The Christmas and New Year’s Eve period is a time often celebrated with differing traditions around the globe, those in the United Kingdom tend to enjoy a turkey dinner and light fireworks, in Denmark plates are often smashed, whilst in Japan some of the most intriguing boxing fights are made in the lower weight-divisions. Once again, the newfound boxing powerhouse has delivered.

Historically, the ‘golden era’ of Japanese boxing has been linked with the early 1970’s, when the proud fighting nation boasted a whopping five active world champions at one time, although the 2020’s has fast trumped those years and become the most successful period that Japanese boxing has ever seen.

At present, there are a combined 12 active male and female world champions, including the arguable pound-for-pound number one in undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue – who became Japan’s first ever undisputed champion and then repeated the feat at a second weight-class.

As such, boxing in Japan is thriving like never before and fight fans worldwide now regularly tune into to cards that take place over the Christmas period, a time which would usually be deemed a quieter one in years gone by.

This year, Naoya Inoue is scheduled to appear on Christmas Eve in a showdown against Australia’s Sam Goodman, hopeful of a third knockout win and third defence of his undisputed crown during 2024.Harlem Eubank to make welterweight debut

Meanwhile, it has now been confirmed that three-division world champion Kazuto Iona will attempt to regain the WBA super-flyweight throne against undefeated Argentine Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez, who claimed a comfortable unanimous-decision win when the pair met in July.✅️CONFIRMED. Kazuto Ioka will rematch Fernando ‘Puma’ Martinez for the WBA Super Flyweight Title on New Year’s Eve, live on Abema

Hot prospect Hayoto Tsutsumi will return against Rene Alvarado in the chief support pic.twitter.com/FR3iCJAupl

This will continue Ioka’s trend of fighting on New Year’s Eve, which he will have done in 12 of the last 13 years when he faces ‘Puma’ for a second time, 2017 being the only exception since defending his minimumweight title against Veerawut Yuthimitr in 2011.

The victor will eye up a lucrative meeting with WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez who continued his stellar 2024 with a knockout win against Pedro Guevara earlier this month.

Ryan Garcia has had a rollercoaster 2024, going from a career-best win to a one-year ban. However, despite being unable to box professionally until April, it seems as though Garcia will make his ring return next month against a fighter who is lesser known in the western world – Rukiya Anpo. Here, we at took a look at what Anpo will bring to the table.

Born in Himeji, Japan, Anpo turned made his professional kickboxing debut at the age of 16-years-old, after starring in a documentary where he and his brother were depicted as future superstars of Karate, impressing in competitions on the world stage.

Eight years later, with a record of 17-6, ‘The Demolition man’ challenged Thailand’s Kaew Fairtex for the K-1 super-lightweight championship and claimed world honours in controversial fashion.https://t.co/TM0uCH6CYqpic.twitter.com/ViRmhIyXzI

Anpo and Fairtex battled to a draw after three rounds of action, but K-1 rules mean that an extra-round is fought rather than a tie being declared. In the fourth-round, Fairtex was given a harsh yellow card for pulling Anpo’s head down and thus would lose the deciding round.

As such, Anpo felt the need to call for the rematch with Fairtex and the pair would meet for a second encounter just six months later, but once again an extra round for required and once again Anpo won it, successfully defending his belt.

Anpo, who fights out of he and his brothers ‘All Win’ gym in Osaka, would make just one more defence of the title before losing by first-round knockout to Hideaki Yamazaki in 2022 and moving up to the welterweight division and unsuccessfully challenging Masaaki Noiri for the title after three consecutive wins at the weight.

In 2023, Anpo made the switch to fight for Japanese MMA franchise ‘Rizin’ and amassed one win, one draw and one loss with the franchise before he was offered the chance to face pound-for-pound legend Manny Pacquiao in a boxing exhibition back in July.Chris Billam-Smith shows off extensive injuries after loss to Gilberto Ramirez

Pacquiao had been eyeing up a return to the professional scene beforehand and was reportedly planning to use the exhibition to shake off any remaining ring rust prior to a world title clash against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Although, the 45-year-old Filipino fan-favourite was subject to a brutal beatdown by Anpo and talks of his return have since gone quiet, with supporters around the globe grimacing at the thought of this version of ‘Pac-Man’ attempting to dethrone Barrios.Ringside footage of Rukiya Anpo against Manny Pacquiao.#超RIZIN3pic.twitter.com/WQdyOv4c7p

Nevertheless, Anpo has received plaudits for the boxing skills that he showed in the exhibition, regardless of the fact that the bout was officially ruled a draw.

Now, Ryan Garcia will hope that Anpo is not able to sway a second professional boxer away from a return, when the pair meet in a pay-per-view event on December 30th in Tokyo.Buy the PPV NOW at https://t.co/I1T5dJA1KXpic.twitter.com/075i3SLVR1

Middleweight title hopeful Hamzah Sheeraz represents one of the United Kingdom’s best chances at picking up a world title, boasting sensational knockout power and an undefeated record. Now, it appears as though the Berkshire-born contender will have his shot at world honours, with terms agreed for a maiden challenge at the 160lb crown.

After two stoppages in his first six bouts, Sheeraz (21-0) has strung together a run of 15 consecutive knockouts to thrust himself into world title contention, being ranked in the top six with all four sanctioning bodies.

During 2024, the 25-year-old knocked out world title challenger Liam Williams, undefeated American prospect Austin Williams, and EBU European champion Tyler Denny in an impressive trifecta of outings to gain worldwide recognition for his skills, drawing flattering comparisons to legendary middleweight Thomas Hearns.

As such, it was the poster boy and unified WBO & IBF champion of the division, Janibek Alimkhanuly, who Sheeraz appeared to be eyeing up, for an ambitious and confident world title charge.

That fight was then ordered by the WBO, but purse bids for the contest were continuously pushed back until yesterday, when it was announced that Sheeraz and his team had pulled out of negotiations.

As many expected, today’s reports from Dan Rafael have confirmed that Sheeraz withdrew from purse bids as an alternate deal had been lined up, instead opting to target WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, as per Fight Freaks Unite.Jake Paul responds to Artur Beterbiev’s proposal

“Sheeraz will face WBC titlist Carlos Adames in a fight being planned for the Riyadh Season card being put together for Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources with knowledge of the details told Fight Freaks Unite.

“Queensberry Promotions, which recently signed Sheeraz to a contract extension, was in talks with Premier Boxing Champions to match him either with Adames or WBA titlist Erislandy Lara but they agreed on the Adames fight, one of the sources said.

“While Adames-Sheeraz is not yet signed the camps have agreed to terms, the sources said.”

Adames-Sheeraz will be a part of the February 22nd card that is anticipated to be headlined by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who is being linked to a showdown with undefeated German Agit Kabayel in the main-event.

Following his controversial victory over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Friday, Jake Paul has boldly declared himself the "face of boxing," and with a growing number of fighters calling him out, it's hard to argue with him. The latest and perhaps most jaw-dropping challenge comes from reigning IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois, who has offered Paul a shot at the heavyweight throne.

Paul and Tyson went the full eight rounds at a packed AT&T Stadium, with a reported 60 million Netflix viewers tuning in. While Paul dominated the fight, allowing a stationary Tyson to land only 18 punches, many felt Tyson was being kept around for the spectacle rather than being truly competitive.

Despite being tagged by a few shots, Paul is said to have made a staggering $2.2 million for every punch he took, and in the days following the event, the calls for a showdown with Paul have poured in from former and current world champions like Carl Froch, Artur Beterbiev, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

But it's Dubois' challenge that stands out. In a direct message to Paul, the heavyweight champ offered him a chance at the world title:

“Good business on the weekend, but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world? This is Daniel Dubois calling you out, let’s get it on.”

Paul responded with a cheeky image of a ticket and a bold message: “Get in line.”

Paul then took to social media to further taunt Beterbiev, referencing his 12 years in the sport and over 100 fights, while pointing out that Dubois, unlike Beterbiev, has a solid fanbase.

“Man’s been boxing for 12 years, has over 100 fights, amateur and pro, and fought on my undercard…hahaha. But f*** it… I’m going to have Nakisa talk to Frankie Warren and get you in line for the throne. Unlike Artur, at least you have a few thousand fans.”

Dubois, who fought on Paul's undercard during his August 2021 bout with Tyron Woodley, is expected to defend his IBF world title for the second time on February 22nd in Riyadh. However, a lucrative meeting with Paul could prove more enticing than facing established rivals in a voluntary defense.

Former heavyweight title contender Dillian Whyte has confirmed his return to the ring for December 15. The 36-year-old Brit will face Ghanaian fighter Ebenezer Tetteh in a bout to be broadcast live on DAZN. Whyte aims to redeem himself after several setbacks in his career and is eyeing a potential rematch with an old rival.

The British fighter is returning with the goal of securing a convincing win against Tetteh, who holds a solid record.

However, Whyte’s recent statements suggest that his true interest goes beyond his upcoming fight.In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Dillian Whyte spoke about the possibility of facing Derek Chisora for a third time.

The first two clashes between these two warriors were epic and remain etched in the memory of boxing fans.

Their first encounter took place on December 10, 2016, where Whyte emerged victorious by split decision after 12 intense rounds.

The second fight, in December 2018, ended with a knockout win for Whyte in the 11th round at London’s iconic O2 Arena.

Despite defeating Chisora on both occasions, Whyte believes a third fight would be exciting and appealing to the public.

“People want it. I think it’s a good option,” said Whyte during the interview. The British boxer suggested that the match could take place in February or March next year, as long as Chisora postpones his fight against Jarrell Miller.

Whyte did not hide his disdain for Chisora’s upcoming fight against Jarrell Miller, calling it a “pointless and unexciting” matchup.

“Jarrell Miller, which is a pointless fight. There’s no interest, there’s no excitement about the fight. For me, it’s a pointless fight because I think [Chisora] loses to Miller, and then a fight with me and him [Chisora] has no attraction,” Whyte remarked.

In his view, Chisora should wait until he finishes his fight with Tetteh to plan the trilogy, which he considers a great spectacle for both and an opportunity for Chisora to end his career memorably.Oscar Collazo planning to make boxing history in 2025

Boxing fans have been clamoring for a third fight between Whyte and Chisora since their last encounter in 2018.

The Brit believes that a trilogy would be a physical and entertaining spectacle for boxing fans, as well as an opportunity for redemption.

Before thinking about Chisora, Dillian Whyte must focus on his bout against Ebenezer Tetteh on December 15.

If Whyte manages to overcome Tetteh, a trilogy with Chisora could be the next step in his career.

Whyte is not only seeking victory in December but is also planning his immediate future.

A third fight with Derek Chisora appears to be his short-term goal, a battle that could put a memorable end to their historic rivalry.“People want it” 

Jake Paul continues to make waves in the boxing world, but his latest ambitions have raised more than a few eyebrows. On November 15, 2024, Paul faced the legendary Mike Tyson in a highly controversial fight. While Paul secured a victory in the eight-round bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the age and experience gap between the two fighters sparked more debates than admiration.

Tyson, 58, was far from the fighter he once was, and Paul, 27, still lacks the pedigree and experience that typically comes with such lofty goals. Despite the criticism, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is claiming that he’s not just a spectacle for big paydays — he’s here to build a legitimate career in boxing.

Big Talk, Bigger Plans

Jake Paul has made no secret of his ambitions. The YouTube star has already targeted some of boxing’s biggest names, including Mexican champion Canelo Álvarez and the undefeated light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev. While these names might sound appealing in theory, they’re also a reminder that Paul has yet to even crack the rankings in any meaningful way.

Beterbiev, a seasoned champion, has openly expressed his interest in a fight with Paul, but that hasn’t stopped the question on everyone’s mind: can Paul handle the rigors of facing top-tier fighters, or is this just another cash grab?

Paul’s response? He remains unfazed. On his official “X” account (formerly Twitter), Paul laid out his vision:

“My boxing path forward: Building MVP [Most Valuable Promotions] (the company will be focused on women & prospects and cultural events in any sport), becoming a world champion, and doing massive events along the way.”

A Business Mindset, But Is It Enough?

Paul’s plan to develop MVP into a platform that promotes women’s boxing, young prospects, and sports events beyond just fighting shows he’s thinking long-term. Still, these business ambitions don’t do much to convince critics that he’s ready to face the world’s best.

Many might see Paul’s focus on building a brand over earning a spot through the rankings as a sign that he’s more interested in the show than the grind. It’s one thing to build an empire through social media and pay-per-view events, but quite another to prove you belong in the ring with elite champions.

The Road Ahead: Will He Prove Himself?

Despite all the skepticism, Paul’s vision isn’t completely out of reach. He’s earned big money from fights, pulling in millions of viewers, and drawing more eyes to boxing — a sport that has long been driven by big paydays. But the more he talks about becoming a world champion, the more it raises questions about his ability to handle real title contenders.

Jake Paul’s foray into boxing has been a spectacle, and while he’s made it clear that he wants to continue on this path, the reality is that he’s still not ranked. His ambition is there, but whether his skills can back it up remains to be seen.

Jake Paul has undoubtedly made waves in the boxing world. While many initially dismissed him as a sideshow, his ability to generate massive paydays with his high-profile matches has forced the sport to rethink what it takes to land a big fight. The aftermath of his clash with Mike Tyson has highlighted a disturbing trend — boxers from every corner of the sport, including established champions like Artur Beterbiev, Andre Ward, and even Ryan Garcia, are now calling for a piece of the action. All of them seem to be drawn to the allure of Jake Paul’s large social media following and the lucrative deals that come with it.

Netflix also saw the silver lining in the technically flawed live stream of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. According to the streaming giant, 60 million households tuned in to watch the bout between Paul, the YouTuber-turned-fighter, and Tyson, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion. This viewership represented more than 20% of Netflix's 283 million subscribers worldwide. Despite the technical issues, the massive audience speaks to Paul’s draw, with his online fame and ability to bring in viewers outweighing the actual quality of the fight itself. Paul, 27, won the unanimous decision in the eight-round fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, the fight was far from a pugilistic masterpiece. Tyson came out aggressively in the first two rounds but became nearly immobile through the second half. By the end of the fight, Paul appeared to be holding back his attacks.

Nearly 50 million households also watched the co-main event, where women’s lightweight champion Katie Taylor earned a decision over Amanda Serrano. Netflix stated that this fight is likely to be the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in U.S. history, further highlighting the growing commercial appeal of boxing events with big names attached, regardless of their actual combat quality.

It wasn’t long ago that boxers had to earn their place in the ring through hard work, consistent victories, and proving themselves in high-stakes matchups. The best fought the best, and big offers came after fighters had established themselves with solid resumes. But now, it seems that clout and online buzz may be more valuable than a fighter's credentials.

The numbers Jake Paul brought in for his fight against Mike Tyson spoke volumes. Reports suggest that Paul earned a hefty payday, and his fanbase only continues to grow. This is a far cry from the way the sport traditionally valued experience and skill, where it was common to see the top fighters rise through the ranks, battle through tough competition, and gradually build a reputation. Now, with a strong social media presence, anyone with enough followers — even those with little experience — can position themselves for a big fight.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that money has always been a significant factor in boxing, but the current trend of "influencers" entering the fray has altered the landscape dramatically. Fighters like Jake Paul have found a way to monetize their social media presence in a way that traditional boxers never could. The result? Promoters and networks are increasingly willing to entertain matchups that prioritize financial gain over the quality of competition, potentially eroding the integrity of the sport.

The real question now is whether this trend is temporary or indicative of a larger shift in how the sport of boxing operates. Will we see more established champions opting for high-paying spectacles with little regard for legacy or genuine competition? Or will the sport eventually return to a more traditional, merit-based approach where boxing skill and hard-earned victories once again determine who gets the big paydays?

For now, it seems that Jake Paul has opened a door that’s unlikely to close anytime soon. Whether you love him or hate him, his ability to attract big names and big numbers has redefined what it means to be a "star" in boxing, and it may have changed the sport forever.

On Saturday, November 16, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez reached a historic milestone in his career. In an intense fight against Chris Billam-Smith, Ramírez was crowned as the first unified Mexican cruiserweight champion.

The event took place in Saudi Arabia and was marked by 12 rounds of relentless action.

In the end, the judges awarded the victory to Gilberto Ramírez by unanimous decision. The judges’ scorecards were 116-112 twice and 116-113 in favor of the Mexican.

This victory represents another significant achievement for Ramírez, who adds a new title to his professional career.

After the win, Gilberto Ramírez

The Mexican boxer is now eyeing a potential fight against Oleksandr Usyk, who is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters.On the other hand, Chris Billam-Smith suffered severe injuries during the fight.

According to a recent update from Ariel Helwani on “X”, the British fighter ended up with several injuries that highlight the brutality of the bout.

The injuries include a broken right thumb, a fractured left hand, internal and external stitches on his eye, and damaged ribs.

The fight between Ramírez and Billam-Smith was a true war in the ring, showcasing the high level of both fighters.Callum Smith boxing return date confirmed

Although Chris Billam-Smith showed great resilience and courage, Gilberto Ramírez managed to prevail with his strategy and power.

Now, the Mexican is one step away from making history as the undisputed champion, while Billam-Smith faces a long and painful recovery process.

With this victory, Gilberto Ramírez continues to solidify his place as one of the best Mexican boxers today and in the cruiserweight division.

For now, we will have to wait for the possibility of a showdown with Usyk, who is currently scheduled to face Tyson Fury on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Here’s an exclusive look at how @ChrisBillam looks after his brutal fight against Zurdo Ramirez on Saturday.

In total: Broken right thumb, fractured left hand, stitches inside and outside of his eye, damaged ribs. pic.twitter.com/8U5FiH9VMq

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 18, 2024

Jake Paul recently secured a win over Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking another step forward in his boxing career. While Paul has made it clear that he’s aiming to face some of the sport’s biggest names, including Mexican legend Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, an unexpected challenger has emerged.

Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, has offered Paul a shot at his world titles. Beterbiev, who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO belts, has taken the boxing world by surprise with his proposal, a rare move for the typically high-level fighter. Despite this, Paul’s response remains unclear, leaving many fans and experts speculating about his next move.

Beterbiev, eager for a clear answer, took to social media, urging Paul to either accept or reject his challenge. On X (formerly Twitter), Beterbiev posted: “After four years, it’s time to have serious challenges. Didn’t notice your acceptance or rejection. So what are we gonna do?”

While many expected Beterbiev to set up a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, his interest in Paul suggests he’s open to exploring other high-profile matchups. Paul, meanwhile, continues to prioritize a showdown with Canelo, but Beterbiev’s offer could prove too enticing to pass up.

If Paul chooses to take on Beterbiev, it would be a defining moment in his career, offering him a chance to challenge an undisputed champion and further solidify his place in the boxing world.

British boxer Harlem Eubank is set to make his debut in the welterweight division on Friday, November 22, 2024. Harlem Eubank, who has proven himself a dominant force in the ring, enters this bout with an unbeaten record of 19 wins, with no losses or draws.

The Brit is coming off two decisive stoppage victories, notably his last fight against Timo Schwarzkopf on November 10, 2023, in Brighton.

On that occasion, Eubank secured a technical knockout in the eleventh round, showcasing his power and ability to finish fights.

Now, Eubank is gearing up to face French opponent Nurali Erdogan on November 22 at the Walker Activity Dome, located in Newcastle, UK.

Initially, Eubank was scheduled to face Erdogan on October 25 in Bolton. However, the date was rescheduled to this Friday.

The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, will be broadcast live on Channel 5, promising an exciting night for boxing fans.This will be Harlem Eubank’s first fight in the welterweight division, where the weight limit is 147 pounds.

Eubank’s opponent, Nurali Erdogan, comes into the fight with a record of 16 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Although he has only secured one victory by knockout, Erdogan is experienced and has proven to be a tough opponent.

The French boxer will be looking to seize this opportunity to pull off an upset and end Eubank’s unbeaten streak.

The boxing event will feature an exciting undercard, presenting several attractive matchups for the sport’s followers.

Ben Marksby, for instance, will take on Levi Kinsiona in a super lightweight bout, while Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr. will face Robin Zamora in a welterweight contest.

The night will also see the return of Cyrus Pattinson, who steps back into the ring after 15 months of inactivity.

Pattinson aims for redemption following his last defeat against Conah Walker and will face Andrei Antonov in a super welterweight clash.Other scheduled bouts for Friday night include:

– Harlem Eubank vs. Nurali Erdogan; welterweight

– Ben Marksby vs. Levi Kinsiona; super lightweight

– Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr. vs. Robin Zamora; welterweightJake Paul lashes out at Carl Froch

– Dan Toward vs. Johan Nova; super welterweight

– Niall Brown vs. Pablo Sosa; super middleweight

– J’Hon Ingram vs. Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira; super featherweight

– Cyrus Pattinson vs. Andrei Antonov; super welterweight

– Sophie Alisch vs. Marina Sakharov; women’s super featherweight

– Joe Laws vs. Adam Cieslak; middleweight

– Codie Smith vs. Engel Gomez; super featherweight

– Lee Rogers vs. Yin Caicedo; super bantamweight

– Eduard Georgiev vs. Jack England; super featherweight

The main event between Harlem Eubank and Nurali Erdogan will mark a decisive moment in both fighters’ careers. Eubank aims to establish himself in the new division, while Erdogan will try to spoil his welterweight debut.🥊 Harlem Eubank makes his welterweight debut against Nurali Erdogan on Friday live on Channel 5.

🔥 Ben Marksby steps up to face Levi Kinsiona.

➕ Return of Cyrus Pattinson after 15 months out since his defeat to Conah Walker. pic.twitter.com/2zeIyEOYcK

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 18, 2024

Hamzah Sheeraz, widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the UK, has withdrawn from negotiations for a showdown with unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. This comes after a 15-fight knockout streak that has earned Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs) recognition as one of Britain's brightest boxing talents. A recent victory over Tyler Denny at Wembley saw Sheeraz claim the EBU European Middleweight title and solidified his position as the mandatory challenger for Alimkhanuly’s WBO and IBF belts.

After months of delayed purse bids, it was expected that Sheeraz would face Alimkhanuly on the high-profile February 22nd Riyadh Season card. However, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed today that Sheeraz’s team has officially pulled out of the negotiations, and the scheduled purse bid has been canceled.

Instead, Sheeraz is reportedly set to challenge Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title on the same February card. Although this has yet to be confirmed by Sheeraz’s team, the move to face Adames signals a shift in his pursuit of a world title.

Adames, who won the WBC title in May, defended it successfully against Terrell Gausha in June. Meanwhile, Queensberry Promotions also promotes Denzel Bentley (WBO #2) and Brad Pauls (WBO #4), who are set to fight on December 7th, with the winner likely in line to face Alimkhanuly in 2025.

Recently, it was announced that Tommy Fury, the brother of renowned British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, will return to the ring in January 2025. Tommy Fury’s last appearance in the ring was on October 14, 2023, when he defeated the YouTuber-turned-boxer, KSI.

The fight, part of the Prime Card event, took place in Manchester, UK, and ended with a victory for Fury over KSI by majority decision in the sixth round.

Now, Tommy Fury will face Darren Till on January 18 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, broadcast live on DAZN.

Fury is returning to the ring for the first time since his win over KSI last year in Manchester.

On the other hand, Darren Till, who made his name in the UFC, is making the leap to professional boxing in what promises to be his toughest bout to date.

Till has been a prominent mixed martial arts fighter, but facing a professional boxer like Fury presents an entirely different challenge.

This fight will be Till’s chance to prove his worth in the boxing ring and show that he can adapt to the demanding world of boxing.In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Tommy Fury

“It feels great to, finally, say that I am back! I have been out of the ring far too long, I’ve been getting itchy knuckles, and so I am thrilled to be able to announce my return,” expressed Fury.

The young boxer acknowledged Till’s experience in the UFC but warned that facing a professional boxer is a completely different challenge.Claressa Shields

“Till had a good UFC career but he’s stepping into the boxing ring now, against a proper pro, and he will quickly realize that he is out of his depth, and this is not the game for him,” said Fury.

For his part, Darren Till expressed confidence and assurance in his skills when discussing the fight. “January 18 is my time, my night,” declared the former UFC fighter.

Till knows that the matchup against Fury will be tough, but he believes he can adapt and surprise the audience.

The showdown between Tommy Fury and Darren Till promises to be an exciting event at the start of 2025.

The mix of styles and the tension between an experienced boxer and an MMA fighter transitioning to boxing ensure a unique spectacle.𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 💥

Tommy Fury and Darren Till lock horns in a HUGE start to 2025 in Manchester 👊 #FuryTill | Jan 18 Live and Exclusive worldwide on DAZN pic.twitter.com/WTyK7xaEeK

— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) November 17, 2024

Jake Paul cruised to a unanimous decision against two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on Friday night, despite Tyson’s faded abilities. After facing criticism for not fighting established boxers, the polarizing social media star may now face a second former world champion in as many fights—this time with a title on the line.

Paul’s clash with Tyson was both controversial and captivating, drawing millions of viewers to watch the YouTuber-turned-boxer face the fan-favorite veteran, despite the 31-year age gap between the American duo.

After a tense build-up, many were relieved to see Tyson reach the final bell unharmed, but those expecting an exciting fight were left disappointed. Tyson landed just 18 punches and showed little sign of being able to challenge his younger opponent.

Post-fight, Paul admitted he didn’t want to knock out the 58-year-old legend, explaining he refrained from pressing the attack during Tyson’s vulnerable moments.

Despite the lackluster action, Paul and Tyson reportedly earned a combined $60 million, capturing the attention of other established boxers. One fighter now expressing interest is former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of the legendary five-division world champion.

Chavez Jr. appeared on Paul’s undercard on July 20th, defeating UFC star Uriah Hall in a six-round contest to end a two-and-a-half-year inactivity streak. After watching Paul’s dominant win over Tyson, the 38-year-old took to social media to challenge Paul, saying, “@jakepaul You say you can fight anyone you want!! Which is probably true for the money!! But you won’t fight someone who knows how to fight. It’s time, Jake.”

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza also fueled the speculation, revealing that he would be open to sanctioning a Paul-Chavez Jr. fight as a “championship” bout, an idea he had suggested back in July.

“I will insist. I’d love to see Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for a championship,” Mendoza tweeted.

While it’s unlikely the fight would be for a full world title, Paul could potentially win his first official boxing belt if he and Chavez Jr. square off for an WBA International title, likely in the bridgerweight division.

Whilst Gilberto Ramirez claimed the unified cruiserweight title against Chris Billam-Smith in the main-event of ‘Latino Night’ on Saturday, Oscar Collazo arguably delivered the performance of the night. Now, with additional eyes on ‘El Pupilo’, Collazo is hopeful of making history in the sport in the near future.

After debuting as a professional back in 2020, Collazo has risen through the minimumweight rankings and done so whilst gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting, aggressive fighters in the game.

In May 2023, a 6-0 Collazo jumped into a showdown with Melvin Jerusalem for the WBO minimumweight world title, forcing the Filipino to retire in the corner after enduring seven rounds against the hard-hitting 105lber and crowing Collazo as a world champion.🇵🇷Oscar Collazo beating up Melvin Jerusalem to win the WBO Minimumweight Title in 2023 pic.twitter.com/A2DBdy9xTw

— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) November 14, 2024

Within 13 months, Collazo established himself as the poster boy of the minimumweight division with three additional title defences and was tasked with WBA title-holder Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0, more commonly known as Knockout CP Freshmart, in a rare minimumweight unification bout on Saturday night.

Ahead of their meeting, Niyomtrong was the longest reigning world champion in the sport, having defeated Byron Rojas for the belt in June 2016 and retaining it in 12 defences since.

However, Collazo was able to dominate proceedings and score an eye-catching seventh-round technical-knockout victory.Katie Taylor hints at potential retirement timeline👑🥊 Vu que les trois derniers rounds mais confirmé une nouvelle fois : superbe boxeur. Oscar Collazo inflige à CP Freshmart sa première défaite et unifie les titres WBO-WBA pour devenir le premier champion The Ring à 105. Top 15 pound-for-pound pic.twitter.com/2yC3tnZqak

— Alexandre Herbinet (@LexaB) November 16, 2024

During the aftermath, Collazo revealed his intentions to become the first ever undisputed champion in minimumweight history, with no 105lber ever holding more than two belts at once, as per World Boxing News.

“I have a lot of respect for the reigning champion [Niyomtrong], but I am the king at 105 pounds now, and this title is for my beautiful island of Puerto Rico.”

“I’m putting the 105-pound division on notice,”

“I want all the belts. I’ve made history tonight, and I want to make history again by becoming the first undisputed champion from Puerto Rico.”

At present, Pedro Taduran (17-4-1) holds the IBF world title, whilst Collazo’s former opponent, Melvin Jerusalem (23-3), is in possession of the WBC strap, after they each dethroned the Shigeoka brothers (Ginjiro & Yudai) earlier this year.

With the heavyweight division set to be blown open during 2025, fans are searching for a new knockout artist to get behind and Bakhodir Jalolov seems to fit the bill. After not fighting during 2024 to focus on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Uzbek knockout is now poised to make his return.

Jalolov made his professional debut in 2018 but has continued his sensational amateur career simultaneously since, much to the aggravation of some fans who believe it is unfair that the hard-hitting southpaw can continue to compete.

Having already won two world championships, an Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and amassing an undefeated professional record consisting of 14 knockout wins in as many fights, Jalolov stepped through the ropes at Paris 2024 as the clear favourite in the super-heavyweight division.👀🔊 Así se vio y oyó desde ringside el KO 💣💥 de Bakhodir Jalolov 🇺🇿 a Onoriode Ehwarieme #ESPNKnockOut#AndersonRudenkopic.twitter.com/1utJJByIdL

— ESPN KnockOut (@ESPNKnockOut) August 27, 2023

The 30-year-old southpaw lived up to his high expectations in France and delivered another impressive campaign, winning 5-0 on the scorecards in all four of his bouts on route to a second gold medal, defeating Omar Shiha (NOR), Teremoana Junior (AUS), Nelvie Tiafeck (GER) and Ayoub Ghadfa (ESP).

After proving his worth once again, Jalolov then announced his retirement from amateur boxing and made clear his intentions of emulating his success in the professional ranks.

According to Brunch Boxing, Jalolov (14-0, 14KOs) will take on French heavyweight David Spilmont (16-8, 11KOs) in Montreal, Canada on February 6th, as ‘The Big Uzbek’ ends an official 14-month spell of professional inactivity.Artur Beterbiev offers to fight Jake Paul for world titles

Spilmont will enter the contest off of the back of a five-fight win streak, albeit against lesser opposition, with his latest loss being a stoppage defeat to well-known British-based Croatian Alen Babic back in December 2021.BABIC WINS THE WAR OF ATTRITION 😤

10 KO’S IN 10 FIGHTS FOR THE SAVAGE 💥 pic.twitter.com/FSAlnFzhLm

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 18, 2021

Jalolov will become the first Paris 2024 gold medallist to fight professionally since the games, although Cuba’s lightweight champion Erislandy Alvarez has fought an IBA bout in Havana – cruising to a unanimous-decision victory after six rounds against Colombia’s Jose Munoz (16-3).🇨🇺🌟Paris Gold Medalist Erislandy Alvarez defeats Jose Munoz via UD6 in an aggressive display in Havana pic.twitter.com/CbrkhGGZym

— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) August 28, 2024

Despite his inactivity, Jalolov currently sits at #9 and #15 of the WBA and WBO world rankings respectively and will be hoping of putting together a charge for the heavyweight titles during 2025.

Friday night saw Mike Tyson trudge to a unanimous-decision loss against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, receiving plaudits for completing eight rounds at 58-years-old but ultimately underwhelming in what turned out to be a one-sided affair. Nevertheless, ‘Iron Mike’ made history once again, even in defeat.

Like most, Paul could not boast the accolades of the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ beforehand, but his youth and comparative exuberance saw him step through the ropes as the favourite against a man over 30 years his elder.

Come fight night, it was clear that the contest was more a battle of Mike Tyson vs. Father Time than a showdown with Jake Paul, with Father Time inevitably extending his undefeated record.

After a brief attempt at a flurry in the opening round, Tyson offered little for the remainder of the scrap, landing just 18 punches and throwing just 97 across eight rounds and being visibly exhausted and thankful to hear the final bell.Relive last nights battle between Jake Paul & Mike Tyson from the view RINGSIDE 🔥

🎥 @MostVpromotionspic.twitter.com/B2In89fZml

— betr (@betr) November 16, 2024

Consequently, ‘The Problem Child’ banked all but one of the rounds across the judges scorecards (80-72×2, 79-73) and had an easy nights’ work against a static version of the former undisputed heavyweight champion – who would likely have been stopped if Paul showed less mercy.Katie Taylor hints at potential retirement timelineJake Paul explains why he didn’t look to knock out Mike Tyson:

“I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.” pic.twitter.com/rIcLINbU5j

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 16, 2024

Yet, regardless of Tyson’s faded abilities in the ring, the fabled knockout artist banked a reported $20 million for the event and, although he has added an additional blemish to his professional record, he has broken another world record in the process.

Paul-Tyson took place almost 40 years (14,499 days) since the debut of ‘Kid Dynamite’ (March 6th 1985), therefore Tyson now holds the record of the longest professional career out of any of the 111 former and present heavyweight world champions.

Tyson will take top spot from Roy Jones Jr. (12,384 days) who eclipsed the long-standing record set by Jack Johnson (12,231 days) in 1931 last year when he lost out to Anthony Pettis by majority-decision.

However, some may argue that Johnson should keep a hold of that record, due to a reported 1938 contest between a 60-year-old ‘Galveston Giant’ and Walter Price, but there is little proof that this bout was an official one rather than one of many of Johnson’s exhibition fights, which is why it is not recorded on his résumé.

Matchroom Boxing has confirmed the return of British boxer Callum “Mundo” Smith to the ring. Callum Smith, 34, was last seen in the ring on January 13, 2024, in Quebec, Canada. On that occasion, Smith faced the undisputed light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev.

However, Smith was unable to overcome the Russian and was defeated by technical knockout in the seventh round. This loss marked a challenging moment in the British fighter’s career, as it was his second professional defeat.

Now, Smith will return to action on Saturday, November 30, at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham, England.

The fight will be part of the undercard headlined by the main event between Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai, broadcasted on DAZN.Callum Smith holds a professional record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and no draws. Out of his 29 victories, 21 have come by knockout.

Before his loss to Beterbiev, Smith secured a dominant victory over Mathieu Bauderlique on August 20, 2022. In that fight, held at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, Smith knocked out Bauderlique in the fourth round, solidifying his position as a contender in the light heavyweight division. This victory earned him a shot at the WBA world title.

Earlier, Smith had defeated Lenin Castillo on September 25, 2021, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The British fighter won by knockout in the second round, reinforcing his dominance after moving up from the super middleweight category.

Callum Smith’s move to the light heavyweight division came after his loss to Mexican star Canelo Álvarez on December 19, 2020. In that fight, held at the Alamodome in Texas, Smith was defeated by unanimous decision against Álvarez in a bout for the WBC and WBA super middleweight world titles.

This loss prompted the British boxer to rethink his career and opt to compete at light heavyweight.

Before his bout with Álvarez, Smith had defeated John Ryder on November 23, 2019, at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Smith secured a unanimous decision victory, successfully defending his WBA super middleweight world title.

This win was one of the most significant of his career in the super middleweight division.

Callum Smith’s return to the ring has generated great anticipation among British boxing fans. It is worth noting that Matchroom Boxing has yet to announce who Smith’s opponent will be for his comeback in Birmingham.

However, on November 30th, Smith aims to redeem himself and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the division.

Some of the fights scheduled on the same card, where Callum Smith will make his ring return, are as follows:Mike Tyson speaks out after his defeat against Jake Paul

– Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai (WBC flyweight championship).

– Cameron Vuong vs. Gavin Gwynne.

– Conah Walker vs. Lewis Ritson.

– Kieron Conway vs. Ryan Kelly.

– Troy Jones vs. Michael Stephenson.

– Hamza Uddin vs. Benn Norman.Mundo is back 💥 @callumsmith23

Returning to the ring in Birmingham ready to get back in the mix 👊 #EdwardsYafai live on @daznboxing, November 30 pic.twitter.com/Hx5AcVFmXc

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 17, 2024

✅ SUNNY-GALAL CARD COMPLETE

1️⃣ Sunny Edwards 🆚 Galal Yafai

2️⃣ Cameron Vuong 🆚 Gavin Gwynne

3️⃣ Conah Walker 🆚 Lewis Ritson

4️⃣ Kieron Conway 🆚 Ryan Kelly

5️⃣ Hamza Uddin 🆚 Benn Norman

6️⃣ Troy Jones 🆚 Michael Stephenson

7️⃣ Taylor Bevan, Aaron Bowen, Ibraheem Sulaimaan pic.twitter.com/cKPnmTmxfM

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 1, 2024

On Friday, November 15, 2024, the legendary Mike Tyson stepped back into the ring at the age of 58 to face Jake Paul, a popular YouTuber turned professional boxer. The event, streamed live on Netflix, took place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and quickly became one of the most talked-about boxing events of the year.

The fight, which spanned eight hard-fought rounds, concluded with Jake Paul winning by unanimous decision. Despite its share of controversies, the event proved to be a massive commercial hit. Netflix reported that 60 million households around the world tuned in live, with peak viewership reaching an astounding 65 million during the event. This achievement made the fight one of the most-watched sports broadcasts of the year.

AT&T Stadium saw a record-setting attendance of 72,300 spectators, marking the largest crowd for a boxing event in the U.S. outside of Las Vegas. The gate revenue exceeded $18 million, surpassing the previous record set by Canelo Álvarez’s 2021 fight against Billy Joe Saunders, which had garnered $9 million.

The fight also saw unprecedented social media engagement. The hashtag #PaulTyson became the number one trending topic globally on X, with #Serrano ranking second in countries like the U.S., Brazil, Spain, and Canada. Conversations about the event dominated social media, underlining its international appeal.

Joe Hand Promotions, a leader in live sports distribution, made history by broadcasting the event to more than 6,000 bars and restaurants across the United States. This record-breaking distribution set a new benchmark for combat sports, enhancing the reach of the spectacle and broadening its impact.

The co-main event featuring Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor also drew significant attention, with nearly 50 million households watching live. This bout is poised to become the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in U.S. history, underscoring the increasing interest in high-profile women’s boxing.

The commercial success of the Tyson-Paul event highlighted the unique appeal of crossover fights, which blend traditional boxing with modern celebrity influence. Despite criticisms regarding Jake Paul’s experience compared to seasoned boxers, his star power and ability to attract a global audience have solidified his place in the sport. Whether he's fighting a washed-up boxer or an MMA fighter, he’s raking it in. People who love him will watch, and those who hate him will watch to see him fall. Whether you agree with his approach or not, he’s changing the game, for better and most likely for worse.

Jake Paul, buoyed by his victory over Tyson, expressed interest in facing other high-profile opponents, including Mexican boxing champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. While Paul’s next steps remain unconfirmed, the potential matchups could further boost his boxing career and reshape the landscape of celebrity-driven boxing events.

The event’s success also showcased Netflix’s effective partnership with Most Valuable Promotions, transforming AT&T Stadium into a boxing epicenter and demonstrating the platform’s influence in live sports streaming.

As the dust settled, the night’s impact extended beyond ticket sales and viewership numbers. The presence of notable celebrities like Evander Holyfield, Shaquille O’Neal, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Charlize Theron added a touch of glamour, amplifying the event’s appeal and ensuring its place in the annals of modern boxing history.

On Saturday, November 16, Gilberto Ramírez continued his ascent in the boxing world with a dominant victory over Chris Billam-Smith in Saudi Arabia. Ramírez secured a unanimous decision after 12 rounds, with the judges scoring the bout 116-112 (twice) and 116-113 in his favor, adding another historic win to his record.

This victory marked not only another milestone in Ramírez's career but also a significant step toward his larger ambitions. Having already made history as the first Mexican super middleweight world champion and later as the first Mexican cruiserweight world champion, Ramírez added the WBO title to the WBA belt he already held. This achievement made him the first unified Mexican champion in the cruiserweight division.

Now, with his sights set on becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, Ramírez has his eyes on a new challenge: Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian, who is widely regarded as one of the best to ever compete in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, is a fighter Ramírez admires deeply.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Ramírez made it clear he wants a showdown with Usyk: “If he wants, I’m more than ready and happy to fight him. He’s one of my idols, and I want to face him because what he’s been doing in boxing is great.”

Ramírez also reflected on his own growth inside the ring: “Everyone saw I’m a strong man and I’m growing. I want to be a heavyweight champion too, and everything is possible. Look at Usyk, what he did, and he’s not bigger than me, and I think I can do it too.”

While Ramírez is focused on unifying the cruiserweight titles, his aspirations don’t end there. His next possible opponents include IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian, but he’s resolute in his desire to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Oscar De La Hoya, Ramírez’s promoter, has also expressed that a potential fight with Usyk could solidify Ramírez as a major name in the sport.

Ramírez hasn’t ruled out the possibility of fighting in different weight classes to make the Usyk showdown a reality, further underlining his ambition.

Meanwhile, Usyk, the current heavyweight champion with three belts, is set to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As this fight draws closer, Ramírez continues to pursue his dream of becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, while keeping his eye on a future clash with Usyk in the heavyweight division.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, Jake Paul faced off against Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The eagerly anticipated fight ended with a win for the YouTuber-turned-boxer, who dominated the eight rounds despite concerns about Tyson’s age and health.

Tyson, who has long been a legend in the ring, surprised many by lasting the full distance, avoiding a knockout despite the clear age difference and his recent health struggles.

Following his victory, Paul wasted no time in discussing his future plans. He expressed a desire to take on top names in boxing, including Mexican champion Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, whose name has long been associated with the sport’s elite.

But just as Paul was setting his sights on Canelo, a new challenger emerged in the form of Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Beterbiev, who holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, made a bold move by offering Paul a chance to fight for his world titles.

Responding swiftly on social media, Paul tweeted: "Just seen this… Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter in the world calling me out. Hahahahahaha. 4 years in and I run this sport."

Beterbiev, while offering an intriguing challenge, is expected to first face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated rematch that has fans buzzing.

As for Paul, while he hasn’t confirmed his next fight, his recent win over Tyson has only fueled speculation about whether he’ll take on Canelo or entertain the challenge from Beterbiev.

With both big names in the mix, the future of Jake Paul in the boxing world looks more uncertain—and exciting—than ever.