Fan-favourite former super-bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux is yet to walk away from the world of boxing and returned to action last night. Despite being 44-years-old, the slick Cuban technician scored an impressive first-round knockout.
A two-time Olympic and world champion, Rigondeaux turned professional back in 2009 and did so with a heap of expectation on his shoulders, expected to emulate his success as an amateur in the professional scene.
In just his ninth professional bout, ‘El Chacal’ claimed the WBA super-bantamweight title with a knockout win against Rico Ramos and would defend that title on two occasions before jumping into a unification clash with legendary Filipino Nonito Donaire.
In a career-best display, Rigondeaux became the unified WBA, WBO & The Ring champion with a unanimous-decision victory in New York and five further wins would follow for ‘Rigo’ until he jumped up in weight.
Rigondeaux moved up two weight divisions to take on pound-for-pound number one Vasyl Lomachenko in 2017 for the WBO super-featherweight title but found himself outclassed for the first time in his career and was halted in six rounds as he suffered a first career defeat.
Since then, he has dropped down three weight-classes to try his hand in the bantamweight division but fell short in a title challenge against John Riel Casimero and then lost a unanimous-decision to Vincent Astrolabio.Eddie Hearn believes Jesse Rodriguez vs. Naoya Inoue will happen sooner than expected
However, last year Rigondeaux bounced back with consecutive wins as a super-bantamweight before a 17-month spell of inactivity ensued.
Last night, the 122lb veteran returned to action and faced Dannis Aguero Arias (20-2), who was a late notice replacement of Ionut Baluta, and it took just one-round for Rigondeaux to dismantle the Dominican.The 44-year-old former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (23-3) 🇨🇺 makes a successful comeback with a first-round KO over Dannis Aguero Arias (20-3) 🇩🇴 and is the new WBC International Super Bantamweight titleholder in Miami, Florida 🇺🇸. pic.twitter.com/hiCllpIOu8
— Permante (@PermantexG) November 13, 2024
That victory saw Rigondeaux claim the WBC international super-bantamweight title and he is likely to return to into the top 15 rankings as a result.
The ageing Santiago de Cuba phenomenon also laid down the gauntlet to pound-for-pound number one and current undisputed super-bantamweight champion, Naoya Inoue, in an ambitious call-out during his post-fight interview, as Inoue searches for an well-known opponent ahead of his return to fighting in the United States.
In terms of fan-friendly fights, 2025 may have already reached its ceiling before it has begun, with David Benavidez’s recently announced light-heavyweight showdown against David Morrell sure to deliver a fascinating scrap. Now, as both men prepare for the toughest test of their respective careers, a new fight has been rumoured.
Both Benavidez and Morrell had been campaigning in the super-middleweight division and were each deemed as major threats to Canelo Alvarez’s then undisputed crown.
However, the Mexican champion appeared extremely unwilling to fight either man, despite Benavidez being the WBC mandatory challenger and the much-demanded Canelo-Benavidez clash is yet to manufacture – and likely never will.
After frustrations at being unable to land a fight with Canelo, both Benavidez and Morrell made the decision to move up to the light-heavyweight division and pursue the world titles at 175lbs.
Benavidez debuted at the weight against former WBC and lineal light-heavyweight champion Oleksandr ‘The Nail’ Gvozdyk and was taken the distance for just the second time since 2018, picking up the WBC interim strap after getting the nod on the scorecards.
Meanwhile, Morrell unexpectedly went the full twelve rounds with former IBF title challenger Radivoje Kalajdzic, also winning a unanimous-decision as he claimed the WBA (Regular) title.
Although Beterbiev currently holds the undisputed title, it is expected that at least one belt will be vacated before a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, opening the door for the victor of Benavidez-Morrell to capitalize and potentially be upgraded to full world champion if the Russian decides to drop either the WBC or WBA title.Deontay Wilder reveals broken arm injury
Therefore, Benavidez-Morrell is not just a salivating tear-up, it is one with world title opportunities on the line.
Despite initial reports that the pair would meet on January 25th, ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has now revealed that ‘The Mexican Monster’ and Morrell will go toe-to-toe on February 1st in Las Vegas.El 1 de febrero en la T-Mobile Arena de Las Vegas estaría el duelo de David Benavidez y David Morrell. Podrían presentar el evento la siguiente semana en California.
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) November 13, 2024
“On February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas there would be the duel between David Benavidez and David Morrell. They could present the event next week in California.”
Yet, the winner of Benavidez-Morrell could still find themselves waiting a while to pick up a belt, with the IBF world title the one most likely to be vacated by Beterbiev and a recent Matchroom Boxing signing is well poised to take advantage.
Matthew Macklin, former European middleweight champion, recently speculated on Sky Sports that Anthony Joshua might retire following his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois. Macklin noted that Joshua’s decision not to pursue an immediate rematch with Dubois is unsurprising and could signal the end of his career in the ring.
On September 21, 2024, Dubois stunned the boxing world by knocking out Joshua in the fifth round, successfully defending his IBF world title at Wembley Stadium. Joshua entered the fight with high confidence, following two consecutive victories under his new trainer, but the outcome was a resounding defeat that has cast doubt on his future.
The rematch between Joshua and Dubois, initially scheduled for February 2025, was canceled by Joshua, who cited it as being too soon after the loss. Speaking with Sky Sports, Macklin shared his thoughts: “Once the dust settled, I didn’t expect the rematch to happen. Personally, I think that could be it for Joshua.”
Macklin believes that at 34 years old, Joshua is at a critical juncture in his career, where such a heavy loss could significantly affect his confidence and future in boxing. “A loss like that takes a lot to come back from. At 34, you don’t improve, you just start going downhill,” said Macklin.
While Joshua takes time to consider his next move, Macklin suggested that the two-time world champion may choose to retire after a decade of success in the heavyweight division. “When the dust settles, Joshua will have time to reflect. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he decides not to box again. What a career he’s had,” Macklin added.
Meanwhile, Dubois is preparing for his next title defense against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in February 2025. Macklin sees this as a highly competitive match, with Parker in peak form following impressive wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
Although speculation continues about a potential fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury—especially if Fury defeats Oleksandr Usyk—Macklin remains unsure whether Joshua will have the desire to continue fighting. “A fight with Fury could still happen, but I don’t know if Joshua has the appetite for it anymore,” Macklin said.
Joshua’s future remains uncertain, with no official date for his return to the ring. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has stated that Joshua will be ready to fight again in May or June 2025.
In a recent interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show”, Eddie Hearn, a well-known boxing promoter, discussed a potential matchup between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Terence Crawford. Hearn expressed optimism about a future fight between the two boxers, stating that it could happen soon.
Hearn suggested that it’s likely Ennis will face Vergil Ortiz Jr. in his next bout. According to the promoter, this fight could be decisive for Ennis’s future in the division.
“Yes, because I think it’s very likely that Boots will fight Vergil Ortiz next,” Hearn declared.
The potential clash between these two contenders has been a topic of speculation for several months.
In contrast, Bozy Ennis, trainer and father of Jaron Ennis, recently stated that Vergil Ortiz’s team had turned down an offer to fight his son. This claim sparked controversy in the boxing community.
However, both Vergil Ortiz Jr. and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, denied these accusations on social media, rejecting any claims of avoiding a fight with Ennis.During the interview, Eddie Hearn reaffirmed that a fight between Ennis and Ortiz Jr. is imminent and considers Ennis the favorite to win.
“If he beats Ortiz, which I believe he does, then His Excellency will push to make Boots against Crawford,” Hearn noted.
Eddie Hearn suggested that if Ennis emerges victorious, he would have an opportunity to face Terence Crawford. The involvement of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh could accelerate negotiations to make this fight happen in the near future.Jake Paul reveals weight ahead of Mike Tyson fight
It’s worth mentioning that Jaron Ennis was elevated to IBF world champion in 2023. This decision came after Terence Crawford vacated the title to move up to the super welterweight division.
Since then, there has been speculation about a potential showdown between Ennis and Crawford, two of the top fighters in the division.
A possible fight between Jaron Ennis and Terence Crawford could become one of the biggest matchups of the upcoming year.👀 “IT’S VERY LIKELY THAT BOOTS WILL FIGHT VERGIL ORTIZ NEXT”
Eddie Hearn asked if he thinks we’ll ever see Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis: “Yes, because I think it’s very likely that Boots will fight Vergil Ortiz next. If he beats Ortiz, which I believe he does, then his… pic.twitter.com/YdyaIiGmXb
In a recent interview on Manouk Akopyan’s YouTube channel, legendary former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson shared his thoughts on how he would have fared against today’s heavyweight champions. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Tyson confidently expressed that he would have held his own against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua.
Tyson emphasized that he would never admit to being outmatched, stating, “I’m just confident that I would have done well. I’m not going to say, ‘This guy was going to kick my ass.’ No, I’m not going to say that.” Despite recognizing the talent of today’s fighters, Tyson believes his own abilities would have been enough to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on the differences between his generation and the current one, Tyson mentioned legendary figures like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. He expressed doubt that any modern heavyweight could surpass these icons at their peak. “Do you think Anthony Joshua would beat Lennox Lewis? My era had good fighters,” Tyson remarked, asserting that the competition during his era was unmatched.
This bold statement continues the ongoing debate about which heavyweight generation is truly the best, with Tyson firmly backing the fighters of the 90s.
Tyson's Return to the Ring:
On November 19, 2024, Tyson will step back into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for a highly anticipated bout against Jake Paul. The fight has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the age gap between the two competitors. Despite the skepticism, the fight promises to be a massive spectacle, drawing attention from boxing fans and casual viewers alike.
Some see the matchup as a commercial move, but Tyson’s return is still a highly anticipated event. Fans are eager to see if "Iron" Mike can still deliver flashes of the legendary skill that once made him the most feared man in boxing.
For Tyson, this fight is more than just a spectacle—it’s a chance to remind the world why he is considered one of the greatest of all time. Meanwhile, Jake Paul hopes to further legitimize his boxing career by facing the iconic former champion.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, BOXXER’s CEO Ben Shalom expressed that Katie Taylor “has no intention” of returning to the 135-pound division. Shalom stated that the Irish champion would not be interested in defending her lightweight titles.
At the same time, he indicated that this could open an opportunity for Caroline Dubois, who is currently positioned as the mandatory challenger for the WBC lightweight title. Dubois earned this spot after a decisive victory over Maira Moneo.
Taylor has not shown interest in defending her titles, creating uncertainty in the division. Taylor hasn’t fought in the lightweight category since October 2022. Although she is the current WBC and IBF champion, she has been focused on other divisions.
Currently, Taylor is scheduled to face Amanda Serrano this Friday for the undisputed super lightweight titles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will serve as the co-main event on the card headlined by the bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
Now, there is a possibility that Katie Taylor will vacate her belts after her fight against Serrano. According to promoter Ben Shalom, Taylor’s decision not to return to the lightweight division will allow Caroline Dubois to fight for the title.
“Katie Taylor’s holding two of the belts in her weight division, and we believe there’s absolutely no intention or possibility that she’ll ever go back to that weight,” Shalom declared to Sky Sports News.
“It’s frustrating for the division and probably isn’t the right thing for the division, but that’s maybe a matter of politics holding that up,” Shalom noted.Ben Shalom assures that, after the November 16 fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the decision to vacate the lightweight titles will be made official.
This would allow Dubois to compete for the WBC belt and possibly become a world champion. The promoter stated that he has received “assurances” that the belts will be vacated after Taylor’s fight.
“I expect after November 16, when Katie Taylor fights Serrano, it becomes clear that she will not be returning to the 135 division and that both those belts become vacant,” said Shalom.Ryan Garcia claims he would knock Jaron Ennis out
“We’ll see Caroline become world champion, fight for the WBC title, and we’ve had assurances that that will be the case,” Shalom confirmed.
If the lightweight belts are vacated, Dubois could focus on a fight with Terri Harper. Harper, who recently won the WBO lightweight title by defeating Rhiannon Dixon, would be a potential opponent for Dubois in 2025.
The promoter also mentioned that they have made an offer to Matchroom to finalize the matchup with Harper. Ben Shalom expressed his excitement for Dubois’ return to the ring and confirmed that the official date will be announced soon.
“We’re about to announce a fight for Caroline. She will box, I believe, for a world title next,” Shalom stated.
“We hope that in February or March next year, she can be boxing Terri Harper, and we have put an offer in to Matchroom for that,” Shalom revealed.
“We should be able to announce that date in the next week or so,” Shalom concluded.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has responded to recent statements made by Oscar De La Hoya, who proposed facing him in the ring. De La Hoya’s offer caught the public’s attention and sparked excitement among fans, as he claimed he was willing to fight without receiving any financial compensation.
In a previous interview, Hearn had commented that he wouldn’t rule out a fight with De La Hoya if he received an attractive offer. According to the British promoter, he would consider stepping into the ring if His Excellency Turki Alalshikh presented a multimillion-dollar, two-figure proposal.Eddie Hearn made it clear that a significant financial offer would be the necessary incentive to accept the bout.
However, Hearn’s statements prompted a quick response from Oscar De La Hoya. In a recent interview with Boxing King News, the former boxer stated he was ready to fight Hearn without charging a single penny.
De La Hoya explained that his motivation wasn’t financial; instead, he would do it as a gift for His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. He also mentioned that he would only need two months to physically prepare for the matchup.
Following De La Hoya’s comments, Eddie Hearn was quick to react. Through his official Instagram account, Hearn posted a story responding humorously to his rival’s offer.
“You need TWO months to train for me? Wow, I’m honoured 😎. @oscardelahoya vs @eddiehearn,” Hearn wrote.
For now, De La Hoya’s offer to fight for free and Hearn’s willingness to consider proposals have fueled the rumors.Zhilei Zhang eyes Jake Paul fight
Both promoters are prominent figures, and seeing them face off physically in the ring would be highly unusual.
Given the influence and possible involvement of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, a fight between Hearn and De La Hoya could become a unique spectacle.
Undoubtedly, if this bout materializes, it could become one of the most talked-about events in the boxing world in recent years.Eddie Hearn responds to Oscar De La Hoya offering to fight him for free… pic.twitter.com/ye7Kl30Cw5
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 11, 2024
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Eddie Hearn, promoter of Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, praised the 24-year-old champion for his dominant victory over former world titleholder Pedro Guevara. Hearn was especially impressed by Rodriguez’s performance against Guevara, who had recently secured a significant win over Andrew Moloney in Australia.
Hearn believes that Rodriguez’s talent will quickly push him to the top of boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings: “I really feel like he’s not going to be at super flyweight that long,” Hearn stated. “At just 24, Bam destroyed a former world champion in Guevara, and I think you’re looking at the future pound-for-pound No. 1.”
However, the possibility of a showdown between Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue, the reigning bantamweight king, remains distant for now. Rodriguez himself recently mentioned on The Ariel Helwani Show that the difference in weight classes makes the fight unlikely in the near future, with Inoue fighting at 122 pounds while Rodriguez remains at 115 pounds.
Hearn agreed that moving up in weight too quickly poses a risk for Rodriguez. “The only thing that’s going to beat ‘Bam’ is going too far through the divisions too fast,” Hearn said, acknowledging that jumping weights can often be a stumbling block for younger fighters.
Looking ahead, Hearn suggested that Rodriguez's immediate goal should be to unify titles in the super flyweight division. A potential fight with Román “Chocolatito” González, a future challenge for Rodriguez, could be the key step before making the move to bantamweight. “The next challenge for Bam will be to move to bantamweight and try for a third division world title,” Hearn explained.
Once Rodriguez competes at bantamweight, Hearn believes he will be just one division away from Inoue, making the much-anticipated fight a potential reality. “If Bam stays at 122 pounds, that fight becomes a real big reality,” Hearn noted.
With both fighters being young and talented, Hearn envisions a future where Rodriguez and Inoue face off for the top spot in boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings. “That’s going to be a one vs. two pound-for-pound matchup,” Hearn said. “It’s just an unbelievable fight.”
While Inoue, 31, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, Rodriguez’s rapid rise and skillset suggest that in a few years, he could be right there alongside him. The potential showdown between the two is one that boxing fans are eagerly anticipating.
Fabled heavyweight knockout artist Shannon Briggs has been prevalent in the influencer boxing scene since hanging up the gloves but now seems set to go one step further and make a comeback to the ring. Now, the 52-year-old has revealed a date for when he expects to make his ring return.
After winning a national championship as an amateur, Briggs turned professional in 1992 and went on to defeat his first 25 opponents, winning by knockout on 20 occasions, before he was halted by Darroll Wilson in 1996.
However, four consecutive stoppage wins earnt ‘The Cannon’ a shot at legendary heavyweight veteran George Foreman, who he defeated by majority-decision in what turned out to be Foreman’s final contest.
That victory thrust Briggs into a world title shot against WBC title-holder Lennox Lewis but the American came up short and was stopped in the fifth-round and would not return to the title picture for many years to come.
Eight-and-a-half years later, after a streak of 11 straight victories, Briggs was finally able to get his hands on a world title when he pulled off a dramatic final-round knockout against WBO champion Siarhei Liakhovich whilst behind on the scorecards.With ONE SECOND LEFT in the 12th round and behind on all three cards, former lineal king @TheCannonBriggs knocks out (WBO titlist) Siarhei Liakhovich!!!
[November 4, 2006] pic.twitter.com/fTlN3bXfne
— Lineal Boxing Champion (@LinealBoxChamp) May 27, 2024
Briggs would lose his belt without making a defence and was outpointed by Vitali Klitschko to a final challenge for world honours in 2010, before registering 10 straight wins and hanging up the gloves in 2016.
Yet, despite hanging up the gloves, Briggs is often seen at fight nights across the pond and famously trained YouTuber Logan Paul for his fight against KSI in 2019.Conor Benn aims for a World Title fight
Now, Briggs has confirmed that he is actively pursuing a comeback to boxing, whether that be as a professional or with Misfits, he told Fred Talks Fighting.‼️ Shannon Briggs is hoping to fight by March 🔜🥊
[Via – @fredpdbeck on YT] pic.twitter.com/VjsY1pjAzd
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) November 9, 2024
“I miss it actually, I am looking to get back into shape. I have been in the gym and I’m looking to hopefully be ready to fight again by March.
“I am going to fight again.
“[I would fight on Misfits] if the money is right, yeah, but I am getting back in shape and I’m back in the gym, I am hitting hard, I am strong.”
“I am just as fast as I was.”
The former WBO heavyweight champion becomes the latest of the influx of retired fighters hoping to return to action, with Mike Tyson, Ike Ibeabuchi and Manny Pacquiao all on the verge of comebacks of their own.
Jake Paul is set to face Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated, controversial clash this Friday night, with the YouTube star-turned-boxer aiming to leave a mark on the legendary Tyson’s career. If successful, Paul plans a bold move in his post-fight interview: a call-out to unified super-middleweight champion, Canelo Álvarez.
Paul, with a 10-1 record since transitioning to boxing in 2020, has built a reputation with wins over UFC veterans like Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. However, when faced with a true professional boxer in Tommy Fury, Paul suffered his first career loss. Despite this setback, Paul continued to build momentum, securing two consecutive first-round knockouts against Andre August and Ryan Bourland, both of whom had more boxing experience than him.
Originally set to fight Tyson in July, the matchup was postponed due to Tyson’s health issues, but the 27-year-old Paul is still determined to prove himself against the 57-year-old former world champion. Tyson, who hasn’t fought in nearly 20 years, will return for a match against Paul, who is more than three decades his junior. Despite doubts about Tyson’s condition, the fight is scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T Stadium.
On ‘The Timbo SugaShow,’ Paul revealed his plans to call out Canelo Álvarez, suggesting a cruiserweight title fight at 200lbs after facing Tyson. He believes such a bout would be even bigger than his fight with Tyson, positioning him as the biggest name in boxing. Paul’s confidence is high as he claims a victory over Canelo would prove him to be the true “face of boxing.”
Currently, the cruiserweight division is split, with Jai Opetaia holding the IBF title, Noel Mikaelian holding the WBC, and other champions like Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith set to face off in a unification bout. As for Paul, Tyson’s return marks a pivotal moment for his rise in the sport, with a potential showdown against Canelo lingering on the horizon.
The fight takes place Friday night, and the world will be watching to see if Jake Paul can turn his bold words into reality.
Jake Paul is set for a controversial showdown with Mike Tyson on Friday night, but while all questions seem to surround the age gap between the American duo, the fact that this is Paul’s heavyweight debut appears to be going under the radar. Now, the social media star has revealed his weight, two days before the Paul-Tyson weigh-in.
‘The Problem Child’ made his professional debut back in 2020 and has since fought on eleven occasions, defeating former UFC champions Tyson Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz during that time.
However, when tasked with a recognised professional boxer in Tommy Fury, Paul fell short and was handed a first career defeat, losing the 185lb catchweight bout via split-decision.
After getting back to winning ways against Diaz, Paul returned to facing opponents with superior boxing experience and scored impressive consecutive first-round knockout wins against Andre August and Ryan Bourland to tee-up the eyebrow-raising clash with ‘Iron Mike’.JAKE PAUL KO’S ANDRE AUGUST IN THE FIRST ROUND 😱
(via @DAZNBoxing) pic.twitter.com/zwaJxxgQ4k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2023
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your opinion on the fight, Mike Tyson as forced to withdraw from the July fight date due to stomach ulcers and he was replaced by Mike Perry for what turned out to be a cruiserweight contest – where he was knocked out in six rounds.
Despite some beliefs that Paul-Tyson could be cancelled completely due to health concerns, the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ is finally set to take on his much younger foe in a slightly adapted professional heavyweight affair on Friday night.
Speaking with ‘The Timbo SugaShow’, Jake Paul revealed that he is currently weighing around 224lbs, almost 40lbs heavier than he was for the Tommy Fury fight, and that he intends to remain around that weight.Jake Paul planning bizarre call-out if he defeats Mike Tyson
“I’m like 224lbs right now.
I’ve just been trying to eat as much as possible. I have noticed that, as soon as I stop stuffing myself in each meal, I will quickly drop to 221lbs, 220lbs, 219lbs, so I have been eating a lot more to try and stay up there.
“[An average day for me] is probably around 3800 – 4000 calories but [I’ve just been eating] the usual; eggs, toast, potatoes, steak, chicken, rice, I don’t really like vegetables. Then I’ll have a peanut and jelly [sandwich] at night – that s**t bangs.”
As for the two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson tended to weigh between 215-220lbs during his prime but weighed-in at 220.4lbs for his exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago.
Training footage suggests that the former undisputed champion is taking the fight seriously and will hit the scales at a similar size on Thursday, but it is anyone’s guess as to how the 58-year-old will look come fight night – for which a full card preview is available here.
Meanwhile, Paul will enter the ring as the betting favourite despite the accolades of his opponent, and plans to make a shocking call-out if he gets through Tyson unscathed.
Few in boxing have suffered a more catastrophic 2024 than Devin Haney, beginning the year as a pound-for-pound contender and ending it with a dented reputation and ongoing legal procedures. However, the 25-year-old may well have the perfect opportunity to re-announce his talents to the boxing universe, as he lines up a mega-fight against Teofimo Lopez ahead of his comeback.
Haney became the youngest undisputed male champion of the four-belt era when he twice defeated George Kambosos Jr. in 2022 to first win and then defend the coveted lightweight marbles.
In the year that followed, ‘The Dream’ scored a controversial win over legendary fan-favourite Vasyl Lomachenko but issues making the 135lb limit saw Haney then vacate his world titles in pursuit of a move up to the super-lightweight division.
On his debut at the weight, Devin Haney became a two-division world champion as he whitewashed WBC title-holder Regis Prograis in an extremely dominant and authoritative display that proved the youngster to be wise beyond his years.
Although, little could have prepared him for what came next.
Haney went into an all-American showdown against Ryan Garcia, and after a confusing build-up that that included Garcia missing weight, ‘King Ry’ went on to floor Haney on three occasions before claiming an upset majority-decision win.
Yet, the drama wasn’t done there, as it was discovered that Garcia had tested positive for a banned substance named Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and on the day of the fight – eventually resulting in that result being overturned to a no-contest, reinstating Haney’s undefeated record.
In the months that have passed, Haney has vacated his WBC super-lightweight title and has now taken legal action against Garcia, with his promising boxing career completely derailed by their April encounter.Conor Benn aims for a World Title fight
Now, the Californian technician hopes to get back on track and is hoping to end what will be his longest spell of inactivity since turning professional by jumping into a mega-fight with WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, as per Forbes.
“According to sources I spoke to with direct knowledge, Haney is negotiating to face Teofimo Lopez in his return bout. The source didn’t
“The card would be broadcast on ESPN and promoted by Top Rank.”
Like Haney, Teofimo Lopez boasts a career-best win over Lomachenko but has proven to be an inconsistent fighter in the outings that followed.
‘The Takeover’ lost his belts to Kambosos in a shock result but then dazzled on the big stage when he dethroned Josh Taylor at 140lbs three fights later.
Since defeating ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to become a world champion once again, Lopez has underwhelmed in two title defences against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett but a clash with Haney may well bring the best out of the New Yorker once again.
Despite being the champion at super-lightweight, there is no guarantee that Lopez-Haney would take place with the title on the line or even at that weight, after both men have threatened to move up to welterweight division in recent months.
In a recent interview with Boxing News on YouTube, undefeated champion Shakur Stevenson made his feelings clear about Vasiliy Lomachenko, expressing his disinterest in facing the Ukrainian boxer after a failed negotiation attempt.
Stevenson, known for his technical prowess and strong opinions both in and out of the ring, acknowledged Lomachenko’s achievements but was quick to call out the 36-year-old’s behavior outside the ring.
“I’m done with that. He said some things to me, but he didn’t want to go up to the boxing room,” Stevenson declared. “I respect him for what he’s accomplished in boxing, but I have no respect for him,” he added.
Stevenson went on to criticize Lomachenko’s attitude when it came to negotiating major fights, suggesting that the Ukrainian fighter’s tough-guy persona didn’t match his actions in the business side of boxing.
“He acted like a tough guy outside of the ring, but he didn’t want to negotiate,” Stevenson remarked. “I don’t see any point for him to box unless he fights me or Gervonta Davis. What else is there for him to do? He could make some easy money, though. Do it if you like it.”
Lomachenko, 36, holds a professional record of 18 wins (12 KOs) and 3 losses. His most recent victory came on May 12, 2024, against George Kambosos in a TKO win that earned him the vacant IBF lightweight title.
Meanwhile, Stevenson remains undefeated with a record of 22 wins (10 KOs). The 26-year-old champion’s most recent win came on July 6, 2024, when he defeated Artem Harutyunyan by unanimous decision, successfully defending his WBC lightweight title.
Stevenson’s comments hint that Lomachenko’s career options are limited unless he pursues a high-profile fight. A potential unification bout between Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko had been discussed for this November in Las Vegas, but those plans were put on hold after Lomachenko entertained the possibility of retirement.
The future of Lomachenko’s career remains uncertain, with Stevenson’s remarks adding further fuel to the speculation about his next move.
In a recent interview with Boxing King Media on YouTube, legendary former world champion Oscar De La Hoya shocked fans by offering to face promoter Eddie Hearn in the ring—for free. The unexpected proposal comes in response to Hearn’s previous comments, where he expressed a willingness to fight De La Hoya if the right financial offer was made.
The prospect of two heavyweight figures in boxing—one a former champion and the other a leading promoter—facing off has captured the imagination of fans and sparked intense interest in the sport.
As the head of Matchroom Boxing, Hearn is a familiar face in the world of professional boxing, while De La Hoya, founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has made his mark as both a promoter and a champion. Their rivalry outside the ring has been well-documented, but now, it seems, they may be taking it to a new level—in the ring.
In an earlier interview, Hearn made headlines by suggesting that he might be open to fighting De La Hoya if the price was right. Specifically, he hinted that an enticing offer from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, could get him to lace up the gloves.
De La Hoya wasted no time responding. In the Boxing King Media interview, the Golden Boy promoter confidently declared that he would fight Hearn for free as a "gift" to His Excellency Alalshikh. “Your Excellency, I will fight Eddie for free as a gift to you. For free. It will be my pleasure,” De La Hoya said, adding that he only needed two months of training to prepare.
“I still have my jab, my power. I already know the combination I would knock him out with. I don’t want to share it just in case we do fight,” De La Hoya continued, expressing his belief that the bout would last no longer than four or five rounds.
The idea of De La Hoya and Hearn facing off in the ring has generated mixed reactions. While some fans view it as a potential historic event, others question whether it’s just a strategic move to boost both promoters’ profiles and continue building their respective brands.
Despite the back-and-forth, the notion of a Golden Boy vs. Matchroom 5v5 event has also been floating around, with speculation rising about the potential for such a spectacle to end with the two promoters finally facing off in the ring.
The growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in high-profile sporting events, with figures like Alalshikh showing interest, makes the possibility of this unprecedented showdown even more likely.
For now, both De La Hoya’s offer and Hearn’s openness to negotiating have stoked the flames of excitement among fans. If this fight does materialize, it could go down as one of the most talked-about events in recent boxing history.
In a recent public dispute, Cuban boxer Andy Cruz has responded to the statements made by his rival, Keyshawn Davis. On his Instagram stories, Cruz flatly denied the rumors suggesting that his team had rejected a fight proposal.
He also refuted the existence of any contract sent by Davis’ team, challenging Davis to provide evidence.
The verbal confrontation escalated after Keyshawn Davis, in an interview with World Boxing News, claimed that he had tried to negotiate a fight with Cruz. Davis asserted that he had reached out to the Cuban’s team to discuss a potential bout, but according to him, Cruz’s team was unwilling to accept the challenge.
“I already reached out to his people to see if he wanted to fight me. His people said no, they’re not ready. They don’t want to make that fight right now. I understand,” Davis declared.
“When he’s ready to make that fight happen, it’s on them,” added the American boxer, making it clear that he is ready to face Cruz whenever he decides to accept.
However, Andy Cruz was quick to respond. Through his official Instagram account, the Cuban rejected Davis’ claims and publicly challenged him to show evidence of the supposed contract.
“Yo son @keyshawndavis, send me the copy of the contract. You’re saying that you sent a contract to my team. Send the photo. We all want to see it,” Cruz wrote, casting doubt on the veracity of Davis’ comments.
Cruz ended his post with a provocative message directed straight at his rival:
“4-0 in the pro. 4-0 vs my son. 🤫 Knock knock,” wrote Cruz.Francis Ngannou called out by Deontay Wilder
This last remark references his undefeated record against Davis in both the amateur arena and his professional career.It is important to note that Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis
The two lightweight boxers have faced off multiple times, with Cruz emerging victorious in all four encounters.
Their most memorable meeting took place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where Cruz defeated Davis in the gold medal match with a 4-1 score, in a bout held at Japan’s Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
Keyshawn Davis has shown interest in a potential fight against Gervonta Davis. However, Gervonta’s coach, Kenny Ellis, recently stepped in on social media, suggesting that Keyshawn is only seeking the fight with Gervonta because he’s afraid to face his old amateur rival, Andy Cruz, once again.
The tension between Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis continues to rise, and boxing fans are eagerly waiting for both fighters to reach an agreement to meet again, this time in a professional ring.Andy Cruz responds to Keyshawn Davis on IG😂😂
“4-0 VS MY SON”😂😂 pic.twitter.com/2OEt3UZxzc
— bhar❄️ (@bhar232) November 11, 2024
Andy Cruz calling Keyshawn Davis his son 👀#Boxing#BOXINGnBBQpic.twitter.com/zh8zHUhcMU
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) November 11, 2024
The talented British welterweight boxer, Conor Benn, has
Benn made headlines after being cleared of any doping charges following a thorough investigation conducted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP). The case had generated significant controversy, severely impacting his career and halting his rise in the welterweight division.
After being cleared, Benn has been officially ranked as the No. 2 welterweight contender by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
However, the British Boxing Board of Control has yet to decide if they will reinstate his license. The entity has stated that it is “considering its position” before allowing him to fight again on British soil.During his interview with DAZN, Conor Benn was clear about his goals for the future. The British boxer made it known that his priority is to win the WBC World Title.
“For me personally, I want the World Title. The WBC World Title,” Benn stated.
Benn also highlighted who he considers his potential rivals: the winner of the bout between Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos, as well as the current IBF champion, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Benn expressed his interest in facing these champions to solidify his place at the top of the welterweight division.
“The winner of Barrios and Ramos. That’s the fight I really want,” Benn declared.
“If Jaron Ennis wants to fight at 147, I’m number two, he’s number one. We can’t get that on. I’m here in Philly about to watch him. You know, he’s a great fighter. He’s one of the best to do it,” Benn remarked.
The clash between Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos is set for Friday, November 15, and will be part of the highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul card. In this fight, Barrios will defend the WBC welterweight title against Ramos.However, Conor Benn also has his sights set on Jaron Ennis, who recently successfully defended his IBF welterweight title against Ukrainian fighter Karen Chukhadzhia.
“You want to challenge yourself against the best. That’s what we’re in this game to do. Challenge ourselves against the best. To claim that number one spot,” said Benn.Mike Tyson names key difference between himself and Jake paul
“I’ve been about that number one spot for a long time. I’ve got to make up for lost time,” Benn asserted.
“Barrios, Ennis… Any of them who’s got the belts, I want it,” Benn concluded.
Conor Benn has made it clear he is determined to face the best in the division and is eager to return to the big stages of boxing.
However, his return to English soil will largely depend on the final decision of the British Boxing Board of Control, which is still assessing whether to grant him the license to fight again in the UK.Welterweight Champion of the World 💭👑 @ConorNigelpic.twitter.com/ewsauLgqZJ
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 10, 2024
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered eliminator between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco. Both fighters, ranked within the world’s top 5, will face off in a crucial bout to determine the next challenger for the IBF super middleweight world title.
Christian Mbilli, signed with Top Rank, holds the number 1 spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings. Additionally, Mbilli is ranked number 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), making him one of the most sought-after fighters in the division.
The French boxer has had an impressive 2024, securing three victories, two of which came by knockout. Mbilli has previously expressed interest in challenging Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the unified WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, but has yet to finalize that fight.
Diego Pacheco, under contract with Matchroom Boxing, is currently ranked number 1 by the WBO and number 3 by the WBC. The undefeated Los Angeles native boasts an impressive record of 22 wins, with 18 knockouts.
In 2024, Pacheco scored two significant victories: one by decision against Shawn McCalman and another by knockout over Maciej Sulecki. However, his future remains uncertain as he is also in negotiations to face Trevor McCumby in January.The winner of Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco match will earn the chance to challenge the current IBF champion, William Scull.
Scull, undefeated with a record of 23 wins, including 9 knockouts, is awaiting his next challenger.Oscar De La Hoya claims Gilberto Ramirez will go down as an ‘all time great’
Pacheco’s decision to prioritize between the eliminator bout with Mbilli or the fight against McCumby will be critical. A loss in either of these matches could jeopardize his chance to contend for the unified title against Canelo Álvarez, where he currently holds the WBO mandatory challenger status.
The fight between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco represents not only a chance to climb the rankings but also a step closer to the coveted world title. Both fighters have earned their top spots, and the winner will become the next major challenger for champion
The IBF have ordered an eliminator bout in the super middleweight division between the #3 Christian Mbilli and the #4 Diego Pacheco.
There are also talks ongoing for Pacheco to face Trevor McCumby in Las Vegas in January.
The heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang has revealed his plans after defeating Deontay Wilder. The Chinese giant has set his sights on a potential high-profile fight against Jake Paul, making it clear that he is willing to face the popular YouTuber if the opportunity arises.
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Mike Tyson will make a controversial return to the ring to face Paul, a controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer. Nevertheless, Zhang will be watching closely to see what happens during this bout. Previously, the heavyweight has already expressed interest in a potential fight against Paul.
Zhang’s last fight took place against Deontay Wilder on June 1, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this bout, the Chinese boxer managed to defeat Wilder by TKO in the fifth round.
The knockout against the former WBC world champion represented the most significant victory of his career, revitalizing his professional trajectory after a tough loss to Joseph Parker.
In March, Zhang lost by majority decision in the interim WBO heavyweight title fight, despite knocking Parker down twice.Zhilei Zhang currently holds a record of 27 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.
In an exclusive interview with the Express, Zhang responded to speculations about a possible match against the internet star. While the 41-year-old boxer did not hide his interest in facing Paul, he made it clear that it would primarily be a financial endeavor.
“Yes, I will do that. And who doesn’t want to make some money? It’s a money grab if that happens,” Zhang stated.Now, the influencer will face the legendary Mike Tyson, and Zhilei Zhang did not hesitate to praise Tyson, calling him his childhood idol.
The Chinese boxer also defended the legitimacy of the fight between Paul and Tyson, acknowledging the public’s divided opinions. Additionally, he wished Tyson the best of luck, expressing his admiration for the former world champion.Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory
“I watched Mike Tyson’s fights growing up, and he’s like the god of war in my mind. Now in his 60s, he’s fighting a guy in his 20s, which is an incredible achievement already. I really hope for the best for him, and I wish him good luck,” Zhang commented.
The dominant victory over Wilder has elevated Zhang’s reputation but has also brought complications for the Chinese fighter. According to him, his triumph has discouraged many of his division peers from facing him. Zhang explained that his team is struggling to find willing opponents, as many prefer to avoid fighting him.
Despite the challenges in finding opponents, Zhang’s main target for next year is to face the IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois. The Chinese giant expressed interest in fighting Dubois, especially after his surprising victory over Anthony Joshua.
If the opportunity arises, Zhilei Zhang has already made it clear he is interested in facing Jake Paul. However, we will have to wait for the outcome of the fight between Mike Tyson and the controversial YouTuber, as well as the possibility of a fight between Zhang and Daniel Dubois in 2025.
WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis has been facing some recent criticism regarding his résumé, but he might have found a new rival in Keyshawn Davis, who’s been pushing for an all-American showdown. However, Davis’ long-time trainer, Kenny Ellis, believes that Keyshawn’s public pursuit of a fight with Tank may be driven by something else.
Keyshawn Davis, who made a name for himself with a standout amateur career, including silver medals at the Pan American Games, World Championships, and the 2020 Olympics, has been making waves as a pro. After moving up to the lightweight division, he quickly proved himself as a formidable contender, knocking out former world title-holders Anthony Yigit and Jose Pedraza, maintaining an undefeated record.
Ahead of his recent victory over Gustavo Lemos, Keyshawn repeatedly called for a clash with Tank Davis, which led to media buzz when Gervonta responded to the call-outs. With Keyshawn’s dominant performance in the ring, fans are now eagerly anticipating a potential Davis-Davis matchup in 2025, provided Tank gets past Lamont Roach.
However, Coach Kenny Ellis, who works with Gervonta Davis, has made it clear on social media that Keyshawn may have an ulterior motive. He believes that Keyshawn is trying to shift the spotlight away from a potential fight with his former amateur rival, Andy Cruz, who has been rising through the ranks. Ellis argues that Keyshawn knows Cruz could ruin his chance at fighting Tank, just as he did in the Olympics, and is trying to avoid that matchup by calling out Gervonta.
Ellis warned that casual fans might not understand the full picture, urging the true fight fans of Norfolk, VA, not to be fooled by the "trickery." As for Cruz, who is also aiming for a world title shot, he’s expected to return to the ring in January, with just four professional fights under his belt, making for a potentially interesting addition to the lightweight title picture.
Former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor has suffered back-to-back defeats after previously being undefeated and his chances of returning to the 140lb throne any time soon seem minimal. Now, the Scotsman will be hoping that he can turn his form around and appears to have made his first step towards a comeback, with whispers suggesting that he has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.
After winning his first 14 fights, Josh Taylor was tasked with Ivan Baranchyk in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series, with the IBF super-lightweight title at stake, and ‘The Tartan Tornado’ became Scotland’s 14th world champion with a comfortable unanimous-decision win in front of his beloved fans.
Taylor would then bank a career-best win over Regis Prograis to unify the WBA and IBF titles before defeating Jose Carlos Ramirez for the undisputed crown in 2021 to complete a legendary run.
However, in February 2022 a surprisingly difficult split-decision win over Jack Catterall stunted Taylor’s progress, that decision being labelled a robbery by the vast majority of viewers.
As fans demanded a rematch, Taylor decided to vacate three of his four world titles and opted to defend the WBO strap against former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez last June, where Lopez pulled off the upset and handed Taylor a first career defeat.
This year, Taylor and Catterall finally went toe-to-toe once again, with Catterall claiming a generously scored unanimous-decision win to level the scores and leave his 33-year-old rival secluded from the race for the super-lightweight marbles that he once held.
Taylor’s promotional deal with Top Rank has now expired and he has openly admitted that he is on the lookout for promoters in the United Kingdom to begin a ‘new era’ in his career, he told the Edinburgh Evening News.Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory
“I’m going to suss out the market in the UK and just explore my options. I think it’s the right fit. I’ve been to the top but I’ve never really had a UK promoter back me and push my profile.
“So, at this stage of my career, I’d like to have that. I just need to get back to winning ways. I’m coming off back-to-back defeats so I want to get back chasing the big fights again. I still believe I’ll become world champion once more.”
Meanwhile, Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn staged the rematch between Taylor and Catterall back in May and recently hinted that he is on the verge of signing a former undisputed world champion,, amongst other high-calibre fighters, in an interview with The Stomping Ground.
“Two or three Olympians, former world champions, former undisputed world champions – a lot to come.”
Sources close to have since confirmed that Taylor is likely to sign with Matchroom in the near future, with a decision still to be made as to whether the East Lothian sensation will return to the super-lightweight division or move up to welterweight and campaign at 147lbs.