In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Conor Benn issued a direct challenge to undefeated IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis, stating that he is ready to face him. Similarly, he also mentioned Mario Barrios and Eimantas Stanionis as potential opponents, asserting that he fears no one in the 147-pound division.
However, many critics doubt his seriousness. Benn has been accused of having a padded record, facing inferior opponents throughout his career. His most notable victory was against a 37-year-old Chris Algieri in 2021, which has drawn criticism regarding his true level.
“Come on, give me Ennis, no problem. Give me Barrios. Give me Stanionis. I don’t shy away from nobody,” Benn stated in an interview with Fight Hub TV. While his words sound firm, many doubt that Benn is ready to face an opponent of Jaron Ennis’ caliber.
Despite his desire to face Ennis, his promoter Eddie Hearn will likely dismiss the possibility of this fight, as he is saving Benn for a more commercially appealing bout for the British audience against Chris Eubank Jr., planned for Riyadh.
It is worth mentioning that Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. had a tense altercation in Saudi Arabia. This occurred before the weigh-in for Eubank Jr.’s fight against Kamil Szeremeta on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard. In his fight against Szeremeta, Eubank Jr. secured a victory in the 7th round.
For now, it remains to be seen what Conor Benn’s next move will be. Although a fight between Benn and Eubank Jr. is not yet confirmed, it is highly likely.
The highly anticipated return of Harlem Eubank finally has a new date and venue. The bout of the prominent British boxer will take place on Friday, November 22, at the Walker Dome in Newcastle, slightly later than originally planned. Initially, Eubank was set to face former French welterweight champion Nurali Erdogan on October 25 in Bolton. However, the event has been rescheduled to offer fans a more complete experience.
The clash between Eubank and Erdogan will be part of the “Back to Business” card, organized by Wasserman Boxing in partnership with Ladbrokes and Infinitum. This bout represents a crucial opportunity for Eubank, who is looking to solidify his name on the global boxing stage. With an undefeated record of 19-0 (8 KOs), the 30-year-old fighter has expressed his desire to face high-level opponents, and a victory over Erdogan could open the door to a major fight in his hometown of Brighton early next year.
Nurali Erdogan, who has never been stopped in his career, presents a formidable challenge for Eubank. Erdogan is known for his durability and experience in the ring, but Harlem Eubank is confident that a convincing win over the Frenchman will not only strengthen his reputation but also position him for even greater challenges in 2025. Eubank has already shown interest in facing Conor Benn, although Benn seems more focused on a potential matchup with Chris Eubank Jr. next year.
Harlem Eubank’s success in the ring has captured public attention. In his last fight, he stopped Timo Schwarzkopf in front of a televised audience of over two million viewers. Now, the British boxer aims to replicate that success in Newcastle by defeating Erdogan and securing his homecoming for another big night of boxing in Brighton.
The Newcastle card will also feature several exciting matchups. Junior middleweight prospect Dan Toward, 4-0, will fight in front of his hometown fans, while Ben Marksby will face Levi Kinsiona in a 10-round bout at 140 pounds. Additionally, unbeaten middleweight Niall Brown, 12-0 (4 KOs), and junior lightweight Codie Smith, 3-0-1, will also be in action.Jared Anderson’s promoter explains why Martin Bakole defeat was not surprising
Another notable name of the night will be Germany’s Sophie Alisch, who will return to the ring in the featherweight division after 18 months of inactivity. Local talents such as Joe Laws and Lee Rogers are also scheduled to fight, along with promising welterweight Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr, who enters the event with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 KO.New date, same mission 🥊 pic.twitter.com/Ma27oURtKh
— Harlem Eubank🥋 (@HarlemEubank) October 21, 2024
British boxer Aqib Fiaz has been “cleared of any wrongdoing” following an investigation by the British Board of Boxing Control (BBBofC). The investigation stemmed from the cancellation of his fight against Kane Baker, scheduled for June 22 in Birmingham. The bout was called off the same day due to “unforeseen circumstances” related to suspicious betting activity.
In a statement issued by Fiaz, the boxer expressed relief at being exonerated. He emphasized that he had always maintained his innocence and had no knowledge or involvement in the betting allegations. Fiaz thanked his team and Matchroom Boxing for their support throughout the process.
“After a lengthy investigation by the British Board of Control into allegations following my cancelled fight in June, I am pleased that the Board have considered all documentation and evidence supplied and reached the decision that no further action is required and have cleared me of any wrongdoing,” Fiaz stated.
“I always maintained that I had no involvement or knowledge of any of the allegations surrounding that fight, and the evidence I and others provided to the Board demonstrated exactly that.”
“I am grateful to Matchroom, my manager, trainers, and sponsors for their full support during this process, and I cannot wait to get back in the ring.”
However, Kane Baker, Fiaz’s opponent in the cancelled fight, has been more vocal in his accusations. In a post on his official Instagram account, Baker claimed that both Aqib and his brother attempted to bribe him before the fight, asking him to take a dive after being hit with a body shot in the first three rounds. “They BOTH asked me to take a dive. Specifically a body shot in rounds 1-3. They tried to bribe me and mug me off for being the away fighter,” Baker wrote.
Baker also alleged that Fiaz’s team prolonged the situation, preventing him from accepting other fights or resolving the issue quickly. He criticized the lack of a public response from Aqib Fiaz and his team, noting that Asam Fiaz, Aqib’s brother, avoided attending key Board meetings. “Team Fiaz stays guilty and quiet,” Baker stated.
The away fighter expressed his frustration at waiting 16 weeks without any payment after the cancellation of the bout, emphasizing that the case had not been treated with the seriousness it deserved. Despite having his boxing license reinstated, Baker insisted that the truth about the case remains to be revealed. “Well, if I’ve got my license and you’ve got yours, let’s get the fight on and resolve this in the ring,” Baker challenged Fiaz.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, addressed the fight’s cancellation through the company’s official YouTube channel. Hearn revealed that betting suspicions came to his attention shortly before the fight. “I was made aware of some betting irregularities on that fight,” he explained.
“I was given some information, I followed it up myself and with my team, the Gambling Commission, and the British Boxing Board of Control. Having spoken to a number of people, I decided to pull the fight pending a further investigation,” Hearn said.
Hearn indicated that the decision to cancel the fight was not taken lightly but was necessary to protect the integrity of the sport. “In 15 years of promoting boxing, I’ve never experienced that type of situation,” he added.
The bout between Fiaz and Baker was set for the DAZN undercard, headlined by Tyler Denny and Felix Cash. However, the last-minute cancellation shook fans and left a bitter taste at the event.
With the investigation now resolved, Aqib Fiaz looks forward to returning to the ring without the burden of the allegations. The boxer has reiterated his focus on his career and his desire to move past this chapter. Meanwhile, Kane Baker maintains his stance and challenges Fiaz to face him in the ring to settle the matter once and for all.
#AqibFiaz #KaneBaker #BBBofC #BoxingNews #FightCancellation #MatchroomBoxing
Lennox Lewis, one of the most prominent legends of heavyweight boxing, has hinted at the possibility of returning to the ring, depending on the performance of his former rival Mike Tyson in his upcoming fight against Jake Paul. In a statement made to TMZ, Lewis expressed that he would be open to a rematch with Tyson if he emerges victorious in their scheduled bout on November 15.
The matchup between Tyson and Paul will mark the first live combat sports event broadcast on Netflix and is set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Although Jake Paul is primarily known for his career as a content creator on YouTube, he has made a name for himself in the boxing world. However, facing the 58-year-old Tyson represents a completely new challenge for him.
Lewis, 59, refrained from confirming an immediate fight against Tyson. “Let’s see how he does in this fight, and then I’ll tell you afterward,” he commented, displaying caution in his decision. The pair last faced off in 2002 in a historic bout that ended with a knockout victory for Lewis in the eighth round, following a heated altercation at a press conference that drew significant media attention.
Both boxers earned a purse of $17.5 million for that iconic clash. Lewis also noted that Tyson has a chance of defeating Paul, despite the 31-year age difference between the two fighters. “I haven’t seen him lately to know if he can take it, but I’ve seen him without a shirt, and he looks muscular. Of course he can take it; you know, if he’s trained enough or in good shape, he should be able to handle it,” Lewis remarked, expressing confidence in Tyson’s physical endurance.
The controversial matchup between Tyson and Paul has generated significant excitement and a variety of opinions. The potential for a rematch between Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis adds another layer of intrigue to the boxing landscape. If Tyson manages to defeat Paul, fans could be treated to a legendary showdown once more, even if it were just an exhibition match.
#LennoxLewis #MikeTyson #JakePaul #Boxing #LegendaryFights #CombatSports
The highly anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is set to take place on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions have announced an exciting undercard to complement this main event.
The co-main event will feature a rematch between Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and Amanda Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs). In their first bout in April 2022, Taylor edged out Serrano by split decision in a match recognized as the Fight of the Year. Taylor will defend her super lightweight titles in this highly anticipated rematch.
Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) will defend his WBC welterweight title against Abel Ramos (28-6-2, 22 KOs), who enters the fight as a heavy underdog after losing three of his last five bouts.
In the lightweight division, Lucas Bahdi (17-0, 15 KOs) will face Corey Marksman (10-0-1, 7 KOs), with both fighters undefeated. Bahdi is coming off a knockout victory over Ashton Sylve, while Marksman won by decision against Tony Aguilar.
Featherweight prospect Bruce Carrington (13-0, 8 KOs) is set to fight Australian Dana Coolwell (13-2, 8 KOs). Carrington was personally requested by Mike Tyson for this bout, as they both hail from Brownsville.
Additionally, Brazilian influencer Whindersson Nunes will make his professional debut against Neeraj Goyat (18-4-2, 8 KOs) in a six-round contest. Nunes, known for his massive social media presence with over 58 million followers on Instagram, adds an intriguing dimension to the card.
On the preliminary card, Shadasia Green (14-1, 11 KOs) will take on Canadian Melinda Watpool (7-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO super middleweight title.
This event promises to be a historic spectacle, showcasing a blend of established boxing stars and emerging figures from both the sport and social media. Despite the mixed opinions surrounding it, the controversial showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul remains the main attraction.
Main Card:
Preliminary Card:
#MikeTyson #JakePaul #BoxingEvent #FightNight #KatieTaylor #AmandaSerrano #WBCChampionship #Undercard #SocialMediaInfluencer #HistoricFight
Renowned boxer and current WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez has ignited controversy regarding his relationship with Top Rank, the promotional company that has guided his career. According to sources close to ESPN, Lopez sent a legal letter to the promoter on Thursday, asserting that his promotional agreement is invalid and that he should be regarded as a free agent.
Lopez, 27, boasts a record of 21 wins and 13 knockouts and signed a contract extension with Top Rank prior to his bout against Sandor Martin in December 2022. This fight, which resulted in a Lopez victory, is at the center of the contractual dispute. Reports indicate that the contract stipulated the extension would only be effective if Lopez defeated José Pedraza. However, after Pedraza was replaced by Martin due to injury, Lopez’s team began to challenge the validity of the extension.
Top Rank maintains that the amendment is still valid despite the change in opponent. Sources close to the promoter claim that Lopez accepted in writing that the modification remained in effect. While Top Rank has refrained from making an official comment on the situation, Lopez has not responded to media inquiries.
Additionally, Top Rank asserts that the promotional agreement with Lopez includes multiple extensions activated independently of the mentioned amendment. One such provision states that if Lopez won another title, his contract would automatically extend, which occurred after his victory over Josh Taylor in June 2023.
Lopez's Position and Retirement
Following his win against Taylor, Lopez shocked the boxing community by announcing a temporary retirement, a decision his legal team argues should nullify any contractual extensions. However, his retirement has not been officially recognized by Top Rank, which continues to extend the contract due to Lopez’s inactivity.
Lopez was slated to face former champion José Ramírez in December 2023 in New York, but no fight has been confirmed to date. Top Rank views Lopez’s inactivity as another factor that could prolong his contract, alongside his title victory and temporary retirement.
Top Rank president Bob Arum has expressed frustration with Lopez on multiple occasions. In a recent statement, Arum remarked, “Teofimo sometimes acts like he has a screw loose. I like the kid, but I can’t figure him out, and he makes no logical sense.” He claimed that Lopez signed a contract extension both before and after the fight against Martin, suggesting that Lopez may be presenting his legal team with the wrong contract, causing unnecessary confusion.
“Dealing with Teofimo is like dealing with Alice in Wonderland,” Arum added, alluding to the unpredictable behavior Lopez has exhibited in recent months. Despite the ongoing tensions, both parties are working toward resolving the legal conflict, although no agreement or return date for Lopez to the ring has been confirmed.
Teofimo Lopez rose to fame after defeating the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and has remained a prominent figure in both the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future in boxing persists, with his contractual situation with Top Rank still unresolved. Lopez was offered a fight on September 27 in New York but declined the date, further complicating his situation with the promoter.
#TeofimoLopez #TopRank #BoxingNews #ContractDispute #WBOChampion #BobArum #BoxingCareer #VasiliyLomachenko #JuniorWelterweight
Naoya Inoue, the undisputed super bantamweight champion, has sparked excitement among boxing fans by discussing his upcoming fight prospects. At an event in Tokyo on October 21, Inoue, known as “The Monster,” acknowledged a young boxer’s desire to face him.
“There’s a young fighter who wants to be number 1 in the Pound-for-Pound rankings. We just have to wait for him to rise,” Inoue stated, alluding to Junto Nakatani, the current WBC bantamweight champion, hinting at a potential future bout between them.
“If boxing fans are asking for it so much, I think I can mention it too,” he added, recognizing the buzz surrounding this matchup.
Inoue has praised Nakatani’s strength, remarking after Nakatani’s fight on October 14, “He’s strong, that’s why I’m interested.” Currently ranked ninth in The Ring’s Pound-for-Pound rankings, Nakatani recently defended his title for the second time. Meanwhile, Inoue holds the second spot in the rankings.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum expressed interest in organizing the Inoue-Nakatani fight for next year, but Nakatani noted he has other commitments before taking on Inoue. In the meantime, Inoue is set to fight Sam Goodman, the number 1 ranked contender by the WBO and IBF, in December.
Inoue also seemed uncertain about a potential move to the featherweight division, saying, “In 2026? I don’t know yet,” leaving open the possibility of exploring new weight classes in the future. Given Inoue’s current fight schedule, a bout with Nakatani may not materialize until September or late 2025.
#NaoyaInoue #JuntoNakatani #Boxing #PoundForPound #FightNight #WBC #SuperBantamweight #FutureFights
One year ago, KSI and Tommy Fury headlined a Misfits Boxing card at Manchester Arena in one of the United Kingdom’s most high-profile events of 2023. Now, 12 months later, KSI’s manager has provided an update on a potential rematch between the popular domestic duo.
Tommy Fury entered his showdown with KSI as a man on a mission, hoping to ‘end influencer boxing’ after handing Jake Paul a first career defeat in the bout previous.
Meanwhile, Olajide Olatunji (KSI) hoped to do what Paul couldn’t and put an end to the undefeated streak of the former Love Island star.
After six rounds of frustrating action at the AO Arena, it was Fury who claimed a controversial unanimous-decision victory, winning the six-round affair 57-56 on all three cards, each including a point deduction for Fury who was penalised for punching the back of Olatunji’s head.
Yet, despite success against both Paul and KSI, Tommy Fury has yet to return to the ring since, sidelined by an injured to his right-hand that has required surgery.
Meanwhile, KSI has suffered a hand injury of his own, forcing him to withdraw from a 2-on-1 fight against Anthony Taylor and Slim Albaher that was scheduled to take place in Dublin on August 31st.Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
Now, as Tommy Fury prepares for a comeback to the sport during 2025, Mams Taylor told The Sun that he has made a shocking offer for the 25-year-old to join the Misfits roster, before revealing that a rematch is ‘very possible’ for 2025
“I think Tommy would do really well on the Misfits roster. And I know our teams are in touch with their team.
“So watch this space. Let’s see what happens. And as far as KSI and Tommy, I think when the time is right, that rematch definitely should happen. Till this day people are still very divided about that result.”
“[In a year or so?] I think so. I think it is very possible, yeah.”
The latest news regarding Fury’s recovery is unclear and it remains to be seen whether he will jump back in with KSI or opt for a tune-up fight to clear any ring rust from what has been his longest run without a fight since turning professional in 2018.
Paris 2024 gold medallist Imane Khelif captured the attention of the globe during her Olympic campaign earlier this year, ignoring the headlines that speculated her gender to achieve her dream. Now, just as the controversy surrounding Khelif’s name began to die down, the Algerian has announced that she will make the switch to the professional ranks.
Along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing her gender eligibility tests conducted by the IBA, who were recently removed as the governing body for the Olympic games, although the legitimacy of those ‘tests’ has come into question since.
Despite competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Championships, both Khelif and Lin were subject to relentless abuse throughout the summer as a consequence of the IBA’s presumed inconclusive and unreliable tests.
Yet, both Khelif and Lin fought through the fire and against the uproar to win their respective gold medals in the welterweight and featherweight categories.
After rumours that Khelif was stripped of her gold medal were confirmed as false, the 25-year-old held a press conference, revealing that she will be turning professional in the near-future and that she has plenty of promotional offers, as per The Sun.
“I would like to hold a press conference today to
“There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms.Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
“I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers.
“Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.
“But very soon I will take this step, we as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”
As well as her Paris 2024 gold, Khelif also boasts a silver medal from the 2022 World Championships, as well as numerous other gold medals from various other amateur competitions.
After such a dominant performance throughout Paris 2024, Khelif is likely to prove to be a threat in the professional game and is sure to become one of the most recognised names in the world of women’s boxing.
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clashed in Riyadh last weekend—more tactically and mentally than physically—and the boxing world is clamoring for an immediate rematch. However, it seems both fighters may face alternate opponents before they meet again.
Beterbiev edged a controversial split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first 175-pounder to hold all recognized world titles since Roy Jones Jr. in 2002. Despite this achievement, many fans believe Bivol did enough to secure the win, leading to widespread anticipation for a rematch.
Recent reports indicate that Turki Al-Alshikh has been discouraged from staging major ‘Riyadh Season’ boxing events outside of Saudi Arabia, disrupting plans for an immediate rematch. Beterbiev’s promoter, Bob Arum, explained to Dan Rafael that the second encounter between the Russian-born rivals would likely take place in around 12 months at the earliest.
“Riyadh Season ends in February, so the earliest date for a rematch would be next October when the next festival begins,” Arum stated.
Given the financial implications of staging a fight outside of Riyadh, Arum suggested that both Beterbiev and Bivol may take interim fights to prepare for their highly anticipated rivalry.
“It may mean that each of these guys fight one more time against other opponents, and then for October of next year, they do the rematch. I think that’s the most likely scenario, and it’s reasonable if they’re amenable to it.”
As for potential opponents, Quebec fan-favorite Beterbiev has been ordered to defend his titles against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, who upset Jean Pascal in a previous fight. A matchup with Eifert would likely draw well in Canada and allow Beterbiev to showcase his championship status in a relatively low-risk bout.
On the other hand, Bivol may look for a more recognizable opponent, possibly facing Callum Smith or the undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramirez, who is mentored by Beterbiev.
#Beterbiev #Bivol #Boxing #Rematch #LightHeavyweight #RiyadhSeason #InterimFights #MichaelEifert #CallumSmith #AlbertRamirez
The ongoing dispute between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia is showing on signs of slowing down – if anything, the heat is being turned up. Now after further details of their lawsuit were detailed by Oscar De La Hoya, Bill Haney has responded and explained what he believes his son is owed.
Ryan Garcia acted out of character during the build-up to his showdown with Haney back in April, reports suggesting that he had been checked in to a psychiatric ward after controversial posts on social media.
At the weigh-in, rumours of poor preparation appeared to be proved to be accurate after Garcia missed weight by more than three pounds, forgoing the chance to become the WBC super-lightweight champion but proceeding with the fight, albeit as a sizeable underdog.
Yet, on fight night Garcia shocked the world and dropped the previously undefeated champion for the first, second and third times of his career before a dominant majority-decision win was confirmed.
However, during the aftermath, it was announced that ‘King Ry’ had failed drugs test and had tested positive for Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight.
After much deliberation, Garcia’s career-best victory was overturned to a no-contest and the Californian was slapped with a backdated one-year ban from the sport – with a recently-announced lawsuit from the Haney family adding to his troubles.
Last week, Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya explained further details of the lawsuit and why the Haney’s believed that they were underpaid for the bout, in a provoking post on Instagram.🚨This weeks episode of Clap Back Thursday, starring Oscar De La Hoya‼️ pic.twitter.com/Lzvf6N4n0q
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) October 18, 2024Terence Crawford comments on why Tim Tszyu lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev
“The Haney’s named my company ‘Golden Boy Promotions’ in the lawsuit because they want a full accounting of Devin’s fight against Ryan. In other words, they want to see my books.
“They don’t believe the fact that Garcia-Haney only did a little over 300,000 homes and that they have been paid what they are owed. They want more money that doesn’t exist.
“Bill, we live in the same fancy neighbourhood in Henderson, you could have knocked on my door and simply asked to see my books. We have told you over and over that this fight just didn’t sell – those are the facts.”
Bill Haney has now responded to De La Hoya’s comments and identified one publicized financial discrepancy, claiming that Devin has received less than half of the money he was owed for Garcia’s missed weight ($500k per lb over).Stop the bullshit, Oscar. Your clapback took a week, and it’s still broken—you answered no questions. Ryan said he paid $1.5M for the weight issue, but we only got $600K. Plus, Golden Boy received $1M in damages, leaving $900K unaccounted for. If you want, I’ll come over and pick…
— Bill Haney (@BillHaney77) October 21, 2024
“Stop the bulls**t, Oscar. Your clapback took a week, and it’s still broken—you answered no questions. Ryan said he paid $1.5M for the weight issue, but we only got $600K. Plus, Golden Boy received $1M in damages, leaving $900K unaccounted for. If you want, I’ll come over and pick up the $1.9M right now. Fighters and fans deserve transparency. Settle this the right way.”
Devin Haney is yet to fight since meeting with Garcia and has also vacated his super-lightweight title, although there is hope that the pair will rematch once Garcia’s ban is served.
American heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson faced his first career defeat at the hands of divisional powerhouse Martin Bakole, who dominated and stopped him in their recent bout. Following the fight, Anderson’s promoter, Bob Arum, provided insights into why this outcome was not unexpected.
Around 18 months ago, Anderson was considered one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division, with many touting him as a future world champion. However, unconvincing decision victories against Charles Martin and Ryad Merhy halted his 100% knockout streak and diminished his momentum ahead of this significant challenge.
On the Crawford-Madrimov undercard in August, Anderson, known as ‘The Real Big Baby,’ faced Congolese-born Martin Bakole in a match where world title opportunities were on the line. From the opening round, Bakole showcased his dominance, dropping the 24-year-old Anderson three times before securing a fifth-round stoppage. This authoritative victory sent a clear message to the heavyweight division.
However, many U.S. boxing writers and commentators viewed Bakole's knockout of Anderson as a surprise. Arum, speaking with Big Fight Weekend, clarified that he and his team had concerns about the matchup and were actually opposed to it.
“I want everybody to know that it wasn’t us. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh went right to the fighter and made this proposal for money that the fighter had never seen before and picked as his opponent, Bakole, who is a tremendous puncher. Jared prepared to deal with a guy who couldn’t move very much but was a great puncher, and he never fought a guy like that. So the fact he got taken apart and knocked out was not surprising,” Arum explained.
Arum emphasized that the matchmaking was not the responsibility of his team: “So don’t put it on my matchmakers. We were against that fight. Again, when they wave money at these kids, they insist on taking it. We could have gone to court to prevent it, but we don’t do those kinds of things. We let the fight go ahead. We made our money from the fight, but we let that fight go ahead, and it was the stupidest fight Jared could have taken.”
As Anderson looks to rebuild his confidence and form before stepping back up in competition, Bakole is now positioned for a shot at heavyweight gold. He has been ordered to face Agit Kabayel in an IBF final eliminator in the coming months, with the victor expected to challenge Daniel Dubois for the world title in 2025.
#JaredAnderson #MartinBakole #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingNews #BobArum #FightRecap #CrawfordMadrimov
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum recently revealed important information about the future plans for sports events in Saudi Arabia. During an interview on the Fight Freaks Unite podcast with Dan Rafael, Arum explained that Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in organizing sports events in the kingdom, has faced criticism from his superiors for recent decisions.
Arum detailed that Alalshikh was questioned for holding events outside of the Riyadh Season as well as outside the country. This criticism has emerged following rumors about the supposed failure of the event held in Los Angeles, which some considered a fiasco and a great embarrassment for the Saudi kingdom.
Dan Rafael introduced the topic by mentioning the events that were held outside the traditional Riyadh Season. In response, Bob Arum stated: “I think there was a lot of pushback on his excellency for doing fights outside of Saudi Arabia and outside of Riyadh Season.”
Bob Arum also pointed out that, to take advantage of the large budget allocated for these types of spectacles, it will be essential for future events to take place in Saudi Arabia, specifically during the Riyadh Season. “So I think going forward, you know, in order to tap into the large budget that they will have to do the fights in Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, which makes sense,” Arum explained.
This shift in strategy could be a direct response to the unsatisfactory outcomes of events held in other locations, like Los Angeles, which, according to rumors, did not meet the kingdom’s expectations. It is expected that, in the future, the most important fights will once again focus on Saudi Arabia, in line with the policy set by Saudi authorities to maximize the country’s global visibility and impact.
The criticism towards Turki Alalshikh reflects a clear intention to maintain a focus on the kingdom’s internal promotion, aligning events with the country’s growth strategy. The coming months could be key in observing how Saudi Arabia adjusts its approach to organizing events, with the Riyadh Season being the central focus.
Bob Arum confirms that Turki received pushback from his higher-ups for doing events outside of Riyadh Season/Saudi + will need to do events in Saudi Arabia in the future to use the budget. This follows rumors that the LA event was a huge flop and a huge embarrassment to the kingdom.
#SaudiArabia #BobArum #TurkiAlalshikh #RiyadhSeason #SportsEvents #BoxingNews #FightFreaksUnite #DanRafael #SaudiStrategy #EventPlanning
Bakhram Murtazaliev has ruled out fighting Jermell Charlo, opting for other, more relevant opponents. Murtazaliev, the IBF mandatory challenger, allowed Charlo to take on several major fights, including one with Jeison Rosario, two with Brian Castano, and a lucrative showdown with Canelo Alvarez. However, he is now focused on title unification.
After his dominant third-round knockout victory against Tim Tszyu, Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) made it clear that his priorities have changed. He stated that he wants to secure more titles and face figures like Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora, or Terence Crawford. If a unification fight doesn’t materialize, he will consider other options.
“My priority is to fight for more titles against Spence, Fundora or Crawford,” said Murtazaliev.
Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs), the WBC and WBO champion, is expected to defend his belt against Spence in 2025. Crawford, on the other hand, may await the winner of that fight, though he is also pursuing a lucrative bout with Canelo Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Murtazaliev, who lives and trains in California, showed dominance against Tszyu, knocking him down three times before the referee stopped the fight. Now, his team is exploring new opportunities with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Al Haymon, though they do not have long-term contracts with these promoters.
Bakhram Murtazaliev’s future could include a fight in Saudi Arabia, organized by Turki Alalshikh, who has financed major bouts. With an interest in title unification, Murtazaliev concluded: “I’ll fight any champion there is [available]. I wanna fight a few champions and then move up [to the middleweight] division.”
Terence Crawford has
“Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters”, wrote Terence Crawford on X.
The fight was a demonstration of strength by Murtazaliev, who knocked Tszyu down three times in the second round. He then knocked him down again in the third round, which prompted Tszyu’s corner to throw in the towel. The result was a clear reflection of Murtazaliev’s dominance in the ring.
Terence Crawford emphasized that, although Tszyu looked in good physical shape, he lacked the defense and mobility necessary to face such an aggressive fighter. Tszyu made a risky decision by choosing to face Murtazaliev.
Despite the extra time the ringside doctor gave Tszyu before the third round started, he was unable to recover. Crawford expressed his discontent with the time allowed for Tszyu, as he felt it did not change the outcome.
On the other hand, legendary boxer Shawn Porter also weighed in on the fight. He commented that Tszyu’s body language was arrogant and that he should not have tried to “fight fire with fire”.
“I thought Tim would be the guy moving to his left, circling and using his range. I know you see a reach difference or a disadvantage for Tim, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve outjabbed everyone that I’ve been in the ring with; everyone that I’ve been in the ring with has been taller and longer than me. It can be done.”Jack Catterall reveals planned world title route
“I thought he was going to do that, but he didn’t. I think that’s what happened. They came out with a different style than what the Tszyu camp expected, and I think it just started to unravel from there.”
“You know what concerned me? I thought Tim was a little bit arrogant early on. I don’t think he earned the right to dominate in this fight,” said Porter.
The defeat against Murtazaliev could be a hard blow for Tszyu’s career. The challenges he will face to get back to the top are significant.Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 20, 2024
British boxer Adam Azim experienced a historic night in the ring by defeating Ohara Davies, a contender for the super-lightweight world title, in an exciting match. The fight took place in London and concluded in the eighth round when Azim delivered an impressive knockout to Davies. This bout was not only crucial for Azim but also represented a significant milestone in the careers of both boxers and in the super-lightweight division.
After the fight, super-lightweight boxer Ohara Davies was interviewed by Louis Hart, a member of . During the conversation, Davies reflected on his defeat to Azim and the quality of his opponent. “I feel normal. I tried my best; I did my best. I was fit; I gave everything I had, and I came up short,” Davies expressed. The boxer admitted that Azim was very sharp and strong during the fight.
“As long as it was exciting and entertaining, I’m happy.” “He was very sharp, very strong, and he’s got a good coach in his corner, Shane.” “They knew what they were doing. I caught him a few times, and I thought I was going to wear him down, but he was too sharp and fast.”
Louis, the interviewer, asked Davies if there were any surprises during the fight. Ohara replied that he was not surprised by Azim’s performance, who showed excellent physical condition and skills. Davies also highlighted Azim’s quality, labeling him as “the sharpest, the fastest, and the most dangerous” he has faced.
“Not by surprise. I knew that he was fit and sharp. The question was how long could he keep that fitness and sharpness up for? He hadn’t fought anyone yet in his boxing career, so the first one was me.”
“I thought, listen, we’re going to see what he’s got and if he can carry the same sharpness and power as the rounds go on. So I wasn’t surprised, but I wanted to check. If there were any times he started to slow down, I would have taken advantage of it, but he didn’t,” Davies said.When asked about his future in boxing, Ohara Davies
“I said to my brother, even before the fight, I told them, ‘Win or lose, I’m not in the game anymore.’ I’ve been saying it in my interviews; you guys have seen it. I decided a couple of weeks ago that I don’t like the game anymore. I told myself I’m going to give this fight my all—110%. Whatever happens, happens. If I win, I’m not going to go on. If I lose, I’m not going to go on. You’ve got to know when your time’s done. I’m 32 years of age; I’ve been in this game a very long time.”Joshua Buatsi criticizes Anthony Yarde’s victory
“You have to know when your time’s up. You’ve got all your faculties intact; you haven’t lost too many brain cells; your speech isn’t slow. Enjoy your boxing career, but know when it’s time for the young ones to come in,” Davies said.
Similarly, Adam Azim celebrated his victory with humility alongside Davies. Speaking with Sky Sports, Azim thanked Davies and expressed his respect for him. “You know, regardless of the performance, I’ve got so much love for him. You know he’s retiring now. I’ve got so much love for him, and you know what? I had a great performance, but I just decided to fight my friend as well. But you know, happy retirement to Ohara Davies, legendary school,” Azim expressed.
Former Olympian Joshua Buatsi has criticized Anthony Yarde’s recent victory over Ralfs Vilcans, labeling the fight as routine and lacking in challenge. During a discussion on The Stomping Ground, Buatsi, a potential opponent for Yarde, remarked that the Londoner’s bout, which took place after more than a year away from the ring, offered no major surprises. “He hurt the guy in the first round, and I thought it might end in three, but fair play to the guy, he was tough and stayed until the last round,” Buatsi said, acknowledging Vilcans’ resilience throughout the fight.
While Buatsi admitted Yarde performed well, he asserted that there was no real danger in the match. “It was a routine fight for Yarde; there weren’t any real dangers,” added the Ghanaian-born boxer. He did express respect for Vilcans, recognizing the Lithuanian’s tenacity in remaining competitive until the end.
On the other hand, Yarde defended the quality of his opponent. “A lot of people come back and have what you’d call a walkover fight—six rounds, eight rounds—but that guy in there, I told you, he could take a lot of the domestic guys all the way,” the British fighter stated, noting that Vilcans had only lost once and had never been knocked out.
Yarde also admitted that knocking down Vilcans in the first 10 seconds affected his strategy negatively. “I rushed things, and I needed rounds. This was my first time going 10 rounds,” he acknowledged. The Hackney boxer mentioned that his main goal was to gain experience in the ring, and while he won by decision, he felt unsatisfied with the middle rounds of the fight.
The long-anticipated clash between Buatsi and Yarde remains unfinalized, despite being a hot topic among boxing fans. Talks suggest the fight could take place in Saudi Arabia, given the country’s increasing interest in hosting major boxing events. However, Buatsi expressed a preference for the bout to be held in England to allow local fans to attend.
Yarde also commented on the seemingly inevitable matchup, wishing the fight had already occurred while clarifying that its delay wasn’t his fault. “That wasn’t my fault. Me and him spoke on the phone personally. He chose to fight Hutchinson instead. But again, this isn’t the ‘Buatsi show.’ There are other fights out there for me in this exciting division,” Yarde explained.
Despite the postponement, Yarde holds no grudge against Buatsi, affirming his respect for him. “I’m not going to criticize him or say he’s ducking me, because he’s not,” the Londoner stated. “Me and him are definitely going to fight, that’s for sure.”
A match between Yarde and Buatsi, both of whom are top light-heavyweights in the UK, promises to be a significant event in the boxing scene. With impressive records and contrasting styles, the bout could deliver an exciting spectacle. Yarde, confident from his last fight, stated, “I win, 100%. I know what to expect from him. I’ve seen him fight before. Obviously, it’s different when you’re in there with someone, but I’ve learned a lot. The guy I fought today had a very awkward, strange style. It’s all a learning experience,” he concluded.
Both fighters are keen on the matchup, and all that remains is for the terms to be finalized and a date set. Whenever the fight occurs, it will undoubtedly capture the boxing world’s attention, whether at London’s iconic O2 Arena or in a luxurious location like Saudi Arabia.
#JoshuaBuatsi #AnthonyYarde #BoxingNews #LightHeavyweight #FightNight #BoxingFans #BoxingCommunity #BuatsiVsYarde #BoxingMatch #SportsNews #BoxingUpdates #UKBoxing #AnthonyYardeVsRalfsVilcans #BoxingHighlights
IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has returned to the UK after a refreshing break in Brazil. In a recent interview with Box Nation, Dubois discussed his three-week getaway, saying, “Good, good. Sunshine, recharging the batteries, and ready to go.” He emphasized that his time in South America allowed him to recharge for the challenges that lie ahead.
Even while on vacation, Dubois remained a recognizable figure, garnering attention in Brazil. He was surprised by the number of fans who recognized him and asked for photos. “It’s global now, which is amazing,” he remarked, making it clear that he is eager for the challenges ahead. “Anyone in any division who wants it, they can get it,” he declared.
The boxer also reflected on the responsibilities of being a world champion. Although he felt like a champion after his fight against Filip Hrgović, Dubois sees his victory at Wembley Stadium as a pivotal moment. “Now it’s all about the big names, the big fights. I want them next,” he emphasized.
A hot topic was the potential rematch with Anthony Joshua. Dubois admitted to hearing rumors about the fight but hasn’t focused on the details. However, he expressed his eagerness to face Joshua again: “I want to do even better against him.” When asked if Joshua would accept the fight, Dubois noted, “He’ll have a lot of demons in his mind,” but he is ready to prove himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
Dubois made it clear that he is interested in fighting the best in the world. When discussing a potential matchup with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, the champion was direct: “Yeah, absolutely. Call them all out. Give me the opportunity, let’s make the big fights happen. That’s what being world champion is for, no more ducking.”
He also mentioned that a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is “unfinished business,” aiming to correct past mistakes. “I’ve got to get that right, rewrite the script, and finish him. It’ll be a good fight, a unification bout, and that’s massive,” said Dubois.
Should a fight with Tyson Fury materialize, Dubois anticipates it will be monumental. Both are British world champions, making this clash one of the biggest matchups in British boxing history. “We’re all world champions or have been. I’m looking forward to being the last man standing,” he stated.
Dubois reflected on how his life has changed since becoming world champion. While he strives to stay grounded, he recognizes that “everything will speed up in the coming weeks.” After his loss to Joe Joyce, Dubois promised to return with vengeance, stating, “I’m more focused than ever. I’m leaving no stones unturned, no regrets.”
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, highlighted the champion’s impressive run, having faced Usyk, Jarrell Miller, Hrgović, and Joshua in just 13 months. Dubois acknowledged this string of matches as crucial to his growth: “I’m improving in every fight, and you need to fight the best to do that. I’ve fought the top guys, and they’ve tested me in different ways. I’m just getting tougher, and it’s paying off. I feel like a new person, a new animal,” he said.
Lastly, it was noted that Anthony Joshua had been suspended for 28 days following his loss to Dubois, a standard procedure after a defeat. However, his suspension has ended, and he is cleared to return to the ring. A rematch is expected in 2025, with Turki Alalshikh expressing interest in making it happen.
Dubois left a clear message for Joshua: “If he wants it again, let’s do it. Let’s go!” The British champion is poised for his next big fight, whether against Joshua, Fury, or Usyk.
Daniel Dubois is back and more determined than ever to solidify himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
#DanielDubois #HeavyweightChampion #BoxingNews #AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #BoxingCommunity #FrankWarren #BoxingLife #Rematch #UnificationBout #SportsNews #BoxingFans #BoxingUpdates #ChampionshipBoxing
Anthony Joshua is now able to resume his boxing career.
For those unaware, Anthony Joshua was suspending from boxing after his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois.
After the result, the British Boxing Board of Control handed out a routine 28 day suspension to Joshua.
This process is standard for any fighter on the end of a stoppage defeat.
With today being the 19th October, the 28 day period has now expired.
Meaning that the former two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion is now able to get back in the ring again.
With the suspension now in the rear view mirror, attention will turn to what is next for the Watford based heavyweight.
All indicators seem to be pointed towards a rematch with Daniel Dubois.BBBofC spokesperson comments on Fabio Wardley gloves investigation claim
A decision on that is likely to come sooner rather than later.
Turki Alalshikh has already suggested that he’s looking to put the fight on in February 2025.
On top of that, the IBF have set a deadline for any Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois rematch.
Realistically, we’ll know well in advance of that deadline what AJ’s plans are.
Without a suspension hanging over him, it’s likely that we’ll get an update from Joshua in the coming weeks around what his plans are next.
There doesn’t seem to be any indication that he’s looking to step away from the ring and fight fans will be eagerly anticipating an official decision from Anthony Joshua whenever that arrives.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done it all in the world of football.
Having played for the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LA Galaxy and AC Milan amongst others, the Swedish striker has an impressive CV.
After a career spanning nearly 25 years, the legendary goalscorer hung up his boots in 2023.
Since then, he’s become a senior advisor for AC Milan.
But it seems that the competitive urge for Zlatan hasn’t died down.
Known for his fiery temper and competitive nature while playing the game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic still seems to have the itch to compete.
Even before he entered the world of football, Zlatan had a combat sports background.
Zlatan received an honorary black belt in taekwondo in his hometown of Malmo in Sweden.
He is also seen posting images of him working out on his social media pages.
But it now seems that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking to pursue a career change and has his eyes on a potential boxing match.
According to SunSport, Misfits Boxing are in conversations with Zlatan about potentially stepping in the ring with them.
Misfits co-president Mams Taylor has lifted the lid on discussions.
“I’ve tried to convince Zlatan and he can fight,” Taylor told the publication.Fabio Wardley gloves under investigation after brutal Frazer Clarke KO
“I’m good friends with his manager and we had a FaceTime, the three of us.
“It was really cool because he’s seen a lot of Misfits fights and he’s followed it.
“He was a kickboxer, he’d be a good one as well.
“But yeah, there’s other names that aren’t quite as big as these guys that are but still very respected and have achieved a lot that are interested.
“And because it’s so realistic that those guys are going to fight, I’m not gonna give you their names.
“But, I will say that Zlatan and Wayne Rooney, there’ve been conversations and I think it’s a matter of time.
“At some point it will materialise.”
As stated by Mams Taylor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not the first Manchester United legend that they’ve been in discussions with.
Wayne Rooney has also spoken to the group about boxing with them.
Rooney is another former footballer who is known for his keen interest in the sport.
Zlatan and Rooney were teammates at Old Trafford when they played together under Jose Mourinho at United.
It seems that conversations have been positive and it’s only a matter of time before one of these ex-Manchester United stars steps into the ring for a fight.