Delfine Persoon lands vacant title fight in Michigan |
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On February 10th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Belgian legend Delfine Persoon and rising Canadian Caroline Veyre will face off for the vacant WBC junior lightweight title. This match-up represents a clash of and contrasting styles. On one side, the veteran Persoon seeks to reclaim her status as champion; on the other, Veyre (10-1) aims to solidify her name among the world’s elite following a brilliant amateur career and a rapid rise through the professional ranks. Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs), a former world lightweight champion and one of the most relentless fighters of the last decade, enters this bout on a mission to wrap the WBC belt around her waist once more. Following battles against icons like Katie Taylor and Alycia Baumgardner, the “Belgian Police Officer” looks to prove that her stamina and punch volume remain the gold standard at 130 pounds.
Meanwhile, the 37 year-old Veyre, born in France and residing in Canada, emerges as a major threat. Her technical prowess and speed—which earned her Pan American gold and allowed her to compete at the highest Olympic level—make her a formidable challenger for the crown.
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Delfine Persoon lands vacant title fight in Michigan
On February 10th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Belgian legend Delfine Persoon and rising Canadian Caroline Veyre will face off for the vacant WBC junior lightweight title. This match-up represents a clash of and contrasting styles. On one side, the veteran Persoon seeks to reclaim her status as champion; on the other, Veyre (10-1) aims to solidify her name among the world’s elite following a brilliant amateur career and a rapid rise through the professional ranks. Persoon (50-3, 20 KOs), a former world lightweight champion and one of the most relentless fighters of the last decade, enters this bout on a mission to wrap the WBC belt around her waist once more. Following battles against icons like Katie Taylor and Alycia Baumgardner, the “Belgian Police Officer” looks to prove that her stamina and punch volume remain the gold standard at 130 pounds.
Meanwhile, the 37 year-old Veyre, born in France and residing in Canada, emerges as a major threat. Her technical prowess and speed—which earned her Pan American gold and allowed her to compete at the highest Olympic level—make her a formidable challenger for the crown.
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IBF calls for Jonas vs. Pili purse bid |
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On November 12th, the IBF ordered Natasha Jonas of the UK and Flora Pili of France to begin negotiations to set up a contest for the vacant IBF interim junior welterweight title. An agreement was not be reached in the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so the sanctioning body has scheduled a purse bid for February 3rd. Jonas lost her last fight, a March 2025 welterweight unification bout, to Lauren Price. Overall, she is a two-division champ with a 16-3-1 record. Pili is 12-0 and has fought a good level of competition. The IBF, and true world junior welterweight champion is Katie Taylor of Ireland.
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IBF calls for Jonas vs. Pili purse bid
On November 12th, the IBF ordered Natasha Jonas of the UK and Flora Pili of France to begin negotiations to set up a contest for the vacant IBF interim junior welterweight title. An agreement was not be reached in the timeframe set forth by the IBF, so the sanctioning body has scheduled a purse bid for February 3rd. Jonas lost her last fight, a March 2025 welterweight unification bout, to Lauren Price. Overall, she is a two-division champ with a 16-3-1 record. Pili is 12-0 and has fought a good level of competition. The IBF, and true world junior welterweight champion is Katie Taylor of Ireland.
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Colorado's Troy Nash to open Zuffa Boxing 01 |
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Colorado featherweight Troy Nash (5-0-1) arrives in Zuffa Boxing with the backing of his family, and a dream of becoming a champion. Nash and Jaycob Ramos (4-0) will share the honor of being the fighters involved in the first fight in Zuffa Boxing history when they kick off the show at Zuffa Boxing 01 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Friday night. For Nash, it's the start of an thrilling new adventure after a promising start to his professional boxing career. "Man, I'm excited," he told UFC.com during a fight week sit-down interview this week. "You know, this was a long time coming. I had a lot of companies offer me, but Zuffa was the one that I felt was the best fit for me. And everything that comes along with being a Zuffa fighter just been a great experience. How they treated me and my team is wonderful, so it feels great to be a part of this."
"My uncles and my father used to box before I was born, and just fighting around the neighborhood and stuff kind of got me into boxing," he explained. "Instead of fighting in the streets, I started going to the gym and fighting kids in the gym, and that's kind of what made me want to stick with it. I remember I went to New Mexico with my uncle for a fight, and just the passion that I had for it as a young kid, I just felt so much into the fight. And then, once I started fighting myself, it was like something that I just did every single day at school – all I could think about was boxing, so I knew that was it was for me."
Nash made his pro debut in March 2024 and, despite being a new face on the card, he helped pack out the Boulder Theater as he claimed a unanimous decision victory to get his career off to a winning start. While a debut victory is always a sweet memory for a fighter, Nash said it was the response from the crowd that really resonated with him that night. "The thing I remember most was all my family that showed up, because it was in Boulder, about two hours away from my hometown, and I still sold, I think, 2,000 tickets, something like that," he recalled. "So, to sell out the venue in my pro debut, and just hearing all the fans going wild and everything, that was great."
Since then, Nash has gone on to add four more victories to his ledger and while his last outing saw him fight to a split draw in the WBC Grand Prix quarter-finals in Riyadh, Nash had already shown more than enough to convince the Zuffa Boxing brass to offer him a contract.
He'll face Ramos on Friday night in a 129-pound catchweight contest over six rounds in a battle of undefeateds. Nash said he knows he'll face a stern test of his skills, but said that it should result in an entertaining matchup for the fans. "I think my opponent is going to come tough and ready to fight," he said. "You know, this is my fifth or sixth undefeated opponent that I'm taking on now in my young career. So I know that a guy that's undefeated, he's not coming to lay down, and he'll come in there and give it his all. So it's going to be a great fight."
As well as his family, Nash revealed that he also received some valuable encouragement early in his boxing journey from a multi-time world champion. "Growing up as a kid, Adrien Broner actually trained at my gym, so he would come from Cincinnati to train in Colorado," Nash explained. "Just watching him fight... and then having him actually come and train next to us and give me motivation and words as a seven, eight-year-old kid, it made me really want to stick with boxing. And so him, and then Floyd Mayweather, are definitely people I looked up to as a kid a lot."
Inspired by the skills of the likes of Broner and Mayweather, and backed by his family, including his father, who corners and trains him, Nash is ready to step into the Meta APEX and introduce himself to the wider boxing world. "I want (the fans) to know that I'm a great boxer in the ring. I take my time, break my opponents down," he said. "The fans will be watching a great fight, and then, boom, something exciting will just happen out of nowhere. So, I want the fans to just not leave their seat, pay attention the whole time, because it's going to be a masterclass going on – and then a knockout."
He's already guaranteed to make history by competing in the first-ever Zuffa Boxing bout, but Nash admitted he'd love to etch his name into the record books as one of the first fighters to make their way up the ladder and eventually win a Zuffa belt. "Oh, that'll mean a lot. That means it's history," he smiled."I'll be the first one of the first Zuffa world champions ever. We got a long way to go, as far as the history of Zuffa Boxing, and for my name to be submitted as one of the first champions ever, I know that would be great. It's going to go down in history."
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Colorado's Troy Nash to open Zuffa Boxing 01
Colorado featherweight Troy Nash (5-0-1) arrives in Zuffa Boxing with the backing of his family, and a dream of becoming a champion. Nash and Jaycob Ramos (4-0) will share the honor of being the fighters involved in the first fight in Zuffa Boxing history when they kick off the show at Zuffa Boxing 01 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Friday night. For Nash, it's the start of an thrilling new adventure after a promising start to his professional boxing career. "Man, I'm excited," he told UFC.com during a fight week sit-down interview this week. "You know, this was a long time coming. I had a lot of companies offer me, but Zuffa was the one that I felt was the best fit for me. And everything that comes along with being a Zuffa fighter just been a great experience. How they treated me and my team is wonderful, so it feels great to be a part of this."
"My uncles and my father used to box before I was born, and just fighting around the neighborhood and stuff kind of got me into boxing," he explained. "Instead of fighting in the streets, I started going to the gym and fighting kids in the gym, and that's kind of what made me want to stick with it. I remember I went to New Mexico with my uncle for a fight, and just the passion that I had for it as a young kid, I just felt so much into the fight. And then, once I started fighting myself, it was like something that I just did every single day at school – all I could think about was boxing, so I knew that was it was for me."
Nash made his pro debut in March 2024 and, despite being a new face on the card, he helped pack out the Boulder Theater as he claimed a unanimous decision victory to get his career off to a winning start. While a debut victory is always a sweet memory for a fighter, Nash said it was the response from the crowd that really resonated with him that night. "The thing I remember most was all my family that showed up, because it was in Boulder, about two hours away from my hometown, and I still sold, I think, 2,000 tickets, something like that," he recalled. "So, to sell out the venue in my pro debut, and just hearing all the fans going wild and everything, that was great."
Since then, Nash has gone on to add four more victories to his ledger and while his last outing saw him fight to a split draw in the WBC Grand Prix quarter-finals in Riyadh, Nash had already shown more than enough to convince the Zuffa Boxing brass to offer him a contract.
He'll face Ramos on Friday night in a 129-pound catchweight contest over six rounds in a battle of undefeateds. Nash said he knows he'll face a stern test of his skills, but said that it should result in an entertaining matchup for the fans. "I think my opponent is going to come tough and ready to fight," he said. "You know, this is my fifth or sixth undefeated opponent that I'm taking on now in my young career. So I know that a guy that's undefeated, he's not coming to lay down, and he'll come in there and give it his all. So it's going to be a great fight."
As well as his family, Nash revealed that he also received some valuable encouragement early in his boxing journey from a multi-time world champion. "Growing up as a kid, Adrien Broner actually trained at my gym, so he would come from Cincinnati to train in Colorado," Nash explained. "Just watching him fight... and then having him actually come and train next to us and give me motivation and words as a seven, eight-year-old kid, it made me really want to stick with boxing. And so him, and then Floyd Mayweather, are definitely people I looked up to as a kid a lot."
Inspired by the skills of the likes of Broner and Mayweather, and backed by his family, including his father, who corners and trains him, Nash is ready to step into the Meta APEX and introduce himself to the wider boxing world. "I want (the fans) to know that I'm a great boxer in the ring. I take my time, break my opponents down," he said. "The fans will be watching a great fight, and then, boom, something exciting will just happen out of nowhere. So, I want the fans to just not leave their seat, pay attention the whole time, because it's going to be a masterclass going on – and then a knockout."
He's already guaranteed to make history by competing in the first-ever Zuffa Boxing bout, but Nash admitted he'd love to etch his name into the record books as one of the first fighters to make their way up the ladder and eventually win a Zuffa belt. "Oh, that'll mean a lot. That means it's history," he smiled."I'll be the first one of the first Zuffa world champions ever. We got a long way to go, as far as the history of Zuffa Boxing, and for my name to be submitted as one of the first champions ever, I know that would be great. It's going to go down in history."
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Cantero vs. Unco tops Sampson Boxing show |
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Argentiean super bantamweights Alan Cantero and Juan Cruz Unco will step into the ring at the F.A.B. Stadium in Buenos Aires on January 31st. The bout will headline a well-matched card promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz and Tello Boxing in the nation's capital, featuring a strong lineup of emerging talent. “Chapu” Cantero, age 24, is a fighter who consistently brings pressure and has proven to be a tough, reliable opponent. After suffering a loss in his professional debut in 2022, Cantero regrouped and has remained unbeaten ever since. Unco, also 24, nicknamed “El Diablo,” presents an intriguing contrast. Paradoxically, despite having one more professional bout than his rival, he could be considered the less experienced fighter, as he has never competed in a scheduled ten-round fight—something he will be doing for the first time on this occasion.
Cantero enters the fight with a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 6 knockouts, while Unco stands at 9 victories, 3 defeats, 1 draw, and 1 knockout.
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Cantero vs. Unco tops Sampson Boxing show
Argentiean super bantamweights Alan Cantero and Juan Cruz Unco will step into the ring at the F.A.B. Stadium in Buenos Aires on January 31st. The bout will headline a well-matched card promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz and Tello Boxing in the nation's capital, featuring a strong lineup of emerging talent. “Chapu” Cantero, age 24, is a fighter who consistently brings pressure and has proven to be a tough, reliable opponent. After suffering a loss in his professional debut in 2022, Cantero regrouped and has remained unbeaten ever since. Unco, also 24, nicknamed “El Diablo,” presents an intriguing contrast. Paradoxically, despite having one more professional bout than his rival, he could be considered the less experienced fighter, as he has never competed in a scheduled ten-round fight—something he will be doing for the first time on this occasion.
Cantero enters the fight with a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 6 knockouts, while Unco stands at 9 victories, 3 defeats, 1 draw, and 1 knockout.
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Horiike picks up OPBF title on the road |
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Hiroki Horiike W10 Joo Young Kim... Japanese junior welterweight Hiroki Horiike ventured to South Korea where he was crowned the new OPBF champion after defeating local favorite Joo Young Kim (20-3-3) via majority decision. The event, hosted by promoter Han Sang Kim in the South Korean capital of Seoul, drew an enthusiastic crowd to witness a high-level clash between two of the region’s top 140-pounders. From the opening bell, Horiike (7-0) displayed unwavering determination against the defending regional champion. The bout was a physical game of chess, where the Japanese challenger successfully imposed his rhythm during key rounds, neutralizing Kim’s aggressive style in front of his home crowd. The judges’ scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the fight, with one judge viewing it 95-95 but getting overruled by his two colleagues, 96-94 and 97-93.
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Horiike picks up OPBF title on the road
Hiroki Horiike W10 Joo Young Kim... Japanese junior welterweight Hiroki Horiike ventured to South Korea where he was crowned the new OPBF champion after defeating local favorite Joo Young Kim (20-3-3) via majority decision. The event, hosted by promoter Han Sang Kim in the South Korean capital of Seoul, drew an enthusiastic crowd to witness a high-level clash between two of the region’s top 140-pounders. From the opening bell, Horiike (7-0) displayed unwavering determination against the defending regional champion. The bout was a physical game of chess, where the Japanese challenger successfully imposed his rhythm during key rounds, neutralizing Kim’s aggressive style in front of his home crowd. The judges’ scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the fight, with one judge viewing it 95-95 but getting overruled by his two colleagues, 96-94 and 97-93.
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Romane Moulai books February fight in Marseilles |
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The IBO reports that Romane Moulai (7-1 including loss in a paid IBA bout less than a year ago) will make her first defense of the IBO women's light flyweight title in Marseille, France on February 7th. Moulai followed up the IBA loss by winning the IBO's vacant title against Silvia Torres in June, and then winning a non-title fight in November. For the February fight, Moulai will be challenged by Althea Shine Pores (6-0-1) of the Philippines.
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Romane Moulai books February fight in Marseilles
The IBO reports that Romane Moulai (7-1 including loss in a paid IBA bout less than a year ago) will make her first defense of the IBO women's light flyweight title in Marseille, France on February 7th. Moulai followed up the IBA loss by winning the IBO's vacant title against Silvia Torres in June, and then winning a non-title fight in November. For the February fight, Moulai will be challenged by Althea Shine Pores (6-0-1) of the Philippines.
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Sanchez vs. Torrez purse bid postponed |
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UPDATE: The Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez, Jr. purse bid has been postponed to January 27th... With ex-champion Daniel Dubois passing on the opportunity to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF heavyweight eliminator, on December 2, 2025, the IBF ordered Richard Torrez, Jr. to begin negotiations with Sanchez for the IBF #1 ranking. An agreement was not reached during the time frame set forth by the IBF, so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for January 22nd. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). In that fight, Sanchez was in the ring for the first time since a seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Torres, a 2021 Olympic silver medal winner, is14-0 as a professional.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
NOV. 13, 2025: The IBF has postponed a Frank Sanchez vs. Daniel Dubois purse for one week. It was scheduled for today (November 13th) but has been postponed to November 20th. If the bout occurs, it will be a heavyweight elimination bout. The e-mail stated, "the IBF is continuing in its efforts to schedule a heavyweight elimination bout."
NOV. 4, 2025: In August, a purse bid was held for a fight between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba, but the bids were not high enough to entice the boxers to accept, particularly Ajagba. The IBF moved on to a fromer champion, ordering Sanchez to begin negotiations with Daniel Dubois on October 7th. Dubois' last fight was a KO loss in a unification fight vs. the true world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Normally, the IBF does not invite a boxer coming off a knockout loss to take part in an eliminator, but apparently an exception was made for Dubois. In any event, no agreement was reached between Sanchez and Dubois so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for November 13th. It remains to be seen whether Dubois will be interested in a fight vs. the Cuban Sanchez. After a 2024 loss to Agit Kabayel, Sanchez had one very low-level fight in 2025, beating a man with a losing record in February.
AUG 26, 2025: Sampson Boxing won a purse bid today and now has the right to promote an IBF heavyweight elimination bout between Cuba's Frank Sanchez and Nigeria's Efe Ajagba. Sampson's winning bid was $302,000, which will be split 60% for Ajagba and 40% for Sanchez, assuming both men accept the fight. A decision from the boxers to accept or decline is due in fifteen days. Top Rank, Ajagba's promoter, put up a losing bid for $210,000. Under IBF rules, Sampson must schedule the bout to take place within 28 to 90 days and not more than 90 days from today, which is Monday, November 24th. If the fight happens, it will be a rematch of a ten-round fight in 2021 that Sanchez won by unanimous decision. The winner becomes the IBF mandatory contender for undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but the path to an actual title shot is unclear because Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles which puts him in a position to pick and choose his fights. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). Echeverria was once on the losing end of a fixed fight. Sanchez was fighting for the first time since his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Ajagba (20-1-1) last fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against 299-pound Martin Bakole. After ten rounds, Bakole was fortunate to come away with a draw against Efe Ajagba (pictured). After ten rounds, the judges adjudicated the bout 96-94 for Ajagba, 95-95 and 95-95, making it a majority draw. It wasn't a robbery, but Ajagba was more active, had superior ring generalship and seemed to land more punches. Bakole landed a few harder punches, and that was enough to convince two judges to award a stalemate. AUG. 19, 2025: A purse bid for an IBF heavyweight eliminator is back on the books after a few previous postponements.. The promotional rights to a potential Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba rematch is scheduled to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 12 noon. Sanchez defeated Ajagba by unanimous decision in 2021, but with heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora jockeying for bigger fights, Sanchez and Ajagba are the two highest ranked fighters in the IBF ratings to enter the elimination process. Undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. AUG. 11, 2025: The IBF announced that the Efe Ajagba vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid has been postponed until further notice. AUG. 4, 2025: When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, on July 24th, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. MAY 19, 2024: In a WBC heavyweight eliminator held on the big Riyadh, Saudi Arabia show, Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) made a huge career move forward, stopping the favored and previously undefeated Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs) in round seven. Kabayel defeated Sanchez with a strong body attack. The normally mobile Sanchez fought with a brace on his right knee. Kabayel is Kurdish but lives in Germany. OCT. 10, 2021: Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) scored one knockdown on his way to a comfortable, ten-round unanimous decision win over Efe Ajagba. Sanchez used his superior boxing skills to keep the hard-hitting Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) off-balance for the entire fight. The “Cuban Flash” displayed his power as well, flooring Ajagba with a hard right in the seventh. A follow-up left hook which landed a tick after Ajagba’s knee hit the canvas Ajagba made it to his feet and survived the round but never seriously threatened on his way to the first defeat of his career. Sanchez said afterwards, "I knew I was going to win all the rounds because I’m much better than him technically. I knew that if I connected, he would fall and he did fall. My game plan was always to frustrate him and go in for the attack."
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Sanchez vs. Torrez purse bid postponed
UPDATE: The Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez, Jr. purse bid has been postponed to January 27th... With ex-champion Daniel Dubois passing on the opportunity to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF heavyweight eliminator, on December 2, 2025, the IBF ordered Richard Torrez, Jr. to begin negotiations with Sanchez for the IBF #1 ranking. An agreement was not reached during the time frame set forth by the IBF, so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for January 22nd. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). In that fight, Sanchez was in the ring for the first time since a seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Torres, a 2021 Olympic silver medal winner, is14-0 as a professional.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
NOV. 13, 2025: The IBF has postponed a Frank Sanchez vs. Daniel Dubois purse for one week. It was scheduled for today (November 13th) but has been postponed to November 20th. If the bout occurs, it will be a heavyweight elimination bout. The e-mail stated, "the IBF is continuing in its efforts to schedule a heavyweight elimination bout."
NOV. 4, 2025: In August, a purse bid was held for a fight between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba, but the bids were not high enough to entice the boxers to accept, particularly Ajagba. The IBF moved on to a fromer champion, ordering Sanchez to begin negotiations with Daniel Dubois on October 7th. Dubois' last fight was a KO loss in a unification fight vs. the true world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Normally, the IBF does not invite a boxer coming off a knockout loss to take part in an eliminator, but apparently an exception was made for Dubois. In any event, no agreement was reached between Sanchez and Dubois so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for November 13th. It remains to be seen whether Dubois will be interested in a fight vs. the Cuban Sanchez. After a 2024 loss to Agit Kabayel, Sanchez had one very low-level fight in 2025, beating a man with a losing record in February.
AUG 26, 2025: Sampson Boxing won a purse bid today and now has the right to promote an IBF heavyweight elimination bout between Cuba's Frank Sanchez and Nigeria's Efe Ajagba. Sampson's winning bid was $302,000, which will be split 60% for Ajagba and 40% for Sanchez, assuming both men accept the fight. A decision from the boxers to accept or decline is due in fifteen days. Top Rank, Ajagba's promoter, put up a losing bid for $210,000. Under IBF rules, Sampson must schedule the bout to take place within 28 to 90 days and not more than 90 days from today, which is Monday, November 24th. If the fight happens, it will be a rematch of a ten-round fight in 2021 that Sanchez won by unanimous decision. The winner becomes the IBF mandatory contender for undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but the path to an actual title shot is unclear because Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles which puts him in a position to pick and choose his fights. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). Echeverria was once on the losing end of a fixed fight. Sanchez was fighting for the first time since his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Ajagba (20-1-1) last fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against 299-pound Martin Bakole. After ten rounds, Bakole was fortunate to come away with a draw against Efe Ajagba (pictured). After ten rounds, the judges adjudicated the bout 96-94 for Ajagba, 95-95 and 95-95, making it a majority draw. It wasn't a robbery, but Ajagba was more active, had superior ring generalship and seemed to land more punches. Bakole landed a few harder punches, and that was enough to convince two judges to award a stalemate. AUG. 19, 2025: A purse bid for an IBF heavyweight eliminator is back on the books after a few previous postponements.. The promotional rights to a potential Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba rematch is scheduled to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 12 noon. Sanchez defeated Ajagba by unanimous decision in 2021, but with heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora jockeying for bigger fights, Sanchez and Ajagba are the two highest ranked fighters in the IBF ratings to enter the elimination process. Undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. AUG. 11, 2025: The IBF announced that the Efe Ajagba vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid has been postponed until further notice. AUG. 4, 2025: When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, on July 24th, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. MAY 19, 2024: In a WBC heavyweight eliminator held on the big Riyadh, Saudi Arabia show, Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) made a huge career move forward, stopping the favored and previously undefeated Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs) in round seven. Kabayel defeated Sanchez with a strong body attack. The normally mobile Sanchez fought with a brace on his right knee. Kabayel is Kurdish but lives in Germany. OCT. 10, 2021: Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) scored one knockdown on his way to a comfortable, ten-round unanimous decision win over Efe Ajagba. Sanchez used his superior boxing skills to keep the hard-hitting Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) off-balance for the entire fight. The “Cuban Flash” displayed his power as well, flooring Ajagba with a hard right in the seventh. A follow-up left hook which landed a tick after Ajagba’s knee hit the canvas Ajagba made it to his feet and survived the round but never seriously threatened on his way to the first defeat of his career. Sanchez said afterwards, "I knew I was going to win all the rounds because I’m much better than him technically. I knew that if I connected, he would fall and he did fall. My game plan was always to frustrate him and go in for the attack."
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U.S. Congress actively considering amending Ali Act |
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Yesterday, Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), in his role as the Education and Workforce Committee Chairman, delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at a markup of three bills, one of which is an amendment to the Muhammad Ali to protect professional boxers. The amendment is being pushed by Zuffa Boxing, who will run its first show this weekend and is hostile to the four existing major sanctioning bodies. Walberg said, "The third bill we’ll consider this morning is H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, introduced by Representative Brian Jack. This bipartisan bill would create an alternative system in boxing by permitting the formation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) alongside the sport’s existing sanctioning bodies, giving fighters more choice in how they compete.
"For boxers fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen their health and safety protections. This bill also extends additional safety and wage protections for all boxers, regardless of whether they fight inside or outside of a UBO. In short, the bill is designed to give boxers more options, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport.
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U.S. Congress actively considering amending Ali Act
Yesterday, Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), in his role as the Education and Workforce Committee Chairman, delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at a markup of three bills, one of which is an amendment to the Muhammad Ali to protect professional boxers. The amendment is being pushed by Zuffa Boxing, who will run its first show this weekend and is hostile to the four existing major sanctioning bodies. Walberg said, "The third bill we’ll consider this morning is H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, introduced by Representative Brian Jack. This bipartisan bill would create an alternative system in boxing by permitting the formation of Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) alongside the sport’s existing sanctioning bodies, giving fighters more choice in how they compete.
"For boxers fighting within UBOs, the bill would strengthen their health and safety protections. This bill also extends additional safety and wage protections for all boxers, regardless of whether they fight inside or outside of a UBO. In short, the bill is designed to give boxers more options, better pay, and stronger safety protections, while encouraging the growth and modernization of this historic sport.
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Top Rank to freestream Zayas vs. Baraou |
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The junior middleweight title unification tilt between WBO king Xander Zayas and WBA ruler Abass Baraou Saturday, scheduled for Jan. 31st at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan — will be available to stream for free on the Top Rank Classics Fast channel in the U.S. The broadcast will start at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT, with the co-feature between Dominican welterweight Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) and Mexico's Christian Gomez (23-6-1, 21 KOs) set for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Zayas vs. Baraou will begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. To watch on mobile or desktop, visit trboxing.co/TopRankClassics. To watch on your smart TV, check the availability of Fast channel apps and search for Top Rank Classics on The Roku Channel, Tubi, or Vizio.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs), a San Juan native, hopes to impress the partisan fans with a historic victory. If he bests Baraou, he’ll become the first Puerto Rican boxer to unify world titles on home soil. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs), a German pressure fighter making the first defense of his world title, has won eight straight since a disputed split decision loss to Jack Culcay. His last five bouts have come on away soil, including last August’s unanimous decision over Cuban star Yoenis Tellez in Orlando, Florida.
The Top Rank Classics stream is also scheduled to include the following bouts:
Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Conner Goade (8-4-2, 7 KOs), 6 rounds, junior bantamweight;
Carlos De Leon Castro (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Diuhl Olguin (17-47-7, 10 KOs), 6 rounds, junior lightweight;
Yadriel Caban (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jeremis Hernandez-Torres (2-2, 0 KOs), 4 rounds, flyweight;
Euri Cedeno (13-0-1, 12 KOs) vs. Etoundi Michel William (16-2, 12 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight; and
Giovani Santillan (34-1, 18 KOs) vs. Courtney Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs), 10 Rounds, junior middleweight.
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Top Rank to freestream Zayas vs. Baraou
The junior middleweight title unification tilt between WBO king Xander Zayas and WBA ruler Abass Baraou Saturday, scheduled for Jan. 31st at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan — will be available to stream for free on the Top Rank Classics Fast channel in the U.S. The broadcast will start at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT, with the co-feature between Dominican welterweight Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) and Mexico's Christian Gomez (23-6-1, 21 KOs) set for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Zayas vs. Baraou will begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. To watch on mobile or desktop, visit trboxing.co/TopRankClassics. To watch on your smart TV, check the availability of Fast channel apps and search for Top Rank Classics on The Roku Channel, Tubi, or Vizio.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs), a San Juan native, hopes to impress the partisan fans with a historic victory. If he bests Baraou, he’ll become the first Puerto Rican boxer to unify world titles on home soil. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs), a German pressure fighter making the first defense of his world title, has won eight straight since a disputed split decision loss to Jack Culcay. His last five bouts have come on away soil, including last August’s unanimous decision over Cuban star Yoenis Tellez in Orlando, Florida.
The Top Rank Classics stream is also scheduled to include the following bouts:
Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Conner Goade (8-4-2, 7 KOs), 6 rounds, junior bantamweight;
Carlos De Leon Castro (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Diuhl Olguin (17-47-7, 10 KOs), 6 rounds, junior lightweight;
Yadriel Caban (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jeremis Hernandez-Torres (2-2, 0 KOs), 4 rounds, flyweight;
Euri Cedeno (13-0-1, 12 KOs) vs. Etoundi Michel William (16-2, 12 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight; and
Giovani Santillan (34-1, 18 KOs) vs. Courtney Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs), 10 Rounds, junior middleweight.
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Gallegos to face new opponent this weekend |
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Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos (10-0-1, 8 KOs) is ready to kick off 2026 as he prepares to face fellow unbeaten Wilson Akinocho (3-0) in a six-round showdown on Saturday, January 24th at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The fight lands on the undercard of Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz for the vacant IBF lightweight world title, live globally on DAZN. Fighting in his hometown of Las Vegas, Gallegos, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, is eager to continue climbing the ranks as part of a focused 2026 campaign. Guided by his father and trainer, Jayson Gallegos, Kaipo says this training camp served as another valuable learning experience, further sharpening his skills and mindset as he continues his rise. “There’s nothing like grinding with my dad in the gym. He knows how to push me past my limits,” said Gallegos. “Although a few opponents have changed, we’ve been locked in since my last fight. We’re chasing greatness together, and this fight is another step on that path.”
Despite Akinocho’s undefeated status and late notice, Gallegos remains focused on the task at hand and confident in his preparation. “I respect anyone who gets in that ring, and Akinocho is a hungry fighter looking to make a name for himself, I’m not taking him lightly by any means,” continued Gallegos. “He’s confident, just like I was a few fights ago. But I’ve been tested. I’ve fought under pressure. He hasn’t felt what I’m going to bring to him. There are levels to this game.”
Gallegos knows that a dominant showing on a high-profile card could be the launchpad he needs to reach contender status. “I had a great year in 2025 and a win here, against an undefeated fighter, will kick start 2026 in the right direction,” he explained. “I’m not just trying to win…I’m trying to take over l. People are gonna see that I belong with the best, and I’m ready for the big names, big fights, and big moments. That mission continues Saturday night.”
Fighting in front of his Las Vegas supporters under the bright lights of DAZN is a moment Kaipo has been thinking of. “This is a great chance to show my fans what I’m about in person, fighting at home, in Vegas, on a world title card, and live on DAZN,” Gallegos concluded. “I’ve got my people in the building, my city behind me, and I’m going to give them a great performance. I’m not just showing up, I’m showing out.”
Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra believes Gallegos is ready to make a strong run in 2026 and expects the lightweight standout to make a serious statement on January 24. “Kaipo has already proven he’s one of the brightest rising stars in the U.S.,” said Piedra. “He brings a rare combination of talent, power, and focus that you only see in future champions. With the hometown crowd behind him and the spotlight of a global DAZN audience, we expect Kaipo to deliver a stellar performance. He’s ready to seize this moment against another undefeated fighter.”
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Gallegos to face new opponent this weekend
Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos (10-0-1, 8 KOs) is ready to kick off 2026 as he prepares to face fellow unbeaten Wilson Akinocho (3-0) in a six-round showdown on Saturday, January 24th at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The fight lands on the undercard of Raymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz for the vacant IBF lightweight world title, live globally on DAZN. Fighting in his hometown of Las Vegas, Gallegos, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, is eager to continue climbing the ranks as part of a focused 2026 campaign. Guided by his father and trainer, Jayson Gallegos, Kaipo says this training camp served as another valuable learning experience, further sharpening his skills and mindset as he continues his rise. “There’s nothing like grinding with my dad in the gym. He knows how to push me past my limits,” said Gallegos. “Although a few opponents have changed, we’ve been locked in since my last fight. We’re chasing greatness together, and this fight is another step on that path.”
Despite Akinocho’s undefeated status and late notice, Gallegos remains focused on the task at hand and confident in his preparation. “I respect anyone who gets in that ring, and Akinocho is a hungry fighter looking to make a name for himself, I’m not taking him lightly by any means,” continued Gallegos. “He’s confident, just like I was a few fights ago. But I’ve been tested. I’ve fought under pressure. He hasn’t felt what I’m going to bring to him. There are levels to this game.”
Gallegos knows that a dominant showing on a high-profile card could be the launchpad he needs to reach contender status. “I had a great year in 2025 and a win here, against an undefeated fighter, will kick start 2026 in the right direction,” he explained. “I’m not just trying to win…I’m trying to take over l. People are gonna see that I belong with the best, and I’m ready for the big names, big fights, and big moments. That mission continues Saturday night.”
Fighting in front of his Las Vegas supporters under the bright lights of DAZN is a moment Kaipo has been thinking of. “This is a great chance to show my fans what I’m about in person, fighting at home, in Vegas, on a world title card, and live on DAZN,” Gallegos concluded. “I’ve got my people in the building, my city behind me, and I’m going to give them a great performance. I’m not just showing up, I’m showing out.”
Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra believes Gallegos is ready to make a strong run in 2026 and expects the lightweight standout to make a serious statement on January 24. “Kaipo has already proven he’s one of the brightest rising stars in the U.S.,” said Piedra. “He brings a rare combination of talent, power, and focus that you only see in future champions. With the hometown crowd behind him and the spotlight of a global DAZN audience, we expect Kaipo to deliver a stellar performance. He’s ready to seize this moment against another undefeated fighter.”
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IBF sends Crocker vs. Paro to purse bid |
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On January 13th, the IBF ordered welterweight champion Lewis Crocker to begin negotiations with and former IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro for a mandatory defense of the IBF Welterweight title. On January 19th, the IBF received notification from Matt Rose, representing Paro, that they would like to proceed to a purse bid pursuant to IBF Rule 10.A. Therefore, the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for February 3rd. Crocker (22-0) is from Northern Ireland and spent his 2025 campaign defeating Paddy Donovan twice, once by disqualification and once by split decision. Paro (27-1) became a 140-pound title holder in 2024, defeating Subriel Matias but prompty turning over the belt to Richardson Hitchins in his first defense. Paro moved up to welterweight and picked up two wins in 2025.
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IBF sends Crocker vs. Paro to purse bid
On January 13th, the IBF ordered welterweight champion Lewis Crocker to begin negotiations with and former IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro for a mandatory defense of the IBF Welterweight title. On January 19th, the IBF received notification from Matt Rose, representing Paro, that they would like to proceed to a purse bid pursuant to IBF Rule 10.A. Therefore, the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for February 3rd. Crocker (22-0) is from Northern Ireland and spent his 2025 campaign defeating Paddy Donovan twice, once by disqualification and once by split decision. Paro (27-1) became a 140-pound title holder in 2024, defeating Subriel Matias but prompty turning over the belt to Richardson Hitchins in his first defense. Paro moved up to welterweight and picked up two wins in 2025.
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Ronny Alvarez sees undercard action this Saturday |
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Super middleweight Ronny Alvarez (5-0, 4 KOs), is entering 2026 with confidence, focus, and something to prove as he prepares to face Braulio Matias Ferreira (7-2, 2 KOs) of Colonia, Uruguay, in a scheduled six-round bout on Saturday, January 24th. The fight will take place on the undercard of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing event headlined by the IBF world title clash between Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz, live from the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas and streaming worldwide on DAZN. A slick Cuban southpaw with growing knockout power, Alvarez, who is promoted with Boxlab Promotions, Warriors Boxing and Dreambigg Promotions, says this training camp has been his most demanding and rewarding to date. “This camp was all about sharpening everything, my conditioning, my timing, my mentality,” said Alvarez on his recent training camp, as he emphasized the discipline and urgency that defined his preparation. “I know I’m stepping onto a bigger stage now, so I trained like someone who belongs there. Every sparring session, every round, I treated it like fight night. I’m hungry, and I want to show people that I’m not just undefeated, I’m dangerous.”
Alvarez says he understands the challenge in front of him and welcomes it. “Ferreira is coming to fight. He’s tough, he’s experienced, and he’s not flying all this way to lose,” Alvarez said on his matchup with Ferreira, expressing respect, but no hesitation. “But styles make fights, and I believe my southpaw angles, my speed, and my pressure are going to separate me. I’m looking to break him down and make a statement, plain and simple. A win here puts me in a great position,” Alvarez said on what a win would mean for his career, as he didn’t hide his ambitions. “This is about momentum. I want 2026 to be my breakout year, and it starts with this fight. I’m chasing bigger opportunities, bigger names, and I know great performances is how you earn them.”
Making his Las Vegas debut on a globally streamed platform only adds fuel to Alvarez’s motivation. “Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world, and DAZN means the world is watching,” he concluded. “This is what I’ve worked for. I’m excited, I’m focused, and I’m ready to show fans everywhere who Ronny Alvarez is.”
Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra believes Alvarez is only scratching the surface of his potential. “Ronny is the kind of fighter you build with patience and purpose,” said Piedra. “He has the skill set, the mindset, and the work ethic to go far in this sport. This fight is another step in the right direction, and we see a very bright future for him at super middleweight.”
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Ronny Alvarez sees undercard action this Saturday
Super middleweight Ronny Alvarez (5-0, 4 KOs), is entering 2026 with confidence, focus, and something to prove as he prepares to face Braulio Matias Ferreira (7-2, 2 KOs) of Colonia, Uruguay, in a scheduled six-round bout on Saturday, January 24th. The fight will take place on the undercard of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing event headlined by the IBF world title clash between Raymond Muratalla and Andy Cruz, live from the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas and streaming worldwide on DAZN. A slick Cuban southpaw with growing knockout power, Alvarez, who is promoted with Boxlab Promotions, Warriors Boxing and Dreambigg Promotions, says this training camp has been his most demanding and rewarding to date. “This camp was all about sharpening everything, my conditioning, my timing, my mentality,” said Alvarez on his recent training camp, as he emphasized the discipline and urgency that defined his preparation. “I know I’m stepping onto a bigger stage now, so I trained like someone who belongs there. Every sparring session, every round, I treated it like fight night. I’m hungry, and I want to show people that I’m not just undefeated, I’m dangerous.”
Alvarez says he understands the challenge in front of him and welcomes it. “Ferreira is coming to fight. He’s tough, he’s experienced, and he’s not flying all this way to lose,” Alvarez said on his matchup with Ferreira, expressing respect, but no hesitation. “But styles make fights, and I believe my southpaw angles, my speed, and my pressure are going to separate me. I’m looking to break him down and make a statement, plain and simple. A win here puts me in a great position,” Alvarez said on what a win would mean for his career, as he didn’t hide his ambitions. “This is about momentum. I want 2026 to be my breakout year, and it starts with this fight. I’m chasing bigger opportunities, bigger names, and I know great performances is how you earn them.”
Making his Las Vegas debut on a globally streamed platform only adds fuel to Alvarez’s motivation. “Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world, and DAZN means the world is watching,” he concluded. “This is what I’ve worked for. I’m excited, I’m focused, and I’m ready to show fans everywhere who Ronny Alvarez is.”
Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra believes Alvarez is only scratching the surface of his potential. “Ronny is the kind of fighter you build with patience and purpose,” said Piedra. “He has the skill set, the mindset, and the work ethic to go far in this sport. This fight is another step in the right direction, and we see a very bright future for him at super middleweight.”
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Venezuela's Albert Ramírez books interim title defense |
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On Thursday, February 5th, the Casino de Montréal in Canada will roll out the red carpet for undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramírez, who will make the first defense of his WBA interim light heavyweight title. Standing across the ring will be Britain’s Lerrone “The Sniper” Richards. Ramírez (22-0, 19 KOs) arrives at this bout riding the momentum of a strong 2025 campaign. The native of El Vigía cemented his status as the WBA’s mandatory challenger last August in Libya, where he captured the interim belt by stopping previously unbeaten Jerome Pampellone in seven rounds. Boasting an 86 percent knockout ratio, the southpaw Venezuelan has turned Montréal into something of a second home, having fought at this venue on multiple occasions. Richards presents a stylistic puzzle, however. Richards, a former IBO super middleweight champion is known for his slick, evasive defense, which will require Ramírez to show tactical patience before unleashing his explosive left hand.
Richards (19-1, 4 KOs) heads to North America looking to spring the upset. While he lacks Ramírez’s concussive power, Richards is widely regarded as one of the division’s most technically refined boxers. Trained by Dave Coldwell, the Londoner is no stranger to winning on foreign soil and will rely heavily on his footwork to frustrate the Venezuelan champion.
Both fighters are southpaws, a dynamic that often neutralizes conventional advantages and places a premium on whoever can best establish the jab. Ramírez is expected to press forward, cut off the ring, and invest in body work, while Richards will aim to keep the fight at center ring, scoring with clean, isolated shots.
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Venezuela's Albert Ramírez books interim title defense
On Thursday, February 5th, the Casino de Montréal in Canada will roll out the red carpet for undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramírez, who will make the first defense of his WBA interim light heavyweight title. Standing across the ring will be Britain’s Lerrone “The Sniper” Richards. Ramírez (22-0, 19 KOs) arrives at this bout riding the momentum of a strong 2025 campaign. The native of El Vigía cemented his status as the WBA’s mandatory challenger last August in Libya, where he captured the interim belt by stopping previously unbeaten Jerome Pampellone in seven rounds. Boasting an 86 percent knockout ratio, the southpaw Venezuelan has turned Montréal into something of a second home, having fought at this venue on multiple occasions. Richards presents a stylistic puzzle, however. Richards, a former IBO super middleweight champion is known for his slick, evasive defense, which will require Ramírez to show tactical patience before unleashing his explosive left hand.
Richards (19-1, 4 KOs) heads to North America looking to spring the upset. While he lacks Ramírez’s concussive power, Richards is widely regarded as one of the division’s most technically refined boxers. Trained by Dave Coldwell, the Londoner is no stranger to winning on foreign soil and will rely heavily on his footwork to frustrate the Venezuelan champion.
Both fighters are southpaws, a dynamic that often neutralizes conventional advantages and places a premium on whoever can best establish the jab. Ramírez is expected to press forward, cut off the ring, and invest in body work, while Richards will aim to keep the fight at center ring, scoring with clean, isolated shots.
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WBC persists with meaningless flyweight title |
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On March 28th at the Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico, Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez (12-6) will face Argentina’s Tamara Demarco (13-8) for the WBC interim flyweight title. The two women previously met on November 8th, in a bout that ended in a technical draw due to a clash of heads in the second round. [The true world champion of the women's flyweight division is Gabriela Fundora]. At a press conference, Demarco took the floor and commented that what little she has experienced of Mexico, she loved. She stated that she fears nothing except headbutts and the home advantage, and announced that she will arrive in Puebla next month to complete her training camp. She said she is happy for the opportunity and assured that she will come in well prepared.
For her part, Sánchez expressed her satisfaction at having the chance to fight for the title once again. She stated that the belt will remain in Puebla and emphasized that her preparation has been solid both physically and mentally. She recalled that in the previous fight her nose was broken and, even so, she went all out, hoping that this time her opponent will be willing to fight and not back down.
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WBC persists with meaningless flyweight title
On March 28th at the Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico, Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez (12-6) will face Argentina’s Tamara Demarco (13-8) for the WBC interim flyweight title. The two women previously met on November 8th, in a bout that ended in a technical draw due to a clash of heads in the second round. [The true world champion of the women's flyweight division is Gabriela Fundora]. At a press conference, Demarco took the floor and commented that what little she has experienced of Mexico, she loved. She stated that she fears nothing except headbutts and the home advantage, and announced that she will arrive in Puebla next month to complete her training camp. She said she is happy for the opportunity and assured that she will come in well prepared.
For her part, Sánchez expressed her satisfaction at having the chance to fight for the title once again. She stated that the belt will remain in Puebla and emphasized that her preparation has been solid both physically and mentally. She recalled that in the previous fight her nose was broken and, even so, she went all out, hoping that this time her opponent will be willing to fight and not back down.
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Cooper and Ursu to contest British welterweight honors |
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The vacant Britiish welterweight championship will be on the line when Owen Cooper goes up against Constantin Ursu in ‘Under the Lights’ at Valliant Live in Derby, England on Saturday February 28th, live on DAZN. The show will also feature ten-round action at junior welterweigh, with Olympian Luke McCormack taking on Kane Gardner, plus at middleweight, with Ben Fail facing Mason Cartwright. Tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.co.uk. the venue and Queensberry. The prize attached to the headline fight also includes the Commonwealth title won by Ursu (14-0, 6 KOs) when he scored a knockout victory over Eithan James in March of last year. The 25 year-old Moldovan, who resides in Plymouth, has since made a successful defense with victory over Ryan Amos in November. Worcester’s Cooper (11-1, 4 KOs) returned to the win column with victory over Chris Kongo last May in Nottingham, having lost out in a thriller against Ekow Essuman in 2024. He won the WBO belt, along with the English title, with his success over Eithan James earlier in the year.
McCormack (4-0, 3 KOs), from Sunderland, is taking a significant step up in class by going in with Gardner in just his fifth professional fight, with having previously only taken part in one eight round fight. Gardner (18-5, 7 KOs) is a known tough customer who in 2023 went the distance with Pierce O’Leary and only lost out by a round in a late 2024 Central Area title encounter with Reece MacMillan, a decision that cost him a multi-title fight against Jack Rafferty.
Northampton man Fail (10-0, 5 KOs) will also have his credentials severely tested against Cartwright (23-4, 9 KOs), a two-time British title challenger from Ellesmere Port. Cartwright’s challenges for the Lonsdale belt came against Troy Williamson and Samuel Antwi and the only losses on his record have come in title contention. Cartwright, known as ‘Nutty’, is currently enjoying a four-fight winning streak.
“This is a cracking little show and a showcase for our up-and-coming talents,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This is where prospects get to prove themselves as potential contenders and show us all that they belong on the major events moving forward. The British title fight between Owen Cooper and Constantin Ursu should be a real banger and it is one I am looking forward to greatly because these fights nearly always deliver the goods and Owen’s fights always do anyway. We expect big things from Luke McCormack and Ben Fail and they will both be tested in a big way on February 28th.”
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Cooper and Ursu to contest British welterweight honors
The vacant Britiish welterweight championship will be on the line when Owen Cooper goes up against Constantin Ursu in ‘Under the Lights’ at Valliant Live in Derby, England on Saturday February 28th, live on DAZN. The show will also feature ten-round action at junior welterweigh, with Olympian Luke McCormack taking on Kane Gardner, plus at middleweight, with Ben Fail facing Mason Cartwright. Tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.co.uk. the venue and Queensberry. The prize attached to the headline fight also includes the Commonwealth title won by Ursu (14-0, 6 KOs) when he scored a knockout victory over Eithan James in March of last year. The 25 year-old Moldovan, who resides in Plymouth, has since made a successful defense with victory over Ryan Amos in November. Worcester’s Cooper (11-1, 4 KOs) returned to the win column with victory over Chris Kongo last May in Nottingham, having lost out in a thriller against Ekow Essuman in 2024. He won the WBO belt, along with the English title, with his success over Eithan James earlier in the year.
McCormack (4-0, 3 KOs), from Sunderland, is taking a significant step up in class by going in with Gardner in just his fifth professional fight, with having previously only taken part in one eight round fight. Gardner (18-5, 7 KOs) is a known tough customer who in 2023 went the distance with Pierce O’Leary and only lost out by a round in a late 2024 Central Area title encounter with Reece MacMillan, a decision that cost him a multi-title fight against Jack Rafferty.
Northampton man Fail (10-0, 5 KOs) will also have his credentials severely tested against Cartwright (23-4, 9 KOs), a two-time British title challenger from Ellesmere Port. Cartwright’s challenges for the Lonsdale belt came against Troy Williamson and Samuel Antwi and the only losses on his record have come in title contention. Cartwright, known as ‘Nutty’, is currently enjoying a four-fight winning streak.
“This is a cracking little show and a showcase for our up-and-coming talents,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This is where prospects get to prove themselves as potential contenders and show us all that they belong on the major events moving forward. The British title fight between Owen Cooper and Constantin Ursu should be a real banger and it is one I am looking forward to greatly because these fights nearly always deliver the goods and Owen’s fights always do anyway. We expect big things from Luke McCormack and Ben Fail and they will both be tested in a big way on February 28th.”
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Welcome to Zuffa Boxing debut week |
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The newly renamed Meta Apex in Las Vegas will swap the UFC's Octagon for the Zuffa Boxing ring as a new era for boxing begins on Friday, January 23rd. Zuffa Boxing kicks off with an eight-bout lineup featuring 16 boxers whose combined career record stands at 227 wins, nine losses. To set the scene ahead of the inaugural event, let's run through the fight card:
Main Event: Callum Walsh vs Carlos Ocampo... Fresh off a unanimous decision victory last September, rising star "King" Callum Walsh is ready to step back into the main event spotlight. The undefeated 24-year-old has built a 15-0 record that includes 11 wins by knockout, and the California-based Irishman will take center stage at Meta APEX when he faces Carlos Ocampo. After competing at middleweight through the first nine fights of his career, Walsh dropped down to 154 pounds. Now, Walsh is returning to 160 pounds, and his first test in the Zuffa Boxing ring comes in the form of a former title challenger, who has more than twice as many victories as Walsh has fights. Mexico's Ocampo arrives with a career record of 38 wins, three defeats, with 26 knockouts to his name. His most recent appearance saw him claim a highlight-reel knockout of Ricardo Banuelo Cernas in Hermosillo, Mexico, but against Walsh, he’ll be facing much more accomplished opposition this weekend. That’s not to say Ocampo is short on elite-level experience, though. The 30-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, has shared the ring with the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu in unsuccessful tilts at world championship gold. Ocampo heads into the fight riding a three-fight win streak, all by finish, and all inside the first three rounds – and plans on playing spoiler by handing Walsh the first defeat of his career.
Misael Rodriguez Olivas vs Austin Deanda... Mexico's Misael Rodriguez Olivas (15-0, 7 KOs) takes on Virginia middleweight Austin Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) in a battle of undefeated prospects at 160 pounds. Olivas returns to 160 pounds after a successful three-fight run at super middleweight that saw him claim a hat-trick of decision victories. But while he continued his winning form at 168 pounds, his punches have carried more threat at 160, and he'll be looking to return to the form that saw him claim three straight stoppage victories before his move up. He'll take on Deanda, whose last victory came against 41-fight veteran Jessie Wayne Linton last September. Prior to that victory, Deanda hit the local headlines in his native Virginia when he had to receive a haircut between rounds after his braids came loose during the action Both men have proven themselves to be ones to watch, but only one can emerge from the Meta Apex with their undefeated record intact.
Julian Rodriguez vs Cain Sandoval... The main card opener will pit two surging welterweights head to head as 24-1 Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez takes on undefeated 17-0 “Sugar” Cain Sandoval. Sandoval heads into Friday’s fight in knockout form, having stopped each of his last four fights inside the distance, while Rodriguez is on a three-fight win streak after suffering the only defeat of his career back in 2021. Rodriguez brings the deeper resumé into the contest, but with Sandoval possessing the unblemished record, the fight looks set to offer Sacramento native Sandoval a stern test of his credentials against a fighter who handed undefeated prospect Avious Griffin his first career loss last time out.
Preliminary Card Bouts
Omar Trinidad vs Max Ornelas... Heading up the preliminary card lineup is a featherweight matchup between Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) and Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad is undefeated after 21 pro fights, but comes into Friday’s bout after picking up the second draw of his career. The 30-year-old has 13 knockouts to his name, with 11 of them coming inside four rounds. He’ll be hoping to add to that tally against Ornelas, who is back on form and on a two-fight win streak after suffering the first two defeats of his pro career, back-to-back, in 2022 and 2023. The UNLV graduate, who majored in criminal justice, balanced his studies with his early professional boxing career. Now he’s set to embark on the latest chapter of his career as he returns to compete in his hometown for the ninth time.
Floyd Diaz vs Guillermo Gutierrez... Two bantamweights look to get back in the groove as Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz and Guillermo “GMO” Gutierrez end their lengthy respective layoffs, looking for a big win in the Zuffa Boxing ring. Twenty-two-year-old Diaz is perfect at 13-0, but when he steps into the ring at Meta Apex, it will be 483 days since his last outing. It’s a similar story for Gutierrez (13-2), who will end a layoff of almost a year when he takes on Diaz on Friday night. He’ll also be doing so on short notice after agreeing to step in just three weeks out from the fight after Diaz’s original opponent, Rocco Santomauro, was forced off the card. The opponent change may faze some, but with Diaz previously admitting he doesn’t watch much tape on his opponents, that might not be the case here.
Emiliano Cardenas vs Marcus Cortez Harris... A pair of young bantamweights will do battle as Emiliano Cardenas and Marcus Cortez Harris face off over six rounds. Cardenas, known to his fans as “El Gallo Negro”, has a perfect 9-0 resumé that includes four knockouts, and he’ll look to take the record into double figures when he takes on 7-1 Harris. Cardenas – a protegé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year, Robert Garcia, will only be competing in the United States for the second time in his career. He could be set for a stern test – Harris has not tasted defeat in his five fights on American soil.
Robert Meriwether III vs Cesar Correa...Undefeated lightweights go head to head in a 133-pound catchweight contest, as “King” Robert Meriwether III faces off against Cesar “C Money” Correa.
Watch UFC on Paramount+ -- Plans start at $7.99 per month
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Welcome to Zuffa Boxing debut week
The newly renamed Meta Apex in Las Vegas will swap the UFC's Octagon for the Zuffa Boxing ring as a new era for boxing begins on Friday, January 23rd. Zuffa Boxing kicks off with an eight-bout lineup featuring 16 boxers whose combined career record stands at 227 wins, nine losses. To set the scene ahead of the inaugural event, let's run through the fight card:
Main Event: Callum Walsh vs Carlos Ocampo... Fresh off a unanimous decision victory last September, rising star "King" Callum Walsh is ready to step back into the main event spotlight. The undefeated 24-year-old has built a 15-0 record that includes 11 wins by knockout, and the California-based Irishman will take center stage at Meta APEX when he faces Carlos Ocampo. After competing at middleweight through the first nine fights of his career, Walsh dropped down to 154 pounds. Now, Walsh is returning to 160 pounds, and his first test in the Zuffa Boxing ring comes in the form of a former title challenger, who has more than twice as many victories as Walsh has fights. Mexico's Ocampo arrives with a career record of 38 wins, three defeats, with 26 knockouts to his name. His most recent appearance saw him claim a highlight-reel knockout of Ricardo Banuelo Cernas in Hermosillo, Mexico, but against Walsh, he’ll be facing much more accomplished opposition this weekend. That’s not to say Ocampo is short on elite-level experience, though. The 30-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, has shared the ring with the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu in unsuccessful tilts at world championship gold. Ocampo heads into the fight riding a three-fight win streak, all by finish, and all inside the first three rounds – and plans on playing spoiler by handing Walsh the first defeat of his career.
Misael Rodriguez Olivas vs Austin Deanda... Mexico's Misael Rodriguez Olivas (15-0, 7 KOs) takes on Virginia middleweight Austin Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) in a battle of undefeated prospects at 160 pounds. Olivas returns to 160 pounds after a successful three-fight run at super middleweight that saw him claim a hat-trick of decision victories. But while he continued his winning form at 168 pounds, his punches have carried more threat at 160, and he'll be looking to return to the form that saw him claim three straight stoppage victories before his move up. He'll take on Deanda, whose last victory came against 41-fight veteran Jessie Wayne Linton last September. Prior to that victory, Deanda hit the local headlines in his native Virginia when he had to receive a haircut between rounds after his braids came loose during the action Both men have proven themselves to be ones to watch, but only one can emerge from the Meta Apex with their undefeated record intact.
Julian Rodriguez vs Cain Sandoval... The main card opener will pit two surging welterweights head to head as 24-1 Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez takes on undefeated 17-0 “Sugar” Cain Sandoval. Sandoval heads into Friday’s fight in knockout form, having stopped each of his last four fights inside the distance, while Rodriguez is on a three-fight win streak after suffering the only defeat of his career back in 2021. Rodriguez brings the deeper resumé into the contest, but with Sandoval possessing the unblemished record, the fight looks set to offer Sacramento native Sandoval a stern test of his credentials against a fighter who handed undefeated prospect Avious Griffin his first career loss last time out.
Preliminary Card Bouts
Omar Trinidad vs Max Ornelas... Heading up the preliminary card lineup is a featherweight matchup between Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) and Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad is undefeated after 21 pro fights, but comes into Friday’s bout after picking up the second draw of his career. The 30-year-old has 13 knockouts to his name, with 11 of them coming inside four rounds. He’ll be hoping to add to that tally against Ornelas, who is back on form and on a two-fight win streak after suffering the first two defeats of his pro career, back-to-back, in 2022 and 2023. The UNLV graduate, who majored in criminal justice, balanced his studies with his early professional boxing career. Now he’s set to embark on the latest chapter of his career as he returns to compete in his hometown for the ninth time.
Floyd Diaz vs Guillermo Gutierrez... Two bantamweights look to get back in the groove as Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz and Guillermo “GMO” Gutierrez end their lengthy respective layoffs, looking for a big win in the Zuffa Boxing ring. Twenty-two-year-old Diaz is perfect at 13-0, but when he steps into the ring at Meta Apex, it will be 483 days since his last outing. It’s a similar story for Gutierrez (13-2), who will end a layoff of almost a year when he takes on Diaz on Friday night. He’ll also be doing so on short notice after agreeing to step in just three weeks out from the fight after Diaz’s original opponent, Rocco Santomauro, was forced off the card. The opponent change may faze some, but with Diaz previously admitting he doesn’t watch much tape on his opponents, that might not be the case here.
Emiliano Cardenas vs Marcus Cortez Harris... A pair of young bantamweights will do battle as Emiliano Cardenas and Marcus Cortez Harris face off over six rounds. Cardenas, known to his fans as “El Gallo Negro”, has a perfect 9-0 resumé that includes four knockouts, and he’ll look to take the record into double figures when he takes on 7-1 Harris. Cardenas – a protegé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year, Robert Garcia, will only be competing in the United States for the second time in his career. He could be set for a stern test – Harris has not tasted defeat in his five fights on American soil.
Robert Meriwether III vs Cesar Correa...Undefeated lightweights go head to head in a 133-pound catchweight contest, as “King” Robert Meriwether III faces off against Cesar “C Money” Correa.
Watch UFC on Paramount+ -- Plans start at $7.99 per month
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Cruiserweight super fight finalized for May 2nd |
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Gilberto Ramírez will defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles against WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez on May 2nd in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions and both camps confirmed over the weekend. From Mexico, Ramirez (pictured) also held a 168-pound title earlier in his career, will face the Mexican-American in a highly anticipated clash on the trraditional Cinco De Mayo Mexican holiday. Ramirez, known as “El Zurdo,” is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over a former title holder, Yuniel Dorticos, last June. Benavidez, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters, will take on a new challenge by moving up in weight. The reigning WBC 155-pound champion is stepping into the 200-pound division in pursuit of further glory and the chance to become a two-division champion. In his most recent outing on November 22nd, Benavidez stopped Anthony Yarde with a seventh-round technical knockout to retain his title.
Ramírez enters the fight with a record of 48-1 (30 KOs), while Benavidez stands undefeated at 31-0 with 25 knockouts.
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Cruiserweight super fight finalized for May 2nd
Gilberto Ramírez will defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles against WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez on May 2nd in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions and both camps confirmed over the weekend. From Mexico, Ramirez (pictured) also held a 168-pound title earlier in his career, will face the Mexican-American in a highly anticipated clash on the trraditional Cinco De Mayo Mexican holiday. Ramirez, known as “El Zurdo,” is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over a former title holder, Yuniel Dorticos, last June. Benavidez, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters, will take on a new challenge by moving up in weight. The reigning WBC 155-pound champion is stepping into the 200-pound division in pursuit of further glory and the chance to become a two-division champion. In his most recent outing on November 22nd, Benavidez stopped Anthony Yarde with a seventh-round technical knockout to retain his title.
Ramírez enters the fight with a record of 48-1 (30 KOs), while Benavidez stands undefeated at 31-0 with 25 knockouts.
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Shields vs. Crew-Dezurn II getting closer |
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Claressa Shields (pictured) and Franchón Crews-Dezurn will meet again in a rematch, this time in the heavyweight division with Shields' undisputed championship on the line. The rematch is booked for Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, February 22nd. Their first encounter took place in 2016 and marked the professional debut for both fighters. On that occasion, Shields earned a unanimous decision victory. Since then, both careers have reached elite levels. Shields has established herself as one of the most dominant fighters of the modern era, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and becoming undisputed champion at middleweight and super middleweight. Crews-Dezurn, meanwhile, became a world champion and later the undisputed super middleweight champion. Now, nearly a decade after their first meeting, both fighters will step into the ring at heavyweight to contest the division’s undisputed championship, in a bout that not only helps define the pound-for-pound hierarchy but also closes a cycle that began with their professional debuts against one another.
Claressa “T-Rex” Shields owns an undefeated record of 17 wins, 3 of them by knockout... Franchón “Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn holds a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, with 2 knockouts.
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Shields vs. Crew-Dezurn II getting closer
Claressa Shields (pictured) and Franchón Crews-Dezurn will meet again in a rematch, this time in the heavyweight division with Shields' undisputed championship on the line. The rematch is booked for Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, February 22nd. Their first encounter took place in 2016 and marked the professional debut for both fighters. On that occasion, Shields earned a unanimous decision victory. Since then, both careers have reached elite levels. Shields has established herself as one of the most dominant fighters of the modern era, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and becoming undisputed champion at middleweight and super middleweight. Crews-Dezurn, meanwhile, became a world champion and later the undisputed super middleweight champion. Now, nearly a decade after their first meeting, both fighters will step into the ring at heavyweight to contest the division’s undisputed championship, in a bout that not only helps define the pound-for-pound hierarchy but also closes a cycle that began with their professional debuts against one another.
Claressa “T-Rex” Shields owns an undefeated record of 17 wins, 3 of them by knockout... Franchón “Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn holds a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, with 2 knockouts.
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Rest In Peace, Kosie "KO" Smith |
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Last week, the WBC announced the passing of former light heavyweight contender Kosie “KO” Smith of South Africa. Smith was one of his country's most beloved boxers during a career that stretched from 1968-1979. He was a three-time South African national light heavyweight champion and fought for the WBA championship against Victor Galindez, losing a fifteen-round decision in 1976. His final record was 31-19-1. His full name was Johannes Jacobus Adriaan Smith. Boxingtalk joins the WBC and president Mauricio Sulaiman in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Kosie Smith.
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Rest In Peace, Kosie "KO" Smith
Last week, the WBC announced the passing of former light heavyweight contender Kosie “KO” Smith of South Africa. Smith was one of his country's most beloved boxers during a career that stretched from 1968-1979. He was a three-time South African national light heavyweight champion and fought for the WBA championship against Victor Galindez, losing a fifteen-round decision in 1976. His final record was 31-19-1. His full name was Johannes Jacobus Adriaan Smith. Boxingtalk joins the WBC and president Mauricio Sulaiman in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Kosie Smith.
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Ortiz sues Golden Boy over stalled negotiations for an Ennis fight |
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WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Ortiz sues Golden Boy over stalled negotiations for an Ennis fight
WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Samuel Arnold III starts 2026 campaign on Jan. 30th |
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On Friday, January 30th, Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, will host a pivotal super middleweight match-up. Unbeaten American Samuel Arnold III will square off against seasoned Argentine Fernando Ezequiel “Manzana” Farías. In addition to being 14-0, Arnold got in plenty of paid rounds through Team Combat League. The Dallas native has drawn attention across the American boxing scene thanks to his spotless record and his towering 6-foot-3 frame—an unusual physical advantage at 140 pounds that allows him to control distance with authority. Arnold capped off a dominant 2025 campaign that included a unanimous decision victory over veteran Vaughn Alexander in August, followed by an October knockout of Juan Barajas. Now trimming down in weight to 168 pounds chase success at super lightweight, the Texan is aiming to prove that his pure boxing skills and high ring IQ can translate across divisions.
Standing in the opposite corner will be Farías (11-3-3,4 KOs) of Junín, Buenos Aires, the most experienced test Arnold has faced to date. A rugged and battle-tested fighter, Farías is no stranger to fighting on U.S. soil, having previously shared the ring with highly regarded prospects such as Russia’s Timur Kerefov and Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcão. At 31 years old, “Manzana” is known for his orthodox stance and his ability to absorb punishment while remaining competitive. After rediscovering the win column in Argentina during 2025, Farías returns to California intent on leveraging his experience to hand the American prospect his first professional defeat.
Arnold III will look to maximize his significant reach advantage, keeping Farías at bay with a jab that has earned praise from analysts for both its power and precision. Farías, meanwhile, must close the distance and turn the fight into a close-quarters battle, where his experience in extended bouts and his commitment to body work could test the durability of the rising Texan.
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Samuel Arnold III starts 2026 campaign on Jan. 30th
On Friday, January 30th, Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, will host a pivotal super middleweight match-up. Unbeaten American Samuel Arnold III will square off against seasoned Argentine Fernando Ezequiel “Manzana” Farías. In addition to being 14-0, Arnold got in plenty of paid rounds through Team Combat League. The Dallas native has drawn attention across the American boxing scene thanks to his spotless record and his towering 6-foot-3 frame—an unusual physical advantage at 140 pounds that allows him to control distance with authority. Arnold capped off a dominant 2025 campaign that included a unanimous decision victory over veteran Vaughn Alexander in August, followed by an October knockout of Juan Barajas. Now trimming down in weight to 168 pounds chase success at super lightweight, the Texan is aiming to prove that his pure boxing skills and high ring IQ can translate across divisions.
Standing in the opposite corner will be Farías (11-3-3,4 KOs) of Junín, Buenos Aires, the most experienced test Arnold has faced to date. A rugged and battle-tested fighter, Farías is no stranger to fighting on U.S. soil, having previously shared the ring with highly regarded prospects such as Russia’s Timur Kerefov and Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcão. At 31 years old, “Manzana” is known for his orthodox stance and his ability to absorb punishment while remaining competitive. After rediscovering the win column in Argentina during 2025, Farías returns to California intent on leveraging his experience to hand the American prospect his first professional defeat.
Arnold III will look to maximize his significant reach advantage, keeping Farías at bay with a jab that has earned praise from analysts for both its power and precision. Farías, meanwhile, must close the distance and turn the fight into a close-quarters battle, where his experience in extended bouts and his commitment to body work could test the durability of the rising Texan.
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Ruslan Abdullaev advancing quickly at 140 |
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Ruslan Abdullaev TKO5 Eduardo Abreu ... Touted Uzbek junor welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev delivered the goods in his fourth pro fight. In a display of power and precision, Abdullaev stoppd seasoned Uruguayan Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu via fifth-round technical knockout. The fight ended in dramatic fashion, with just one second remaining in the fifth round. From the outset, Abdullaev (now 4-0, 2 KOs) set a relentless pace, applying steady pressure and picking his shots to break down the South American veteran. Abreu (14-2-2, 10 KOs) tried to lean on his experience, but the speed and power of the 23-year old proved overwhelming. In the third round, Abdullaev sent Abreu to the canvas for the first time. The Uruguayan went down again in the fifth after being caught by a sudden combination. Moments later, Abdullaev trapped a badly hurt Abreu against the ropes and unloaded a sustained barrage. Seeing no response, the referee stepped in just before the final bell. Now training in California's Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev had outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned as an amateur world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Ruslan Abdullaev advancing quickly at 140
Ruslan Abdullaev TKO5 Eduardo Abreu ... Touted Uzbek junor welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev delivered the goods in his fourth pro fight. In a display of power and precision, Abdullaev stoppd seasoned Uruguayan Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu via fifth-round technical knockout. The fight ended in dramatic fashion, with just one second remaining in the fifth round. From the outset, Abdullaev (now 4-0, 2 KOs) set a relentless pace, applying steady pressure and picking his shots to break down the South American veteran. Abreu (14-2-2, 10 KOs) tried to lean on his experience, but the speed and power of the 23-year old proved overwhelming. In the third round, Abdullaev sent Abreu to the canvas for the first time. The Uruguayan went down again in the fifth after being caught by a sudden combination. Moments later, Abdullaev trapped a badly hurt Abreu against the ropes and unloaded a sustained barrage. Seeing no response, the referee stepped in just before the final bell. Now training in California's Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev had outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned as an amateur world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Jorge Chavez takes step forward at super bantam |
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Jorge Chávez W10 Manuel Flores... Mexican super bantamweight Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez delivered one of the biggest wins of his career over the weekend, earning a unanimous decision nod (96–94, 97–93, 98–92) over Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. With the victory, Chávez preserved his unbeaten record. The bout, staged at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, was part of a rivalry that began in July 2025, when the two fighters fought to a majority draw. This time, Chávez made sure there would be no room for debate on the judges’ scorecards. From the opening bell, Flores looked to impose his power, pressing forward from his southpaw stance and hunting for the big shot that defines his style. Chávez, however, showed clear tactical growth from their first meeting. Employing constant lateral movement and sharp three- and four-punch combinations, “El Niño Dorado” consistently disrupted the attacks of the Tanzanian-Californian.
As the fight wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Flores, who struggled to cut off the ring effectively. In the closing three rounds, Chávez finished strong, landing left hooks that repeatedly backed Flores up and cemented his advantage in the eyes of the judges.
All three scorecards went Chávez’s way as he improved to 15-0-1 (8 KOs). “This time there were no doubts,” Chávez said in the ring after the official announcement. “I knew I had to be more active and beat him to the jab. I respect Manny a lot, but tonight I showed who the best fighter at 122 pounds is.” For Flores (20-2-1, 16 KOs), the loss is a significant setback in his bid for a world title opportunity.
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Jorge Chavez takes step forward at super bantam
Jorge Chávez W10 Manuel Flores... Mexican super bantamweight Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez delivered one of the biggest wins of his career over the weekend, earning a unanimous decision nod (96–94, 97–93, 98–92) over Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. With the victory, Chávez preserved his unbeaten record. The bout, staged at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, was part of a rivalry that began in July 2025, when the two fighters fought to a majority draw. This time, Chávez made sure there would be no room for debate on the judges’ scorecards. From the opening bell, Flores looked to impose his power, pressing forward from his southpaw stance and hunting for the big shot that defines his style. Chávez, however, showed clear tactical growth from their first meeting. Employing constant lateral movement and sharp three- and four-punch combinations, “El Niño Dorado” consistently disrupted the attacks of the Tanzanian-Californian.
As the fight wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Flores, who struggled to cut off the ring effectively. In the closing three rounds, Chávez finished strong, landing left hooks that repeatedly backed Flores up and cemented his advantage in the eyes of the judges.
All three scorecards went Chávez’s way as he improved to 15-0-1 (8 KOs). “This time there were no doubts,” Chávez said in the ring after the official announcement. “I knew I had to be more active and beat him to the jab. I respect Manny a lot, but tonight I showed who the best fighter at 122 pounds is.” For Flores (20-2-1, 16 KOs), the loss is a significant setback in his bid for a world title opportunity.
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Jamel Herring wins BKFC debut |
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Former WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring turned heads, winning his bare knuckles fighting debut in Uncasville, Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino over the weekend. Herring, also a former U.S. Olympic boxer earned a unanimous decision over Matt “The Silencer” Guymon. All three judges agreed on the 50-43 verdict for the Coramy, NY bantamweight. [In BKFC, the bantamweight limit is 135 pounds]. According to event promoter BKFC, Herring is now the eleventh world champion to compete under the BKFC banner [Austin Trout has had the most success]. Herring warned undefeated bantamweight champion Justin Ibarrola in his post-fight interview that a new era has begun in the division: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Jamel Herring show, starring Jamel Herring, brought to you by the good people at BKFC!” Guymon, who hails from Kansas, is now 2-2 under the BKFC banner.
In Saturday’s main event, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague dethroned BKFC welterweight champion Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane (9-8) with a unanimous decision victory after their fight went to an overtime round. The overtime round is rare in BKFC and is only used in championship fights where a winner isn’t decided after five rounds. Pague dropped Lane in the opening round, ultimately leading to the unanimous 57-56 verdict. Pague, who represents Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is now 6-2 under the BKFC banner. Pague couldn’t hold back his emotions in his post-fight interview at the jam-packed Mohegan Sun Arena: “I can’t express what I’m feeling right now. If you thought this was all me, you’re crazy. This was God, man. I couldn’t do this without Jesus Christ, I’m telling you right now.”
Denver’s Ramiro Figueroa climbed to 4-1 in BKFC's squared circle with his second straight, defeating Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair via unanimous decision in their welterweight showdown. Two judges agreed on 49-46 while one scored the contest 48-47, all for Figueroa. The 24 year-old Figueroa said afterwards: “I fought last month, I fought this month, I’ll fight next month, I don’t care. Give me a contract and I’m there.” Blair, a product of New Jersey, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Massachusetts product Rico DiSciullo smashed his way to 3-0 with a third straight finish in the squared circle, this time knocking out Ashton “No Chance” Caniglia in lightweight action. The stoppage came 26 seconds into the second round. The Omaha, NE product Caniglia is now 1-1.
Guilherme Viana upped his BKFC record to 2-0 as the Brazilian-born Waterbury, Connecticut product scored his second straight, first-round KO at the expense of Juan Figuerva in the heavyweight division. Viana logged a pair of knockdowns before the referee called a stop to the contest with just one second left in the opening frame. Figuerva, who hails from Sunnywide, WA, is now 1-1.
Maine heavyweight Ras “Rasquatch The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton picked himself up off the canvas three times and rallied for a fifth-round, standing TKO victory with just seven seconds left in his matchup with Branko Busick. Both fighters were making their BKFC debut. Busick, a former linebacker for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, represents Pittsburgh, PA.
Missouri’s Tray “Big Dog” Martin edged out “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb for the split decision in his action-packed BKFC debut. Two judges scored the welterweight contest in favor of Martin (48-47, 49-46) and one judge scored it for Ghareeb (48-47). Ghareeb, who hails from Southampton, MA, was making his BKFC debut after amassing a 13-3 record in professional MMA.
Myrtle Beach, SC’s Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino was victorious in his BKFC premiere. His featherweight bout with Kurtis “The Outcast” Ellis was stopped after Ellis suffered a fight-ending hand injury at 1:08 of the second round. Gambino is well respected for his career in professional MMA, where he boasts a 9-2 record with two appearances under the UFC banner. The Omaha, NE product Ellis is now 1-2.
Fort Worth, TX’s Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses needed just 55 seconds to stop Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell via TKO in their featherweight matchup. Meneses is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner. Pannell, who represents Lancaster, PA, is now 1-5.
Lowell, MA’s Jared “Lenny” Lennon and Chachi Versace of Hudson, FL fought to a draw in the opening matchup of the night. One judge scored the bantamweight contest 48-46 for Lennon, one judge scored the bout 48-46 for the Brazilian-born Versace, and one judge called the fight a 47-47 draw. Lennon is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner, while Versace is now 0-1-1.
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Jamel Herring wins BKFC debut
Former WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring turned heads, winning his bare knuckles fighting debut in Uncasville, Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino over the weekend. Herring, also a former U.S. Olympic boxer earned a unanimous decision over Matt “The Silencer” Guymon. All three judges agreed on the 50-43 verdict for the Coramy, NY bantamweight. [In BKFC, the bantamweight limit is 135 pounds]. According to event promoter BKFC, Herring is now the eleventh world champion to compete under the BKFC banner [Austin Trout has had the most success]. Herring warned undefeated bantamweight champion Justin Ibarrola in his post-fight interview that a new era has begun in the division: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Jamel Herring show, starring Jamel Herring, brought to you by the good people at BKFC!” Guymon, who hails from Kansas, is now 2-2 under the BKFC banner.
In Saturday’s main event, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague dethroned BKFC welterweight champion Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane (9-8) with a unanimous decision victory after their fight went to an overtime round. The overtime round is rare in BKFC and is only used in championship fights where a winner isn’t decided after five rounds. Pague dropped Lane in the opening round, ultimately leading to the unanimous 57-56 verdict. Pague, who represents Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is now 6-2 under the BKFC banner. Pague couldn’t hold back his emotions in his post-fight interview at the jam-packed Mohegan Sun Arena: “I can’t express what I’m feeling right now. If you thought this was all me, you’re crazy. This was God, man. I couldn’t do this without Jesus Christ, I’m telling you right now.”
Denver’s Ramiro Figueroa climbed to 4-1 in BKFC's squared circle with his second straight, defeating Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair via unanimous decision in their welterweight showdown. Two judges agreed on 49-46 while one scored the contest 48-47, all for Figueroa. The 24 year-old Figueroa said afterwards: “I fought last month, I fought this month, I’ll fight next month, I don’t care. Give me a contract and I’m there.” Blair, a product of New Jersey, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Massachusetts product Rico DiSciullo smashed his way to 3-0 with a third straight finish in the squared circle, this time knocking out Ashton “No Chance” Caniglia in lightweight action. The stoppage came 26 seconds into the second round. The Omaha, NE product Caniglia is now 1-1.
Guilherme Viana upped his BKFC record to 2-0 as the Brazilian-born Waterbury, Connecticut product scored his second straight, first-round KO at the expense of Juan Figuerva in the heavyweight division. Viana logged a pair of knockdowns before the referee called a stop to the contest with just one second left in the opening frame. Figuerva, who hails from Sunnywide, WA, is now 1-1.
Maine heavyweight Ras “Rasquatch The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton picked himself up off the canvas three times and rallied for a fifth-round, standing TKO victory with just seven seconds left in his matchup with Branko Busick. Both fighters were making their BKFC debut. Busick, a former linebacker for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, represents Pittsburgh, PA.
Missouri’s Tray “Big Dog” Martin edged out “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb for the split decision in his action-packed BKFC debut. Two judges scored the welterweight contest in favor of Martin (48-47, 49-46) and one judge scored it for Ghareeb (48-47). Ghareeb, who hails from Southampton, MA, was making his BKFC debut after amassing a 13-3 record in professional MMA.
Myrtle Beach, SC’s Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino was victorious in his BKFC premiere. His featherweight bout with Kurtis “The Outcast” Ellis was stopped after Ellis suffered a fight-ending hand injury at 1:08 of the second round. Gambino is well respected for his career in professional MMA, where he boasts a 9-2 record with two appearances under the UFC banner. The Omaha, NE product Ellis is now 1-2.
Fort Worth, TX’s Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses needed just 55 seconds to stop Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell via TKO in their featherweight matchup. Meneses is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner. Pannell, who represents Lancaster, PA, is now 1-5.
Lowell, MA’s Jared “Lenny” Lennon and Chachi Versace of Hudson, FL fought to a draw in the opening matchup of the night. One judge scored the bantamweight contest 48-46 for Lennon, one judge scored the bout 48-46 for the Brazilian-born Versace, and one judge called the fight a 47-47 draw. Lennon is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner, while Versace is now 0-1-1.
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Bridgerweight news: WBA orders Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz |
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The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and interim titleholder Julio César La Cruz. The negotiation period officially began on January 16th, when formal notice was sent to both camps, and will run through February 15th. Gadzhimagomedov last fulfilled a mandatory defense on October 17, 2024, and his next one was required to take place before July 16, 2025. With that deadline now expired, the WBA has ruled that the Russian champion must face the Cuban contender without delay. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the prescribed timeframe, or if either side declines to sign, the WBA reserves the right to call a purse bid
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Bridgerweight news: WBA orders Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz
The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and interim titleholder Julio César La Cruz. The negotiation period officially began on January 16th, when formal notice was sent to both camps, and will run through February 15th. Gadzhimagomedov last fulfilled a mandatory defense on October 17, 2024, and his next one was required to take place before July 16, 2025. With that deadline now expired, the WBA has ruled that the Russian champion must face the Cuban contender without delay. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the prescribed timeframe, or if either side declines to sign, the WBA reserves the right to call a purse bid
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Tank Davis still at large three days after arrest warrant issued |
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Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in a VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years
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Tank Davis still at large three days after arrest warrant issued
Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in a VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years
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WBC annouces e-mail address for ranking inquiries |
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Boxingtalk commends the WBC for establishing an e-mail account available for boxers, promoters, managers and the boxing community in general, where all ratings inquiries will be addressed: wbcratings@wbcboxing.com.
The WBC also provided the following bit of transparency into its ratings process: There are eighteen weight divisions, ranging from heavyweight to minimumweight. World champions must face ranked boxers, and that’s where these [rating] lists become interesting, significant, and relevant. [Former WBC precedent] Jose Sulaimán instituted the WBC rantings in 1968. Since then, they have been compiled month after month, making this one of the bodie’s highest-priority activities. The WBC Ratings Committee has members who span countries across different parts of the world: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, and the United States.
How the Ratings Committee Works
The monthly results of ranked boxers and the significant results of unranked boxers are listed and compiled. Each analysis includes the boxers’ records, the highlights of their fights, and often a list of their previous results. Month after month, the results of an average of 150 to 200 fights are analyzed. Ranking boxers is a very complex task that requires meticulous knowledge of boxing, common sense, analytical skills, impartiality, objectivity, absolute honesty, and a sense of fairness. There is a very interesting procedure for analyzing each case; records are simply numbers, and these can be very misleading.
The Committee’s Process:
Weekly, ranking committee members compile fight results and other information related to fighters in their region, as well as global activity. The Chairman of the Ratings Committee prepares an agenda with possible ranking actions, which is distributed to all committee members five days before the monthly virtual meeting. The first Sunday of each month, a monthly virtual meeting takes place, which can last up to seven hours. During this, a first draft is compiled and sent to the committee members. Members provide feedback to create a second, and sometimes a third, draft.
The final draft is approved by our President Mauricio Sulaiman, making it ready for publication.
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WBC annouces e-mail address for ranking inquiries
Boxingtalk commends the WBC for establishing an e-mail account available for boxers, promoters, managers and the boxing community in general, where all ratings inquiries will be addressed: wbcratings@wbcboxing.com.
The WBC also provided the following bit of transparency into its ratings process: There are eighteen weight divisions, ranging from heavyweight to minimumweight. World champions must face ranked boxers, and that’s where these [rating] lists become interesting, significant, and relevant. [Former WBC precedent] Jose Sulaimán instituted the WBC rantings in 1968. Since then, they have been compiled month after month, making this one of the bodie’s highest-priority activities. The WBC Ratings Committee has members who span countries across different parts of the world: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, and the United States.
How the Ratings Committee Works
The monthly results of ranked boxers and the significant results of unranked boxers are listed and compiled. Each analysis includes the boxers’ records, the highlights of their fights, and often a list of their previous results. Month after month, the results of an average of 150 to 200 fights are analyzed. Ranking boxers is a very complex task that requires meticulous knowledge of boxing, common sense, analytical skills, impartiality, objectivity, absolute honesty, and a sense of fairness. There is a very interesting procedure for analyzing each case; records are simply numbers, and these can be very misleading.
The Committee’s Process:
Weekly, ranking committee members compile fight results and other information related to fighters in their region, as well as global activity. The Chairman of the Ratings Committee prepares an agenda with possible ranking actions, which is distributed to all committee members five days before the monthly virtual meeting. The first Sunday of each month, a monthly virtual meeting takes place, which can last up to seven hours. During this, a first draft is compiled and sent to the committee members. Members provide feedback to create a second, and sometimes a third, draft.
The final draft is approved by our President Mauricio Sulaiman, making it ready for publication.
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Curiel defeats late replacement Panthen |
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Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen... Raul Curiel made the most of a late replacement bout with a unanimous decision victory over Jordan Panthen in a catchweight bout in California on Friday. Curiel had been set for a rematch with Alexis Rocha before Rocha pulled out of their welterweight contest at short notice, forcing a reshuffle. Panthen commendably stepped in to fill the gap, and more than played his part in a contest that saw the two men go toe-to-toe in the ring. Ultimately, Curiel secured the triumph on points at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. The ten round bout ended with Curiel prevailing by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 98-92.
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Curiel defeats late replacement Panthen
Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen... Raul Curiel made the most of a late replacement bout with a unanimous decision victory over Jordan Panthen in a catchweight bout in California on Friday. Curiel had been set for a rematch with Alexis Rocha before Rocha pulled out of their welterweight contest at short notice, forcing a reshuffle. Panthen commendably stepped in to fill the gap, and more than played his part in a contest that saw the two men go toe-to-toe in the ring. Ultimately, Curiel secured the triumph on points at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. The ten round bout ended with Curiel prevailing by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 98-92.
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Weigh-in report from Philadelphia |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday night's King's Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia:
Dainier Pero 231 pounds -vs.- Mario Aguilar 262;
Lemir Riley -vs.- 234.2 -vs.- Joel Caudle 252.2;
Mekhi Phillips 134.2 -vs.- Yeuri Andujar 133.4;
Pryce Sparrow 145.9 -vs.- Eduado Hernandez Trejo 147.4;
Otabek Melikov 125.4-vs.- Jose Torres 123.8;
Josue Sosa 141.8 -vs.- Eduado Corona 141.2; and
Gabriel Colon 159.8 -vs.- Soslon Alborov 157.8.
First Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com
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Weigh-in report from Philadelphia
Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday night's King's Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia:
Dainier Pero 231 pounds -vs.- Mario Aguilar 262;
Lemir Riley -vs.- 234.2 -vs.- Joel Caudle 252.2;
Mekhi Phillips 134.2 -vs.- Yeuri Andujar 133.4;
Pryce Sparrow 145.9 -vs.- Eduado Hernandez Trejo 147.4;
Otabek Melikov 125.4-vs.- Jose Torres 123.8;
Josue Sosa 141.8 -vs.- Eduado Corona 141.2; and
Gabriel Colon 159.8 -vs.- Soslon Alborov 157.8.
First Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com
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Introducing Russian minimumweight Edmond Khudoyan |
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On January 30th in Moscow, Russia, Edmond Khudoyan will face undefeated Filipino Jeplex Quirante in a minimumweight contest. At 29 years old, Khudoyan firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite amateur minimumweights. His résumé includes a silver medal at the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai, where he dropped a tightly contested final to Azerbaijan’s Subhan Mamedov. The fight is being billed as Khudoyan's pro debut, although Boxingtalk recognizes his pro record to be 2-0 due to paid IBA fights. Khudoyan’s transition to the professional ranks has been one of the most anticipated moves in Russian boxing. However, his immediate focus has remained closely tied to the national team, following standout performances at the 2024 European Championships and his recent appearances on the world stage.
Across the ring, Quirante (6-0, 3 KOs) continues his steady climb through the Asian regional rankings. The 22 year-old Filipino is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Remark Antaran in July 2025, preserving his unbeaten record. Quirante embodies the classic Filipino fighting style: a high punch output, relentless pressure, and a tight, disciplined guard—tools he will look to use to spoil Khudoyan’s professional debut.
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Introducing Russian minimumweight Edmond Khudoyan
On January 30th in Moscow, Russia, Edmond Khudoyan will face undefeated Filipino Jeplex Quirante in a minimumweight contest. At 29 years old, Khudoyan firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite amateur minimumweights. His résumé includes a silver medal at the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai, where he dropped a tightly contested final to Azerbaijan’s Subhan Mamedov. The fight is being billed as Khudoyan's pro debut, although Boxingtalk recognizes his pro record to be 2-0 due to paid IBA fights. Khudoyan’s transition to the professional ranks has been one of the most anticipated moves in Russian boxing. However, his immediate focus has remained closely tied to the national team, following standout performances at the 2024 European Championships and his recent appearances on the world stage.
Across the ring, Quirante (6-0, 3 KOs) continues his steady climb through the Asian regional rankings. The 22 year-old Filipino is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Remark Antaran in July 2025, preserving his unbeaten record. Quirante embodies the classic Filipino fighting style: a high punch output, relentless pressure, and a tight, disciplined guard—tools he will look to use to spoil Khudoyan’s professional debut.
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Panthen steps in on one-day's notice to fight Curiel |
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There is a new main event on DAZN tonight (Friday) as Raul Curiel (16-0-1) will now face Jordan Panthen (11-1) in California after Alexis Rocha withdrew from an anticipated rematch with Curiel. Rocha struggled to cut weight on Wednesday and was subsequently hospitalized, forcing his exit from the welterweight clash. It marks a blow for both men, who managed just one fight between them in 2025 and had hoped to launch title bids with this fight. It means Panthen, who suffered his first loss in July against Farid Ngoga, has been drafted in for a 158-pound catchweight clash.
Curiel and Rocha previously faced off in a majority draw back in December 2024, a bout that slowed their title ambitions. The former knocked out Victor Rodriguez in June for his only bout last year, while the latter was absent from the ring due to injuries.
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Panthen steps in on one-day's notice to fight Curiel
There is a new main event on DAZN tonight (Friday) as Raul Curiel (16-0-1) will now face Jordan Panthen (11-1) in California after Alexis Rocha withdrew from an anticipated rematch with Curiel. Rocha struggled to cut weight on Wednesday and was subsequently hospitalized, forcing his exit from the welterweight clash. It marks a blow for both men, who managed just one fight between them in 2025 and had hoped to launch title bids with this fight. It means Panthen, who suffered his first loss in July against Farid Ngoga, has been drafted in for a 158-pound catchweight clash.
Curiel and Rocha previously faced off in a majority draw back in December 2024, a bout that slowed their title ambitions. The former knocked out Victor Rodriguez in June for his only bout last year, while the latter was absent from the ring due to injuries.
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Alvarez plans September return in Saudi Arabia |
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Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, announced what he called a "big, big fight" for September 12th in Saudi Arabia. In a video posted on social media on Thursday, standing next to Alalshikh were former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and promoter Richard Schaefer. Alalshikh said it would be the first Canelo Promotions show and would be called "Mexico Against the World." No opponent for Alvarez was named. A four-division champion, Alvarez's last fight saw him lose the undisputed world super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford, who has since announced his retirement.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 16, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, who bankrolled last weekend's Terence Crawford vs, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez world super middleweight championship fight, paid a visit to the now ex-champion, Alvarez, and tweeted the followjng: "I just visited the champ in his place. He will soon start his vacation with his family. He has two fights left with Riyadh Season in 2026. We offered him to work with us until he quits and retires. I want go give a special thank you to Canelo for the special gift. He gave me the gloves [from] the fight, and I appreciate it very much." SEPT. 15, 2025: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez issued this social media comment after his loss to Terence Crawford: "I feel very proud of everything I've achieved so far; we always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning. I am very grateful to my team for all the sa
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Alvarez plans September return in Saudi Arabia
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, announced what he called a "big, big fight" for September 12th in Saudi Arabia. In a video posted on social media on Thursday, standing next to Alalshikh were former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and promoter Richard Schaefer. Alalshikh said it would be the first Canelo Promotions show and would be called "Mexico Against the World." No opponent for Alvarez was named. A four-division champion, Alvarez's last fight saw him lose the undisputed world super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford, who has since announced his retirement.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 16, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, who bankrolled last weekend's Terence Crawford vs, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez world super middleweight championship fight, paid a visit to the now ex-champion, Alvarez, and tweeted the followjng: "I just visited the champ in his place. He will soon start his vacation with his family. He has two fights left with Riyadh Season in 2026. We offered him to work with us until he quits and retires. I want go give a special thank you to Canelo for the special gift. He gave me the gloves [from] the fight, and I appreciate it very much." SEPT. 15, 2025: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez issued this social media comment after his loss to Terence Crawford: "I feel very proud of everything I've achieved so far; we always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning. I am very grateful to my team for all the sa
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Thorslund books ring return after tragedy |
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Denmark's Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring in her home country on January 31st against Brazil’s Lila Furtado (11-3, 2 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight title. Thorslund (pictured), previously the undisputed bantamweight champion, now fights under MVP Promotions. She vacated her titles earlier this year due to pregnancy. Following the heartbreaking loss of her baby, the Danish warrior has decided to channel her strength back into the sport. Returning in a new division, she moves up to 126 pounds to chase a new title. The winner will look to unify with the WBC full champion, Tiara Brown, in the near future. The event takes place in the city of Kolding and will be headlined by undefeated Jacob Bank against former champion William Scull.
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Thorslund books ring return after tragedy
Denmark's Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring in her home country on January 31st against Brazil’s Lila Furtado (11-3, 2 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight title. Thorslund (pictured), previously the undisputed bantamweight champion, now fights under MVP Promotions. She vacated her titles earlier this year due to pregnancy. Following the heartbreaking loss of her baby, the Danish warrior has decided to channel her strength back into the sport. Returning in a new division, she moves up to 126 pounds to chase a new title. The winner will look to unify with the WBC full champion, Tiara Brown, in the near future. The event takes place in the city of Kolding and will be headlined by undefeated Jacob Bank against former champion William Scull.
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A few words with WBA champ Abass Barou |
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WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Barou is once again embracing his road warrior status. Baraou, who was born in Germany and is of Togolese descent, will attempt to unify titles against Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champ Xander Zayas on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Zayas' hometown of San Juan. The 31-year-old believes his ability to adapt, not the partisan Zayas crowd, will dictate how the fight unfolds. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) entered the paid ranks in 2018 after a standout amateur career, spending much of the next seven years plying his trade, mostly in Europe. The groundwork paid off last August in Orlando, Florida, when he overwhelmed then-WBA interim champion Yoenis Tellez, scoring a final-round knockdown en route to a unanimous points verdict. The following month, Baraou was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and became a world champion less than two months shy of his 23rd birthday by decisioning Mexican puncher Jorge Garcia last July. He now headlines only the second-ever title unification fight on Puerto Rican soil.
Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Baraou had to say:
“I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best. But it also depends on the situation. I can also show more skills.”
“Coming forward is something I do well. Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight. But we’ll see. That might be the key in this fight. We’ll see on fight night.”
“Becoming a champion has made me hungrier. It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”
“Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills. I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I've put the work in, and I'm ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion."
"I will always be myself in the ring. Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals. The fight is in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t add more pressure.”
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A few words with WBA champ Abass Barou
WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Barou is once again embracing his road warrior status. Baraou, who was born in Germany and is of Togolese descent, will attempt to unify titles against Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champ Xander Zayas on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Zayas' hometown of San Juan. The 31-year-old believes his ability to adapt, not the partisan Zayas crowd, will dictate how the fight unfolds. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) entered the paid ranks in 2018 after a standout amateur career, spending much of the next seven years plying his trade, mostly in Europe. The groundwork paid off last August in Orlando, Florida, when he overwhelmed then-WBA interim champion Yoenis Tellez, scoring a final-round knockdown en route to a unanimous points verdict. The following month, Baraou was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and became a world champion less than two months shy of his 23rd birthday by decisioning Mexican puncher Jorge Garcia last July. He now headlines only the second-ever title unification fight on Puerto Rican soil.
Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Baraou had to say:
“I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best. But it also depends on the situation. I can also show more skills.”
“Coming forward is something I do well. Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight. But we’ll see. That might be the key in this fight. We’ll see on fight night.”
“Becoming a champion has made me hungrier. It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”
“Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills. I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I've put the work in, and I'm ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion."
"I will always be myself in the ring. Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals. The fight is in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t add more pressure.”
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Introducing California bantamweight Chantel Navarro |
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Wise Owl Boxing is proud to announce the signing of undefeated professional bantamweight Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro. A Glendale, California native, Navarro brings an amateur background, proven drawing power, and mainstream appeal to the Wise Owl roster. She comes from deep-rooted boxing bloodlines and has been surrounded by the sport from an early age. Navarro is trained by her father, Nacho Navarro, alongside respected trainer Eddie Arrazola, a team that has helped shape her disciplined, high-level skill set. Wise Owls says that Navarro (7-0) has already established herself as a ticket seller and fan favorite, consistently bringing strong crowds and attention to her bouts. Her growing star power extends beyond the ring — she is one of the youngest female athletes to sign and be endorsed by Nike underscoring her crossover appeal and marketability.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Chantel Navarro to Wise Owl Boxing,” said the company’s CEO Mark Habibi. “She’s an accomplished prospect with deep boxing bloodlines, a tremendous work ethic, and real star power. Chantel is already a proven draw and big ticket seller, and we believe her best years are still ahead of her. She fits perfectly with the championship culture we’re building here.”
With her strong foundation, elite training team, and growing national profile, Navarro is poised to become one of the premier names in women’s boxing. Wise Owl Boxing plans to move her strategically while continuing to build her brand both inside and outside the ring.
Navarro now joins an elite Wise Owl Boxing stable that includes junior middleweight contender Brandon Adams ,Olympic standout Charles Conwell and decorated Mexican Olympian Briandra Tamara Cruz.
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Introducing California bantamweight Chantel Navarro
Wise Owl Boxing is proud to announce the signing of undefeated professional bantamweight Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro. A Glendale, California native, Navarro brings an amateur background, proven drawing power, and mainstream appeal to the Wise Owl roster. She comes from deep-rooted boxing bloodlines and has been surrounded by the sport from an early age. Navarro is trained by her father, Nacho Navarro, alongside respected trainer Eddie Arrazola, a team that has helped shape her disciplined, high-level skill set. Wise Owls says that Navarro (7-0) has already established herself as a ticket seller and fan favorite, consistently bringing strong crowds and attention to her bouts. Her growing star power extends beyond the ring — she is one of the youngest female athletes to sign and be endorsed by Nike underscoring her crossover appeal and marketability.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Chantel Navarro to Wise Owl Boxing,” said the company’s CEO Mark Habibi. “She’s an accomplished prospect with deep boxing bloodlines, a tremendous work ethic, and real star power. Chantel is already a proven draw and big ticket seller, and we believe her best years are still ahead of her. She fits perfectly with the championship culture we’re building here.”
With her strong foundation, elite training team, and growing national profile, Navarro is poised to become one of the premier names in women’s boxing. Wise Owl Boxing plans to move her strategically while continuing to build her brand both inside and outside the ring.
Navarro now joins an elite Wise Owl Boxing stable that includes junior middleweight contender Brandon Adams ,Olympic standout Charles Conwell and decorated Mexican Olympian Briandra Tamara Cruz.
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The Greatest postage stamps debut today |
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Today (Jan. 15th), the U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” with two stamps. Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked.” Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring. The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. It will take place in Ali's hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.
Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.
Muhammad Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”
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The Greatest postage stamps debut today
Today (Jan. 15th), the U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” with two stamps. Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked.” Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring. The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. It will take place in Ali's hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.
Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.
Muhammad Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”
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Zayas pre-unification training camp report |
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WBO 154-pound champion Xander Zayas is focused on making history. The 23 year-old Puerto Rican will face Germany's relentless WBA king Abass Baraou in a unification showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31st, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in his hometown of San Juan. ayas-Baraou marks just the second unification clash ever held on the island and gives Zayas the opportunity to become the youngest active unified champ and the first Boricua to do it on home turf. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) realized his lifelong dream of becoming a champion by outpointing Jorge Garcia last July, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) turned professional in 2018 after a decorated amateur career. He seized the WBA interim title with an upset of Cuba's Yoenis Tellez last August and was elevated to full champion the following month. Baraou closed the show against Tellez with a furious twelfth-round assault that culminated in a dramatic knockdown. Following a recent training session at head trainer Javiel Centeno's Sweatbox Boxing Gym, this is what Zayas had to say:
“This is the best opportunity of my career, not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home in front of my people. It’s been five years, and I’ve wanted to return ever since, but I knew I had to wait for the right moment. Now it’s here on January 31, when I return as a world champion.”
“I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That’s really important to me because I want to keep making history and building my legacy. ”
“Everybody is used to seeing champions take softer touches for their first defense. But because I’m going back to my island, I needed to do something big and give something special to the fans. Baraou is also making his first defense, so we’ll see two young fighters who want to show that big unification fights are still possible.”
“Baraou is a good, aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because he’s not well known in the United States, but I’ve shared the ring with him several times in sparring. I know what he brings, and he knows what I bring, so it’s going to be a big test for both of us on January 31.”
“We’ve prepared for a warrior, someone who won’t stop coming forward. We know he’s going to throw a lot of punches. He’s not a better boxer, faster, smarter, or stronger, but he does have a lot of heart.”
“This is the best camp of my career. I’ve grown so much physically and mentally. I can see it in how I look when I spar, how I feel during training, and how hard I’m pushing myself. It's time to make history!”
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Zayas pre-unification training camp report
WBO 154-pound champion Xander Zayas is focused on making history. The 23 year-old Puerto Rican will face Germany's relentless WBA king Abass Baraou in a unification showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31st, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in his hometown of San Juan. ayas-Baraou marks just the second unification clash ever held on the island and gives Zayas the opportunity to become the youngest active unified champ and the first Boricua to do it on home turf. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) realized his lifelong dream of becoming a champion by outpointing Jorge Garcia last July, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) turned professional in 2018 after a decorated amateur career. He seized the WBA interim title with an upset of Cuba's Yoenis Tellez last August and was elevated to full champion the following month. Baraou closed the show against Tellez with a furious twelfth-round assault that culminated in a dramatic knockdown. Following a recent training session at head trainer Javiel Centeno's Sweatbox Boxing Gym, this is what Zayas had to say:
“This is the best opportunity of my career, not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home in front of my people. It’s been five years, and I’ve wanted to return ever since, but I knew I had to wait for the right moment. Now it’s here on January 31, when I return as a world champion.”
“I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That’s really important to me because I want to keep making history and building my legacy. ”
“Everybody is used to seeing champions take softer touches for their first defense. But because I’m going back to my island, I needed to do something big and give something special to the fans. Baraou is also making his first defense, so we’ll see two young fighters who want to show that big unification fights are still possible.”
“Baraou is a good, aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because he’s not well known in the United States, but I’ve shared the ring with him several times in sparring. I know what he brings, and he knows what I bring, so it’s going to be a big test for both of us on January 31.”
“We’ve prepared for a warrior, someone who won’t stop coming forward. We know he’s going to throw a lot of punches. He’s not a better boxer, faster, smarter, or stronger, but he does have a lot of heart.”
“This is the best camp of my career. I’ve grown so much physically and mentally. I can see it in how I look when I spar, how I feel during training, and how hard I’m pushing myself. It's time to make history!”
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Ruslan Abdullaev being moved quickly as a pro |
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Tomorrow (January 16th), the bright lights of Palm Springs, California, will shine on a matchup that could help shape the future of the junior welterweight division. Rising Uzbek standout Ruslan Abdullaev will take on seasoned Uruguayan veteran Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu. Abdullaev (3-0, 1 KO) enters the bout carrying the label of a “future star.” Following an outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games, the 23-year old has made a seamless transition into the professional ranks.
Now training in the Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev has shown a level of poise and ring IQ that belies his limited pro résumé. In his most recent outing in September 2025, he thoroughly outclassed Kevin Johnson, making it clear that his technical polish and punch volume are already operating at a championship level.
Standing in his way is Abreu (14-1-1, 10 KOs), a rugged test who sees this fight as the opportunity of a lifetime on U.S. soil. The 37 year-old Uruguayan is a battle-tested veteran of the South American circuit, armed with respectable power that has accounted for most of his opponents inside the distance. Known for his come-forward style and ability to absorb punishment, Abreu is aiming to deliver one of the year’s biggest upsets.
Abdullaev’s footwork and hand speed could overwhelm Abreu in the early rounds, but this will be the first time the Uzbek prospect faces a rival with Abreu’s durability, savvy, and edge in a scheduled ten-round contest.
Fighting essentially on his adopted home turf, Abdullaev will enjoy a psychological edge and strong local support as he looks to take another decisive step forward in his rapid ascent.
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Ruslan Abdullaev being moved quickly as a pro
Tomorrow (January 16th), the bright lights of Palm Springs, California, will shine on a matchup that could help shape the future of the junior welterweight division. Rising Uzbek standout Ruslan Abdullaev will take on seasoned Uruguayan veteran Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu. Abdullaev (3-0, 1 KO) enters the bout carrying the label of a “future star.” Following an outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games, the 23-year old has made a seamless transition into the professional ranks.
Now training in the Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev has shown a level of poise and ring IQ that belies his limited pro résumé. In his most recent outing in September 2025, he thoroughly outclassed Kevin Johnson, making it clear that his technical polish and punch volume are already operating at a championship level.
Standing in his way is Abreu (14-1-1, 10 KOs), a rugged test who sees this fight as the opportunity of a lifetime on U.S. soil. The 37 year-old Uruguayan is a battle-tested veteran of the South American circuit, armed with respectable power that has accounted for most of his opponents inside the distance. Known for his come-forward style and ability to absorb punishment, Abreu is aiming to deliver one of the year’s biggest upsets.
Abdullaev’s footwork and hand speed could overwhelm Abreu in the early rounds, but this will be the first time the Uzbek prospect faces a rival with Abreu’s durability, savvy, and edge in a scheduled ten-round contest.
Fighting essentially on his adopted home turf, Abdullaev will enjoy a psychological edge and strong local support as he looks to take another decisive step forward in his rapid ascent.
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Flores vs. Chavez II on tap for Friday |
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On January 16th, the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert will host a rematch between Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores and Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez, as the two super banamweights look to break the deadlock that left fans wanting more last summer. Their first encounter, held in July 2025, ended in a majority draw. One judge scored the bout 97-93 for Chávez, while the other two turned in identical 95-95 cards Flores, the hometown favorite with a record of 20-1-1 and 16 knockouts, controlled the early rounds with his trademark power, but faded down the stretch as Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) took over with higher punch output and sharp lateral movement. Still unbeaten, Chávez has been vocal about feeling he was “robbed” of a victory the first time around.
The rematch shapes up as a classic stylistic clash. The left-handed puncher Flores must prove he has made the necessary conditioning adjustments to avoid giving ground in the later rounds. His power remains his greatest weapon, but his defense came under scrutiny in their first meeting.
Chávez, meanwhile, showed he can absorb Flores’ heavy shots and fire back with fast, fluid combinations. This time, his stated goal is to leave no doubt and keep the judges out of the equation.
“This time there will be no doubts. I learned a lot from the first fight, and I’m going to show why I’m the best super bantamweight in the region,” Flores said during training camp.
Chávez has been just as direct on social media: “He knows he lost the first one. In Palm Springs, the belt is coming home with me.”
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Flores vs. Chavez II on tap for Friday
On January 16th, the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert will host a rematch between Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores and Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez, as the two super banamweights look to break the deadlock that left fans wanting more last summer. Their first encounter, held in July 2025, ended in a majority draw. One judge scored the bout 97-93 for Chávez, while the other two turned in identical 95-95 cards Flores, the hometown favorite with a record of 20-1-1 and 16 knockouts, controlled the early rounds with his trademark power, but faded down the stretch as Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) took over with higher punch output and sharp lateral movement. Still unbeaten, Chávez has been vocal about feeling he was “robbed” of a victory the first time around.
The rematch shapes up as a classic stylistic clash. The left-handed puncher Flores must prove he has made the necessary conditioning adjustments to avoid giving ground in the later rounds. His power remains his greatest weapon, but his defense came under scrutiny in their first meeting.
Chávez, meanwhile, showed he can absorb Flores’ heavy shots and fire back with fast, fluid combinations. This time, his stated goal is to leave no doubt and keep the judges out of the equation.
“This time there will be no doubts. I learned a lot from the first fight, and I’m going to show why I’m the best super bantamweight in the region,” Flores said during training camp.
Chávez has been just as direct on social media: “He knows he lost the first one. In Palm Springs, the belt is coming home with me.”
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Elif Nur Turhan books first title defense |
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IBF women's lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan has signed a multi-fight extension to remain with Matchroom Boxing. She will make the first defense of her title on Saturday, January 31st in Newcastle, England, live on DAZN. The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte Carlo with a fifth-round demolition job over Brazil’s then-unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.
Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF 154-pound championship clash with the North-East’s own Josh Kelley.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135-pound division. “Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn. “I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing.
“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU 130-pound championship in Newcastle. Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”
Heavyweight Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and cruiserweight Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks. Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, hometown super bantamweight Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0. And don’t blink as we look forward to a North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area lightweight title.
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Elif Nur Turhan books first title defense
IBF women's lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan has signed a multi-fight extension to remain with Matchroom Boxing. She will make the first defense of her title on Saturday, January 31st in Newcastle, England, live on DAZN. The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte Carlo with a fifth-round demolition job over Brazil’s then-unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.
Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF 154-pound championship clash with the North-East’s own Josh Kelley.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135-pound division. “Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn. “I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing.
“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU 130-pound championship in Newcastle. Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”
Heavyweight Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and cruiserweight Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks. Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, hometown super bantamweight Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0. And don’t blink as we look forward to a North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area lightweight title.
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