It is less than 24 hours before Shurretta Metcalf is set to duck through the ring ropes at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in the biggest fight of her career to date, and she is puttering around her New York City hotel room in hopes of making more room in her stomach after her post-weigh-in meal of shrimp, chicken and rice.

“I’m full,” she said. “I’m trying to walk it off a bit so I can eat some more.”

Still hungry.

On Wednesday, Metcalf, 13-4-1 (2 KOs), will challenge for Miyo Yoshida’s IBF bantamweight belt on the line. This is Metcalf’s first title fight but her second go-round with Yoshida. At 39, Metcalf isn’t likely to get many more bites at the apple.    

“You know what’s so crazy?” Metcalf asks rhetorically. “I did not know that I was 116.4 pounds, so I really got lower than what I was trying to. I didn't overwork or anything like that – overtrain. It’s just that I'm naturally a smaller girl. But I've been gaining weight just because I'm getting older.”

Time is ticking.

Nothing has come easy for Metcalf – not that you’ll hear her tell it. She’s too busy moving forward, looking for the next thing, working, hustling, waiting for an opportunity to draw close enough for her to latch on and wrangle it into submission.

Metcalf is from Oak Cliff, Texas – a town that has gradually been subsumed by Dallas but for which Metcalf draws a clear distinction. She didn’t grow up with much. (“We wasn’t no richies,” she said.) And yet, it was enough: “We might not get everything we wanted, but we got everything we need.”

Angela Metcalf gets full credit from her daughter for providing for Shurretta and her younger sister and brother – and not just the material stuff. Shurretta’s drive, grit and will? That comes from mom, too.

“Oh, you know, my mom is pretty much like any other mom from the hood,” Shurretta said. “‘Hey, you better fight back. If your sister fights, you

better fight.’ You gotta have each other’s backs. We don't take that scared stuff.”

It’s that foundation that gave Metcalf the nerve to start fighting in the first place. She had been in some scraps as a kid, of course, but she never gave boxing any thought as a vocation – not until one of those opportunities came drifting by and she was asked by an acquaintance about participating in a local fight night.

“They said, ‘Hey, you wanna fight? You could win some money,’” Metcalf said. “And I was like, ‘Sure, yeah.’ We do all this fighting, but we don't never get paid. It was a way to support my kids.”

And just like that, Metcalf was throwing hands in underground fights at clubs and oddball venues, learning to box on the fly and providing for her sons, Danarius and Daquan, now 19 and 17. 

It also helped set her up to start her other businesses – including a boutique and salon (The Headquarters Deluxe Studios), a mobile bartending outfit and a personal training gig. And it brought her to this moment: hours from her night at the Garden, still hungry for more, with time short but a world of opportunity waiting for her to grab on with both hands.

The kicker is that the IBF belt should already be hers, Metcalf says. 

After outpointing Japan’s Yoshida last November in a straightforward unanimous decision, Metcalf could only watch as Yoshida, now 17-4 (0 KOs), was given a title shot – coming off the loss – against Ebanie Bridges a month later. 

For a year, Yoshida has worn the belt without yet making a defense or showing much interest in a rematch with Metcalf. For a year, Metcalf has called for the fight, made noise, pushed and prodded, waiting patiently – but perturbedly – for that belt to come within arm’s reach. 

Given just a five-week training camp and, in her estimation, little promotion behind the fight, Metcalf says she’s ready to take what’s hers.

“She would say a little something,” Metcalf said of Yoshida, “but it was pretty much like, ‘Hey, the IBF hasn’t ordered the fight, so I don't have to worry about you.’ Or, ‘I don't plan on fighting Metcalf unless she gets the belt.’ And I'm like, ‘But you got my belt.’”

What Metcalf already has is all of Oak Cliff firmly behind her. She says she has done her own grassroots publicity tour – radio, social media and the like – and stirred up local interest back home, where she is on the cusp of becoming Dallas’ first women’s boxing champ. “My city is so lit for me right now,” she said. “I'm getting so much love. It's crazy.”

As fight night approached, Metcalf was joined in New York by Danarius and Daquan, who arrived with Angela. Shurretta’s mother had never been to New York – never even been on a plane, to the best of Shurretta’s knowledge. 

It’s a big deal – “She definitely don’t take off for work,” Shurretta said of her mother – so she’s relishing the moment. Now with her family in tow, her rematch with Yoshida set and her belt so close that she can almost reach out to snatch it, Metcalf is keenly aware that her time is now.

“I definitely do, yes, even though I don't feel my age and don't look it,” she said. “But you just never know at this age – look, anything can happen. But I definitely feel like I have urgency for it. I want the big fights. I want the money fights. That's what I want.”

Jason Langendorf is the former Boxing Editor of ESPN.com, has contributed to Ringside Seat and the Queensberry Rules, and has written about boxing for Vice, The Guardian, Chicago Sun-Times and other publications. A member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, he can be followed on X and LinkedIn , and emailed at dorf2112@hotmail.com.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have developed one of the most skilled heavyweight rivalries of the century, although it was Fury who was trumped when they met back in May, it was the unified champion who appeared at the press conference dressed as ‘The Hitman’ ahead of their rematch.

Usyk and Fury went toe-to-toe in a battle to crown a first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century and the first of the four-belt era when they meet in May but the result was not entirely conclusive – a split-decision win for the Ukrainian being the outcome.

Since then, Usyk has received plenty of plaudits, with many labelling as the heavyweight great of this generation, yet despite his legendary win, Tyson Fury will still have hope that he can avenge the loss given the success he had before the pivotal ninth-round.

Furthermore, ‘The Gypsy King’s’ success in rematches after difficult initial contests against both John McDermott and Deontay Wilder will serve Fury well, although drawing up the adjustments that he would need to make to outthink Usyk is an almighty, migraine-inducing task.

At the press conference ahead of the ‘Riyadh Season’ event, it was clear to see that Tyson Fury was not the only fighter keen to make a change ahead of the rematch, as Oleksandr Usyk donned the stage with a changed appearance – sporting a shaved head as he imitated ‘Agent 47’ from popular 2007 film, ‘Hitman’.USYK JUST SHOWED UP AS AGENT 47 FROM HITMAN AT THE FURY PRESS CONFERENCE 😭 pic.twitter.com/r4P1nAvg1X

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 23, 2024

When asked of his new look, Usyk offered a short response…

“I don’t know.”Teófimo López accuses Turki Alalshikh of deliberately harming Canelo Alvarez event

And when asked of what was in his accompanying suitcase, the undefeated technician responded with a typically deadpan but comical reply.

“It is just [for] character.”Oleksandr Usyk on his new LOOK! 😂#UsykFury2 | #RiyadhSeason | Dec 21 pic.twitter.com/0p2aRHQ9xS

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 23, 2024

However, he then proceeded to open the suitcase and took out a picture of his first fight with Tyson Fury – which he asked his opponent to sign, before joking that fans will “find it tomorrow on eBay”.Oleksandr Usyk REVEALS what is in his briefcase 😂#UsykFury2 | #RiyadhSeason | Dec 21 pic.twitter.com/cpClq5uDCO

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 23, 2024

Usyk-Fury II will take place on December 21st at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, topping a bill that features a salivating super-welterweight showdown between Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov, as well as intriguing heavyweight match-up’s involving popular British duo Johnny Fisher and Moses Itauma.

Undisputed minimumweight world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada has announced her retirement.

The East Los Angeles star is calling it a day after a 13-year professional career.

Estrada retires with a 26-0 (9 KOs) record having won world titles in two weight classes, going 7-0 in title fights. A pound-for-pound mainstay who holds the world record for the fastest KO in women’s boxing history—just seven seconds—Estrada saved her best for the final stretch of her career.

After signing with Top Rank in July 2022, Estrada moved towards the undisputed title and in March 2023, she became a unified champion after shutting out then-WBC champion Tina Rupprecht. Four months later, Estrada defeated Argentina’s Leonela Yudica by decision and, in March, came a bad-blood battle that saw her defeat fellow unified champion Yokasta Valle over 10 rounds. With the win, Estrada became the minimumweight division’s first-ever undisputed queen, a legacy-defining triumph that became her curtain call.

“Seniesa Estrada is a spectacular person and fighter, and I know she can look forward to a happy and productive life outside the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Everyone at Top Rank will miss promoting her boxing career.”

Estrada took to social media to thank the sport “For 23 years of ups and downs” that she called “the worst and best years of her life.”

She thanked family and friends, Bob Arum and Top Rank.

“Most of all, my team,” he said. “We did everything we imagined I would do and more as a woman in a male dominated sport. It’s been one wild ride. Thank you for standing by me. I hope that my style of fighting is one that people will remember forever. Only God knows how long I’ve been contemplating this decision. Physically and mentally, I can’t continue anymore….”

Estrada said she was “at peace” with her decision, and signed off, “With love forever, Superbad.”

The WBO super lightweight champion, Teófimo López, has pointed to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh as responsible for the conflict between two major sporting events on September 14 in Las Vegas. That night, Canelo Álvarez’s fight against Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena coincided with UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere, headlined by Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.

López, a close friend of Canelo, stated that the overlapping dates hurt his compatriot. Although Canelo’s event generated $17 million in ticket sales and 650,000 pay-per-view buys, UFC 306 surpassed those figures with $22 million in ticket sales. According to Teófimo López, Alalshikh, a member of the Saudi royal family and leader of the Riyadh Season festival, a UFC sponsor, intentionally scheduled the event on the same date to affect Canelo.

“The Turki guy [Turki Alalshikh], I just think that for someone that wants to… This is why… You got to look at the signs. For someone who wants to make boxing great again… You don’t schedule the same event with the UFC and Canelo Alvarez [on] the same night,” López stated.The conflict between Canelo and Alalshikh, according to Teófimo López, stems from a previous dispute.

In August, a potential fight between Canelo and Terence Crawford was discussed, but negotiations failed due to Canelo’s high financial demands. López implied that Alalshikh retaliated by choosing the Las Vegas Sphere and using his influence to draw more attention to the UFC event.

“You don’t go back around and dig at it by saying, let’s get to the Sphere because we have the funds,” López stated.

Although UFC 306 was announced in June, a month before Canelo confirmed his fight with Berlanga, López argues that the coincidence was not accidental. While he didn’t claim it was a deliberate plan, he suggested that careful business decisions were made to generate more revenue and overshadow Canelo’s fight.Gareth A. Davies questions how much Tim Tszyu has left after ‘brutal’ defeat

“As a business standpoint, there’s things that you gotta’ look at and see the pros and cons,” López explained.

Teófimo López concluded that Alalshikh should have avoided scheduling the UFC event on the same night, especially since Canelo typically fights on Mexican Independence Day. For the boxer, the clash of both events was part of a business strategy to favor UFC over boxing.‼️🚨😯Teofimo Lopez REVEALS “Turki Alalshikh TRIED TO GET REVENGE ON CANELO BY HOSTING UFC EVENT IN VEGAS SPHERE THE SAME NIGHT AS HIS FIGHT AGAINST BERLANGA😧🇲🇽🥊🧑🏻‍🦰 pic.twitter.com/ka96CMe9Ep

— Ray Bama (@armoredmaybach) October 22, 2024

This weekend will feature an unprecedented showdown between Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis. Tony Bellew, in his exclusive column for DAZN,

Bellew emphasized the importance of both fighters accepting this challenge. According to the former world champion, both Catterall and Prograis could have waited for a world title shot but chose to face each other now. Tony Bellew highlighted that the winner of this contest will be in a prime position for a major fight in 2025. “Boxing needs more of its fighters to be bold and take risky fights,” Bellew noted.

The fight between Catterall and Prograis presents a clash of styles and different moments in their careers. Catterall has been on the rise since his fight with Josh Taylor in 2022, where he proved himself to be a world-class fighter. Although he didn’t win the bout, his performance stood out, and since then, he has secured notable victories over Taylor and Jorge Linares. Tony Bellew believes that a win over Prograis would cement Catterall as one of the best fighters in his country.

Prograis, on the other hand, is looking to reaffirm his status in the division after his loss to Devin Haney last year. Although losing to a fighter of Haney’s caliber is nothing to be ashamed of, Bellew thinks Prograis has a lot to prove in this fight. Like Catterall, Prograis’ biggest moment came against Josh Taylor in 2019, where he lost in a close decision. However, Bellew sees this fight as the perfect opportunity for Prograis to reestablish himself as one of the best in the world.

Tony Bellew anticipates a close contest, with both fighters leaving everything in the final rounds to secure victory. “Catterall is the fighter in form,” said Bellew, who believes that Catterall’s confidence and ability to press the fight could give him a slight edge. In his final analysis, Bellew leans toward a Catterall victory, though he stresses it will be a tough and competitive fight until the end.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson – Full Fight Card

While the Catterall vs. Prograis fight may not be for a world title, it has potential. Both fighters will be looking to stake their claim on the world stage, and the outcome of this bout could set the stage for a major showdown in 2025.Another 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙘 fight week in Manchester 🇬🇧#CatterallPrograis | Oct 26 | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/YRGpQPnUWs

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 23, 2024

Promoter Ben Shalom, head of Boxxer, made bold moves in 2021-22 by signing some of the most promising talents emerging from the Tokyo Olympics, including heavyweight Frazer Clarke and light heavyweight Ben Whittaker. However, two years after their professional debuts, their futures now appear uncertain following high-profile setbacks in Saudi Arabia on October 12.

Clarke, 33, was stopped in the first round of his rematch with Fabio Wardley, sustaining serious facial injuries, while Whittaker’s bout against Liam Cameron ended in a draw, marked by Whittaker’s overconfidence and inexperience. For both fighters, these defeats have raised concerns about their development and whether they were moved too quickly into high-stakes fights.

While both Clarke and Whittaker were standout amateurs, their transition to the professional ranks has been more challenging than expected. Clarke’s swift escalation in competition—moving from easy wins to facing a formidable opponent like Wardley—was particularly abrupt. Shalom, the youngest licensed promoter in the UK, acknowledges that the pressure to succeed on major platforms like Sky Sports has accelerated their paths, potentially at the cost of crucial development time.

Shalom reflected on the growing expectations placed on his fighters, noting the challenges of balancing exposure with education in the ring. “There’s a lot of pressure when you start on Sky Sports. That can really mess with a fighter’s development,” he explained. The modern boxing landscape, with constant media scrutiny and fan demands for quick results, often forces fighters to face tough opponents earlier than they might be ready for.

Clarke’s defeat, his second encounter with Wardley, ended with a broken jaw and cheekbone. While he has expressed a desire to fight again, his recovery will take months, and the psychological toll may linger. Similarly, Whittaker, whose flashy style had drawn both praise and criticism, now faces the task of rebuilding his career after a humbling performance against Cameron.

Shalom’s approach has been questioned, particularly by rival promoters like Eddie Hearn, who criticized Shalom’s decision to pull Clarke from a British title fight with Wardley in 2023. However, Shalom stands by his focus on giving fighters more time to develop, even if it means slowing their ascent.

“There’s a huge amount of pressure when you start on Sky Sports,” Shalom noted. “Sometimes you need that development – or it can be dangerous.”

As Clarke and Whittaker recover from their setbacks, Shalom and his fighters must navigate the fine line between learning and competing under the spotlight. For now, both men have significant challenges ahead as they strive to prove they belong in the elite ranks of the sport.

#FrazerClarke #BenWhittaker #BoxingProspects #BenShalom #HeavyweightBoxing #LightHeavyweight #BoxingDevelopment #SkySportsBoxing #Boxxer #WardleyClarke

Naoya Inoue, one of boxing's pound-for-pound stars, has already cemented his place as a two-division undisputed champion. Now, as rumors swirl about a potential move to featherweight, promoter Bob Arum has shared plans for Inoue’s next three fights, hinting at a future showdown that could be the biggest in Japanese boxing history.

Inoue, dubbed "The Monster," became an undisputed bantamweight champion after knocking out Paul Butler in 2022. He then swiftly dominated the super-bantamweight division, claiming another undisputed title after defeating Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales. Despite calls for him to test his limits at featherweight, Inoue has remained committed to the 122-pound division, defending his titles against Luis Nery and TJ Doheny in 2024.

Next up for Inoue is a December 24th clash against unbeaten Australian and IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman, with an official announcement expected soon. However, the real buzz surrounds a potential 2025 fight against fellow Japanese star and bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani.

Bob Arum has confirmed that plans for an Inoue-Nakatani showdown are in the works, marking what could be a historic event for Japanese boxing. “Hopefully, they both keep winning. And it will be the biggest fight in the history of boxing in Japan,” Arum told Boxing News. He added that the bout, if all goes to plan, would be staged at the iconic Tokyo Dome.

Before this highly anticipated matchup, Inoue is expected to fight again in April 2025 in the United States, potentially sharing a card with Nakatani. The hope is that both fighters will continue their winning streaks, building towards the massive Tokyo Dome showdown that could rival any event in Japanese boxing history.

With the official announcement of Inoue’s December fight looming and excitement building for a future clash with Nakatani, the world will be watching as "The Monster" continues to carve his name into boxing’s elite.

#NaoyaInoue #InoueGoodman #JuntoNakatani #Boxing #JapaneseBoxing #TokyoDome #BoxingNews #BobArum #Featherweight #UndisputedChampion

Tim Tszyu's dream of reclaiming the super-welterweight throne was derailed in shocking fashion over the weekend, with a devastating defeat to Russia's Bakhram Murtazaliev. Tszyu, who had hoped to secure an easy win and move toward a showdown with Terence Crawford for the undisputed 154-pound title, was instead overpowered from the opening bell, suffering four knockdowns within three rounds before his corner threw in the towel.

This unexpected outcome has left many in the boxing world questioning what’s next for Tszyu, including respected journalist Gareth A. Davies. In an interview, Davies expressed concern over the punishment Tszyu has endured in recent fights, pointing to his losses to both Murtazaliev and Sebastian Fundora. He questioned whether Tszyu has enough left in the tank to continue competing at the highest level.

"I was a bit worried about Murtazaliev’s assault on Tim Tszyu at the weekend. He got badly beaten up," Davies said. "I am a little bit concerned about how much punishment Tim Tszyu is taking... There’s an element of wondering, how much has he got left?"

Following the first knockout loss of his career, some are suggesting that Tszyu return to Australia to rebuild his confidence before seeking another world title shot. One potential opponent is Michael Zerafa, a domestic rival who has been vocal about wanting to settle unfinished business with Tszyu.

Meanwhile, Murtazaliev, now a respected IBF super-welterweight world champion, has become a marked man in the division, with contenders like Erickson Lubin eyeing an opportunity to hand him his first career defeat.

#TimTszyu #Boxing #Murtazaliev #SuperWelterweight #GarethADavies #MichaelZerafa #BoxingUpset #IBF #BakhramMurtazaliev #BoxingNews

Jarrell Miller has sent a bold warning to Anthony Joshua, suggesting that another fight with Daniel Dubois could spell the end of Joshua's career. Joshua, 35, was stopped in five rounds by Dubois during their IBF heavyweight title clash at Wembley Stadium in September, and he is expected to pursue a rematch in 2025.

Before his loss to Dubois, Joshua was on track for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury. However, a second consecutive defeat against Dubois could significantly diminish Joshua’s options moving forward. Miller, who was originally slated to fight Joshua in 2019 before a failed drug test derailed those plans, believes a rematch with Dubois would lead to another loss for the former champion.

“Same outcome,” Miller asserted in an interview with BoxingScene. “‘AJ’s’ still getting knocked the fuck out. I think it definitely does [end his career], but he’s big money—they’re gonna keep milking the cow until there’s no more milk left. Hopefully, me and him can get it on before he gets retired.”

Miller, who recently lost to Dubois himself, pointed to Joshua's weaknesses: “Dubois blitzed him. He didn’t think Dubois was that fast, and we all know that AJ don’t got a chin. Instead of waiting for him to run out of gas and get out of rhythm, ‘Let me jump on your ass now,’ and that’s what Dubois did.”

He continued, “One more loss and he can call it quits. One more bad loss—he’s made enough money already. I give everybody the recipe to beating AJ already—he ain’t got no chin; he ain’t got no heart. Put balls in his face, he gonna quit. The same thing’s gonna happen again.”

Despite his focus on Joshua, Miller also expressed a desire to rematch Dubois, stating, “I want my rematch with Dubois. I had a month [to prepare] for that fight; I almost had him out of there. I told everybody AJ was going to crack, and that’s what happened.”

Miller acknowledged Dubois’ growth as a fighter and praised his performance against Joshua, noting, “He definitely impressed me. He’s improving every fight, so the one after—Dubois ain’t going to be the same Dubois when I fight him again. Trust me. He ain’t gonna beat the Big Baby.”

As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, both Joshua and Dubois will need to navigate their next moves carefully, with Miller keen to reestablish himself in the mix.

#JarrellMiller #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingNews #AJVsDubois #FightWarning #BoxingCareer #Rematch #BoxingLegends #TysonFury

The latest junior middleweight rankings from Ring Magazine have sparked controversy following Bakhram Murtazaliev's stunning victory over Tim Tszyu this past weekend. Despite Murtazaliev’s impressive performance, many feel his ranking does not reflect his recent dominance in the division.

Murtazaliev, the undefeated IBF champion, dismantled Tszyu in just three rounds, dropping the Australian four times before Tszyu’s corner threw in the towel. This upset was seen by many as a major statement from Murtazaliev, who was previously ranked 10th by Ring Magazine. However, even with the victory, the Russian was placed third in the updated rankings, which some believe undervalues his performance.

The top two spots are held by Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, a decision that has drawn significant debate. Crawford’s position as number one seems justified based on his recent history, having defeated Madrimov in 2023 for the WBA and vacant WBO interim light middleweight titles, becoming a four-division world champion. While Crawford’s credentials are unquestioned, critics argue that his ranking at junior middleweight, where he’s had limited activity, could be challenged by more active and dominant fighters in the division.

Madrimov, ranked second, has not fought since his loss to Crawford, which has fueled the outcry. His placement ahead of Murtazaliev and even Sebastian Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC junior middleweight titles, has left many fans questioning the logic behind the rankings.

Sebastian Fundora, who defeated Jermell Charlo to capture his two titles, is currently ranked fourth. Many feel that his consistent performances, alongside Murtazaliev’s latest win, should place them higher than Madrimov, who hasn't claimed a title at 154 lbs.

Murtazaliev’s swift rise from 10th to third in Ring Magazine's rankings is a notable improvement, but for many, his dominant display against Tszyu should have placed him closer to the top. With both Crawford and Fundora holding significant belts, Murtazaliev’s future fights may be critical in determining whether he can climb even higher.

Meanwhile, Tszyu’s future remains uncertain after suffering his first career knockout defeat. Some are suggesting he return to Australia for a tune-up fight before re-entering the title picture, while domestic rival Michael Zerafa has called out Tszyu for a potential grudge match.

For now, boxing fans will continue debating whether Murtazaliev's performance warrants a higher ranking and if the current junior middleweight landscape is accurately reflected in Ring Magazine's updated standings.

Ring Magazine 154-lb Rankings (October 21, 2024):

1. Terence Crawford
2. Israil Madrimov
3. Bakhram Murtazaliev
4. Sebastian Fundora
5. Vergil Ortiz
6. Serhii Bohachuk
7. Tim Tszyu
8. Jesus Ramos
9. Charles Conwell
10. Brian Mendoza

#BoxingRankings #BakhramMurtazaliev #JuniorMiddleweight #RingMagazine #TimTszyu #SebastianFundora #TerenceCrawford #BoxingDebate #BoxingNews #MurtazalievVsTszyu

Confidence is a crucial element in the arsenal of any top fighter, shaping their demeanor and approach to challenges. For Moses Itauma, a heavyweight prodigy with a record of 10-0 (8 KOs), this self-assurance has been evident since his professional debut.

The 19-year-old is set to face Australia’s Demsey McKean, 22-1 (14 KOs), in Riyadh on December 21st. Itauma approaches this step up in competition with his trademark confidence, stating, “In my mind, I always go into a fight thinking, ‘I’m gonna win and I’m gonna win quite easily.’ But as I get closer to the fight, I prepare for outcomes that might not be my way.”

Itauma’s practical mindset extends to his understanding of boxing's landscape, especially in the heavyweight division. While he aims to rise quickly through the ranks, he recognizes the established hierarchy. The current champions—Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua—are likely to dominate the title scene, leaving a pool of talented contenders vying for their shot.

Fighters in the tier just below the elite are more open to facing a rising star like Itauma. They understand that a victory over an up-and-coming heavyweight could significantly elevate their careers while also yielding a substantial payday.

After a standout performance against the typically resilient Mariusz Wach in July, McKean represents a logical next step for Itauma. At 6ft 6in, the southpaw has only one blemish on his record—a 12th-round stoppage against Filip Hrgovic last year—and aims to re-establish himself among the heavyweights.

Itauma is acutely aware of the expectations that come with his growing reputation but knows that pleasing everyone is an impossible task. “After I beat Mariusz Wach, everyone was saying, ‘He’s this, he’s that. We need another step up.’ Now I’m fighting Demsey McKean, and they’ll call it a good step up. If I knock him out, they’ll say, ‘But he hasn’t boxed in a long time.’ I’m just here doing my job,” he explained.

He further emphasized the risks involved for more established fighters. “If I were to fight someone like Johnny Fisher or even Joseph Parker, why would they want to fight me? They could end their careers against a 19-year-old. If they win, they’re expected to. If they lose, it’s like, ‘I lost to a 19-year-old.’ I appreciate Demsey McKean for taking this fight,” Itauma added.

As he prepares for this pivotal matchup, Itauma’s confidence and strategic thinking will be key in navigating the challenges ahead in the heavyweight division.

#MosesItauma #DemseyMcKean #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingNews #ConfidenceInTheRing #RisingStar #FightPreview #BoxingProspects #StepUpFight #KnockoutPower #BoxingCareer

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Promoter Ben Shalom has set the boxing world abuzz by pitching a high-stakes 'BOXXER vs. Matchroom' event for 2025, reminiscent of the successful Matchroom vs. Queensberry card earlier in the year. Inspired by Turki Al-Alshikh’s blockbuster events, Shalom hopes to see his promotional outfit, BOXXER, square off against Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom in a five-fight card that could redefine rivalries in the sport.

Speaking to iFL TV, Shalom outlined his vision, teasing a potential main event between long-time rivals Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, a grudge match that fans have been clamoring for. This fight, rumored to be set for May 2025, could serve as the headline for a much-anticipated card, should both promotional teams agree to the challenge.

Shalom’s proposal follows the aftermath of Matchroom’s stunning defeat against Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions during the Bivol-Zinad undercard in June, where Eddie Hearn’s team was whitewashed. Daniel Dubois’ upset win over Filip Hrgovic was one of the most significant results of the night, triggering a cascade of frustrations for Hearn. Now, Shalom sees this as the perfect opportunity for Hearn to bounce back.

Potential BOXXER vs. Matchroom Matchups

Shalom suggested a list of potential fights, providing an exciting glimpse of what could be one of the biggest promotional battles in boxing history:

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn
A highly anticipated showdown years in the making, this fight is a guaranteed headliner, bringing together two of the sport’s biggest names with a storied family rivalry.

Dalton Smith vs. Adam Azim
An intriguing battle between two rising British stars, Smith’s technical prowess against Azim’s blistering speed and power could be a show-stealer.

Johnny Fisher vs. Frazer Clarke
A heavyweight clash between two of Britain’s most popular fighters, both known for their knockout power and growing fanbases.

Jai Opetaia vs. Chris Billam-Smith
The cruiserweight division could see fireworks as IBF champion Opetaia faces Billam-Smith, who is fresh off his victory over Lawrence Okolie.

Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper
A potential women's fight of the year, as rising star Caroline Dubois takes on two-weight world champion Terri Harper in a battle of youth versus experience.

Viddal Riley vs. Chev Clarke
Cruiserweight prospects collide in what would be a high-octane, hard-hitting affair.

Shalom's Vision for 2025

Shalom emphasized that the timing of such an event is crucial. He believes 2025 is the right moment for this epic clash, stating:
“For me, next year will be the right time. There is a huge amount of fights that can be made, and if we could do it as a Matchroom-BOXXER card, I am ready to go.”

While tensions between Shalom and rival promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have escalated in recent months, particularly during the Beterbiev-Bivol fight week, Shalom remains undeterred in his pursuit of organizing this grand spectacle. Should both teams agree, the event could not only revive the competitive spirit between these promotional powerhouses but also deliver some of the most exciting matchups in recent memory.

With rumors swirling about a massive bill in February and the potential Eubank-Benn clash in May 2025, boxing fans will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation.

#BoxingShowdown #EubankBenn #BenShalom #EddieHearn #BOXXERVsMatchroom #BoxingRivalry #BoxingNews #MatchroomBoxing #BOXXER #FightNight

Welterweight contender Gor Yeritsyan's circuitous journey to fighting Saturday for the first time since suffering his first career loss was hit with several unforeseen circumstances.

The Freddie Roach-trained fighter's original opponent, Mylik Birdsong, was tragically killed in front of his mother's house during a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on September 30. 

Days later, Mexican contender Oliver Quintana was secured as a replacement opponent. But on Tuesday, it was revealed that Quintana couldn't enter the country to make his United States debut. 

Yeritsyan (18-1, 14 KOs) promoter Tom Loeffler had to work the phones to make some 11th-hour fight-week magic happen, and now, on four days' notice, the Armenian contender will face former junior featherweight titleholder Jonathan Romero (35-5, 19 KOs) at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. The bout will stream on UFC Fight Pass on the undercard of a 360 Promotions event headlined by featherweights Omar Trinidad and Hector Sosa. 

“It's the first time I've had to switch opponents like this so late, and it's played with my nerves a little bit, but I have the experience and I'm ready to fight,” Yeritsyan told BoxingScene. “I've been training hard with Freddie for the last two months for all kinds of different styles. I've been sparring hard at Wild Card preparing for my return fight. I'm 100 per cent ready. I’m going to go into the ring and show a night of beautiful boxing on Saturday. I’ve been focusing on fighting with smart aggressiveness. Romero has experience, but no one will stop me. Of course, a knockout win will be good and I know that I can stop him but I need to win by any means necessary.

Romero, 37, became a titleholder in 2013 when he picked up the vacant 122-pound IBF title against Alejandro Lopez with a split decision only to lose the belt in his next fight against Kiko Martinez via sixth-round TKO for his first career loss. The streaky Romero, a 15-year-old pro from Colombia, then reeled off 12 straight wins against unheralded competition, but he's lost his last four fights over the last 15 months – three via stoppage – to Kenneth Sims Jnr, Manuel Jaimes, Albert Bell and Abraham Nova. 

Yeritsyan, 29, is coming off a controversial 10-round split decision loss against fellow Armenian countryman Aram Amirkhanyan in July in a fight that many observers believed Yeritsyan won.

“Everyone knows I didn't lose my last fight,” said Yeritsyan. “It was a big gift to my opponent, but I can't do anything about it. It's time to only move forward. I am ready for the top 10 guys at 147 pounds. Freddie knows. Tom knows. And I know. But first I need a good comeback and a beautiful knockout win against Romero.” 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter whose work has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine and more. He has been writing for BoxingScene since 2018. Manouk is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , LinkedIn and YouTube , through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com .

Boxing coach John Pullman reflected on Chris Colbert’s recent ninth-round knockout loss to Omar Salcido last Wednesday, where Colbert’s coach threw in the towel to stop the fight. 

Pullman, who trained Tugstsogt Nyambayar when he fought Colbert in 2021 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, shared his thoughts on Colbert’s decline in performance since their bout.

Now 17-3 (6 KOs), Colbert’s last great night, one might say, was against Nyambayar, 12-2-1 (9 KOs). Against Salcido, a 24-year-old Mexican lightweight, the 28-year-old New York native Colbert didn’t quite look the same. 

“I know Colbert,” Pullman told BoxingScene. “He spent about a month training at a gym I had with Buddy [McGirt] and another manager, Andy. This was early in his career when he was 7-0 or 8-0, so I got to know him pretty well. Watching him on Wednesday, though, he just looked like a shell of himself.”

Pullman described Colbert as a fighter who, despite not being technically sound, made up for it with his natural abilities. Colbert might have had flaws, but he was very awkward and difficult to fight based on his unique style. 

“Chris was never the most technically sharp fighter, but his athleticism, speed, and instincts made up for it. He wasn’t a big puncher, and a lot of that I think could have to do with his punch technique. But he had great reflexes and a good boxing brain,” Pullman said. “Now, he’s lost a bit of that athleticism and speed, and his fundamentals just aren’t there, so he’s getting hit with everything and can’t get out of the way. His punch resistance doesn’t look great, either, and that might come from not living the most disciplined life.”

Comparing Colbert’s recent form to when he fought Nyambayar, Pullman noted a stark difference. 

“When he fought Tug, he was still fast, bigger, and his reflexes were there,” Pullman reflected. “Tug took that fight on short notice and wasn’t as prepared as he should have been, but Colbert’s skills were still sharp then.

“Now, it’s almost like the Roy Jones syndrome,” Pullman said. “Roy wasn’t technically sound either, but as soon as his reflexes and speed faded, he started getting knocked out a lot. I see something similar happening with Colbert.”

As for what’s next for Colbert, Pullman expressed concern about his future in the sport. 

“I think he should retire or at least take a long break,” Pullman said. “I’ll never tell a man what he can or can’t do, but based on that performance, he just didn’t look like himself. He couldn’t even make 135 pounds for the fight, so going down in weight doesn’t seem like an option. Maybe years of draining himself to make weight have taken something out of him too. I don’t know what the answer is for him.”

Despite being in opposing corners on one fight night, Pullman separated his humanity from his trade when thinking of Colbert: "I honestly wish the best in life for him."

Junior bantamweight Daniel Barrera, 23, from Eastvale, California, is set to showcase the results of a focused training camp when he returns to the ring this Saturday at Commerce Casino in Commerce, California. After four months' inactivity, Barrera has been training away from home and is ready to show the importance of this sacrifice on fight night.

Barrera, 7-0-1 (4 KOs), will face Angel Geovanny Meza Morales, 8-1-3 (6 KOs), in a pivotal matchup on a card promoted by 360 Promotions, airing on UFC Fight Pass. Morales, a 24-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, is riding a two-fight win streak since his sole career last September, and will make his U.S. debut.

“He likes to throw big bombs, big hooks, so it’s about not getting caught with dumb shots we didn’t see,” Barrera told BoxingScene.

Finding footage on Morales wasn’t easy, Barrera admits, but he’s prepared. “We managed to find some tape. He’s hungry—this is his U.S. debut, and he wants to make a name for himself,” Barrera said, before invoking an oft-repeated Mike Tyson soundbite. “But everyone’s got a plan until they get punched.”

In his last fight against Christian Robles, Barrera suffered a cut but stayed composed. He credits his corner for keeping him calm and allowing him to go the full eight rounds. Barrera recalls the experience. 

“I was calm, patient, and I didn't freak out even when I got a cut, so that was exciting for me, and that I could do all eight rounds,” Barrera said.

For this camp, Barrera trained in Arizona with long-time coach Al Franco, father of former pro boxer Daniel "Twitch" Franco. The shift away from distractions has helped to sharpen his focus. Franco moved to Arizona roughly two years ago. “He likes to take me away, to get me away from any distractions, and get that anger out of me, so I can display it in the fight,” Barrera said.

Staying active is another key for Barrera, who thanks 360 Promotions for keeping him busy.  “We just do what we need to do. We fight, take a little break and then go again,” Barrera said. “I have improved more as a professional now that we've been busy rather than, you know, fighting every six months or so.”

Looking ahead, Barrera is hoping to progress to 10-round fights by the end of next year with hopes of being in the main event of a card in the future. “But that’s up to my team,” Barrera said.

Boxing coach John Pullman, known for his sharp insights and deep knowledge of the sport, shared his thoughts after witnessing junior middleweight IBF titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev score a technical knockout over Tim Tszyu on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Tszyu, who headlined Premier Boxing Champions’ first pay-per-view card in March, lost a majority decision to Sebastian Fundora. That fight left him with a significant gash, so severe it postponed a scheduled August bout with Vergil Ortiz Jnr.

Pullman reflected on the tough path Tszyu, 24-2 (17 KOs), has faced.

“I saw a guy coming off a tough fight with Fundora, but he looked good. He looked fast, strong,” Pullman said. “It was like two buzzsaws coming after each other, and Murtazaliev was cracking Tszyu with good shots. Murtazaliev could take them. Tszyu cracked him too, but he just couldn’t take it. It seemed like the other guy had a better chin, a better punch resistance.”

Pullman pinpointed the key factor that caused Tszyu’s struggles: the left hook from Murtazaliev, 23-0 (17 KOs).

“The left hook of Murtazaliev kept putting him down,” Pullman explained. “Tszyu would recover a bit, and then the left hook would get him again. Maybe he couldn’t see that punch well, but that shot kept hurting him.

“When you get knocked down, you realize this guy might be tougher than I thought. At that point you need another path to victory, but it seemed like Tszyu didn’t have any other answers but to just punch.”

Reflecting on the impact of Tszyu’s previous cut from the Fundora fight, Pullman considered it might have played a role in his performance.

“I think he was concerned about the cut he suffered against Fundora,” Pullman said. “He probably worried it would open up again, especially with the headbutt. That fight took a lot out of him. Maybe he could feel Murtazaliev’s strength and presence right away. You can sense someone’s energy when you get in the ring, and Tszyu might have realized he was in for more than he expected.”

Pullman acknowledged the cumulative toll Tszyu’s recent bouts may have taken.

“He bled a lot against Fundora, so he was probably thinking, ‘Am I bleeding again? Do I have to deal with this again?’” Pullman said. “That fight with Fundora didn’t seem like as much of a beating as this one. This fight took a lot out of him.”

Bakhram Murtazaliev had the world title going into his fight Saturday night with Tim Tszyu, but it was Tszyu who had the bigger name and better track record.

“I think he became somewhat of a star overnight,” said Joe Rotonda, director of operations for Main Events, which promotes Murtazaliev. Rotonda spoke with BoxingScene.com on Monday. “It’s incredible. I’m happy for him. The kid waited a long time. [Jermell] Charlo didn’t want to fight him for however many years. He just spent that time getting better.”

The performance reminded Rotonda of when another Main Events fighter, Sergey Kovalev, traveled to Wales and took out the previously unbeaten Nathan Cleverly in four rounds in 2013 to win his first light heavyweight world title.

“Other than UFC Fight Night, there was no competition as far as combat sports,” Rotonda said. “If you were a diehard or maybe a casual fan, you were probably home watching that fight and you watched Bakhram take over the world right there. I think everyone tuned in, and I think everyone said, ‘Holy shit, there’s a new sheriff in town at 154.’”

Rotonda said Main Events head Kathy Duva will work with Murtazaliev’s team on the path forward, and that the path may depend on what happens in upcoming fights among the other top junior middleweights.

“The division is hot,” Rotonda said. “There’s no easy roads moving forward, but it’s all fun, big fights no matter who you line up against.”

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.

This was supposed to be the start of a road forward for Carlos Jackson.

Jackson, at 35 years old, came in with a record of 20-1 (13 KOs). Main Events was optimistic . Jackson’s team felt that the move down from 126 pounds, where his lone loss occurred, would benefit him.

“Carlos got lit the fuck up,” Joe Rotonda, director of operations for Main Events, said in an interview with BoxingScene.com. “That kid [Allen] took the fight on like two weeks' notice. He was just a great opponent. He was 10-8. He had never been stopped. The kid was ready. He’s been in the gym. He got there fight week and, just talking to him, the guy was there to fight rather than just get paid. He jumped on [Jackson] and poured it on him from the start. Carlos couldn’t recover.”

Indeed, Allen hadn’t won a fight since 2019. He’d lost five in a row. He’d had multiple periods of extended inactivity. And only two of Allen’s 10 previous victories had come against opponents with more wins than losses.

But as Rotonda said, Allen had never been stopped. He’d gone the distance against some decent fighters.

“You’re constantly rolling the dice on guys. Especially when you first sign a guy,” Rotonda said. “First time working for him. Unfortunately, he did show up and missed weight. That was a huge red flag. He was underprepared, I think.”

Jackson turned pro in 2015 at the relatively late age of 26. He won his first 16 bouts before dropping a unanimous decision to Enrique Vivas (18-1 at the time) in July 2020. Jackson notched three more wins, then stepped away from the ring from September 2022 until this April, returning with a fifth-round TKO of Alexis Bastar (then 18-2-1).

This is clearly not the outcome that Main Events had in mind with its latest signee.

“I got to talk to his manager,” Rotonda said. “The kid’s 35. That was his second fight in two years. You got to see where his head’s at. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

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.

The rankings and policies of the International Boxing Federation [IBF] have come into sharp focus in recent months because of the sanctioning body enforcing nonsensical mandatories and kyboshing undisputed championships in the process.

In particular, Oleksandr Usyk at heavyweight and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at super middleweight relinquished their IBF belt rather than face an opponent who would not progress their career and, at light heavyweight, Artur Beterbiev might soon become the latest undisputed king to do the same.

Though the strict rules of the IBF have long been understood, it’s still maddening when they - without any self-awareness mere days after all four belts have been unified - put forth their leading contender against whom the champion must defend before a set deadline. The demands would be easier to stomach if the contender in question was long overdue a shot or even just remotely worthy of one. Too often, that is simply not the case.

A study of the IBF rankings across the 17 weight classes reveals that, in at least six of them, the organization has some serious explaining to do in regard to their choice for the most deserving.

Heavyweight

Quite why the IBF chose to make the June 1 contest between Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic for the ‘interim’ title is unknown when, just two weeks before, Oleksandr Usyk had defended the full fat version of the championship against Tyson Fury, gaining undisputed status in the process. 

Admittedly, the IBF aren’t the only sanctioning body who have no idea what the word ‘interim’ means but, even so, their subsequent request for Usyk to face Dubois was ludicrous. Acutely aware that Usyk was contracted to a rematch with Fury, the IBF made the demand while being all but certain it could not be adhered to. 

Moreover, why are they demanding that Usyk face a boxer he defeated as recently as last year?  

Cruiserweight

The IBF champion, Jai Opetaia, is widely regarded as the best fighter in the division so no harm done there. However, his leading contender is a 39-year-old Turkish-born German called Huseyin Cinkara. 

Cinkara has a glossy 22-0 (18 KOs) record but closer inspection reveals he hasn’t defeated anyone – not a single soul – to merit his place in the Top 10, much less the Top 1. For context, he is unranked by TBRB and The Ring.

Light heavyweight

Last week, about 23 minutes after Artur Beterbiev outscored Dmitry Bivol in a battle for all four straps, the IBF confirmed that the undisputed champion’s next fight should come against Germany’s Michael Eifert, 13-1 (5 KOs). 

Quite what Eifert has done to be regarded as a worthy opponent for one of the best fighters in boxing is unclear – surely a 12-round points win over 79-year-old Jean Pascal last March wasn’t enough. 

Eifert is unranked by TBRB and The Ring.

Super middleweight

When Canelo Alvarez opted to relinquish his IBF title – forfeiting undisputed status in the process – rather than face William Scull, nobody accused the Mexican of running scared. Scull, unranked by The Ring before he edged Vladimir Shishkin to win the vacant gong last weekend, had done very little to deserve his place atop the IBF 168 rankings and hadn’t partaken in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds in more than two years. Scull-Shishkin was largely ignored by the boxing media because few within the industry viewed it as a worthwhile world title fight. 

Welterweight

In January last year, Jaron “Boots” Ennis won every round of 12 on all three scorecards against Karen Chukhadzhian in a bout for that pesky ‘interim’ trinket. It was not an exciting scrap nor was there a shred of controversy. Ennis, subsequently upgraded to full IBF champion, was this year ordered to face Chukhadzian, 24-2 (13 KOs) in a sequel nobody, bar the IBF, wants or would ever consider worthwhile. It takes place on November 9 and will be difficult to get even a little bit excited by.

Since losing to Ennis, the Ukrainian – unranked by TBRB and The Ring – won three bouts against opposition so middling it’s a genuine mystery how he achieved a No.1 rating.

Super flyweight

Exciting Argentinian Fernando Martinez merits his status as a world champion, finding himself ranked No.1 in the division by both TBRB and The Ring. His leading contender, who sounds like an arch enemy of Harry Potter, is unranked by TBRB and The Ring, however. Mexico’s Willibaldo Garcia, 22-5-1 (13 KOs), has not ventured back into world class since losing to Paul Butler three years ago, nor has he even once competed in a contest scheduled for more than 10 rounds.

Miyo Yoshida and Shurretta Metcalf both made weight ahead of their IBF women’s bantamweight title fight tomorrow at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. 

The fight will be broadcast on ProBox TV (which owns BoxingScene) and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Both fighters came in below the bantamweight limit, with Yoshida weighing in at 117.2lbs and Metcalf coming in at 116.4lbs.

This bout is a rematch of their fight last year. Yoshida, 17-4 (4 KOs), is originally from Japan but now residing in New York City, and aims to avenge a unanimous decision loss to Metcalf, 13-4-1 (2 KOs), of Dallas, Texas. After her loss to Metcalf, Yoshida took a short-notice fight in San Francisco, where she dethroned IBF titleholder Ebanie Bridges.

Neither the 36-year-old Yoshida nor 39-year-old Metcalf has fought in 2024 so far.

The co-feature will see the return of Mykquan Williams, who will be fighting for the third time this year. Williams, 21-0-2 (10 KOs), knocked out Luis Feliciano to start 2024 on ProBox TV and recorded a sixth-round technical knockout victory in June.

Williams, 26, from East Hartford, Connecticut, weighed in at the junior welterweight limit of 140.0 lbs, while his opponent, 33-year-old Lavisas Williams from Rochester, New York, came in at 138.6 lbs.

Full weigh-in results below:

Women's Bantamweight - 10 rounds

Junior welterweight - eight rounds

Light heavyweights - six rounds

Junior lightweight - 10 rounds

Heavyweights - eight rounds