Shocking footage has surfaced showing Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight champion, being detained by authorities at Krakow Airport. The video captures Usyk being led away by uniformed officers with his hands behind his back, sparking immediate concern and confusion among fans and the boxing community.

The circumstances surrounding Usyk's detention initially remained unclear, prompting speculation. However, those close to the fighter were quick to reassure fans. Usyk's wife, Kateryna, took to social media to calm the situation, stating, "Everything is fine, everything is fine. Oleksandr will explain everything later. Nothing criminal, goodnight everyone." His coach and friend, Serge Lapin, also commented, suggesting the incident was due to a customs issue: "Don't worry, everything's fine. The customs control service is neglecting its duties."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also intervened, expressing his frustration with the situation. "I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion," Zelenskyy said in a statement. He further instructed Ukrainian ministers to investigate the incident. Following their inquiries, it was confirmed that Usyk had been released and that there was no ongoing detainment.

Shortly after the incident, Usyk himself issued a statement to clear the air, saying, “All is well, my friends. There was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved. Thank you to everyone who was worried. Thank you Ukrainian diplomats for your support. And respect to Polish law enforcers, who perform their duties despite height, weight, arm range, and regalia.”

Usyk was en route to London to attend the highly anticipated fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The event is expected to draw over 90,000 fans, with Joshua aiming to become a three-time world champion as he faces Dubois for the IBF heavyweight world title.

Dubois was recently upgraded to the full IBF champion after Usyk vacated his title to facilitate this matchup. Usyk has previously defeated both Joshua and Dubois and is now focused on his upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury, scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh. Usyk claimed victory over Fury on May 24 in Saudi Arabia and aims to repeat that success this winter.

Speaking about his rematch with Fury, Usyk said, "From the last fight with Tyson Fury, I learned a lot about him, a lot of the things that I saw in the fight I didn't see on TV with all the fights that I saw of Tyson Fury. So we will prepare even better, and God willing, with God's victory, we will show our best shape again. I have incredible motivation."

Despite the brief scare at Krakow Airport, Usyk has now moved past the incident and is focusing on his training and the next phase of his career.

#OleksandrUysk #boxing #boxingfans #boxingnews #news #boxingdrama #arrest #arrested

As Leicester Square, London, bustled with fight fans, boxers from the undercard of Saturday’s showpiece card at Wembley Stadium – headlined by the heavyweight clash between IBF champion Daniel Dubois and challenger Anthony Joshua – made their grand arrivals.

The fighters took turns to talk to the media and world middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz, 20-0 (16 KOs) who meets in form European champion Tyler Denny, said: “I’m very well. Looking forward to putting on a great performance Saturday night, I just want to thank my team, thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and yeah, I’m buzzing.

“No pressure. I don’t feel pressure at all, to be fair. I’m blessed to be in the situation I am, and I’ll make good use of it for sure.

“It gives me the opportunity to perform in front of the people who couldn’t come out to Riyadh.”

Southpaw Denny is 19-2-3 (1 KO) and coming off a June victory over Felix Cash.

“I’m buzzing for it, man. Buzzing for it,” said Denny. “This is crazy, isn’t it? I’m just enjoying myself, and embracing it.

“It’s very different. There’s more people here than have been at some of my fights earlier on. I’m grateful for it and appreciate it.

“I enjoy it, them calling me the underdog. I’m used to it now. I’ve been underdog for, probably, the last six or seven fights, and I keep coming out on top, and it’ll be no different Saturday. 

“When I get the win on Saturday… I don’t know [what’s next]. I’ll leave that to everyone else. But the progress is mad… world titles? Let’s sort Saturday out first.”

Belfast southpaw Anthony Cacace, 22-1 (8 KOs), will meet Josh Warrington at junior lightweight, but Warrington won’t be able to win Cacace’s IBF title, even if Cacace can lose it in defeat.

“I’m feeling great. Look around,” said Cacace, soaking in the occasion. “It’s unbelievable. It’s great to be part of this Riyadh Season again.”

Cacace burst onto the title scene with an emphatic stoppage of Joe Cordina – as the underdog – in June. He is expected to defeat Warrington, but many cite the contest as a potential show-stealer.

“[Being the] favorite means absolutely nothing. I know Josh, he’s a great fighter, but I believe I’m a better fighter and it’s just my time,” said the Irishman.

“I know the style Josh brings, I know what I bring, I believe it’s going to be the best fight of the night.”

The experienced Warrington, 31-3-1 (8 KOs), will likely bring several thousand fans from his Leeds stronghold and he is no stranger to boxing in stadiums.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a spectacle, and such a show. I’ve done many, many big shows up in Leeds – arenas, and stadiums – but this is a [new] level… What it comes down to is me, and the man in front of me. I’ve experienced being in big shows, but it’s just about me and Anthony and that’s what I’m focused on.

“Throughout my career the chips have always been stacked against me, for whatever reason. But when my back’s against the wall it seems to bring the best out of me. My last fight [against Leigh Wood], even though I come away on the wrong side of the fight, it were a fight I were dominating. So this one – people might be overlooking me a little bit, but I’m fully focused, and I’ve got enough to get the [win]. 

“I can’t cry over spilt milk, but I probably should have done it [moved up in weight] a few years ago. These extra few pounds – it might not sound a lot to a lot of people, but I feel absolutely fantastic. The best I’ve felt in a long time. 

“I think so [we’ll steal the show]. We’ve been respectful throughout, Anthony and his team have been very good. We’re going to prove that you don’t need to trash talk or talk absolute bollocks – it’s about letting the fists do the talking. I think we’re both gonna deliver on Saturday night.”

Up at light heavyweight, Scotland’s Willy Hutchinson, 18-1 (13 KOs), will be hoping to pick up from where he left off when defeating Craig Richards earlier in the year. He meets undefeated contender and former Olympian Joshua Buatsi, 18-0 (13 KOs), in a fight that boasts bad blood between the fighters.

Asked about getting into Buatsi’s head before the fight, Hutchinson said: “It’s just me being me. I’m living the dream.

“Listen, once he’s knocked out, the statement is there itself. There’s nothing else to say.”

Also predicting victory, Buatsi said : “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re a couple of days away and I’m looking forward to it.”

The big stage has only added to Buatsi’s motivation. 

“It does, man, look. Everybody’s going to be watching it and I’m looking forward to it myself.”

Last week, former WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith withdrew from his scheduled fight against Josh Kelly, 15-1-1 (8 KOs). Flashy Kelly remains on the bill, with undefeated Ishmael Davis, 13-0 (6 KOs), stepping in to face the gifted former Rio Olympian. 

“[I’m] Feeling blessed,” said Kelly. “UK do it properly. I can’t wait to do it in front of these fans.”

Kelly said he was unperturbed by the change of opponent and added: “I just switched off. As soon as the opponent thing happened, I switched off social media and locked in, I’m grateful, I’m grateful to the guy taking the fight.”

Davis, who is managed by former IBF champion and flyweight star Sunny Edwards, said:  “I’m feeling good. I belong here and I’m going to show it Saturday night. I’m always ready. ‘BP’ [his nickname is Black Panther] don’t get tired.

“This is massive, it will change not only my life but my kids’ lives, so I won’t be taking it lightly.”

Portsmouth lightweight Mark Chamberlain, a 16-0 (12 KOs) southpaw contender, has become a firm Riyadh Season favorite and said of the occasion: “It feels the same [as Riyadh]. Just, the weather isn’t with us. Other than that, it’s great to be part of another big platform and I’m looking forward to it. 

“I’ve done it a couple of times now. The big platforms – it’s what I wanna get used to, because I always want to be welcome back on them, so I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and no doubt I’ll be part of these big shows in the future.

“I’m not looking past Saturday. It’s an unbeaten fighter in front of me. But I’m pretty confident we’ll get the job done within the distance, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The man he’s facing, 14-0 (4 KOs) Josh Padley, called the grand arrivals “amazing.”

“Look at what we’ve put on – I’m excited to be a part of this. 

“Completely different [to fight weeks I’ve been involved in]. I’m used to the small shows, so none of this glitz and glamour, so I’m just soaking it all in and taking it in my stride. 

“This is what I’ve been missing in my career – exposure like this. So I had to take it. 

“I’m alright. My nerves go as soon as I get in the ring, so let’s get to it.”

#DanielDubois #AnthonyJoshua #HamzahSheeraz #TylerDenny #AnthonyCacace #JoshWarrington #WillyHutchinson #JoshuaBuatsi #JoshKelly #IshmaelDavis #Boxing #FightNight #Wembley #LeicesterSquare #RiyadhSeason

The city of Liverpool in England has been selected as the host city for the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 for Elite men and women.

The championships will take place between September 4 and September 14 at the M&S Bank Arena, marking the first Elite-level global championships hosted by World Boxing, the new International Federation which has been set up to ensure that boxing remains an Olympic sport.

There will be action in 10 weight classes for both men and women and it will represent the first time male and female boxers have competed in Olympic-style boxing for the title of world champion at the same event.

The weight categories will be finalized in the new edition of World Boxing’s Competition Rules, which will be published following its forthcoming Congress in November.

The bid to host the World Boxing Championships 2025 was developed by a group of partners including England Boxing, GB Boxing, Liverpool City Council and the M&S Bank Arena and is supported by the National Lottery and UK Sport.

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst said: “Liverpool is a globally famous city with a proud heritage in boxing and it will be a fantastic place to host our first ever Elite World Boxing Championships. This will be a superb showcase for the sport of Olympic boxing, particularly as it will be the first time ever that the men and women’s competition will run alongside each other as part of the same Championships.

Speaking on behalf of England Boxing, Jerome Pels, added: “The World Boxing Championships is not just another big sporting event– it is a game-changer for us. It is a strategic initiative that aligns with our goals of establishing a unified international governing body, inspiring the next generation of boxers, boosting participation, and strengthening communities through boxing. We are thrilled to host this event and confident it will have a huge, lasting impact on both our organization and the future of the sport itself."

World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and aims to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. On 7May 2024 it held its first meeting with the IOC which signaled the start of formal collaboration between the two organizations aimed at establishing a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.

World Boxing currently has 44 members covering all five Continents that compete in international boxing. Its membership is expected to have grown significantly by September 2025.

Further information on World Boxing is available at www.worldboxing.org.

A purse bid to stage the IBF bantamweight title eliminator between Puerto Rico’s former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez and Mexico’s Jose Salas Reyes was won Tuesday by Puerto Rico-based Fresh Productions for $120,500.

With the IBF’s top two rankings slots open under champion Ryosuke Nishida, third-ranked Rodriguez (22-3, 13 KOs) will earn $72,300 of the purse (60%) and Reyes (15-0, 10 KOs) will earn $48,200 (40%), according to the IBF, which announced the results.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions was outbid after attempting to stage the bout for $76,000.

The bout must take place by December 16, the IBF announced.

Rodriguez lost his first title defense in Japan to Nishida by unanimous decision (115-112, 117-110, 115-112) on May 4.

Rodriguez previously suffered a second-round knockout loss to Naoya Inoue in 2019, but has defeated the brother of Gary Russell Jr., Gary Antonio Russell, twice, and also defeated Australia’s Jason Moloney before winning the IBF belt in August 2023 by capping a unanimous-decision victory with three 12th-round knockdowns Nicaragua’s Melving Lopez.

Reyes, from Tijuana, is coming off consecutive victories by 10-round decisions in Tijuana after posting a fourth–round knockout of Aston Palicte on the Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. card in July 2023, and winning a bout at the ProBox TV arena in Florida before that. 

The left-hander Nishida does not have a bout scheduled as of now.   

#EmmanuelRodriguez #JoseSalasReyes #IBFBoxing #BantamweightEliminator #FreshProductions #BoxingNews #RyosukeNishida #GaryAntonioRussell #NaoyaInoue #JasonMoloney #AstonPalicte #BoxingTitleFight #FightNight #PuertoRicoBoxing #TijuanaBoxing #MannyPacquiaoPromotions

A bantamweight fight between the wonderfully nicknamed Manuel “Guccy Manny” Flores and Victor Olivo will top an October 24 show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, according to a press release from Golden Boy Promotions.

Flores vs. Olivo will be broadcast on DAZN, with the show going live at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

Flores is a 25-year-old from nearby Coachella. He turned pro as a bantamweight in 2017, and this fight was announced as being in that weight class, though Flores hasn’t come in within the 118-pound weight limit since June 2021.

The lone blemish on Flores’ record (18-1, 14 KOs) occurred in June 2023, when he dropped a wide unanimous decision to the 11-2 Walter Santibanes. Flores has won three in a row since, all by second-round stoppages, including a July victory over the 23-6-2 Nohel Arambulet.

Six of Flores’ last eight appearances have come at Fantasy Springs.

“I’m excited to headline in my hometown again,” Flores was quoted as saying in a press release. “To show and redeem myself from the last time I was able to headline at home. My opponent is a durable guy, I know he is going to be in front of me all night, and we will be prepared for all that. The fans will get a new and improved fighter. It’s going to be all fireworks as always!”

Olivo is a 28-year-old from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, with a record of 21-4-1 (9 KOs). His most recent appearance was in January in the 115-pound weight class, dropping a unanimous decision to the 25-4-2 Argi Cortes, whose name may be familiar to those who recall Cortes’ losses to Juan Francisco Estrada and Junto Nakatani.

“We are working hard and will be preparing for war,” Olivo was quoted as saying in a press release. “Manuel Flores is a very good fighter. However, I am up for the challenge. I know the importance of this fight. A win over Flores will open up many great opportunities for me.”

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.

Eddie Hearn admits Daniel Dubois presents a real danger ahead of his IBF heavyweight title defense against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Hearn said he was “aware of the challenge” presented in the high stakes heavyweight clash. 

“I think most people believe AJ’s the favorite in the fight, but Daniel’s a very live underdog,” said Hearn. “He’s dangerous, he punches very hard. It will be interesting to see how he handles this [the big stage] and the emotion on the night but like Frank [Warren] said, anything can happen in the heavyweight division. 

“I do rank as AJ’s No. 1 fan. He’s a friend. Over the years, we’ve had our highs and our lows and to see him make history as a three-time world heavyweight champion would be an incredible moment for him, and we’d be very proud.

“I know a lot of people talk about His Excellency but to see the comments from the British fight fans and the American fight fans asking to bring Riyadh Season to Los Angeles, to London, we never thought we’d see Riyadh Season in London, and I’m glad we have because it’s a massive shot in the arm for British boxing. This whole project has been less than a year, 11 months, and we’re getting to see all the big fights, all the big cards, not just Riyadh Season London coming up but Bivol-Beterbiev in just over three weeks [in Saudi Arabia], probably the best fight in boxing, and then of course the Fury-Usyk rematch in December. It’s an amazing run for the sport and we’ve got to enjoy it.”

Hearn has promoted Joshua from his professional debut, and Warren has done the same thing with Dubois.

“I’m excited. I think we’ve got a fabulous show and a great fight on Saturday night, and it’s going to be an all-action fight with two massive, massive big punchers. It won’t go the distance, but it’s going t be really exciting while it lasts,” said Warren.

“It’s huge – 96,000 people. That’s all you need to know. Biggest attendance ever in Europe for a fight – that says it all. That’s how it should be as well – it’s a tremendous card. Wembley special; Riyadh Season. It’s an unbelievable, competitive fight card with great, great fights all the way through. Don’t blink. Every fight is going to be an absolute barnstormer – every one of them. 

“[It’s] Fabulous [to have Riyadh Season in London]. Look at it – everybody’s up for it. This is what it’s all about. It’s big-time boxing; it’s boxing at the highest level. It’s a card that we never, ever thought we’d… Eddie and I couldn’t put a card together like this. It’s the fact that it’s being sponsored and it’s put together in association with Riyadh Season makes it work, so it’s been an unbelievable year for boxing. There’s been dynamic change; ground shifting, as far as what’s happened in the sport because of Riyadh Season. These great fights; these fabulous heavyweight division fights; suddenly the heavyweight division is just on fire. We’re going to see some seriously, seriously hot burning flames with these two guys throwing big punches on Saturday night. It’s going to be something extra special and exciting.” 

Daniel Dubois revealed he is relishing the prospect of “legitimising” his status as IBF heavyweight champion against Anthony Joshua.

The 27 year old makes the first defence of his title, in the biggest fight of his career, on Saturday evening at Wembley Stadium.

He regardless recognises that he has a title to defend because the IBF illogically stripped Oleksandr Usyk before he could make the first defence of his undisputed title in his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21 – and not because he, as is tradition, won it in the ring.

Dubois recorded successive, impressive victories over the previously undefeated Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before he was elevated to the status of champion, but he knows that the circumstances and recognition of the status of Usyk and Fury as the world’s finest heavyweights means that he has a point to prove against his domestic rival, aged 34.

“You guys are going to see – this is my time,” he told DAZN. “I’m the man. I need to go out there and legitimise it – I’m the champ.

“[I’m] good. Confident. I’m just relaxing and soaking it all up; soaking up the energy. It’s good. 

“I’m going to feed off of that energy and build-up – I can’t wait for it. It’s my time. I’m ready for it.

“By any means necessary – victory. That’s it. 

“It’s the drill. It’s part of the routine before the fight. The ritual. Let’s go, man.”

Those asking questions on behalf of the broadcaster were at pains to attempt to get Dubois to complement the size of the occasion of Tuesday’s grand arrivals in London’s Leicester Square, and therefore Saturday’s contest and the influence of those who represent the previously little-known Riyadh Season, but he said: “I’m experienced now. All of this – the media and everything – I don’t let any of it faze me. This is the build-up to the storm on Saturday.

“What’s the point of getting all worked up for nothing? I’m ready to fight. Wherever we have to do it, we’re going to do it. 

“I’ll do whatever it takes to win. If it means rushing in; dog fight; headbutts; everything. Anything to win and retain my belt. You guys are going to see – don’t worry about that.

“This is big, man. It ain’t the biggest, but this is big. I’m really soaking it all up right now. It’s a great atmosphere. I’m going to feed off the energy on Saturday. 

“I’m the champ, so I need to operate like one. I’m the champ for now. I’m the champ.

“It’ll feel even better on Saturday when I win. I’m just in the zone. It’s what I’ve wanted since I was a little kid – sat in there as a young boxer at the Repton [Amateur Boxing Club] and all the clubs we’ve been to until today, so I’m ready for it.

“[I’m] sharpening up and not exerting myself too much. Just, being explosive on Saturday.”

As the clock ticks down towards one of the cards of the year, news that Josh Warrington’s scrap with Anthony Cacace will not be for the world title has dampened excitement for what could well have been the fight of the night. Now, the Yorkshireman has spoken out regarding the IBF’s decision and has admitted his disappointment.

Warrington has twice held the IBF world title in the featherweight division but has registered just one victory in his last five fights. As a result, news that ‘The Leeds Warrior’ would move up a weight division and be granted an instant world title shot at Anthony Cacace’s super-featherweight crown did raise eyebrows.

In an interview with , Warrington explained that even he was surprised by the fight offer, after being told that the IBF would not sanction the bout as a world title affair just three weeks before agreeing to the supposed title contest.

“The initial week [that I was spoken to] I got offered to fight for the IBF world title and the IBO against Anthony Cacace. I was a little bit surprised at first because the fight was spoken about around three weeks prior to that but initially it got squashed because I’ve not had a fight at super-featherweight, and I am not in the super-featherweight rankings with the IBF. I was surprised that they were allowing me to fight for it because a few weeks prior the fight had been negotiated and they said ‘no, Josh can’t fight for it [the title].”

However, the opportunity has indeed proved too good to be true and it has now been confirmed that the IBF world title will not be on the line for Warrington. Yet, had Warrington been aware of this decision earlier, he could have debuted in the division and banked a win during the interim to improve his chances of eligibility, with the timing of the IBF’s refusal proving to be the most aggravating part of the fight week drama for the 33-year-old.

“The IBF have obviously pulled the rug and said ‘no, he can’t fight for it’. Am I disappointed? Yes, I am, especially when that is one of the main marbles. I am not taking no smoke away from the IBO but the IBF is one of the main four. I may have dipped for a few hours but now if anything I am even more determined to win.”Carl Froch Predicts Joshua-Dubois And Reveals The Undercard Fighter That Has Caught His Eye

“The IBF are a good group with the weight checks and that, but exceptions are made everywhere throughout the sport, and I feel like the size of the show [should have made this fight one].”

“It is annoying that they couldn’t sort all of this out prior, so that with twelve weeks to go we know what we are dealing with. We started juggling training around to make plans to fight abroad and get this ‘tick over’ fight done with or whatever rules it was that we needed to comply with.”

As stated, the IBO world title will still be on the line for both men, meaning that Warrington can still become a two-division world champion on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Anthony Cacace will still lose the IBF world title if he is trumped by the supposed challenger, with Eduardo Nunez and Masanori Rikishi the men poised to meet for the belt if it were to become vacant.

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In exchange for the toll of his first loss, Jaime Munguia continues to learn how greatly he cashed in so many more valuable opportunities.

Mexico’s Munguia (43-1, 34 KOs) on Friday night returns from a May 4 unanimous decision defeat to boxing’s most popular fighter, countryman Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, by shifting to a new, one-fight U.S. promotional deal with Top Rank, which will place his bout against Canada’s Erik Bazinyan on ESPN’s platform.

The fight is Munguia’s second of the year in Arizona, following the rousing support he received at Phoenix’s Footprint Center in January, when he topped Alvarez’s 2023 victory by decision over England’s John Ryder by scoring a ninth-round technical knockout triumph over the Brit.

The coming reception at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, for Munguia, 27, is expected to be even more boisterous given that the former junior middleweight titleholder is coming back with the marketing boost of the Canelo fight while reuniting with his immensely popular Tijuana neighbor and trainer, Hall of Fame fighter Erik Morales.

“It was a great experience, a great stage. Overall, it was a good learning experience to fight Canelo,” Munguia told BoxingScene. “I’m excited to go back to Arizona … to Glendale/Phoenix. We’ve been well-received there, and I believe this will not be an exception, because I’m going to deliver another great fight.”

That’s what Top Rank is expecting, with company chairman Bob Arum expressing deep interest in keeping Munguia in the fold after the fighter previously spent the years elevating through his 2018 world title to the Alvarez fight while promoted in America by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

Munguia’s promoter in Mexico, Fernando Beltran, is expected to have a prominent voice in Munguia’s career path, and they both might find it especially appetizing to hear what Arum strives to undertake next year.

“He’s a very talented kid with a tremendous fan base, particularly with the Mexicans,” Arum told BoxingScene. “And next year, we hope to start doing a number of events all around Mexico, like we used to do with Morales: in Guadalajara, Tijuana, Mexico City, all over the Yucatan [including Cancun], with great results.

“We’ve signed Munguia for this one fight, and then we hope to put him in his next fight in Mexico.”

Currently, with its ESPN deal nearing expiration, industry sources tell BoxingScene that Top Rank is considering taking its fights to multiple broadcasters in an arrangement similar to those of the NFL, NBA and MLB, hoping “to have major TV deals to announce by the end of the year,” according to an official familiar with company plans.

Arum said the intention is to capture the passion of the Mexican fight crowds and stream/broadcast the vigor of that rooting interest to worldwide audiences.

Top Rank’s impressive roster is loaded with Mexican and Mexican-American champions and contenders, including featherweight titleholder Rafael Espinoza, 130-pound belt holder Emanuel Navarrete and his two-division-champion opponent on Dec. 7, Oscar Valdez, plus Lindolfo Delgado, prospect Emiliano Vargas (11-0) and U.S. Olympic medalist, heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs)

The latter two will be on the Friday card with Munguia.

Said Arum: “To go into Mexico like we used to is important … the Valdez-Navarrete winner would fit into this picture … we’ve missed being in the Mexican market since well before the pandemic."

First things first for Munguia, who started so strongly against Alvarez before getting knocked down in the fourth round. The fighters repeatedly engaged through the middle to late rounds, with Alvarez getting the better of the action until the final round, when he hurt Munguia and said he backed off from knocking out the younger challenger in the 12th because he didn’t want Munguia to be embarrassed over what was such a heartfelt effort.

Munguia objected to Alvarez’s claim that the three-belt super middleweight and four-division champion could have finished him if he wanted.

“I don’t think so, because I believe he would have done that [if he could have],” Munguia said. “It was a good fight. It was a close fight. That’s what I think.”

After crediting legendary trainer Freddie Roach for assisting with his defensive strides, Munguia said he opted to reconnect with Morales as his cornerman because of their familiarity and the fact it afforded him the opportunity to train in the high altitude of Big Bear Lake, California.

“It’s a good team, amazing,” Munguia said. “We’ve known each other for five years – it’s more than just working with each other. So I’m good, and I’m happy about that.”

Transferring the lessons from the Alvarez fight to the meeting with Bazinyan, who is the second-rated 168-pounder by the WBO and No. 4 in the WBA, will be paramount to victory.

“All of that learning and experience comes together, and that’s what’s going to make this a great fight,” Munguia said. “I could’ve been more calm at the start [with Alvarez]. Now, I feel really good fighting with Erik Morales. He’s given me more attitude. [Because of Big Bear training boosting my cardio], we can push through this fight for a better opportunity. I like to bring excitement. That’s the best way to sell fights.

“[Bazinyan’s] a strong fighter. It’s not going to be easy. But I have to keep moving forward.”

While Alvarez said he isn’t all that familiar with his No. 1 contenders Diego Pacheco (WBO) and Top Rank-promoted Mbilli (WBC), Munguia said he is quite familiar with them and other top super middleweights such as former Alvarez 168-pound title opponents Edgar Berlanga Jr. and Caleb Plant, and October IBF title fighters William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin.

“I know them all and I’m willing to fight all of them,” Munguia said.

Lance Pugmire is BoxingScene’s senior U.S. writer and an assistant producer for ProBox TV. Pugmire has covered boxing since the early 2000s, first at the Los Angeles Times and then at The Athletic and USA Today. He won the Boxing Writers’ Association of America’s Nat Fleischer Award in 2022 for career excellence.

Newfound Saudi boxing catalyst Turki Al-Alshikh has staged a plethora of high-profile cards since his plunge into the world of boxing last year and this weekend’s showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is right up there amongst the most intriguing cards. Now, despite the event being just days away, a further three fights have been confirmed for the fight week.

Al-Alshikh’s first run of boxing cards took place in Riyadh, as the sports’ latest kingpin successfully attempted to promote his country to the rest of the world and display the beauty and brilliance of Saudi Arabia. However, Al-Alshikh has now begun to branch out and stage events in other countries, with the impressive Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov show in Los Angeles kickstarting a new stage in the Al-Alshikh boxing takeover.

For that fight week, Al-Alshikh also introduced a new concept that saw an additional fight card take place during the build-up to the main show, as three fights took place on the iconic Santa Monica Pier in California following Madrimov and Crawford’s open workouts on the Wednesday.

Here, Marc Castro extended his undefeated streak to 13 contests with a technical-decision victory over George Acosta, whilst Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Shakhram Giyasov edged a split-decision to improve to 16-0 and 20-year-old Nathan Lugo scored a second consecutive knockout win.

Now it has been formally announced that the Joshua-Dubois fight event will follow a similar pattern and that three additional fights will take place once Joshua and Dubois have completed their public workouts.🥊 Announced: A separate three-fight Riyadh Season Card will take place after the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois public workout tomorrow at Wembley Arena – Cameron Vuong vs Joe Underwood Hughes, Chris Kongo vs Jacob Quinn & Aadam Hamed vs Santiago Garces.

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 17, 2024

“Announced: A separate three-fight Riyadh Season Card will take place after the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois public workout tomorrow at Wembley Arena – Cameron Vuong vs. Joe Underwood Hughes, Chris Kongo vs. Jacob Quinn & Aadam Hamed vs. Santiago Garces.”Carl Froch Predicts Joshua-Dubois And Reveals The Undercard Fighter That Has Caught His Eye

This will be Chris Kongo’s (15-2) second outing of 2024 as he aims to maintain activity after a career-best win against Florian Marku on Easter Sunday, appearing against Huddersfield’s Jacob Quinn (8-4-1) in a welterweight affair.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Cameron Vuong (5-0) has impressed in his five professional bouts to date and he will look to build on a solid display against Jeff Ofori. He takes on Joe Underwood Hughes (8-3) in a lightweight contest that was originally scheduled to take place on the ever-changing Dalton Smith vs. Jon Fernandez bill (that is now headlined by Rhiannon Dixon vs. Terri Harper) in Sheffield on September 28th.

Finally, the son of legendary featherweight Prince Naseem Hamed, Aadam Hamed (2-0), will fight for a third time against durable 22year-old Colombian Santiago Garces (4-32-5) – who is winless in his last 34 scraps but has only been stopped on three occasions prior.

Those three fights will take place on September 18th at Wembley Arena following the consummation of the public workouts for fighters who appear on the main card, which are scheduled to begin at 5pm and will be available to watch live on the DAZN Boxing YouTube channel.

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Rightly or wrongly, Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is well-poised to be one of the biggest events of 2024 as fans hope to see shades of the ‘Iron’ Mike of old and a competitive contest between the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer and the 58-year-old two-time heavyweight champion. However, even those fight fans who scorn at the idea of bringing Tyson back to professional boxing could be tempted to tune in, following yesterday’s announcement of an impressive undercard.

Paul-Tyson has been disapproved by the masses and Tyson’s withdrawal from the bout that was originally scheduled for July was met with relief. Although, it was later revealed that the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ would instead fight Paul later in the year, once Tyson had recovered from a stomach ulcer flare-up and was able to properly prepare.

Meanwhile. Paul went ahead with the proposed fight date and faced off with former UFC star Mike Perry – scoring a sixth-round knockout.

Next, Paul will finally take on Tyson in a third outing of the year, whilst Tyson is yet to fight professionally for the first time since a stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005. As the fight date edges closer, Paul’s promotional outfit ‘Most Valuable Promotions’ have officially revealed the remainder of the main card on their social media.WORLDWIDE ON NETFLIX

Live and free for all 270 million Netflix subscribers (over 550 million homes) globally – from AT&T Stadium, Texas

🥊 Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson 🥊 Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 🥊 Mario Barrios vs Abel Ramos 🥊 Neeraj Goyat vs Whindersson Nunes… pic.twitter.com/oVwGNS3G3W

— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) September 17, 2024

“WORLDWIDE ON NETFLIXJosh Warrington To Miss Out On World Title Regardless Of Anthony Cacace Fight Outcome

Live and free for all 270 million Netflix subscribers (over 55 million homes) globally – from AT&T Stadium, TexasJake Paul vs Mike TysonKatie Taylor vs Amanda SerranoMario Barrios vs Abel RamosNeeraj Goyat vs Whindersson Nunes”

India’s Neeraj Goyat (18-4-2) had previously been linked to a showdown with Paul himself after the pair had an altercation earlier this year, only for Gorat to eventually sign with Most Valuable Promotions. This will be Goyat’s first bout since signing with Paul’s promotion and he will take on Brazilian YouTuber and professional boxing debutant Whindersson Nunes, who fought on the undercard of Tommy Fury’s Misfits victory over KSI last October, losing out to My Mate Nate.

Yet, the highlight of the bill for the boxing purists has got to be the rematch between Katie Taylor (23-1) and Amanda Serrano (47-2-1), as they battle it out in a record-breaking encounter for the coveted undisputed super-lightweight title, two-and-a-half years after their legendary meeting at Madison Square Garden.

Additionally, Texas’ own Mario Barrios (29-2) will attempt to make a first defence of his WBC welterweight title in front of a hometown crowd as he meets unlikely challenger Abel Ramos (28-6-2), who is presented with a maiden world title opportunity despite losing in three of his last five fights.

As stated by Most Valuable Promotions, the event will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 15th, with the full card being available to watch for free live on Netflix as Mike Tyson makes boxing history and Paul seeks to worsen the professional record of one of the sports’ highest profile figures of all-time.

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The lightweights Joshua James Pagan and Trevor Thonson will fight at the Coca Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 18.

They will fight over 10 rounds, after the 10-round light-heavyweight contest between Juan Carillo and Lenin Castillo. 

“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid watching fights on Showtime and HBO,” said Pagan, 24 and of Puerto Rican descent. “I am beyond blessed and excited for the opportunity to headline my first fight card and to do so in Puerto Rico is even more special. 

“I am deep in training now and I will be ready to put on a show for my family back home. I couldn’t do any of this without God, my dad, and the support of my whole family.

“Thonson is a tough fighter. Also undefeated and very skilful. I am preparing for the very best Trevor Thonson and I am going to be the very best version of myself on October 18. You don’t want to miss the Double J Pagan show.”

“Headlining on a DAZN card will be an amazing experience,” said the 32-year-old Thonson. “But it’s only the first of many. 

"My opponent, Joshua Pagan, is a hungry, undefeated fighter who has had a good start in his career. He will definitely bring his best, and so will I. Pagan is a test that I need to pass but, respectfully, everyone is a stepping-stone until I secure a world title.” 

Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions will oversee Pagan-Thonson.

Willy Hutchinson is a naturally self-assured character but only he will know whether the outrageous levels of confidence he displayed before his excellent victory over Craig Richards in June was real or a front intended to throw Richards. Whichever it was, it worked.

Richards appeared baffled by the talented Scot’s behaviour before the fight and then seemed to try too hard to keep his cool and composure while it unfolded. He was never allowed to get a foothold, and the fight had slipped through his fingers by the time he threw caution to the wind in the later rounds. 

It could be argued that Hutchinson, 18-1 (13 KOs), beat Richards in a more impressive fashion than Joshua Buatsi managed when he outpointed his fellow Londoner in 2022, and there is little doubt that the 26 year old’s self-belief has been bolstered by the victory.

Despite what he said publicly, Hutchinson must have gone into the fight with Richards with doubts – aware that he needed to prove himself – but today he has real evidence to base his claims on and he thinks that he will improve on his performance against Richards and stop Buatsi, 18-0 (13 KOs), when they fight for the interim WBO light-heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

“I believe he’s an easier fight than Craig Richards,” he told DAZN during a head-to-head face off with Buatsi. “I said that all the last time, about the last man. He was smiling in my face. He was laughing. Just like he [Buatsi] is doing right now

“Exactly what I said, I done. The only thing I didn’t do with him is knock him out but, however he stayed up, I do not know. He’s an easier fight than Craig Richards – one thousand, million percent.

“Stylistically, for me, I’ll get him a lot easier than I got the other one. The other one half didn’t know what he was doing but he does know what he’s doing and he’ll fall right into something.”

We don’t get a true impression of a fighter’s ability until they are matched with somebody who instills an element of fear in them beforehand and who then tries to beat them. Hutchinson was a world youth champion as an amateur but, after a 13-fight apprenticeship, he failed his first test in 2021 when he was stopped in five rounds by Lennox Clarke after an ill-advised drop down to super middleweight.

Against Richards he passed his first real test at 175lbs with flying colours, and he insists that Buatsi will draw a similar performance out of him. 

“I’ve had 19 fights,” Hutchinson said. “Eighteen of them weren’t worth two rolls. Not worth a shilling. The only one what was half worth something was Craig Richards and now this man

“[Lennox Clarke] wasn’t worth a shilling. I’m telling you now. There’s only one half-decent man that I’ve fought and it was that man [Richards] and that man's a harder fight than him [Buatsi]. 

“When I knock him out, what does that make him? They’re only gonna say he was exactly what I’m saying.”

John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79

Daniel Dubois will be the final man to speak at every media event all week. He will walk to the ring second on Saturday night and, when he gets there, he will be announced as the IBF heavyweight champion of the world.

Dubois, 21-2 (20 KOs), will pay little attention to the pre-fight pageantry. The 27 year old may be defending a title but he knows he can gain much, much more by taking Anthony Joshua’s prized scalp when the Londoners meet at Wembley Stadium. 

“I think he’s the main man up there – the main guy who’s holding all the keys,” Dubois told DAZN. “He’s got the crown and the keys to everything you could ever imagine so I need to go out there and take it from him. 

“Turn him into an old man in the ring and just go out there and rip it from him. That big win – that massive win for greatness.”

Beating Joshua, 28-3 (25 KOs), looks a much stiffer task than it would have been 12 months ago. After a rocky period that culminated in a pair of defeats by Oleksandr Usyk, the 34-year-old two-time unified champion looks to have had his confidence restored by a string of four successive wins – and his brutal demolition of the mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou was his most destructive performance for years. 

Dubois is in his best ever physical and mental form. After submitting to inside the distance defeats by Joe Joyce and Usyk, he proved himself to be a top-level heavyweight by stopping Filip Hrgovic in June. He has the firepower and ambition to truly test Joshua’s rediscovered confidence.

“I don’t think he can be that same guy,” Dubois said. “I think he’s still a good fighter though. People are easily swayed in this game. He fought an MMA guy and he fought [Otto] Wallin.

“Going past all that anyway, I believe this is the right moment. This is all about timing this sport. Now is my time and I need to make it my time; make it my era.”

Dubois possesses a damaging jab and a concussive straight right hand but he has always fought with a seek-and-destroy mentality and commits fully to his combinations when he has an opponent hurt. 

Although he has shared the ring with Joyce, Usyk and Hrgovic, he hasn’t stepped forwards and into range to engage with somebody with Joshua’s explosiveness and power. If Dubois stays true to himself amid the most intense atmosphere he has ever experienced, things could get very interesting, very quickly. 

“I aim to knock him out,” he said before revealing his mindset going into the fight. “I aim to knock out anyone I get in the ring with. Just go out and not put too many words out there. Don’t make a fool of myself by saying what I’m gonna do. I don’t wanna be a fool like that. I wanna make a fool out of him by knocking him out. This is the game. This is the sport. This is where it tests you as a person and as a man.”

John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79

Daniel Dubois has proved doubters of old wrong by showing tremendous grit to fight through the fire and defeat both Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic within the last twelve months. However, there is one man who proved to be an even harder-fought win for ‘Triple D’ and he has now offered his prediction for Dubois’ showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Dubois collided with Kevin Lerena on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s much-criticized trilogy fight against Derek Chisora back in December 2022, where Dubois was expected to make first defence of his WBA (Regular) heavyweight title with relative ease and score yet another early knockout win.

Whilst the official result of a third-round stoppage victory for the Brit would imply that all went to plan, those who witnessed the scrap will know that such a statement could not be further from the truth.

After purposefully taking a knee against Joe Joyce, Dubois unintentionally hit the canvas for the first time of his career in the opening round of his battle with the South-African, before taking a knee on two more occasions within the first three minutes, citing a knee injury as the reason but still managing to stay within the contest.

Showing the true spirit of a future champion and a glimpse of what was still to come, Dubois was able to recover in the second-round and dismantle Lerena in the third to score a much-needed victory in his most dramatic encounter, securing what turned out to be an unsuccessful shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s unified titles.

Speaking with , Kevin Lerena looked ahead to next weekend’s all-British heavyweight title affair but admitted that he could not pick a winner.

“It is a 50/50 fight.”Edgar Berlanga Insane Fight Night Weight Gain Reported Against Canelo Alvarez

“You have got two big punchers; it is the heavyweight division. A good chin in the heavyweight division is one that doesn’t get hit, both guys can’t afford to take each other’s power punches.”

“My only thing is, leading into this fight, I believe that Daniel has had better fight preparation in the sense of Jarrell Miller, then Hrgovic and also Usyk, whilst ‘AJ’ has had Usyk, Jermaine Franklin, [Robert Helenius,] Otto Wallin and Ngannou. I wouldn’t say that the opponents have been better but I believe that “the matching in Daniel Dubois’ corner has been better preparation [than Joshua’s].”

“I think that it could be a fight of two halves in the sense of both guys going down, both guys can punch, I have never

“The one thing I can say is that the one who wins this fight is the chin that doesn’t get chinned the most.”

Joshua-Dubois will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21st, topping a blockbuster card that features a host of top-quality British talent.

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Moses Itauma is looking forward to a competitive, exciting fight when the IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois defends his title against the "switched on" Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night. 

The 19 year old heavyweight prodigy should return to the ring in November, by which point the landscape of his weight division could look markedly different.

On October 12, Itauma, 10-0 (8 KOs), will be an interested spectator when Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke renew hostilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and engage in a rematch for the British titles, but this weekend he will focus on events in London when the Dubois makes the first defence of his belt against Joshua.

“I watched the Dubois thing that TNT made – I didn’t clock how big Dubois was at 19 years, I was like, ‘Shit – I thought I was big’,” Itauma told Queensberry Promotions when asked what he thinks will happen.

“I thought it was very one-sided at first. I still kind of do feel like it’s one sided towards ‘AJ’ but not as much as I thought. I feel like Dubois’ got a good chin and he’s got a good jab. Anthony Joshua is obviously very powerful but Dubois’ got that lights out power as well, so this could be a bit sticky. I feel like AJ is going to be a bit too seasoned for him.”

Itauma has been mixing with the country’s top fighters since he was still in school, and although he has sparred both, he has shared many more rounds with Dubois. 

“His jab is so underrated,” he said. “He’s got a good jab. Good chin. He’s quite fit; he has got the gas tank and he’s quite quick. He’s underrated quick.”

Although he trains in the same gym as Joshua, Itauma is on his own schedule and hasn’t been privy to Joshua’s sparring ahead of the all-British showdown, but as the first bell draws nearer, the two-time unified heavyweight champion’s aura has started to seep through the Ben Davison Performance Centre.

When he cuts loose, Joshua remains the most explosive presence in the heavyweight division, and, given the way Dubois goes about his business, all signs point towards an intense, violent encounter. Itauma has seen the tell-tale signs that Joshua is starting to prepare himself for a brutal battle. 

“I haven’t seen no sparring,” Itauma said. “I haven’t sparred him since I was 16 and I only did one or two rounds so I can’t really judge anything on that. 

“I can definitely see the mentality. He’s switched on. I walked into the gym yesterday. I say ‘Hello’ to everyone when I get to the gym. I gave him a fist bump and said, ‘Are you ready?’. He was like, ‘I’m fucking ready’, and he looked at me. 

“I walked off. I was like, ‘OK, he’s ready for a tear up. He’s ready to hurt someone.’”

John Evans has contributed to a number of well-known publications and websites for over a decade. You can follow John on X @John_Evans79

Kevin Lerena still wants the title fight he earned against the WBC bridgerweight titlist Lawrence Okolie.

“I’m mandated to fight Lawrence Okolie, me being the WBC interim bridgerweight champion and him being the full champion,” Lerena (30-3, 14 KOs) recently told Boxing Social. 

But the forward momentum towards Okolie-Lerena has come to a halt – at least temporarily. They had agreed to fight, but their match-up was sent back to a purse bid that is scheduled to be held this Friday, according to The Ring. 

Lerena says he’s heard that Okolie instead wants to defend his title against Richard Riakporhe – a cruiserweight contender who suffered his first loss in June, via unanimous decision to Chris Billam-Smith.

“You can make the fight with whoever you want to, but I’m mandatory,” Lerena said. “So if you’re gonna wanna make fights with other guys in the weight division where I’m mandated to fight you, then his team needs to come up with a very good step-aside fee, because I want the fight with Lawrence Okolie. 

“It’s nothing personal. It’s business. It’s not a hard fight to make. If we’re all reasonable and everybody gets their worth, we can make the fight happen.”

Lerena’s preference is to get paid for stepping into the ring, not for stepping aside.

“I'm not interested in the step-aside fee,” he said. “I want the fight.”

Lerena spent much of his career at cruiserweight, but has occasionally fought at heavyweight. In 2022 he fought three times at heavyweight, knocking out Bogdan Dinu, widely outpointing Mariusz Wach, and then getting stopped in three rounds by Daniel Dubois in a bout in which Dubois hurt his leg and hit the canvas thrice in the opening three minutes.

The WBC is still trying to create a division between cruiserweight and heavyweight – one that limits its competitors to being heavier than 200lbs but lighter than 224lbs. The WBA has recently followed suit.

In 2023 Lerena won an elimination contest with Ryad Merhy, and then the WBC interim title by beating Senad Gashi. In March 2024 he moved to heavyweight once more and lost a unanimous decision to Justis Huni.

Okolie moved up from the cruiserweight division after a majority decision defeat in 2023 by Billam-Smith. He returned in May, when he demolished Lukasz Rozanski in 175 seconds.

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.

Is Caleb Plant inching toward Hall of Fame status? Maybe not, but he's starting to look like more than just a former titleholder. 

On Saturday night, Caleb Plant stopped Trevor McCumby (28-1, 21 KOs) with just one second left in the ninth round at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, solidifying his status as more than just another name on the card. After appearing hurt in the second round and being dropped in the fourth, Plant rallied back, not just to win, but to secure an emphatic stoppage.

Let’s rewind. Back in 2017-2018, Plant (23-2, 14 KOs) was a regular on FS1 cards, vibing to Don Trip’s music in the gym, flying under the radar, or worse, being laughed at for his unshakable confidence. Fast forward to today, and it seems like Plant, 32, is getting the last laugh.

“They’re all satisfying when you get your hand raised,” Plant said after dispatching McCumby. “I was putting on a show, but my dad and Bread [trainer Stephen Edwards] got on my ass to stay focused and stop fucking around. It’s hard because I’m a showman, and this is something I enjoy.”

Plant is the quintessential “cool fighter” right now. He’s got the swagger, the clothing line, the whole vibe. He’s not just a boxer; he’s a brand. Fans respect his grit, but they love his attitude even more. Remember when he slapped Jermall Charlo? The video went viral faster than you can say “Beetlejuice” three times and in LA, when another fighter tried to stir the pot, fans had Plant’s back. The guy who used to be dismissed as boring? Yeah, he’s anything but that now.

Plant is becoming the story. His knockout of McCumby could steal "Fight of the Year" from Usyk-Fury, which was the biggest heavyweight fight since Lennox Lewis was champ.

Here’s the thing about Hall of Fame status: It’s not just a word or a place in history. You’ve got to have that fan connection, that peer respect. Plant’s checking both boxes. He earned Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s respect in defeat, and after that venomous buildup with David Benavidez, they’ve been nothing but cool to each other post-fight. He might not have Arturo Gatti's brawler style, but Plant’s resilience and charisma have won over his own set of diehards. He’s one of those guys whose attitude bleeds through the screen, and fight fans can’t get enough.

These days, it’s all about "main character energy.” If that term was invented for anyone, it’s Caleb Plant. The guy’s living like the star of his own movie — and in boxing, where self-belief is half the game, Plant’s storyline is the most authentic form of “main character energy” we’ve got. He never wavered from his destiny of becoming a champ. Now he’s setting his sights higher— he might just become a boxing icon of the modern era. 

“Hopefully, I see y’all soon in a big fight,” Plant said before stepping off stage, and with a performance like this last one, he has to be in a big fight next, right? 

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.

Two-time featherweight champion Josh Warrington thought he was stepping up in weight to challenge for Anthony Cacace’s IBF super-featherweight world title on the Joshua-Dubois undercard this Saturday night. However, the challenger will be unable to claim the Ulsterman’s title, even if he was to come out on top this weekend.

Warrington edged out a split-decision victory to dethrone Lee Selby at Elland Road back in 2018 and would go on to make impressive title defences against Carl Frampton and Kid Galahad to cap off a trio of high-octane domestic dustups. Instead, ‘The Leeds Warrior’ opted to vacate the belt after frustrations that a unification contest against WBA champion Xu Can would not be sanctioned, before suffering a shock knockout defeat to then-unknown Mexican Mauricio Lara.

After his rematch with Lara was cut short by a head clash, the Yorkshireman would return to the featherweight throne the following year, scoring a knockout win in a rematch with Spain’s Kiko Martinez, who had stopped Galahad a few months prior to claim the belt.

Yet, Warrington has lost in back-to-back title bouts since, first losing his world title to Luis Alberto Lopez before an unsuccessful challenge for Leigh Wood’s WBA strap last year.

After one win in five contests and moving up in weight, the announcement that Warrington would have a shot at Cacace’s 130lb world title was understandably met with raised eyebrows. Although, the fans have not been the only ones critiquing the proposed world title contest and the IBF have refused to approve Warrington as a challenger, The Daily Star reports.

“The Leeds Warrior – who has twice reigned as IBF featherweight champion – is stepping up a division to take on the Irishman next weekend at Wembley Stadium. But the IBF have so far refused to ratify Warrington as a challenger because he has not fought in the 9st 4lb division in over a decade and has never been ranked.

“The card – which is headlined by Daniel Dubois defending the IBF heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua – is being backed by Saudi-funded Riyadh Season. Those involved are still petitioning the IBF to sanction the bout as a first defence for Cacace, who beat Joe Cordina to claim the title in May.“Canelo Alvarez Names Next Target After Defeating Edgar Berlanga

It has now been confirmed that the IBF will not sanction the bout, as explained by Jake Donovan.

“IBF has offered clarity on Cacace Warrington. Bout is NON-TITLE fight, approved optional fight for Cacace in lieu of mandatory vs Nunez.

“Cacace will be stripped of title if he loses this weekend. With a win, he MUST face Nunez within 180 days. This is his one-time exception.”

Turki Al-Alshikh had been hoping that the IBF allow Warrington to challenge for the belt to maintain the strength of the Joshua-Dubois undercard, particularly after he was forced to find a replacement for Liam Smith in what many deemed to be the highlight of the bill aside from the main-event.

Joshua-Dubois takes place on Saturday night (21st September) at Wembley Stadium, London as ‘AJ’ aims to become the fifth three-time heavyweight champion of all-time, whilst a plethora of Great Britain’s greatest talents hope to steal the show on a stellar undercard at the record-breaking event.

Do you have your own top 10 list of the best heavyweights in boxing today? Here’s our take on the top heavyweights who are defining the sport right now:

1. Oleksandr Usyk - The former cruiserweight king who unified the heavyweight titles, Usyk's skill and resilience have redefined what it means to be a modern heavyweight.

2. Tyson Fury - Known as "The Gypsy King," Fury's ability to dethrone Wladimir Klitschko and his thrilling trilogy with Deontay Wilder mark him as one of the best.

3. Anthony Joshua - A two-time unified champion who has faced the best in the division, Joshua remains a top player despite recent challenges.

4. Joseph Parker - Former WBO champion Parker has proven his mettle with notable victories and remains a key figure in the heavyweight landscape.

5. Zhilei Zhang - Zhang’s impressive knockouts and recent performances have made him a rising star in the heavyweight division.

6. Daniel Dubois - The current IBF heavyweight champion, Dubois has shown significant promise and is poised to make a big impact in the division.

7. Dereck Chisora - Known for his rugged style and resilience, Chisora has been a challenging opponent for many of the division's top fighters.

8. Deontay Wilder - Renowned for his explosive power, Wilder's knockout ability keeps him in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.

9. Joe Joyce - The "Juggernaut," Joyce’s relentless style and impressive victories have made him a serious player in the heavyweight scene.

10. Dillian Whyte - A formidable contender known for his aggression and knockout power, Whyte has consistently been a top contender.

Think your top 10 would look different? Share your rankings and join the conversation on who truly defines the heavyweight landscape of the 21st century!

#TysonFury #OleksandrUysk #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #heavyweight #boxing #boxingfans