Mikaela Mayer has urged networks and promoters to do more to help grow women’s boxing.

The 34-year-old is one of the sport’s most established stars and tops the bill at the Madison Square Garden Theater on Friday in a grudge match with bitter rival and WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan.

With Claressa Shields moving up in weight, Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano II being postponed until November and neither her nor Jonas' boxing since January, Mayer still believes the women’s talent pool means that the otherwise seemingly comparatively slow year is not indicative a lack of progression in the women’s game after a bustling period.  

“I think that it might have been a slower year this year, but what’s most important is that the talent pool is there, and we have that stable of women now,” said Mayer. “There’s no way we can fall back, because there’s just too many young girls coming up in the gyms that are just too skilled and they’re just going to continue to get better, so what we need now is more support from the networks and promoters.”

Then with a nod to promoters, she added: “The ratio of men and women on their stable lists is just too far and too wide, so it’s sort of up to them now, but the women are here.

With Australian star Skye Nicolson heading to Saudi Arabia to defend her title against Raven Chapman, Mayer is optimistic that similar lucrative opportunities might be coming her way.

“Oh yeah, 100 per cent. Who wouldn’t?” Mayer said, of boxing in the Middle East. “Of course we do. So far so good. They [the Riyadh Season bills] look to be amazing. The fighters look happy. I think that you’re getting really great matchups. I think one of the reasons why you don’t get so many great matchups on boxing cards – you get your main event and then you have your undercard, right, is just because of money. They have a budget for that card and most of it goes to the main event fighters. Then it kind of trickles down from there and they just fill it with other people on their stable, get them experience, help them grow and that’s just the business structure financially. Having someone like Turki [Alalshikh] coming in where money really isn’t a problem, he is just passionate about boxing, loves it and wants to make the best fights, that’s gonna help. That’s going to help grow boxing, that’s going to help make the fights the fans want to see, so of course I want to be a part of that at some point.

“Turki came out and said that he was going to have women on the UFC cards, in 2025, so when I heard that, I knew he was open to the idea [of having women fight in the Riyadh Season bills] and it was just a matter of time, so I’m glad for Skye Nicolson, that’s a great opportunity for her. She’s gonna do great and people are gonna love her over there and that’ll help to kind of move the needle and get the rest of us out there.”

Mayer is also certain that, regardless of venues, moving up will ultimately reap rewards for her, earning her the biggest fights with the biggest names and the champions in the division.

“One of the reasons why I knew going to 147 was the right move, not just because my body physically felt like that was the weight for me, [was] I tried to move up slowly but surely, but it was like, ‘I can’t hold it, I can’t hold it, I’ve got to keep going.’ So, 147 feels really good for me and businesswise you look at it and it’s one of those divisions where all the belts are sort of separated and amongst some really good fighters. You have Sandy, you also have Tasha Jonas, and I could have a great rematch with her and then you also have Lauren Price, who’s an Olympic gold medalist.

“I don’t see the reason to go to 154 when I have so much opportunity to go in with top fighters at 147.”

#MikaelaMayer #SandyRyan #ClaressaShields #KatieTaylor #AmandaSerrano #TashaJonas #SkyeNicolson #RavenChapman #SaudiArabia #WomenInSport #BoxingPromotion #FightNight #MadisonSquareGarden #WomensBoxing #MiddleEastBoxing #SportsBiz

Coffee shops, fabricators, landscape gardeners and boxing gyms. Every business opens its doors to attract customers and every successful business faces the same issues once work starts pouring in.

As a reputation grows and demand increases, the product line expands, the queues and delivery times get longer and although the customer service is good, it inevitably starts to lose that personal touch. 

The vast majority of people are happy to join the line because they know that they will receive a tried and tested, quality product. 

After all, the business is busy for a reason.

More and more people are beginning to look for a more personal, bespoke service. Changing a supplier is a risk but the time to find somebody providing the right service in the right style is usually time well spent and can mark the start of a long, successful relationship.

When Charlie Edwards set out to attack the second half of his career, he knew exactly what he needed. The former WBC flyweight champion decided to entrust his future to a virtual start-up and linked up with the talented and knowledgeable former fighter, Stephen Smith, who is just beginning his career as a trainer.

This weekend, the pair will have their second outing together when Edwards challenges Thomas Essomba for the European bantamweight title. 

“It’s the  b est decision I've ever made in my life,” Edwards, 19-1 (7 KOs), told BoxingScene.

“I've always gone to big,   busy gyms and stuff. A lot of fighters do and it’s a craze, isn’t it? When all fighters go there [to one place],   then they all follow them there and then they find out, ‘Oh, maybe he ain’t as good as we thought. ’

“ With Stephen, I know he’s a proper boxing person. I watched his career.   He’s been through the whole process. He's been around the world in the biggest fights with his   brothers [Callum, Liam and Paul].

“The experience that man holds at a young age. He’s fresh into his journey and he’s hungry for success. He shits over all these other fucking coaches who are in it for the money.   It’s his passion. When two passionate people come together with a mindset of going to the highest   of heights, there’s no wonder why this sparks a great journey, just like Andy Lee and Joseph   Parker.

“We’re seeing it a lot lately now. Boxing’s changing, and the more experienced  – actual experienced coaches – who have actually fought, who’ve actually gone to world title level , who have actually done that and not just blagged it with management and got a good fighter. They were already a good fighter, but now they've took full ownership of them and all this media bollocks and blah, blah, blah. It's been the best decision I’ve made in my   career.”

Edwards is now 31 years old and experience has hardened him. It would have been easy for him to recruit a coach who was willing to tell him exactly what he wanted to hear in exchange for the opportunity. Smith isn’t that type of character. He was a talented amateur who challenged for world titles and was respected for his technical prowess. He has seen what it takes to succeed at the highest level. 

“Since Stephen came on when we first started, just before December last year, straight away we linked,” Edwards said.

“Straight away,   he was bringing the best out of me. Straight away, he was changing my style. Straight away,   he was altering things.

“It’s constantly developing and learning. The thing is we’ve bonded so much more.   It’s not like we’re just like, ‘Oh, that's my coach’ like all my other coaches through my career.

“It’s like, ‘That’s my mentor. That’s Mr. Miyagi to me.’ That's how we have bonded and   developed our relationship.”

Edwards moved quickly, fighting for the IBF flyweight title in his ninth fight and winning the WBC version in his 15th.

Citing issues making 112lbs, Edwards vacated his world title following a controversial No Contest with Julio Cesar Martinez back in 2019 but rather than opening up a whole new range of possibilities, he quickly discovered that his status as a former champion counted for little.

He spent almost five years flitting between promoters and trainers and scrapping for opportunities but boxing six rounds against a Nicaraguan journeyman in a warehouse on the outskirts of Manchester last summer broke his heart. 

Edwards decided that, for better or worse, he had to control his own destiny. He became self-managed, linked up with Smith and arranged a promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing. 

He told the story of his time in the wilderness time and time again before returning to the ring and beating Georges Ory in April. He also said the usual things about wanting to put on a show to remind people exactly who he is but, really, beating the Frenchman was just a part of a much bigger picture. 

The night after boxing his way to a unanimous win, Edwards was in Manchester to watch Zelfa Barrett beat Jordan Gill. He sat quietly in the crowd, his face bearing a few marks and a smile of relief that he was back in the game. 

This time around, there is a bite to Edwards’ words. The warm welcome back into the fold hasn’t taken away the bitterness he still feels towards the business which treated him so harshly. He knows that now it really is time to remind people what he is capable of.

The real comeback of Charlie Edwards begins against Thomas Essomba this weekend. 

“It’s like Daniel Dubois. He went   on his journey. We’ve just seen it. He resurged himself. He walked through the fire. He had to go with all the shit and all the people saying stuff about him,” Edwards said.

“I got hit on the floor by   Julius Caesar Martinez, who then went and failed a bloody drug test, and then got signed by my old promoter. I’ve had to go through all this and battle mental health and battle all this shit   and being left on the sidelines like no one cares about him. That’s created an inner demon in me,   and now I’m a powerful human being.

“This chip on my shoulder is on my shoulder forever   in this boxing career.

“I’ve set my goals. I’m out for legacy now. I want to   become one of the best British fighters. I want to be a four-weight world champion. That is my   goal. I’m setting the bar high.

“I’ve been through the years of turmoil and years of   soul searching and years of working every single day, day in, day out and not taking no for an   answer. What I’ve asked for and the dreams that I’ve put out to the universe, to God,   is prepared me. I fully believe that I’m on my steps to destiny now.”

 #CharlieEdwards #ThomasEssomba #EuropeanBantamweightTitle #Boxing #StephenSmith #Comeback #FightNight #Legacy #WassermanBoxing #Destiny #BoxingChampion #BritishBoxing #BoxingCommunity #BoxingJourney #FlyweightChampion

WBA heavyweight champion Mahmoud Charr is finally set to defend his title against Kubrat Pulev on December 7 in Sofia, Bulgaria. This matchup was originally scheduled for March 30 but was postponed due to an injury Charr sustained during training. The fight will be an important clash between two experienced heavyweights.

Pulev recently showcased his skills in Sofia, defeating Ukrainian fighter Ihor Shevadutskyi. With a record of 30-3, Pulev has remained a significant contender in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Charr, with a record of 34-4, has not fought since 2022, and his activity in the ring has been limited. He has only fought three times since 2017 and had no fights between 2017 and 2021.

Charr’s extended absence from the ring raises questions about his current form and readiness for such a crucial fight. He will need to shake off any ring rust to successfully defend his title against Pulev, who is eager to reclaim his position as a top heavyweight contender. Both fighters bring unique styles and experiences, making this matchup one to watch.

As fight night approaches, fans are excited to see how this clash will unfold. Will Charr successfully defend his title, or will Pulev seize the opportunity to take the belt? The outcome of this fight could have significant implications for both fighters' careers.

The heavyweight division is heating up, and this fight promises to be an exciting addition. With both fighters motivated, fans can expect a thrilling battle come December 7. 

#MahmoudCharr #KubratPulev #HeavyweightBoxing #WBAChampionship #BoxingMatch #FightNight #BoxingNews #PulevVsCharr #SofiaBoxing #BoxingFans #ChampionshipFight #BoxingCommunity #FightAnnouncement #BoxingEvents #DecemberFight

MARK DELUCA IS MAKING A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in his boxing career by transitioning from fighter to trainer. After years in the ring, DeLuca is ready to share his experience and knowledge with the next generation of fighters. This new role marks an exciting chapter in his life, and he is eager to make an impact in the sport.

DeLuca has had a respectable career as a professional boxer, with many memorable fights under his belt. However, he believes that his time as a fighter has prepared him for this next step. “I have learned so much in my years of fighting, and I want to pass that knowledge on,” DeLuca said. His passion for the sport remains strong, and he is determined to develop and mentor young talent.

As a trainer, DeLuca plans to focus on fundamentals and the mental aspects of boxing. He understands that being a successful fighter requires more than just physical skills. “I want to help my fighters understand the strategy behind the sport,” he explained. By emphasizing both physical and mental training, DeLuca hopes to create well-rounded athletes who can excel in the ring.

The transition from fighter to trainer is not always easy, but DeLuca is committed to this new journey. He has already begun working with aspiring boxers, applying the lessons he learned throughout his career. His goal is to instill confidence and discipline in his fighters, guiding them toward their dreams.

MARK DELUCA'S MOVE INTO TRAINING represents a fresh start in his boxing journey. With his extensive experience, he is set to become a valuable asset to the sport. Fans and fighters alike are excited to see how DeLuca will shape the future of boxing through his new role as a trainer.

:#MarkDeLuca #Boxing #Trainer #BoxingCareer #FighterToTrainer #Coaching #BoxingLife #Mentorship #FutureChampions #Sports #BoxingCommunity #BoxingTraining #FightNight #AthleteDevelopment #BoxingMentor

Hamzah Sheeraz’s second-round TKO of Tyler Denny Saturday clinches his position as the “nightmare” and “big giant” of the middleweight division, a gathering of fighters that has lacked star power since Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez moved on.

Well, that big giant is now knocking thunderously on the doors of 160-pound champions Janibek Alimkhanuly, Carlos Adames and Erislandy Lara, and whichever one answers first is likely going to be yielding his position and belt.

“When you see champions ducking and dodging, you already know what they think of Sheeraz,” ProBox TV’s Timothy Bradley Jr. said on Monday’s edition of “BoxingScene’s Top Stories.” “He can fight on the inside, the outside. He’s very crafty and youthful.”

Although Kazakhstan’s Alimkhanuly (15-0, 10 KOs) has worked on social media to refute reports, Bradley repeated what those who’ve spoken to insiders around the situation have said: that Alimkhanuly’s camp rejected $1.5 million to fight Sheeraz, 25, on Saturday’s Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua card in Wembley Stadium.

He instead is getting $200,000 to defend his IBF belt against Andrei Mikhailovich in Sydney on October 4. The WBO, which has England’s Sheeraz (21-0, 17 KOs) as its No. 1 contender, has refused to sanction the bout as a title defense.

The 6ft 3ins Sheeraz is also the WBC’s No. 1 contender to champion Adames.

As the glamor middleweight division has lost its allure in recent years, Sheeraz has showed in his run of 15 consecutives knockouts/stoppages, including his June 1 finish of Ammo Williams in the “5 versus 5” tournament that he is the most viable successor to past divisional greats Golovkin, Bernard Hopkins and Carlos Monzon.

“I don’t think we’re putting too much on him – 160 has some pretty solid contenders and it does have some difficult champions to beat,” former welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi said on “Top Stories.” “Sheeraz does look like the man who’ll be around for a while (from) the way he’s been winning with eye-catching power in a weight class that’s always been glamorous. He’s so dangerous.”

Hall of Famer Bradley said Sheeraz has the looks of “the full package,” with one of the few lingering questions on him being how he’ll respond to taking a flush shot to the chin.

“He will be a nightmare when one of these guys step up to face him,” Bradley said. “If (Alimkhanuly) turns that down, it shows they believe the hype.”

Former 140-pound champion Chris Algieri echoed, “This kid’s got it all. He’s something special with that size and power. He’s ready for the champions right now.”

It’s a matter of which sanctioning body will best enforce Sheeraz as a mandatory opponent. The IBF has spent the year pushing its mandatories, but for now, Mikhailovich is ranked higher (No. 3 to No. 4) over Sheeraz, with the top two spots temporarily vacant.

Algieri assesses that Adames is “the easiest” title bout to make.

“No one will fight him unless he’s a mandatory,” said Malignaggi.

#HamzahSheeraz #TylerDenny #JanibekAlimkhanuly #CarlosAdames #ErislandyLara #TimothyBradleyJr #PaulieMalignaggi #ChrisAlgieri #MiddleweightBoxing #BoxingNews #AndreiMikhailovich #IBFTitle #WBOTitle #WBC #TKO #KnockoutPower

Daniel Dubois’ stunning victory over Anthony Joshua has ignited strong reactions from some of boxing’s biggest names. While some are critical of Joshua's performance, others believe he can still make a comeback. Carl Froch, known for his harsh take on AJ, criticized his approach during the fight, while Tony Bellew was more supportive of the former champion.

Froch pointed out that Joshua’s attack in the fifth round lacked the precision of a true professional, calling it “white collar boxing” and stating it was far below championship level. Naseem Hamed went a step further, advising Joshua to consider retirement, expressing concern for his health and suggesting his time at the top may be over.

However, Bellew believes Joshua can come back stronger. He acknowledged Dubois’ impressive performance but thinks AJ is still capable of being one of the most destructive heavyweights if he can let his hands go early in a fight. Ben Davison, Joshua’s trainer, took responsibility for their game plan not being executed as planned, particularly the failure to capitalize on key moments.

Tyson Fury, never shy about sharing his thoughts, praised Dubois for proving his critics wrong. He emphasized that losses are part of heavyweight boxing, as it happened to him and could happen to anyone. Fury's comments highlight the unpredictability of the heavyweight division, where one fight can change everything.

Joshua himself remained dignified in defeat, expressing his desire to continue fighting and his gratitude to Dubois and his team. Dubois, on the other hand, is eager to keep his momentum going and pursue even bigger challenges, possibly targeting an undisputed heavyweight title fight.

 #DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #CarlFroch #TonyBellew #NaseemHamed #TysonFury #BenDavison #AJComeback #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #KnockoutVictory #AJvsDubois #DuboisVictory #BoxingLegends #BoxingUpdates

There are some things in life a person will try once only to vow never to try again: childbirth, marriage, a marathon, a mind-altering drug, shoplifting, skydiving, a fist fight, a suicide attempt, love. 

There are then things in life a person will try and later decide to try again: childbirth, marriage, a marathon, a mind-altering drug, shoplifting, skydiving, a fist fight, a suicide attempt, love.

In boxing, you would imagine that time spent in the company of Oleksandr Usyk would be deemed a one-night-only experience. However, because the Ukrainian is such a puzzle, and because human beings are predisposed to think they can fix either things or other people, there is forever a sense that somebody at some point will be able to solve this puzzle and defeat the great southpaw. As a result, both of this belief and Usyk’s current status in the heavyweight division, you have a growing queue to fight him. Few in the queue appear equipped, for now, to actually beat Usyk, but that won’t stop them believing, nor is it enough to prevent them getting in line and waiting their turn. 

One new addition to this queue arrived on Saturday at Wembley Stadium. This man, like one or two others, has already shared a ring with Usyk and therefore knows exactly what is required to beat him and how far short he falls of this requirement. That man, of course, is Britain’s Daniel Dubois, who stopped Anthony Joshua in impressive fashion with a short right hand in front of 96,000 fans at the weekend. As merciless as it was measured, that performance spoke highly of Dubois’ recent improvements and announced his arrival as one of the very best heavyweights in the world. It also built on previous wins against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic and showed the rate of his development since losing against Usyk in nine rounds last August. 

That night, against Usyk, he was sent to school, as so many Usyk opponents are, and would find “success” – if one can call it that – only in round five, when a low blow had Usyk writhing on the canvas for several minutes. This shot had no real bearing on the fight, of course, nor spoiled Usyk’s lesson, but now, 13 months later, it is being used as proof that these two men, Usyk and Dubois, should meet again. To rely on stoppage wins against Miller, Hrgovic and now Joshua is seemingly not enough for a rematch with Usyk to make any sense. Yet where there is controversy in boxing, there is a case, and Dubois and his team certainly believe they have one of those.

In fairness, they felt they had a case at the time and made quite the song and dance about the incident; both during the fight and particularly after it when Dubois had lost. Low or not, the contentious nature of that moment in round five allowed those involved to take the narrative and twist it however they saw fit. With Dubois and his team, that meant painting a different picture from the one we had all witnessed in Poland that August. It meant exaggerating the success Dubois had in the fight, both prior to that flashpoint and after it, and also asking the question: “If, as we believe, it wasn’t a low blow, did Daniel Dubois essentially knock out Oleksandr Usyk in round five?”

Undoubtedly, if the blow was not low, that is true and a fair reading of things. Usyk, after all, was on the canvas for a lot longer than 10 seconds and appeared in more physical pain as a result of that Dubois shot than we have ever seen him in before. He was hurt by it, of that there is no question, but that still doesn’t mean the shot was legitimate, nor does it mean that a low-blow controversy should be enough to bring together two fighters not yet proven to be equals for a second fight. 

The last time this happened in the career of Usyk we were left with a similar feeling and the same question: Why? On that occasion it was Anthony Joshua chasing Usyk for a rematch, a contracted one, and on that occasion, too, there was perhaps more of an argument for it, purely because Joshua was the champion Usyk had dethroned and because he had, in the process, at least managed to last 12 rounds. That he won very few of those 12 rounds was beside the point. Joshua wanted the rematch and he felt he would do better second time around. 

As it turned out, this was both true and ultimately irrelevant. It was true that Joshua did marginally better in the pair’s rematch, even hurting Usyk in the ninth round, but there remained a sense throughout that Usyk was always the one in control, both of the tempo of the fight and the opponent in front of him. By the end of it all, in fact, it had just been more of the same. Usyk had been given the chance to rubber-stamp his superiority, while Joshua had returned to a place of trauma and gone through it all again, this time magnifying his insecurities and self-destructive beliefs. It was therefore no surprise really when Joshua took the mic in the aftermath and expressed too much of himself to a global audience. He had, in many ways, been exposed twice in one night: first by Usyk, then by his demons. 

The next British heavyweight to try again with Usyk will be Tyson Fury on December 21. He fared better than both Joshua and Dubois when boxing Usyk in May, but still, like Joshua and Dubois, couldn’t suss the former cruiserweight champion out. Down in round nine, Fury’s big win in the end was making it to the final bell, the sound of which would have come as not only a relief but a reminder that a rematch was on the table. Had it not come, that sound, and had Fury been stopped in the ninth, any clamour for a sequel would have been significantly and justifiably reduced. 

As it is, because Fury had a decent spell early, and because he is a man with certain physical advantages, a rematch with Usyk matters and will be of interest when it arrives. It is clearly more intriguing than Usyk vs. Joshua II and the same can be said for a rematch between Usyk and Daniel Dubois, despite the strides Dubois has made. Truth is, Usyk vs. Fury II is still a clash between the two best heavyweights in the world and nothing we have seen produced by the others since their first meeting has changed that. 

Even Dubois, as good as he looked on Saturday, is not yet on that same level. In fact, given his age (27), and recent form, it would almost be a shame if he was rushed back to that sort of level when he is progressing so well. “I want to get my rematch (against Usyk),” Dubois said after beating Joshua, “and to put the wrong right.” 

Meanwhile, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk, speaking to Sky Sports, said, “You never know, but why not? Some people had questions regarding the (first) fight. There was one moment in the fight which left some issues regarding the low blow. Why not if Dubois is still ready to go? Double undisputed, triple undisputed? Come on, this is history in the making.”

To chase Oleksandr Usyk off the back of three big wins is a testament to Daniel Dubois’ ambition and desire to test himself and for that he should only be applauded. Yet there is an argument to be made, too, that the very thing that has heavyweights believing they will be the one to dethrone Usyk – his age: 37 – should be the very thing that Dubois and his team keep in mind as a reason to maybe wait. After all, with Dubois 10 years Usyk’s junior and currently in a rich vein of form, there is every chance Dubois could be the man to take over in the next year or so without having to risk experiencing what Anthony Joshua experienced in the company of Usyk in Saudi Arabia. That is to say, at a time when his self-belief has never been greater, maybe the last thing Daniel Dubois needs is to be put back in his place and reminded all over again of the flaws he has in recent fights been able to hide with concealer. Maybe true success in boxing is a by-product of timing; that is, skipping the wrong fights and taking the right ones. This is typically the ethos of most boxers on the way up, when avoidance is often the name of the game, and it only changes, this approach, when big money finds its way onto the table and a boxer becomes surrounded by men ready and willing to share it. It is then a boxer hears only what they want to hear and what their team feels they need to hear. It is then that even a low blow can become a knockout punch. It is then that even defeat can become a victory.

  #DanielDubois #OleksandrUsyk #AnthonyJoshua #JarrellMiller #FilipHrgovic #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingRematch #BoxingNews #DuboisVsUsyk #JoshuaVsUsyk #UsykFuryRematch #BoxingLife #BoxingWorld #FightNight #DuboisFight #DuboisComeback

After stopping Daniel Dubois in the ninth round via a sharp right-hand jab – a punch of incredible accuracy but also enough innocence to reawaken questions about Dubois’ resilience – Oleksandr Usyk took pity on his defeated foe. He spoke to Dubois like a kindhearted coach might to an athlete who had just missed the cut for his varsity team:

“You young,” Usyk consoled Dubois.

“You can dream.”

“It’s a tough sport, brother.”

Dubois seemed too heartbroken to take the lessons to heart in the moment, but in his three fights since, he has implemented them better than even Usyk could have expected.

Usyk knew something while telling Dubois that he wasn’t done, something that boxing is too often unable to process: A loss is not the end of the world. A stoppage is not a career death sentence. Same goes for two stoppages. (Ironically, Usyk himself is currently undefeated as a professional despite taking the riskiest fights possible.) Sure, a punishing enough defeat can break a fighter’s chin forever – as might have happened to Anthony Joshua in the face of Dubois’ titanic fists – and a string of losses too lengthy can dissolve the public’s desire to watch a fighter again. But extraordinary things happen in the boxing ring that are capable of reversing any amount of negative momentum.

For example: In 1996, in his native Philippines, Manny Pacquiao got knocked out by a fighter named Rustico Torrecampo. Three years later, Pacquiao fought Boonsai Sangsurat at flyweight, came in a pound over the threshold of 112, and got stopped again. Pacquiao would go on to lose six more times, including a destructive KO defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012. Twice he won narrow decisions over Marquez that could have justifiably been losses. Yet while the image of Pacquiao lying face-first at Marquez’s feet endures, he is not known primarily for any of those moments. His blinding speed, caffeinated flurries and unorthodox punch angles that thrilled fans for years on end are far more concrete to his legacy. As are his endeavors in eight(!) different weight classes. Manny staggering, hurt, only to clap his gloves together and beckon his ascendant opponent forward is an essential boxing moment. His greatness easily transcended his low points and made him one of the 10 greatest boxers alive.

Or take Roberto Duran, arguably the greatest boxer alive. Pacquiao’s eight losses aren’t enough for you? Try Duran’s 16. Or recall that Tommy Hearns erased his consciousness even more violently and rapidly than Marquez did Pacquiao’s. Many of Duran’s losses came after his prime, of course, but his defeats at the hands of three other kings doesn’t change the fact that the luster of his resume outshines all of theirs. (And that’s not because Hearns, Marvin Hagler or Sugar Ray Leonard were slouches.) Duran even suffered an utter humiliation, quitting in the middle of his rematch with Leonard. It cratered his reputation and forced him to take walks with his pet lion to avoid harassment. Now it serves as a mere footnote to his legend.

Losses can be redeemed, and being precious about an “0” is a waste of time. Well, it should be – but the boxing world hasn’t quite grasped that simple idea despite the evidence to back it up dwelling in almost every Hall of Fame boxer not named Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd possessed an enviable, visceral kind of invincibility in every way imaginable (besides the fortitude of the bones in his hands). But he also didn’t test that aura much in the second half of his career, sprinkling healthy servings of managed risk, opportunism and cherry-picking on top of his sublime skill and early-career daring. He retired undefeated while shaming anybody and everybody who had taken a loss; boxers and boxing fans took notes. In the eyes of far too many, a fighter without a pristine record is now a bum. 

The storylines those people turn a blind eye to! Here is Dubois, he of the two knockout losses and questionable heart, viciously battering Britain’s and the oddsmakers’ favorite in Anthony Joshua. The man who was so despondent during Usyk’s pep talk in August of last year is now on a three-fight knockout streak against increasingly dangerous foes. The evisceration of Joshua cannot erase all the IBF’s chicanery , so no, Dubois has not “legitimized” the laughable decision to all but strip Usyk of that belt. What he does deserve are the big fights that will now flow to him naturally. There is appetite for an Usyk-Dubois rematch. Dubois would be the favorite in a rematch with AJ (and he could feasibly squeeze in another fight while Joshua recovers from the punishment he suffered Saturday). Dubois could take on Joseph Parker, another resurgent heavyweight, to make clear the third-best fighter on the planet north of 200 pounds. Joshua-Fury, the begged-for British big man battle, is now dead. But having wiped out Joshua in front of 96,000 British fans, Dubois might simply take AJ’s place.

Counting a fighter out after a loss should be easy to avoid. Not only were Dubois’ blemishes infrequent, but he was also younger than the vast majority of contenders in the heavyweight division. Still, we will keep overreacting to hyped fighters’ defeats. Boxing is too visceral, too conclusive, for us to do anything other than draw dramatic and sweeping conclusions in a fight’s immediate aftermath. 

The latest: AJ is shot, his chin is gone, and his fundamentals have fallen to pieces. Perhaps. He might also look fantastic in his next fight. Whichever the case, we have been warned about the folly of passing swift and severe judgment on fighters. 

Dubois now has multiple losses and the world at his feet. What a novel idea, Floyd! It’s entirely possible that Dubois will fold again the next time he’s under serious pressure. But to disregard his work over the past year would be just as shortsighted as writing off his career after either of his two losses. At 27, Dubois may find that his defining fight remains ahead of him. Only after seeing the twists in the tale do we realize the silliness of declaring its ending ahead of time.

#DanielDubois #OleksandrUsyk #AnthonyJoshua #MannyPacquiao #RobertoDuran #Boxing #HeavyweightChampion #BoxingComeback #UsykDubois #JoshuaDubois #KnockoutVictory #AJvsDubois #DuboisWins #BoxingLegends #ComebackSeason #FighterSpirit

It was when the Saudi Arabian national anthem was being sung in the minutes before Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua that BoxingScene questioned how the General Entertainment Authority would respond to the boos they almost certainly would have heard.

BoxingScene was present at Wembley Stadium, for what will inevitably be remembered as one of the most dramatic and entertaining fights of 2024. But only after having paid for a ticket, as a consequence of not being accredited for continuing to attempt to deliver the nature of balanced and responsible journalism increasingly demanded by the ills of the sport.

It was on Monday afternoon that BoxingScene was informed, via a telephone call, by those working on behalf of the GEA – chaired by none other than the divisive Turki Alalshikh – that other publications were being prioritized because of their previous commitment to covering the increasingly incessantly referenced “Riyadh Season” events. They were immediately reminded that this writer was in Riyadh for Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk – a fight to surpass even Dubois-Joshua – and that two colleagues were present in Los Angeles for Israil Madrimov-Terence Crawford in August, which the GEA also oversaw.

The response then came that those other publications had been more “positive” in their coverage. Which given the countless cucks (that isn’t a typo) that populate the sport didn’t come as a surprise. When any individual – post-fight Joshua himself can potentially attest – or organization is repeatedly fed the most positive and flattering of statements, regardless of the agenda driving them, they can come to view balance as particularly inconvenient, or even harsh and unfair.

Which ultimately is what prompted the previously mentioned question surrounding the boos aimed at the Saudi Arabian national anthem. It’s difficult not to conclude that it is perceived criticism of the GEA and the individual repeatedly known as “His Excellency” that’s punished by censorship. Admirable journalism on the wider picture of sportswashing also led to a journalist at another respected publication not being accredited. Another, which made puns around Alalshikh’s name, was also threatened with the same fate. If their contributions, and those of BoxingScene, hit a nerve, then it is difficult not to wonder how much more seriously the disrespectful booing was being taken; also prompted were similar questions about some of the boos directed at Alalshikh when he appeared on Wembley’s big screens.

Alalshihk is the same individual, and of the same organization, who so recently objected to Saul Alvarez’s refusal to submit to his demands. The equally independent Tim Tszyu is among those who knows how Alvarez may have felt. At the conclusion of a week in which Alalshikh was being told – not unlike how a parent might address a spoiled child on the eve of their birthday party – to wait until he hears the Wembley crowd singing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, as though that instead of the prospect of a heavyweight shootout was so much of the appeal, there seemed a risk that anything not equating to submissive, all-out admiration would be treated with contempt. 

It was later on Monday evening that BoxingScene, via Ticketmaster, saw that there were still countless tickets available for Dubois-Joshua. Another check on Wednesday morning confirmed that the picture was the same. When on Thursday evening Alalshikh posted on social media that the fight had sold out, a further check showed that there were no longer tickets available via the official supplier. Which on Saturday evening at Wembley seemed increasingly strange, because there were numerous empty seats – so many that the boasts of an anticipated attendance of 96,000 seemed premature. A figure somewhere between 85,000 and 90,000 – less than the reported record of 94,000 claimed by Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte in 2022 – appeared more accurate. When later on Saturday evening Alalshikh then posted that there were 98,128 present that seemed even harder to understand. How had 2,128 people beyond the 96,000 tickets they claimed to have sold made it into the stadium? Where were so many people hiding for there to still be so many empty seats?

The awareness of plans for Joshua, in the event of victory, to fight Fury in 2025 contributed to the suspicion that the GEA was desperate for him to defeat Dubois, and the marketing material depicting Joshua’s photogenic face lining Wembley Way did little to dampen that. To leave Wembley Park Station in the direction of the stadium is to receive an unavoidable reminder of its size, and therefore how significant it is for a sport that can suffer in the shadows cast by more popular ones to be showcased there (this writer was present at, and fondly reflects on the positive impacts of, Joshua’s fights with Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, and Carl Froch-George Groves II). 

Closer to the stadium could be seen, in the form of Riyadh Season-branding and a makeshift tribute to Riyadh’s Boulevard World that reminded BoxingScene of the tedium of the build-up to Fury-Usyk, the influence of the aggressive sportswashing campaign the GEA is overseeing. The same Riyadh Season-branding existed either side of Wembley’s two big screens, across the top of the roof over the ring – no doubt so that the helicopters and drones commissioned to take in aerial views could remind the many viewers of whose financial might had made Dubois-Joshua possible – along the four pillars holding that roof up, on the ring canvas, and on every electronic billboard and temporary barrier separating the areas of the pitch. 

The first three fights – Mark Chamberlain-Josh Padley, Josh Kelly-Ishmael Davis and Anthony Cacace-Josh Warrington – had taken place, and done little to serve the occasion when BoxingScene first watched on one of those screens a Riyadh Season advert that at one point announced “This season is for imagination,” which perhaps is the key to acknowledging the presence of the “record” crowd. 

Joshua Buatsi-Willy Hutchinson followed, and was – as was anticipated when they were matched together – entertaining and competitive. Why it wasn’t the chief support to Dubois-Joshua would have been puzzling had the talented Hamzah Sheeraz, who next stopped Tyler Denny in two rounds, not already become a Riyadh Season ambassador and fought on cards overseen by the GEA. In that specific respect, the GEA is suited to the boxing landscape – an apparent willingness to exaggerate figures and to favor self-interest, in this occasion in the form of Sheeraz, over the appeal of less self-serving fights, like Buatsi-Hutchinson, is often essential if one such organization is to survive.

It was shortly before 8pm in London when Dubois, the defending IBF champion, was shown arriving at Wembley, and he was given a lukewarm reception. “The wonders of Saudi Arabia” were extolled in a pre-recorded audio message shortly afterwards. Sheeraz, perhaps inevitably, and having made another fine statement of his considerable potential, referenced “His Excellency” during his post-fight interview; his interviewer then asked a question that started, “You’ve fought in Riyadh Season before, in Saudi Arabia for incredible atmospheres ...” It was the latest demonstration of the public-relations offensive that was so obvious a feature of the evening. If it were completely true, of course, there would be less need for their fights to be staged anywhere else.

Another video advert for VisitSaudi.com followed, and depicted a woman walking with apparent freedom in a country known to suppress women’s rights before promising “[Saudi Arabia] will send shivers down your spine.” When Joshua – typically the crowd favorite – was then shown arriving those present barely appeared to respond. Post-fight, it’s possible his popularity has waned, in the belief that it is less likely than ever that he will fight Fury. Pre-fight, he remained the crowd favorite, suggesting that the repeated adverts had undermined the impact of what was appearing on the screens – or that his normally vocal supporters were simply distracted by the Your Guide To Saudi Arabias that were handed out (and that inevitably promoted the Kingdom as The Best Place In The World).

It was around then that a fully accredited boxing journalist posted on social media about attempts by organizers to move he and colleagues from their seats, because those same seats had been sold to what were described as “VIPs.” BoxingScene could have pointed them in the direction of numerous others that were free, but the same journalist later posted that he had refused to move and was later apologised to for the confusion caused.

The sense that the organizers regardless regarded the occasion as a vanity project for the GEA and Alalshikh over one of the most appealing heavyweight match-ups that could be delivered then grew further when the cameras followed Alalshikh as he made his way to his ringside seat and he responded by shadowboxing with all of the grace of the election campaign of Donald Trump. The chairman of the GEA was briefly cheered, and just as briefly booed – a warning he is unlikely to have received when being sold the Sweet Caroline dream – suggesting that, unlike when Eddie Hearn has been loudly booed by the crowd at Wembley, those present simply didn’t care about the self-proclaimed “face of boxing” at all.

His image, regardless, continued to be displayed on the big screens, which most curiously of all contributed to no further footage of the two main-event fighters being shown until they made their way to the ring. The sight of fighters getting their hands wrapped and warming up by throwing their first punches of the evening is typically used to nurture the sense of excitement at a fight venue; Wembley, however, was still being shown a relatively stationary Alalshikh. 

“Ninety-six thousand people in London, make some noise,” soon came the call over the speakers. Had the spotlights not continued to illuminate some of the empty seats, they’d have been likelier to convince.

Liam Gallagher – despite hopes that his brother Noel would join him – performed alone, and then came the Sweet Caroline-themed Guy Ritchie fight trailer, which at the very start prominently featured the words “Chop Chop,” which given Saudi Arabia’s reputation for decapitations — the journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death included — struck BoxingScene as tone-deaf and ill-advised. 

When Neil Diamond’s over-celebrated song followed, so, again, did the image of Alalshikh on the big screens. Again he shadowboxed, again he far from convinced, and again he was met with general indifference.

Dubois, in lieu of tradition and after weeks in which he had been promoted as the champion, walked to the ring first. Joshua followed. Both made a notable impact when they did so, but there was little like the unmistakeable tension that existed around a truly invested, 78,000-strong crowd on the night of the rematch between Froch and Groves. 

Typically, if national anthems form part of the ceremony of a world-title fight, they are those of the fighters’ nationalities, and if the fight is taking place in neutral territory, complemented by that of the country playing host. The Saudi Arabian anthem came first while the stadium was lit green; God Saved The King followed, and the approval, by comparison, was deafening.

Michael Buffer’s last move, pre-fight, was to shout about the presence of 96,000. Dubois and Joshua then proceeded to deliver the most enthralling of fights.

At the same venue where, against Klitschko he had had his finest hour, and against Povetkin he reaffirmed his status as the world’s leading heavyweight, Joshua – once the darling of the Wembley crowd and the groomed-for-greatness golden boy of British boxing – suffered the most chastening evening of his career. 

Even those predicting victory for Dubois hadn’t expected Joshua, in a boxing context, to be made to look like an old man, but that was exactly what Dubois ruthlessly, fearlessly, emphatically, cruelly and repeatedly did. Their fight evoked images of Ricky Hatton being stopped by Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Arena; of the second time at London’s O2 Arena that Tony Bellew stopped David Haye. Joshua, with the might of Saudi Arabia behind him, was supposed to power his way into an undisputed heavyweight title fight in 2025; instead he was beaten up under the harshest of spotlights, and in an undeservedly undignified manner left on his knees.

Each of the previous Riyadh Season promotions had been justifiably criticized for their forgettable atmospheres, the endless hours they lasted from start to finish, and the anti-social times at which they unfolded. 

Dubois-Joshua represented neither too many fights nor too few; it concluded at a time convenient for the significant crowd that attended, and with a fight that not only surpassed expectations, but that captured the sport at its dramatic, thrilling best and brutally harsh worst.

The impact it made meant that, to almost all present, Alalshikh, the GEA, and the appeal or otherwise of the Kingdom had immediately become little more than an afterthought. 

So soon afterwards the ultimate influence of the Riyadh Season messaging remains unclear. But a fight of that nature will remain memorable for all of the right reasons, which begs the questions: why were there so many empty seats, and why attempt to censor a free press?

#AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #TurkiAlalshikh #GEA #WembleyStadium #BoxingScene #Boxing #AJvsDubois #RiyadhSeason #Sportswashing #SaudiArabia #PressFreedom #HeavyweightBoxing #UKBoxing #BoxingNews #JoshuaVsDubois

Women’s boxing historian Malissa Smith views the upcoming Nov. 16 fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as one of the final acts in both fighters' storied careers.

Their first bout in 2022 at Madison Square Garden was hailed as a landmark moment for the sport, with an electric atmosphere and a sensational fight to match. Taylor won a razor-thin majority decision in the end, a result close and contentious enough to make a rematch natural. Since then, Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) has fought three times, losing once to Chantelle Cameron before avenging the defeat, while Serrano (47-2-1, 37 KOs)  has fought and won five times.

“Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor are both nearing the ends of their careers, especially Amanda," Smith said. "Serrano just had her 50th professional fight, and she's 35 years old. That’s a lot of wear and tear, even though some of her earlier opponents weren’t on her level. She just got her 31st knockout last week, which she really wanted because Christy Martin holds the record at 32, and Amanda would love to get to 33.”

Serrano, 35, had her most recent fight in July: a second-round knockout of Stevie Morgan that was anything but competitive. "It was a stay-busy fight," Smith said. "The original date for the Serrano-Taylor rematch was July 20, but that whole card got moved to November because of Mike Tyson’s injury. Amanda picked an easier opponent to get that 31st knockout."

Meanwhile, Taylor, 38, has been less visible since her majority decision win over Cameron. “I don’t know what Katie’s been up to in the meantime,” Smith said. “Katie will do what Katie does, and she’s always in great shape. As for the fight itself? There’s a lot of money involved — for the original date.”

The fight is set to co-headline the card featuring Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul, which Smith sees as a financial move rather than an effort to benefit the sport. "Look, if the money is there, who cares?" Smith said. "But let’s be real — it doesn’t help the sport or advance it in any meaningful way. Women are struggling to get fights, especially in the U.S.,but in the UK as well.  The purses are also much lower than they were even a year ago. To be clear, I'm thrilled that the sport will hit another high mark financially, but given its placement on the Paul-Tyson card it feels like more of a spectacle than the long sought after Taylor-Serrano II.”

When asked if this could be the last fight for either boxer, Smith didn’t hold back on Serrano’s future. “For Amanda? Possibly, and I think it should be. I love her to death, and she’s done so much for women in the sport. But at 35, with 55 fights under her belt, it might be time to consider stepping away.”

#KatieTaylor #AmandaSerrano #MalissaSmith #ChantelleCameron #ChristyMartin #MikeTyson #JakePaul #TaylorVsSerrano #BoxingLegends #WomenInSports #FinalFight #KnockoutRecord #BoxingRivalry #BoxingShowdown #NovemberFight

Daniel Dubois would welcome a rematch with Anthony Joshua, the man he conquered so emphatically on Saturday night, but he'll be watching closely on December 21 when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury meet in a rematch.

On a potential sequel with Joshua, Dubois today told talkSPORT: "Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes. If that happens next then yeah, I want to go for it.

"I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that's what we have been doing.

"I can do a lot better," Dubois continued. "It was a great showing but next time I believe I'll be even more clinical. More sharp, everything."

Dubois' upset fifth round victory was the Londoner's third consecutive stoppage win, coming after beating Jarrell Miller in 10 rounds (December) and Filip Hrgovic (June) in eight. Triggering the dramatic renaissance was the contentious loss to Usyk last August, when Dubois was stopped in nine after dropping the Ukrainian heavily with a blow ruled low in the fifth.

Dubois is as keen to fight the Usyk-Fury winner as he is Joshua. "I would love a rematch [with Joshua] but either one really, whoever pays me more money."

Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title while beating Joshua, the belt vacated by Usyk who still owns the WBC, WBA and WBO straps

. #DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #OleksandrUsyk #TysonFury #HeavyweightBoxing #IBFChampion #BoxingNews #BoxingRematch #FightNight #UsykFury #BoxingRenaissance #HeavyweightDivision #BoxingHighlights #SportsNews #BoxingFans

Ahmed Seddiqi has been a driving force in promoting professional boxing in the Middle East for over a decade, serving as a gym owner, promoter, and manager. He now runs Rising Stars Arabia, a promotional entity aimed at giving fighters from the region a platform to develop and become stars.

Seddiqi and his team were pioneers in the Middle Eastern boxing scene, opening their first gym: 10 Boxing Club, named in honor of the famous 10th round of the Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo fight. 

“It started as a gym, and we kept on going,” Seddiqi said. “My goal was to give back to my people and build something from scratch.”

Seddiqi has held four successful events in Abu Dhabi. As he continues to grow the sport in the region, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: producing a world champion from the Middle East. "It would be an incredible achievement," Seddiqi said. "Boxing is more than just a sport for me; it's a way to give back and build something meaningful."

Seddiqi acknowledged the challenges fighters faced before his involvement, noting that many had to take difficult fights as a B-side just to get opportunities. While he sees the potential for future world champions, Seddiqi tempered expectations, suggesting success may take three to five years. He also noted that he strategically makes sure the fights are matched evenly.

"We match tough fights because we don’t have the same amateur backgrounds as the U.S. or U.K.," Seddiqi said. "Our goal is to build fighters through these tough matches."

The presence of world champions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has provided invaluable sparring opportunities for local fighters. Seddiqi has hosted top names like Anthony Joshua, Manny Pacquiao, and Amir Khan at his gym during their visits to the area.

In addition to his focus on the Middle East, Seddiqi sees great potential in India’s untapped boxing market. He currently manages Faizan Anwar (18-0, 9 KOs), who he believes could become a major star in a country of 1.4 billion people. Seddiqi also emphasized the importance of developing talent in the Arab world, which has a population of around 500 million.

“If you get one star, the whole region will support it,” Seddiqi said.

Seddiqi’s approach focuses on building fighters rather than organizing high-profile matches. He recalled advice from Mike Tyson: "You just need one [star]. Once you have one, the rest are just going to rise up."

Seddiqi runs 10 Round gym and acts as a manager without taking management fees, ensuring fighters keep most of their earnings, while also protecting himself with a contract. 

“We’ve achieved quite a lot,” Seddiqi said.

#AhmedSeddiqi #Boxing #RisingStarsArabia #MiddleEastBoxing #10BoxingClub #WorldChampion #BoxingPromotion #SportsDevelopment #BoxingCommunity #FaizanAnwar #AnthonyJoshua #MannyPacquiao #AmateurBoxing #FighterDevelopment #IndianBoxing

The Philadelphia card co-headlined by Jarron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez will also feature Raymond Ford, Khalil Coe and Ernesto Mercado.

The Saturday, November 9, bill at the Wells Fargo Center will see Ford return for the first time since Nick Ball relieved him of his WBA featherweight title in Saudi Arabia in June and the Camden fighter meets Orlando Gonzalez.

Coe is paired with Manuel Gallegos while “Tito” Mercado will make his debut for promoters Matchroom.

In the headliners, “Boots” faces Karen Chukhadzhian in a rematch while Rodriguez defends his super-featherweight title against Pedro Guevara.

Ford-Gonzalez marks the former champion’s rise to junior lightweight and, now 15-1-1 (8 KOs), the 25-year-old meets (23-2 12 KOs) Puerto Rican Gonzalez.

“All the champs at 130lbs better watch out because I'm coming for all of those straps,” said Ford. “I don't have to do a whole lot of talking. People know what I can do when I'm at the top of my game. Right now, I'm in Colorado working hard and people are going to see the end result on November 9. Two-weight world champ coming soon, no doubt.

“This is my first fight so close to home since I made my pro debut so it's great to be back there and I know there's a lot of people going to come out and support.”

Said Gonzalez: “I’d like to thank ProBox, Garry [Jonas], Chris [Glover] and Daniel [Rubin], and Matchroom for the opportunity. Ray Ford is a world-level fighter and I’m going to show I’m on his level and beyond. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Coe, who is 9-0-1 (7 KOs), fought on the undercard of Boots’ Philly homecoming win over David Avanesyan in July at the same venue, stopping Kwame Ritter in two rounds.

His Mexican opponent, Gallegos – 20-2-1 (17 KOs) – returns for the first time since defeat to Diego Pacheco in July 2023

“November 9, Philly stand-up,” said Coe. “We back. ‘Big Steppa’ – coming through. Fighting in Philly is like being home for me, and having the opportunity to put on another show in front of all my family and friends is extra special and I am ready to put on another spectacular performance.

“I believe that there is no better prospect in boxing than me, and on November 9, Manuel Gallegos is about to find that out the hard way.”

Gallegos countered: “I’m hugely motivated and can’t wait to fight in this weight division where I feel great.”

Mercado, now 16-0 (15 KOs), and one of the sport’s bright hopes, is 22 and looking for his fourth win inside the distance, in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Austin “Ammo” Williams will also fight in an eight-rounder, having lost for the first time in June, against middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz.

Also on the bill, 2-0 (1 KO) super flyweight Dennis Thompson and 5-0 (3 KOs) welterweight Ismail Muhammad (5-0 3 KOs) return after appearing on the Ennis-Avanesyan bill. Young prospect and Shakur Stevenson’s cousin, Zaquin Moses, will also make his pro debut at junior lightweight.

“This is going to be some night in Philadelphia,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Boots and Bam are two of the very best that there is, and we have a brilliant supporting cast before those two pound-for-pound stars strut their stuff.

“Ray is back and is ready to meet any champion at 130lbs to become a two-weight king, while Khalil is like a runaway train right now, he’s going to be knocking very loudly on the door of the contenders at light heavyweight.

“Ammo showed incredible guts and heart against Hamzah, and he will have learned so much from that night to go again in his career, and I cannot wait to let Tito off the leash and showcase his immense talent on the big stage. It’s another big night for Dennis and Ismail fighting for Boots Promotions, and watch out for Zaquin making his pro debut, there’s a massive buzz around this young man.”

 #JarronEnnis #JesseRodriguez #RaymondFord #KhalilCoe #ErnestoMercado #Boxing #WellsFargoCenter #FightNight #PhillyBoxing #BoxingFans #Matchroom #BootsPromotions #AmmoWilliams #OrlandoGonzalez #ManuelGallegos #AustinWilliams

Chris Colbert says the blame for his knockout defeat to Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela last December should fall on one person, and one person only.

Himself.

“It’s all on me,” Colbert said in an interview with Big Fight Breakdown co-hosts Jimmy Smith, Paulie Malignaggi and Chris Algieri. “By the end of the fight, I apologized to my whole team: ‘Damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t listen. That was on me.’”

Colbert departed the junior lightweight division following a wide decision loss to Hector Garcia in February 2022. He arrived at lightweight 13 months later, in March 2023, taking on Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela. Colbert was dropped in the first round but won unanimously, albeit by the closest of decisions, 95-94 on all three judges’ scorecards.

“He kept thumbing me in my eye. He’d throw that left hand and it would thumb me in my eye,” Colbert said. “So every time he hit me, I would tight shell and just hold on to him. And then when I’d get my vision back, I’d start going to work on him.”

Their rematch came nine months later, as last year was coming to a close. Again, Valenzuela came at Colbert from the outset. And again, Valenzuela scored a first-round knockdown, with the referee ruling that the ropes held Colbert up. This time Valenzuela pulled ahead on the card and put Colbert away in the sixth .

“I never really fully recovered,” he said. “And then in that round when he knocked me out, I went to go step back but my body wasn’t reacting. I tried to pull back but the number one rule in boxing is don’t pull back with your hands down. And that’s exactly what I did.”

Valenzuela has since moved up to junior welterweight, upsetting Isaac Cruz in August via split decision to win the WBA world title. 

Colbert said he realized in the Valenzuela fights that lightweights were too strong for him. Yet his upcoming fight with Omar Salcido, airing October 9 as the main event on ProBox, will still be at 135 rather than 130.

But Colbert, now 17-2 (6 KOs), says he’s learned from his mistakes, including not allowing himself to get caught on the ropes.

“I want to go back to my basics, stick to what I was doing, punching and moving and being this slick guy that you can’t catch, the guy that you see and then he disappears,” said the 27-year-old from Brooklyn.

Salcido is a 24-year-old originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and now living outside of San Diego. He is 19-1 (13 KOs). That loss came in October 2023, when he dropped a wide decision to unbeaten Jose Nunez. Salcido’s last appearance was in December, an eight-round unanimous decision over the 15-5 Luis Coria.

“Me coming off a big knockout loss, everybody was probably expecting me to come back and fight a journeyman,” Colbert said. “They offered me a couple of them and I turned them down. It don’t get me off the couch. It’s not going to motivate me to really want to go in there, go through a nine- or 10-week training camp and train for a fight just to go in there and starch them real quick. I told them, ‘Give me a dog.’”

Another defeat for Colbert would be a significant setback. A victory, meanwhile, would at least put him back in the right direction.

“I feel like I’m just at this point where God gave me everything I wanted, and then he took it back,” Colbert said. “And now it’s time — he just put a roadblock to make me work for it, to see if I really want it.”

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

#ChrisColbert #JoseValenzuela #OmarSalcido #BoxingNews #Knockout #LightweightDivision #ProBox #FightNight #BoxingCommunity #BKO #BoxingFans #BoxingLife #TrainingCamp #BoxingJourney #KnockoutLoss

Daniel Dubois proved himself to be worthy of the much-lauded heavyweight champion mantle as he blasted through two-time title-holder Anthony Joshua on the biggest of stages at the weekend. With murmurs of an immediate rematch already beginning to do the rounds, as well as a possible undisputed title showdown, ‘Triple D’ has revealed which route he plans on pursuing.

The doubt of both the boxing analysts and the British public lit the fuse of ‘Dynamite’ Dubois during fight week and whilst many critics suggested that the 27-year-old could melt in the pressure cooker that is the Wembley spotlights, the heavy-handed brute instead delivered an authoritative display to shake up the division.

From the opening bell it was one way traffic, Dubois’ right-hand reshaped the usually pristine face of Joshua with a looping right-hand and set the precedent for how the remainder of the bout would unfold. Thereafter, the ruthless IBF champion chased his wounded yet strong-willed challenger around the ring and scored an additional three knockdowns by the fifth round – the fourth and final of which left Joshua face down on the canvas and unable to beat the count of Marcus McDonnell – who gave him every chance.

In spite of the dominant beatdown exhibited by Dubois in front of the record-breaking 96,000 attendees, there are still calls for a rematch between the domestic duo- calls that would be few and far between if the roles had been reversed. Still, the allure of a fight with Anthony Joshua is one that will always be tough to turn down for any lesser supported heavyweight and the determined nature of ‘AJ’ means that he will likely seek the opportunity to level the scores.

Speaking with TalkSport, Dubois admitted that he would ‘go for’ a rematch with Joshua and declared that he wants to improve upon what was not only a career-best performance but one of the most impressive showings from any heavyweight in recent memory.

“Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes.

“If that happens next then yeah. I want to go for it.Ben Whittaker Explains His Viral Showboating: “It’s My Guilty Pleasure.”

“I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing.

“I think I would, I can do a lot better than that. It was a great showing but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical. More sharp, everything.”

Alternatively, Dubois could opt to move on from Joshua and challenge the victor of Usyk-Fury II (December 21st) for the undisputed throne, offering him a chance to rematch the undefeated Ukrainian after their controversial first encounter. However, Dubois refused to reveal which opponent is at the top of his hit-list, instead indicating that he simply wants his next fight to be the one that is the most profitable.

“I would love a rematch but either one [Usyk or Joshua] really, whoever pays me more money.”

Regardless of what comes next for Dubois, the often-criticized knockout artist stepped through the ropes as a ‘paper champion’ on Saturday night and exited the ring as both a household name and a proven, established and confident heavyweight world champion – making him a tough task for any potential opponent.

Major prizes on offer with R Kings Competition | Be Gamble Aware | When The Fun Stops, STOP! | 18+. Play Safe. Facebook 

#DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #HeavyweightChampions #BoxingNews #Rematch #FightPlans #Usyk #Fury #BoxingCommunity #Championship #Knockout #BoxingFans #Sports #BoxingHighlights #Wembley #Boxing

In terms of the United Kingdom’s most impressive prospects, Ben Whittaker does not only stand out as one of the country’s most skilful potential superstars but also one of the most famous, consistently going viral for his in-ring antics despite just eight professional bouts. Now, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist has opened up on why he has made showboating such a recognisable part of his game.

Whittaker made his professional debut in July 2022 and has fought regularly since, seemingly going viral on each occasion and building up a following across the pond for poking fun at his opponents.

Some viewers can’t help but smirk at the confidence and defensive abilities of ‘The Surgeon’ upon watching his fights, whilst others see him as a disrespectful, pantomime villain character – either way, fans seem to make sure they tune in to his fights.

In an interview with Instant Casino, Whittaker appeared to recognise that his showboating is unnecessary but labelled it as a ‘guilty pleasure’, admitting that he enjoys fooling someone defensively as much as scoring a highlight-reel knockout.

“When I first started as a pro, I got more of a thrill making them miss and making them look silly, more than knocking them out. But now that I’ve started hitting people and hurting them a little bit, I kind of like knocking them out as well. So, I’m trying to find a balance. The best of both worlds. But that is my guilty pleasure. Making someone miss. You’re standing right in front of someone and they’re missing and you can see the frustration on their face.

“It’s kind of like when you’re at school and you’re winding somebody up. And for me, it’s great. And I love it. That’s why I got kicked out of school, for being a wind-up merchant, so I took it into the ring.”Who Next For Anthony Joshua? Odds Released After AJ Confirms He Will Fight Again

Whittaker now sits at #11 in the WBC light-heavyweight rankings and is being hotly tipped by many to succeed on the big stage and secure a world title in the future – especially once the titles become fragmented following Beterbiev-Bivol. For now though, Whittaker is remaining patient and is focussed on boosting his popularity and beating those who are put in front of him.

“For me, all I can do is stay on my path really, keep fighting who’s in front of me, keep beating who’s in front of me and the more my popularity grows, the more people will want to fight me. And I think that’s what’s happening now. A lot of people want to fight me because one, they’re getting paid decently or two I’ve got the following. And if they’re fighting Ben Whittaker, they get the reflective glow, don’t they?

“That’s how I see it now. So, for me, I’m becoming the man, who has not even got anything, that people want to fight. So, it’s not too bad. It’s all coming together.”

Next up for Whittaker is Liam Cameron, a fellow Brit who was unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a split-decision defeat to IBF #7 Lyndon Arthur in his last outing. That contest will take place on the high-profile Beterbiev-Bivol undercard on October 12th – where Whittaker will be hoping to boost his world ranking and social media following with a ninth professional victory.

Major prizes on offer with R Kings Competition | Be Gamble Aware | When The Fun Stops, STOP! | 18+. Play Safe. Facebook

Mike Tyson has advised Errol Spence Jr. to move on from his defeat to Terence Crawford by getting back in the ring.

Long Island’s Spence, 34, is yet to make his long-awaited return to action following a ninth round TKO defeat to Terence Crawford at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in July last year. Spence suffered three knockdowns and took a brutal, prolonged beating in the fight, which most viewed as 50-50 going in. The win made Crawford the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era.

Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, said the ability to come back from a defeat makes one a great fighter.

“The sky's the limit, man. That doesn't mean nothing,” Tyson said on the Come And Talk To Me podcast . “A loss to somebody like that means nothing. He can still make a lot of money if he returns.”

Talks commenced for a possible rematch between Crawford and Spence, but the potential 154-pound contest broke down after a cataract surgery on Spence’s right eye. The rematch failing to materialize forced Crawford to move up to junior middleweight, where he challenged and defeated Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov, securing the WBA title in the process.

Spence could also climb to 154 to face WBC and WBO junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora next. He could even venture further north in weight to challenge the likes of middleweight champions Erislandy Lara (WBA), Carlos Adames (WBC) and Janibek Alimkhanuly (WBO) at 160.

With Spence yet to activate any of these available options, Tyson criticized fighters of today for getting discouraged after their first defeat.

“That's what life's about. You just don't get discouraged. Fighting emulates life. In life, we're gonna lose whatever. You'll lose your job, you'll lose your mother, lose your teeth, lose your hair and gotta continue to live and to navigate. 

“Now, they're not experienced fighters. they're not professionals. A professional fighter like this, if you're my friend and you're the hottest fighter in the world right now, fight me.

“Give me help and let me make some money for my family. Spence and Crawford fought and now they went to their separate banks happy. We're taking care of our families now.

“We're doing better than we did before we had to fight. I look at it as business. This is business.”

#ErrolSpence #TerenceCrawford #MikeTyson #Boxing #FightNight #SportsNews #BoxingChampion #Comeback #BoxingLife #FighterSpirit #TKO #Welterweight #SportsTalk #RingReturn #FightNightAction

Unified junior featherweight titleholder Elie Scotney has fallen out of her Oct. 26 defense against Mea Motu at the Co-op Arena in Manchester, England, because of an injury, No Limit Boxing announced Tuesday.

The nature of the injury wasn’t disclosed, but Scotney (9-0), a 26-year-old from London, apparently won’t have enough time to recover before her scheduled fight with Motu, set for the undercard of a Jack Catterall-Regis Prograis main event.

“I’m gutted, incredibly disappointed,” said Motu (19-0, 7 KOs), a 34-year-old New Zealander originally from Pukepoto.

“We’ve been working so hard this camp. I’ve pushed myself further than I ever have, and I’m better than I’ve ever been. I reckon she’s ducking me, trying to find a way out. This just makes me hungrier, and I ain’t gonna stop.”

Scotney won the IBF’s 122-pound title in a unanimous decision over Laura Soledada Griffa last September in Wembley Arena, then collected the WBO belt with another unanimous decision, outpointing Segolene Lefebvre in April at Manchester Arena.

Bruno Escalante, a former professional boxer and the co-owner of Aloha Time Boxing, runs two gyms with trainer Mike Bazzel. They have an original location in San Mateo, and a second gym in Pleasant Hill which opened this year. The gyms were the brainchild of Escalante’s late manager and friend, Herb Stone, who passed away in 2017.

Escalante’s current focus is on his young fighters, particularly welterweight Steve Canela, who is scheduled to fight on October 12 at Stockton Arena in California.

“Herb always said, ‘I’ll do my best to look out for the fighter,’ putting the fighter’s best interests first,” Escalante recalled. “Bazzel and I adopted this philosophy, making it our guiding principle in managing and training fighters.”

Bazzel, a respected cutman in the boxing world, has already made his mark on the sport. “Bazzel was always great to me,” Escalante said. “When I first met him in 2009, he was very nice and supportive.”

Escalante’s career saw highs and lows. After early setbacks, he teamed up with Stone, who helped guide his boxing journey. But when a conflict arose involving another fighter that Stone managed, Escalante faced the fallout and had to take the show on the road as it was harder to get local fights. He suffered a controversial loss to Oscar Cantu in Texas and later endured a tough loss in his next fight against Michael Ruiz Jr. in West Oakland. Stone passed away suddenly in 2017, leaving Escalante and Bazzel to rebuild.

After a hiatus, Escalante returned to the ring and won key bouts, including victories over Javier Gallo and Diuhl Olguin in 2018. He then faced Alexandru Marin on the "Superfly III" card, losing a split decision that still stings. One that many felt Escalante should have been credited for one or two knockdowns, but neither were called. 

After his last career defeat, Escalante focused on the gym and the young fighters coming up – Canela was one of them.

Canela began boxing at age 22, which Escalante notes is “relatively late for a boxer.” Despite this, Canela has shown remarkable progress.

Canela, a former wrestler who transitioned to boxing after dabbling in MMA, described his shift to the sport stating: “I started with MMA, focusing on wrestling and jiu-jitsu, but after realizing my hands weren’t strong enough for MMA, I shifted my focus to boxing.” 

Initially, Canela thought he’d eventually return to MMA, but boxing captivated him.

Canela commutes from San Jose to train in both San Mateo and Pleasant Hill, making a roundtrip drive of more than two hours four to five times a week. His dedication to boxing is evident, as is his respect for the tough sparring sessions early in his career. 

“Early on, I sparred with tough people like Kristin Vazquez, Charlie Sheehy, and Arnold Dinong,” Canela recalled. “That made me realize that if I could take the punishment, I could give it back one day.”

Despite being relatively new to the sport, Steve Canela has already faced top competition in national tournaments under USA Boxing. Reflecting on the experience, Canela said, “The nerves were there, but my main concern was not letting anyone down.”

Now, he is set to make his professional debut on October 12, a moment he has long anticipated. Training under Escalante and Bazzel, Canela feels connected to a rich boxing tradition. 

“I’m blessed to be part of this system. Bazzel trained Bruno, and now Bruno trains me, along with Arnold, who came up through the same system,” Canela said. “It feels like a family tradition, and I’m grateful for the guidance.”

Featherweight Paolo “Pow” Barredo, a senior at Walnut High School, will make his professional debut on Saturday, two days after his 18th birthday. 

Barredo will face Mychaquell Shields (2-5) at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California. 

The bout not only marks his first pro fight but also the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his life, one that sees him balancing the demands of academics and the rigors of training as he embarks on his boxing career.

“It’s taken a lot of adjusting,” Barredo said of his packed schedule. “My days start at 6am. with school, followed by training in Riverside, sometimes up to five miles of running and strength conditioning.”

Barredo credits his longtime coach, Henry Ramirez, whom he describes as “more than just a trainer.”

Despite an impressive amateur record of 90 wins in 106 fights, Barredo never aimed for the Olympics, opting instead to turn professional. “I always saw boxing as a professional sport,” he explained. Barredo’s amateur career featured matchups with notable opponents such as Kaipo Gallegos and Izaiah Darden, but he chose to forgo the elite division in favor of an early pro start.

Barredo’s nickname, “Pow,” has familial origins and ties to his boxing persona. 

“It just happened naturally,” Barredo said with a grin. “It matches and goes with boxing.”

With his pro debut in his hometown looming, Barredo is unfazed by the pressure. He sees this moment as a culmination of years of hard work. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I work too hard to fear what's coming.”

As he prepares for graduation, Barredo looks forward to dedicating more time to his boxing career.

A major driving force behind Barredo’s journey is his father, Paul Barredo, who has been by his side every step of the way, taking him an hour each way to train each day.

“He’s sacrificed everything for me,” Barredo said. “Without him, none of this would be possible.” #PaoloBarredo #PowBarredo #BoxingDebut #HenryRamirez #MychaquellShields #FeatherweightBoxing #CityOfIndustry #BoxingTraining #AmateurBoxing #BoxingFamily #BoxingDream #PaulBarredo #BoxingProspect #BoxingFuture #YoungChampion