable of selling out Anfield Stadium.

#NickBall #RonnyRios #WBAChampion #BoxingNews #Heavyweight #Liverpool #FightNight #BoxingCommunity #Knockout #BoxingHighlights

The build-up to the first fight between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke focused on the differences between the fighters. 

In one corner stood Wardley, the confident, abrasive natural who dragged himself out of the world of white collar fighting and defied the odds to claim the British heavyweight title.

Opposite him stood Clarke, the purist who turned professional with a stack of expectations after a long, successful amateur career and an Olympic appearance. 

In March, Wardley, 17-0-1 (16 KOs), and Clarke, 8-0-1 (6 KOs), discovered that they actually have lots in common as they battled to a brutal draw. On October 12, they meet in Saudi Arabia in an eagerly awaited rematch.

“In the build up to a fight there’s some needle, some back and forth and some things said,” Wardley told DAZN. 

“All of that really goes out of the window once you share 12 hellish rounds with someone. There’s a good level of respect there for him.”

For all the pre-fight talk about pedigree and boxing ability, the first encounter quickly became a gruelling test of things that can’t be taught. 

As the rounds passed, Wardley and Clarke dug themselves deeper and deeper into the trenches with neither man willing to take even a single step in retreat. Clarke picked himself up off the floor to hurt Wardley and both had their moments before the final bell called a temporary truce to hostilities. 

Both will have learned plenty about each other and will have identified areas and moments they can exploit in the rematch.

Given his relative lack of experience, Wardley believes that he has the greater scope for improvement. He also thinks that Clarke’s more rigid education will prevent him from doing so. 

“I’m the younger, the fresher fighter,” he said. “There’s more attributes to my game that I can advance and improve on to bring into the next fight. I think that he’s coming from that very strong, well schooled ABA, GB squad background. He’s boxed that same way, similar style for a good ten, 15 or however many years of how they drill you to box. ‘Do it this way, box that way. Do it like this.’ I think at his age  of 42 or however old he is. 33, whatever. I just think [he will find it harder to change].”

Fights as meaningful and exciting as Wardley Vs. Clarke I come along rarely. When they do, the calls for a rematch are loud and immediate. 

Generally, it is rare that the savagery of the first fight is repeated as at least one of the fighters decides that discretion is the better part of valour and tempers their approach slightly.

With so much riding on the outcome on October 12, it would be of no surprise if either man adopted a more cautious approach. Wardley, however, insists that it won’t be him. 

“I had the option to rematch and fight Frazer and I did have other options. I’ve got a multitude of belts. There’s some unsettled business here. I’m not happy with the draw,” Wardley said.

“Very similar to how it played out first time around. A war. War-dley for a reason. Get stuck in. Throw bombs. Let him know I’m there. Hurt him again, get him going and just be a bit more clinical when I’ve got him on the go.”

#FabioWardley #FrazerClarke #BoxingNews #Rematch #HeavyweightBoxing #War #BoxingFans #SaudiArabia #BoxingUpdates #SportsNews

Teofimo Lopez has been making a lot of headlines at the moment.

He is currently engaged in a war of words online with Terence Crawford.

The two boxers have been trading words across social media as their beef continues to escalate.

But it’s not just other boxers that Lopez is currently facing issues with.

It seems that the current WBO and The Ring light welterweight champion is also having issues with his promoters.

Teofimo Lopez is currently signed to Top Rank Boxing.

Top Rank Boxing are one of the biggest agencies in the world with their roster including the likes of Naoya Inoue and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

They’ve also promoted some of the biggest names in the history of the sport including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and many more besides.

Bob Arum has certainly built a reputation as one of the best in the business over a number of decades.

That doesn’t mean that every boxer is happy with their affiliation to the organisation.Eddie Hearn replies to Oscar De La Hoya rant

And it seems that Lopez is one of them.

According to reports online, Teofimo Lopez reportedly filed a lawsuit against Top Rank Boxing to get out of his contract with his promoters.

It is widely believed that the New Yorker has one fight left on his contract.

But he seems to want to get out early.

Twitter user @izdatyofaceee has held a Twitter / X spaces recording where it’s claimed that Lopez is looking to secure his freedom from Top Rank Boxing.

Getting legal is definitely an interesting way to go about things for Lopez.

If that’s the route that he decides to follow, it may mean that he’ll be out of commission for a while from the ring.

With Teofimo Lopez previously asking for fights against the likes of Crawford and Gervonta Davis, fight fans will be keen to see how this current situation resolves itself.Teofimo Lopez has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Top Rank Boxing to secure his freedom. Is this justified? How long will Teo be on the shelf?

#TeofimoLopez #TopRank #BoxingNews #TerenceCrawford #LegalBattle #WBOChampion #FightFans #GervontaDavis #BoxingUpdates #SportsNews