Op Ed, part 5: How Canelo, Jake and the WBA Became Pawns in a Bigger Game |
|
In boxing, as in life, not all victories are won in the ring. Some are orchestrated behind closed doors — negotiated in silence, buried under nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and paid for with promises that never see daylight. Canelo Alvarez (pictured), one of the most respected figures in modern boxing, may have just stepped into such a trap — not with gloves on, but with pen in hand. What looked like a lucrative opportunity may, in time, be remembered as a surrender — not to an opponent, but to an illusion of power. And the man behind that illusion? Turki Alalshikh. As the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki has built boxing’s most extravagant stage: Riyadh Season. Fueled by bottomless oil wealth, he’s turned the desert into a global boxing destination — hosting Fury, Usyk, Joshua, Ngannou, and more. But behind the fireworks and press conferences lies a quiet truth: Turki doesn’t just promote fights. He curates power.
Fighters come not just to compete, but to comply. Appear in the photo ops. Say the right things. Fight the fights that serve the Kingdom’s narrative. For those who fall in line, the rewards are staggering. For those who don’t — silence, and in my opinion, exclusion and blacklisting. Jake Paul knows this better than anyone.
After building one of the most disruptive brands in boxing through Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Paul brought new fans, new media, and new money into the sport. He elevated women’s boxing. He packed arenas without legacy promoters. He became, by every metric, a power player. But power — real power — threatens empires built on control. So when Jake Paul tried to finalize a fight for himself against Alvarez in early 2025, a bout that would have streamed globally on Netflix, it was more than a spectacle. It was a statement. It said that boxing’s biggest draw and boxing’s biggest disruptor could cut out the middlemen and meet on their own terms.
And then it vanished.
Sources close to MVP confirm that an NDA was exchanged. Talks were advanced. Venues were considered. But before a signature was obtained on the dotted line, Turki stepped in. He offered Canelo enormous sums, exclusive licensing, and a promise of 'elite' opponents — carefully curated to exclude the very threats Canelo once said he was willing to face. David Benavidez? Out. Dmitriy Bivol? Silent. Jake Paul? Erased.
This wasn’t a negotiation. It was a neutralization.
In choosing the Kingdom’s riches, Canelo may have unknowingly surrendered the one thing Jake Paul has never given up: independence. But what makes this trap even more insidious is what reliable sources now reveal: both Terence Crawford and his manager Ishmael Hinton are stakeholders in a new boxing league — League 1 — a league that Turki himself has aggressively tried to buy into. Sources close to the matter confirm that Turki’s offers were firmly rejected by League 1’s leadership, who feared his domineering style and insisted on building something outside his influence.
To make matters more complex, Hinton — who previously worked at Creative Artists Agency alongside Nick Khan, now a powerful figure at TKO — also advises Turki in select matters. That means the man managing Canelo’s next opponent is not only building a league Turki can’t buy into, but also quietly guiding Turki’s strategic plays. It’s a circle of influence in which Canelo may be the only one without a seat at the table.
So when Canelo steps into the ring with Crawford in September on a TKO show, it’s not just about belts. It’s a high-stakes proxy war — against men who have both the motive and the machinery to use the moment for their own league’s rise. In seeking short-term riches, Canelo may have lent his name, his legacy, and his drawing power to a long-term structure that could ultimately undermine him. And here’s the deeper trap: in Turki’s world, the winner almost doesn’t matter. Whether Canelo defeats Crawford or not, the story still belongs to the man who owns it — literally.
With full ownership of Ring Magazine, Turki doesn’t just stage the fight; he scripts the aftermath. The rankings, the headlines, the historical framing — all pass through a filter he controls. Even a loss can be reframed, repackaged, and redeemed. Because in this new empire, legacy isn’t earned. It’s leased.
Of course, Canelo may see this as a calculated gamble. Another $100 million in guaranteed earnings is nothing to dismiss — not in a sport where legacy often fades faster than fortune. Perhaps he believes that if Crawford wins, a rematch is inevitable. Bigger. Richer. And on terms that reassert his control.
But that presumes Canelo understands the forces aligned around him — and the extent to which the deck may already be stacked. Because if he doesn’t dominate Crawford, or worse, if he loses decisively, he may find that his power in the sport doesn’t return with the rematch clause. It transfers — permanently — to those who were playing a longer game all along. For all the spectacle, Canelo’s recent resume tells a different story. He hasn’t scored a knockout in four years, and his last opponents — John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia, Edgar Berlanga, and William Scull — have done little to advance his legacy. The pattern is clear to most in the boxing world: Canelo has systematically sidestepped David Benavidez, the undefeated super middleweight juggernaut fans have been demanding he face.
That avoidance has cost him more than just reputation points — it’s created a vacuum where his critics have thrived. Every “safe” fight reinforces the perception that the once-fearless Canelo is now more concerned with controlling the optics than conquering the division. In the eyes of many loyal fans, Canelo is no longer chasing greatness — he’s chasing the bag. The man who once unified divisions and demanded the toughest challenges has turned instead to B- and C-list opponents, passing over the fight that would define his era: a war with David Benavidez.
It’s become a pattern too familiar to ignore. Canelo’s recent resume — from Ryder to Munguia to Scull — reads less like a champion’s conquest and more like a curated exhibition tour. At some point, avoiding Benavidez stopped looking strategic and started looking scared.
In another era, this might have earned him a place among the great manipulators of boxing history — men like Jack Johnson, who, while brilliant, often negotiated themselves out of danger and into profit. But the difference is that Johnson’s opponents were still dangerous. Canelo’s haven’t been.
Legacy in boxing is not built by longevity or riches alone. It’s built by risk. By daring to meet the moment fans demand — not the moment your handlers design. And the longer Canelo runs from that moment, the more he rewrites his place in history — not as a king, but as a curator of his own decline. While many fans are calling Canelo vs. Crawford a historic clash, a colder truth lingers beneath the headlines: neither man is in his prime. And if the fight turns into another Tom and Jerry sequel — all movement, no menace — the only ones left breathless will be the accountants waiting for the wire to hit.
This isn’t Hagler vs. Hearns. This isn’t Ali vs. Frazier. This isn’t even Leonard vs. Duran I — a war of wills that defined two eras. It’s two legends cashing in while pretending to care. Legacy doesn’t live in empty pageantry — it lives in risk, in rivalry, in real stakes. And if they can’t give fans that, then history won’t remember their names for the fight they took… but for the ones they never did. But in every empire, there comes a moment when illusion replaces purpose — when power is no longer used to uplift but to control. It’s the oldest story in history. And it’s not just written in politics or promotions. It’s etched into scripture.
In the Qur’an, there was Qarun — a man so wealthy that even the keys to his treasure required strength to carry. He believed his riches were his own doing. He used them not to lift others, but to boast and dominate. And for that, the earth swallowed him whole. “Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant… Do good as Allah has done good to you. And do not seek corruption in the land.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:76–83). Canelo, perhaps unknowingly, has taken the hand of a modern-day Qarun — drawn in by glittering promises, blind to the moral cost. And what he gave up wasn’t just a fight. It was control of his legacy.
Because in boxing, the loudest silence is the one that follows the fight that never happened.
On July 7th, sources confirm that Jake Paul and Turki Al Sheikh met face-to-face — reportedly to bury the hatchet. The meeting, long overdue, could mark a softening in Turki’s stance. Perhaps, for the first time, the Saudi powerbroker is realizing that in the U.S., unlike in Riyadh, there are legal guardrails: laws against coercion, restraint of trade, and monopolistic control that don’t yield to sovereign wealth or staged applause.
But if this meeting was a reset — it also marks a crossroads. The WBA was the only sanctioning body thus far willing to take the reputational risk of ranking Jake Paul when others cowered behind tradition. Their decision wasn’t just bold — it was principled. And for that, they’ve paid dearly. Multiple sources now confirm that Turki, enraged by the ranking, has threatened to pull funding and hosting rights from the WBA’s upcoming GENNEXT tournament — a global platform that was set to follow the WBC Grand Prix.
Jake Paul may now find himself at a defining moment. If he chooses to move forward with Turki while leaving the WBA exposed to vindictive retaliation, it won’t just be a political calculation. It will be a public statement about who he really is. Because standing up to gatekeepers only matters if you also stand beside those who stood with you when it counted. And if Jake shrinks from that responsibility — if he allows Turki to punish the only institution that dared to treat him fairly — then maybe, just maybe, he and Canelo aren’t that different after all.
Maybe they’re both willing to trade legacy for leverage — and truth for convenience. In that case, the mirage isn’t just Turki’s. It’s theirs too.
Stay tuned for Part 6 — where the mirage begins to crack, and the real battle for boxing’s soul begins.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO FOUR PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART THREE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART FOUR CAN BE READ HERE.
|
|
|
|
Op Ed, part 5: How Canelo, Jake and the WBA Became Pawns in a Bigger Game
In boxing, as in life, not all victories are won in the ring. Some are orchestrated behind closed doors — negotiated in silence, buried under nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and paid for with promises that never see daylight. Canelo Alvarez (pictured), one of the most respected figures in modern boxing, may have just stepped into such a trap — not with gloves on, but with pen in hand. What looked like a lucrative opportunity may, in time, be remembered as a surrender — not to an opponent, but to an illusion of power. And the man behind that illusion? Turki Alalshikh. As the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki has built boxing’s most extravagant stage: Riyadh Season. Fueled by bottomless oil wealth, he’s turned the desert into a global boxing destination — hosting Fury, Usyk, Joshua, Ngannou, and more. But behind the fireworks and press conferences lies a quiet truth: Turki doesn’t just promote fights. He curates power.
Fighters come not just to compete, but to comply. Appear in the photo ops. Say the right things. Fight the fights that serve the Kingdom’s narrative. For those who fall in line, the rewards are staggering. For those who don’t — silence, and in my opinion, exclusion and blacklisting. Jake Paul knows this better than anyone.
After building one of the most disruptive brands in boxing through Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Paul brought new fans, new media, and new money into the sport. He elevated women’s boxing. He packed arenas without legacy promoters. He became, by every metric, a power player. But power — real power — threatens empires built on control. So when Jake Paul tried to finalize a fight for himself against Alvarez in early 2025, a bout that would have streamed globally on Netflix, it was more than a spectacle. It was a statement. It said that boxing’s biggest draw and boxing’s biggest disruptor could cut out the middlemen and meet on their own terms.
And then it vanished.
Sources close to MVP confirm that an NDA was exchanged. Talks were advanced. Venues were considered. But before a signature was obtained on the dotted line, Turki stepped in. He offered Canelo enormous sums, exclusive licensing, and a promise of 'elite' opponents — carefully curated to exclude the very threats Canelo once said he was willing to face. David Benavidez? Out. Dmitriy Bivol? Silent. Jake Paul? Erased.
This wasn’t a negotiation. It was a neutralization.
In choosing the Kingdom’s riches, Canelo may have unknowingly surrendered the one thing Jake Paul has never given up: independence. But what makes this trap even more insidious is what reliable sources now reveal: both Terence Crawford and his manager Ishmael Hinton are stakeholders in a new boxing league — League 1 — a league that Turki himself has aggressively tried to buy into. Sources close to the matter confirm that Turki’s offers were firmly rejected by League 1’s leadership, who feared his domineering style and insisted on building something outside his influence.
To make matters more complex, Hinton — who previously worked at Creative Artists Agency alongside Nick Khan, now a powerful figure at TKO — also advises Turki in select matters. That means the man managing Canelo’s next opponent is not only building a league Turki can’t buy into, but also quietly guiding Turki’s strategic plays. It’s a circle of influence in which Canelo may be the only one without a seat at the table.
So when Canelo steps into the ring with Crawford in September on a TKO show, it’s not just about belts. It’s a high-stakes proxy war — against men who have both the motive and the machinery to use the moment for their own league’s rise. In seeking short-term riches, Canelo may have lent his name, his legacy, and his drawing power to a long-term structure that could ultimately undermine him. And here’s the deeper trap: in Turki’s world, the winner almost doesn’t matter. Whether Canelo defeats Crawford or not, the story still belongs to the man who owns it — literally.
With full ownership of Ring Magazine, Turki doesn’t just stage the fight; he scripts the aftermath. The rankings, the headlines, the historical framing — all pass through a filter he controls. Even a loss can be reframed, repackaged, and redeemed. Because in this new empire, legacy isn’t earned. It’s leased.
Of course, Canelo may see this as a calculated gamble. Another $100 million in guaranteed earnings is nothing to dismiss — not in a sport where legacy often fades faster than fortune. Perhaps he believes that if Crawford wins, a rematch is inevitable. Bigger. Richer. And on terms that reassert his control.
But that presumes Canelo understands the forces aligned around him — and the extent to which the deck may already be stacked. Because if he doesn’t dominate Crawford, or worse, if he loses decisively, he may find that his power in the sport doesn’t return with the rematch clause. It transfers — permanently — to those who were playing a longer game all along. For all the spectacle, Canelo’s recent resume tells a different story. He hasn’t scored a knockout in four years, and his last opponents — John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, Jaime Munguia, Edgar Berlanga, and William Scull — have done little to advance his legacy. The pattern is clear to most in the boxing world: Canelo has systematically sidestepped David Benavidez, the undefeated super middleweight juggernaut fans have been demanding he face.
That avoidance has cost him more than just reputation points — it’s created a vacuum where his critics have thrived. Every “safe” fight reinforces the perception that the once-fearless Canelo is now more concerned with controlling the optics than conquering the division. In the eyes of many loyal fans, Canelo is no longer chasing greatness — he’s chasing the bag. The man who once unified divisions and demanded the toughest challenges has turned instead to B- and C-list opponents, passing over the fight that would define his era: a war with David Benavidez.
It’s become a pattern too familiar to ignore. Canelo’s recent resume — from Ryder to Munguia to Scull — reads less like a champion’s conquest and more like a curated exhibition tour. At some point, avoiding Benavidez stopped looking strategic and started looking scared.
In another era, this might have earned him a place among the great manipulators of boxing history — men like Jack Johnson, who, while brilliant, often negotiated themselves out of danger and into profit. But the difference is that Johnson’s opponents were still dangerous. Canelo’s haven’t been.
Legacy in boxing is not built by longevity or riches alone. It’s built by risk. By daring to meet the moment fans demand — not the moment your handlers design. And the longer Canelo runs from that moment, the more he rewrites his place in history — not as a king, but as a curator of his own decline. While many fans are calling Canelo vs. Crawford a historic clash, a colder truth lingers beneath the headlines: neither man is in his prime. And if the fight turns into another Tom and Jerry sequel — all movement, no menace — the only ones left breathless will be the accountants waiting for the wire to hit.
This isn’t Hagler vs. Hearns. This isn’t Ali vs. Frazier. This isn’t even Leonard vs. Duran I — a war of wills that defined two eras. It’s two legends cashing in while pretending to care. Legacy doesn’t live in empty pageantry — it lives in risk, in rivalry, in real stakes. And if they can’t give fans that, then history won’t remember their names for the fight they took… but for the ones they never did. But in every empire, there comes a moment when illusion replaces purpose — when power is no longer used to uplift but to control. It’s the oldest story in history. And it’s not just written in politics or promotions. It’s etched into scripture.
In the Qur’an, there was Qarun — a man so wealthy that even the keys to his treasure required strength to carry. He believed his riches were his own doing. He used them not to lift others, but to boast and dominate. And for that, the earth swallowed him whole. “Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant… Do good as Allah has done good to you. And do not seek corruption in the land.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:76–83). Canelo, perhaps unknowingly, has taken the hand of a modern-day Qarun — drawn in by glittering promises, blind to the moral cost. And what he gave up wasn’t just a fight. It was control of his legacy.
Because in boxing, the loudest silence is the one that follows the fight that never happened.
On July 7th, sources confirm that Jake Paul and Turki Al Sheikh met face-to-face — reportedly to bury the hatchet. The meeting, long overdue, could mark a softening in Turki’s stance. Perhaps, for the first time, the Saudi powerbroker is realizing that in the U.S., unlike in Riyadh, there are legal guardrails: laws against coercion, restraint of trade, and monopolistic control that don’t yield to sovereign wealth or staged applause.
But if this meeting was a reset — it also marks a crossroads. The WBA was the only sanctioning body thus far willing to take the reputational risk of ranking Jake Paul when others cowered behind tradition. Their decision wasn’t just bold — it was principled. And for that, they’ve paid dearly. Multiple sources now confirm that Turki, enraged by the ranking, has threatened to pull funding and hosting rights from the WBA’s upcoming GENNEXT tournament — a global platform that was set to follow the WBC Grand Prix.
Jake Paul may now find himself at a defining moment. If he chooses to move forward with Turki while leaving the WBA exposed to vindictive retaliation, it won’t just be a political calculation. It will be a public statement about who he really is. Because standing up to gatekeepers only matters if you also stand beside those who stood with you when it counted. And if Jake shrinks from that responsibility — if he allows Turki to punish the only institution that dared to treat him fairly — then maybe, just maybe, he and Canelo aren’t that different after all.
Maybe they’re both willing to trade legacy for leverage — and truth for convenience. In that case, the mirage isn’t just Turki’s. It’s theirs too.
Stay tuned for Part 6 — where the mirage begins to crack, and the real battle for boxing’s soul begins.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO FOUR PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART THREE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART FOUR CAN BE READ HERE.
|
WBC looking into failed PED tests for Munguia and Rodriguez |
|
The WBC has noted two adverse findings for banned perfomance enhancing drugs (PEDs) under its Clean Boxing Program. The two boxers are former 154-pound title holder Jaume Munguia and Francisco "Chihuas" Rodriguez, who last week won a WBC interim title. The WBC says its Results Management Unit has started the evaluation process [but both boxers are Mexican, leading to questions about whether the Mexico-based WBC will act neutrally]. According to the WBC: "The WBC CBP Results Management Unit has been in direct communication with Jaime Munguia and his representatives. Mr. Munguía's team has been 100% cooperative. The WBC has received detailed information and supporting documents which will allow a full evaluation and eventual ruling. The WBC CBP will report on the matter as it continues its investigation and evaluation process.... VADA has notified the WBC that a sample collected from Francisco "Chihuas" Rodriguez after his last bout has yielded an Adverse Finding. Upon VADA's notification to Mr. Rodriguez, the WBC CBP made contact with him and his representatives. The Results Management process in that case has begun."
The WBC Clean Boxing Program was established in collaboration with VADA under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Goodman in 2015.
|
|
|
|
WBC looking into failed PED tests for Munguia and Rodriguez
The WBC has noted two adverse findings for banned perfomance enhancing drugs (PEDs) under its Clean Boxing Program. The two boxers are former 154-pound title holder Jaume Munguia and Francisco "Chihuas" Rodriguez, who last week won a WBC interim title. The WBC says its Results Management Unit has started the evaluation process [but both boxers are Mexican, leading to questions about whether the Mexico-based WBC will act neutrally]. According to the WBC: "The WBC CBP Results Management Unit has been in direct communication with Jaime Munguia and his representatives. Mr. Munguía's team has been 100% cooperative. The WBC has received detailed information and supporting documents which will allow a full evaluation and eventual ruling. The WBC CBP will report on the matter as it continues its investigation and evaluation process.... VADA has notified the WBC that a sample collected from Francisco "Chihuas" Rodriguez after his last bout has yielded an Adverse Finding. Upon VADA's notification to Mr. Rodriguez, the WBC CBP made contact with him and his representatives. The Results Management process in that case has begun."
The WBC Clean Boxing Program was established in collaboration with VADA under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Goodman in 2015.
|
Saturday's DAZN PPV line-up |
|
The WBC lightweight championship will be on the line on Saturday, as Shakur Stevenson defends his crown against unbeaten William Zepeda as part of a blockbuster New York City fight card, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Stevenson, who hales from across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, will head to the Big Apple looking to keep his strap against the Mexican, himself fresh off a pair of wins over ex-title holder Tevin Farmer. Zepeda has earned interim credentials to challenge for this honor, and will be a tricky foe - but it will still be the home favorite who has the crowd at his back in New York.
Another local favorite, Edgar Berlanga, takes on Great Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz to follow Stevenson-Zepeda.
The night begins on DAZN at 6pm ET / 3pm PT. Here is thge line-up:
Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (super middleweights);
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda (WBC lightweight title);
Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias (WBC junior welterweight title); and
David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev (light heavyweights).
|
|
|
|
Saturday's DAZN PPV line-up
The WBC lightweight championship will be on the line on Saturday, as Shakur Stevenson defends his crown against unbeaten William Zepeda as part of a blockbuster New York City fight card, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Stevenson, who hales from across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, will head to the Big Apple looking to keep his strap against the Mexican, himself fresh off a pair of wins over ex-title holder Tevin Farmer. Zepeda has earned interim credentials to challenge for this honor, and will be a tricky foe - but it will still be the home favorite who has the crowd at his back in New York.
Another local favorite, Edgar Berlanga, takes on Great Britain's Hamzah Sheeraz to follow Stevenson-Zepeda.
The night begins on DAZN at 6pm ET / 3pm PT. Here is thge line-up:
Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (super middleweights);
Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda (WBC lightweight title);
Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias (WBC junior welterweight title); and
David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev (light heavyweights).
|
A few words with Tim Tszyu |
|
Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu held a Las Vegas media workout on Thursday ahead of his much anticipated rematch against WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora which is part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Two of the top fighters in the stacked 154-pound division Fundora and Tszyu will meet in a 12-round rematch after their first fight saw Tszyu suffer a grisly cut in round three from an inadvertent Fundora elbow. The then WBO 154-pound champion Tszyu chose to fight on instead of bow out due to the cut, eventually losing his title, along with the then-vacant WBC belt, to Fundora by a close decision. On July 19, these two rivals look to settle the score and establish who is number one at 154-pounds. The four-fight pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao continuing his historic career by challenging WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what Tszyu had to say Thursday from Split T Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
“This is unfinished business for sure. I wasn’t able to show myself completely the first time, and now I get to rewrite history.
“I feel like the knockout is gonna come. I just have to stay patient. About a year ago I was going too much for it, and you can’t do that in boxing, especially at the top level. When it comes, it comes.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring so that I can punish him. I’ve got a lot to prove. I wouldn’t say there’s bad blood, but I wanna take his head off. This is gonna be a fan-friendly fight.
“It’s hard for anyone to adjust to Fundora’s height. It’s a core advantage that he’s got. But there’s little things we have prepared for it.
“I’m fighting on an iconic stage at MGM Grand. It’s a young kid’s dream to be fighting at this level.
“It’s nice to have a proper preparation to focus on Sebastian Fundora, because he’s a different type of boxer with his physical attributes.
“This is a massive card with Manny coming back to do historic things. This card has everything. It’s a real global boxing stage. It’s gonna be a hell of a show. I really think it’s gonna be the card of the year.
“I think the fact that we know each other and have shared the ring with each other, will make us even better in the rematch. We’ll both make adjustments and we’ll see who makes the correct ones on the night.
“The most important thing at this point in training camp is staying loose. The hard work is nearly finished. I’m feeling nice and sharp and staying relaxed.
“I used to envision future fights a little too much. This time it’s 100% Fundora focused.”
|
|
|
|
A few words with Tim Tszyu
Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu held a Las Vegas media workout on Thursday ahead of his much anticipated rematch against WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora which is part of a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Two of the top fighters in the stacked 154-pound division Fundora and Tszyu will meet in a 12-round rematch after their first fight saw Tszyu suffer a grisly cut in round three from an inadvertent Fundora elbow. The then WBO 154-pound champion Tszyu chose to fight on instead of bow out due to the cut, eventually losing his title, along with the then-vacant WBC belt, to Fundora by a close decision. On July 19, these two rivals look to settle the score and establish who is number one at 154-pounds. The four-fight pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao continuing his historic career by challenging WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what Tszyu had to say Thursday from Split T Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
“This is unfinished business for sure. I wasn’t able to show myself completely the first time, and now I get to rewrite history.
“I feel like the knockout is gonna come. I just have to stay patient. About a year ago I was going too much for it, and you can’t do that in boxing, especially at the top level. When it comes, it comes.
“I can’t wait to get in the ring so that I can punish him. I’ve got a lot to prove. I wouldn’t say there’s bad blood, but I wanna take his head off. This is gonna be a fan-friendly fight.
“It’s hard for anyone to adjust to Fundora’s height. It’s a core advantage that he’s got. But there’s little things we have prepared for it.
“I’m fighting on an iconic stage at MGM Grand. It’s a young kid’s dream to be fighting at this level.
“It’s nice to have a proper preparation to focus on Sebastian Fundora, because he’s a different type of boxer with his physical attributes.
“This is a massive card with Manny coming back to do historic things. This card has everything. It’s a real global boxing stage. It’s gonna be a hell of a show. I really think it’s gonna be the card of the year.
“I think the fact that we know each other and have shared the ring with each other, will make us even better in the rematch. We’ll both make adjustments and we’ll see who makes the correct ones on the night.
“The most important thing at this point in training camp is staying loose. The hard work is nearly finished. I’m feeling nice and sharp and staying relaxed.
“I used to envision future fights a little too much. This time it’s 100% Fundora focused.”
|
Fresno hosts light flyweight eliminator Saturday |
|
Mexico's Erick Badillo is set to face Gerardo Zapata on July 12th at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California. The bout is a WBC light flyweight title eliminator, meaning the winner will earn the right to challenge the reigning champion, Thailand’s Panya Pradabsri. Badillo brings an undefeated record of 17 wins, including 8 by knockout. His best win was over previously undefeated Neider Valdez Aguilar in 2024. Zapata enters the ring with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 5 KOs. Born in Nicaragua, Zapata went twelve rounds in a failed 105-pound title bid vs. Oscar Collazo, one of the best little men in the game.
|
|
|
|
Fresno hosts light flyweight eliminator Saturday
Mexico's Erick Badillo is set to face Gerardo Zapata on July 12th at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California. The bout is a WBC light flyweight title eliminator, meaning the winner will earn the right to challenge the reigning champion, Thailand’s Panya Pradabsri. Badillo brings an undefeated record of 17 wins, including 8 by knockout. His best win was over previously undefeated Neider Valdez Aguilar in 2024. Zapata enters the ring with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 5 KOs. Born in Nicaragua, Zapata went twelve rounds in a failed 105-pound title bid vs. Oscar Collazo, one of the best little men in the game.
|
Late results from Russia: Munoz KOs Agrba |
|
Rubén Neri Muñoz KO2 Khariton Agrba... A major night of action unfolded on July 5th in Ekaterinburg, Russia, as three WBA-sanctioned title eliminators shaped the immediate future of the super bantamweight, junior welterweight, and junior middleweight divisions. The shock of the night came in the 140-pound bout, where Argentina’s Rubén Neri Muñoz (18-2, 14 KOs) delivered a second-round knockout over previously undefeated Russian Khariton Agrba (15-1, 9 KOs). After a cautious opening round, Muñoz unleashed a vicious left cross that dropped Agrba flat — no count necessary. The referee immediately waved it off, as Muñoz’s team erupted in celebration.
Pavel Sosulin W12 Magomed Kurbanov... At junior middleweight, Pavel Sosulin (12-0, 6 KOs) edged former title challenger Magomed Kurbanov (26-2, 14 KOs) by split decision in a high-level, closely contested bout between two Russians. The scorecards read 116-112, 112-116, and 115-113 — reflecting the tight nature of the bout. Sosulin, despite having less experience, impressed with his steady pace and tactical adaptability, while Kurbanov struggled to impose his physicality at close range.
Muhammad Shekhov W10 Rodrigo Ruiz... In the super bantamweight clash, Uzbek southpaw Muhammad Shekhov (17-0-1, 4 KOs) turned in a disciplined, tactical performance to earn a unanimous decision over Argentina’s Rodrigo “C4” Ruiz (22-1, 16 KOs). Shekhov controlled the distance with intelligent footwork and crisp counters, effectively neutralizing Ruiz’s power. Judges scored it 97-91, 96-92 and 95-93 — all in favor of Shekhov, who now solidifies his place in the 122-pound division.
|
|
|
|
Late results from Russia: Munoz KOs Agrba
Rubén Neri Muñoz KO2 Khariton Agrba... A major night of action unfolded on July 5th in Ekaterinburg, Russia, as three WBA-sanctioned title eliminators shaped the immediate future of the super bantamweight, junior welterweight, and junior middleweight divisions. The shock of the night came in the 140-pound bout, where Argentina’s Rubén Neri Muñoz (18-2, 14 KOs) delivered a second-round knockout over previously undefeated Russian Khariton Agrba (15-1, 9 KOs). After a cautious opening round, Muñoz unleashed a vicious left cross that dropped Agrba flat — no count necessary. The referee immediately waved it off, as Muñoz’s team erupted in celebration.
Pavel Sosulin W12 Magomed Kurbanov... At junior middleweight, Pavel Sosulin (12-0, 6 KOs) edged former title challenger Magomed Kurbanov (26-2, 14 KOs) by split decision in a high-level, closely contested bout between two Russians. The scorecards read 116-112, 112-116, and 115-113 — reflecting the tight nature of the bout. Sosulin, despite having less experience, impressed with his steady pace and tactical adaptability, while Kurbanov struggled to impose his physicality at close range.
Muhammad Shekhov W10 Rodrigo Ruiz... In the super bantamweight clash, Uzbek southpaw Muhammad Shekhov (17-0-1, 4 KOs) turned in a disciplined, tactical performance to earn a unanimous decision over Argentina’s Rodrigo “C4” Ruiz (22-1, 16 KOs). Shekhov controlled the distance with intelligent footwork and crisp counters, effectively neutralizing Ruiz’s power. Judges scored it 97-91, 96-92 and 95-93 — all in favor of Shekhov, who now solidifies his place in the 122-pound division.
|
Are Turki and Jake planning to work together? |
|
Jake Paul tweeted a picture of himself meeting with Turki Alalshikh (likely in New York City), and commented: "My / MVP's goal has always been to disrupt and grow boxing, and Turki has done that in massive ways. Collaborating only helps ensure boxing, for women and men, continues to grow and regain its place as the biggest sport in the world." However, with Paul heavily invested in women's boxing and Alalshikh not so invested, a partnership that goes beyond fights involving Paul himself could face some obstacles.
|
|
|
|
Are Turki and Jake planning to work together?
Jake Paul tweeted a picture of himself meeting with Turki Alalshikh (likely in New York City), and commented: "My / MVP's goal has always been to disrupt and grow boxing, and Turki has done that in massive ways. Collaborating only helps ensure boxing, for women and men, continues to grow and regain its place as the biggest sport in the world." However, with Paul heavily invested in women's boxing and Alalshikh not so invested, a partnership that goes beyond fights involving Paul himself could face some obstacles.
|
Jake Paul Op Ed, Part 4: The Empire and the Outlaw |
|
In a sport long controlled by gatekeepers, Jake Paul was never supposed to matter. He wasn’t born into boxing royalty. He didn’t come up through the amateur system. He never asked for permission. And yet today, Jake Paul — the YouTuber-turned-fighter, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with Nakisa Bidarian— have done something boxing’s billionaires couldn’t: they made the sport matter again to an entirely new generation. He’s sold out major arenas. He’s headlined events that have broken global streaming records. He’s elevated fighters like Amanda Serrano, who went from underpaid champion to main-eventing a sold-out Madison Square Garden in the most important women’s fight in boxing history. But success like that doesn’t go unnoticed — especially by those who’ve spent hundreds of millions to control the sport.
Enter Turki Alalshikh
Turki Alashikh is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the unelected gatekeeper of boxing’s new economic empire. Backed by his country’s oil wealth, Turki has hosted the world’s biggest fights — Fury vs. Ngannou, Usyk vs. Joshua I and II, and the recent undisputed heavyweight clash, Usyk vs. Fury. II. His cards come with fireworks, glitz, and headlines, and often turn out to be duds. In other words, the firework never materialize. But behind the spectacle lies a problem: people aren’t buying the soul he’s trying to sell.
Tom & Jerry Fights
The Saudi-sponsored events often lack the energy of real fandom. Seats go unfilled. Fighters take massive paydays only to dance around the ring in what even Turki himself calls “Tom & Jerry” performances. The crowds are curated. The fights feel like exhibitions. The outcomes—while official—carry little of the grit that built boxing’s mythos.
And then there’s Jake Paul — doing everything Turki cannot.
While Turki uses money to manufacture moments, Jake Paul has used media savvy and authenticity to build movements. He packs arenas in Dallas, Tampa, Cleveland. His fights pull millions on Netflix. His storytelling connects with Gen Z. His brand isn’t built on state funding — it’s built on belief.
So why is Jake Paul consistently absent from Riyadh Season? Because he’s proven that boxing doesn’t need oil money to thrive. It just needs relevance.
Sources close to MVP confirm that multiple overtures to participate in Saudi-hosted events were either denied or ghosted. Fighters under MVP’s banner, mostly women, are quietly excluded [Saudi Arabia is not the most enlightened place when it comes to female boxing and women's rights in general]. Paul himself is never invited, never mentioned, never part of the picture. This isn’t oversight — it’s orchestration.
The Canelo Coup
The final blow came in February, 2025 when Jake Paul was on the brink of finalizing a fight with world super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez — a match that would’ve combined Jake’s media power with boxing’s most respected name. The deal was nearly done. A non-discosure agreement was reportedly exchanged in order to keep negotiations secret and confidential for all parties involved. The fight would’ve streamed globally on Netflix. It was the kind of crossover event that could change the sport forever.
And then? Turki stepped in, allegedly enticing Canelo with an irresistible package — enormous money, long-term licensing, and promises of so called elite opponents. But elite names such as David Benavidez, David Morrell and Dmitry Bivol seem to be absent at Canelo’s insistence. So much for “elite fighters.” Canelo, who once publicly told Turki, “I do things on my terms,” found himself slowly pulled into the empire he’d once resisted.
Jake was out. The story was buried. The fans would never know what they missed.
But the most shocking twist? Canelo may have just walked into something far worse.
In the next installment (Part 5), we'll consider a shadow alliance, a silent betrayal, and the trap Canelo never saw coming. Stay tuned for Part 5: The Trap Canelo Never Saw Coming.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THREE PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART THREE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
|
|
|
|
Jake Paul Op Ed, Part 4: The Empire and the Outlaw
In a sport long controlled by gatekeepers, Jake Paul was never supposed to matter. He wasn’t born into boxing royalty. He didn’t come up through the amateur system. He never asked for permission. And yet today, Jake Paul — the YouTuber-turned-fighter, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) with Nakisa Bidarian— have done something boxing’s billionaires couldn’t: they made the sport matter again to an entirely new generation. He’s sold out major arenas. He’s headlined events that have broken global streaming records. He’s elevated fighters like Amanda Serrano, who went from underpaid champion to main-eventing a sold-out Madison Square Garden in the most important women’s fight in boxing history. But success like that doesn’t go unnoticed — especially by those who’ve spent hundreds of millions to control the sport.
Enter Turki Alalshikh
Turki Alashikh is the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the unelected gatekeeper of boxing’s new economic empire. Backed by his country’s oil wealth, Turki has hosted the world’s biggest fights — Fury vs. Ngannou, Usyk vs. Joshua I and II, and the recent undisputed heavyweight clash, Usyk vs. Fury. II. His cards come with fireworks, glitz, and headlines, and often turn out to be duds. In other words, the firework never materialize. But behind the spectacle lies a problem: people aren’t buying the soul he’s trying to sell.
Tom & Jerry Fights
The Saudi-sponsored events often lack the energy of real fandom. Seats go unfilled. Fighters take massive paydays only to dance around the ring in what even Turki himself calls “Tom & Jerry” performances. The crowds are curated. The fights feel like exhibitions. The outcomes—while official—carry little of the grit that built boxing’s mythos.
And then there’s Jake Paul — doing everything Turki cannot.
While Turki uses money to manufacture moments, Jake Paul has used media savvy and authenticity to build movements. He packs arenas in Dallas, Tampa, Cleveland. His fights pull millions on Netflix. His storytelling connects with Gen Z. His brand isn’t built on state funding — it’s built on belief.
So why is Jake Paul consistently absent from Riyadh Season? Because he’s proven that boxing doesn’t need oil money to thrive. It just needs relevance.
Sources close to MVP confirm that multiple overtures to participate in Saudi-hosted events were either denied or ghosted. Fighters under MVP’s banner, mostly women, are quietly excluded [Saudi Arabia is not the most enlightened place when it comes to female boxing and women's rights in general]. Paul himself is never invited, never mentioned, never part of the picture. This isn’t oversight — it’s orchestration.
The Canelo Coup
The final blow came in February, 2025 when Jake Paul was on the brink of finalizing a fight with world super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez — a match that would’ve combined Jake’s media power with boxing’s most respected name. The deal was nearly done. A non-discosure agreement was reportedly exchanged in order to keep negotiations secret and confidential for all parties involved. The fight would’ve streamed globally on Netflix. It was the kind of crossover event that could change the sport forever.
And then? Turki stepped in, allegedly enticing Canelo with an irresistible package — enormous money, long-term licensing, and promises of so called elite opponents. But elite names such as David Benavidez, David Morrell and Dmitry Bivol seem to be absent at Canelo’s insistence. So much for “elite fighters.” Canelo, who once publicly told Turki, “I do things on my terms,” found himself slowly pulled into the empire he’d once resisted.
Jake was out. The story was buried. The fans would never know what they missed.
But the most shocking twist? Canelo may have just walked into something far worse.
In the next installment (Part 5), we'll consider a shadow alliance, a silent betrayal, and the trap Canelo never saw coming. Stay tuned for Part 5: The Trap Canelo Never Saw Coming.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THREE PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART THREE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
|
Unknown Yunovidov stops Romanov for interim belt |
|
|
Georgiy Yunovidov TKO5 Evgeny Romanov ... In an upset, Georgiy Yunovidov (11-1, 7 KOs) stopped veteran Evgeny Romanov (19-2, 12 KOs) to claim the WBA interim bridgerweight title at the DIVS Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia. It was a weak ending as Romanov simply quit after round five.Yunovidov, age 32, entered the bout as a clear underdog — with just 11 professional fights and no prior experience on the world stage. It was a crushing blow for Romanov's career. He was once considered a contender in the 224-pound division, but now has suffered back-to-back KO defeats. Editor's note: why was the WBA sanctioning a man coming off a KO loss (Romanov) vs. an undistinguished boxer for an interim title? For Yunovidov, it was a breakout moment: not only did he seize the interim world title, but he now inserts himself squarely into the race for a shot at the WBA’s full championship, currently held by Muslim Gadzimagomedov.
From the opening bell, the rangy Russian made his intentions clear, using his superior reach to establish distance, snapping jabs, and landing straight shots whenever Romanov tried to close the gap.
Romanov, age 39, looked to bring the fight inside and bank on his power, but he struggled to match Yunovidov’s speed, accuracy, and ring IQ. Through five rounds, the bout remained competitive, but the tide turned in the sixth. After landing a sharp combination to the body and head, Yunovidov visibly rocked Romanov. With his opponent hurt and unable to respond, the referee stepped in and called a halt to the bout, awarding Yunovidov the technical knockout victory.
|
|
|
|
Unknown Yunovidov stops Romanov for interim belt
Georgiy Yunovidov TKO5 Evgeny Romanov ... In an upset, Georgiy Yunovidov (11-1, 7 KOs) stopped veteran Evgeny Romanov (19-2, 12 KOs) to claim the WBA interim bridgerweight title at the DIVS Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia. It was a weak ending as Romanov simply quit after round five.Yunovidov, age 32, entered the bout as a clear underdog — with just 11 professional fights and no prior experience on the world stage. It was a crushing blow for Romanov's career. He was once considered a contender in the 224-pound division, but now has suffered back-to-back KO defeats. Editor's note: why was the WBA sanctioning a man coming off a KO loss (Romanov) vs. an undistinguished boxer for an interim title? For Yunovidov, it was a breakout moment: not only did he seize the interim world title, but he now inserts himself squarely into the race for a shot at the WBA’s full championship, currently held by Muslim Gadzimagomedov.
From the opening bell, the rangy Russian made his intentions clear, using his superior reach to establish distance, snapping jabs, and landing straight shots whenever Romanov tried to close the gap.
Romanov, age 39, looked to bring the fight inside and bank on his power, but he struggled to match Yunovidov’s speed, accuracy, and ring IQ. Through five rounds, the bout remained competitive, but the tide turned in the sixth. After landing a sharp combination to the body and head, Yunovidov visibly rocked Romanov. With his opponent hurt and unable to respond, the referee stepped in and called a halt to the bout, awarding Yunovidov the technical knockout victory.
|
Gary Russell talks comeback |
|
Former champions Gary Russell Jr. and Mark Magsayo, as well as super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso held virtual media availability on Wednesday to preview their respective bouts that will be part of a PBC on Prime Video lineup Saturday, July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Their fights precede a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video headlined by Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao challenging WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios. Topping the pre-pay-per-view streaming presentation is the return of the former longtime WBC featherweight champion Russell Jr. as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight showdown. The undefeated Picasso will duel Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a ten-round affair, while the Filipino power-puncher Magsayo battles Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a ten-round junior lightweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights lead into the pay-per-view event that, besides the Pacquiao vs. Barrios main event, features three more bouts. WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former champion Tim Tszyu look to eclipse 2024’s bloodiest fight in their championship rematch. Plus, Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meets his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro for a second time in a twelve-round junior welterweight duel, while former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a ten-round featherweight showdown. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“It’s great to be back. I’m excited to be able to get back out there. The last time I competed was over three years ago and I’m ready to do what I love doing best.
“Boxing is a lifestyle for me. In my last fight I got injured and still thought I did enough to get the win. I always wanted to come back to the sport. I lost my father and one of my younger brothers, so there was a lot that held me back. I also took time to train my younger brothers. I had to take the time to focus and regroup. Now I’m ready to come back to the sport.
“Life is about overcoming obstacles that come your way. You have to have mental resiliency. I’m glad that I’m strong-minded enough to stay tunnel-visioned.
“Now that I’m competing again, my younger brothers are helping to train me. It’s cool for the dynamics to switch like that. Even a king needs to be open-minded for constructive criticism. I’m using it all as fuel for progression.
“I’m getting the good fight nerves. It’s really more excitement the closer we get to the fight. I’m glad that I’ll be ready to go out there and display my skillset to the world.
“Mark Magsayo says he’s in for a rematch, but his promoters might not be glad he said that. Because it’s real over here.
“We have to decide who’s the best in the area, so that would make Gervonta Davis or Lamont Roach an interesting opponent. I want to figure out who the best is in our area of the country.”
DAVID PICASSO
“I’m just so excited to fight on a card like this. Manny Pacquiao is a boxer who I idolize and who has motivated me to chase my dreams. Fighting before him is a great honor. I know this fight is the most important in my career because I want to fight for the world championship in December.
“I’ve just been training all the time in between every fight. I’m only focused on the fight in front of me, even though I want to fight for the title in December. Kameda is a rangier fighter, so I’ll need to use my movement and still make it exciting.
“This is my second fight in Las Vegas and I know the Mexican fans there love my style. I’m so excited to be fighting in front of those fans.
“All of my life I’ve been preparing to become a world champion. Ever since I was seven-years-old. This fight is everything for me. This can change my life. I have to win this fight.
“Life is full of challenges, but you have to focus on what’s in front of you. July 19 is the most important thing in my life. Once that’s over, we can see what the next step will be. I have to stay mentally focused.
“Every fight is a championship fight for me. Everything is about boxing. When boxing is your life, it’s a true passion. It makes every fight a world title fight.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“When I knew that Pacquiao was coming back, I wanted to be on that undercard and my wish has come true. I’m so excited to get into the ring.
“It’s an honor to be on the undercard of a legend. I can’t wait to showcase my talent and I know that I’m going to be at my best.
“My losses at featherweight were largely because of the weight. I was too dehydrated. I had planned to already move up in weight.
“My coach and I are speaking the same language and he’s taught me a new style and new techniques. I’m very grateful to have Marvin Somodio in my corner.
“I think this will be a toe-to-toe fight. He’s a good fighter so I’m not underestimating him. I’m going to do my best to entertain the fans and if the knockout presents itself, I’ll take advantage.
“I’ll fight anybody in my division. Whichever champion is willing to step up to the plate. Whoever my promoter’s say is available, I’ll be ready for them.
“This is my stepping stone to the next level. I need to win this fight. The next fight I’m looking for is a world title fight.”
|
|
|
|
Gary Russell talks comeback
Former champions Gary Russell Jr. and Mark Magsayo, as well as super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso held virtual media availability on Wednesday to preview their respective bouts that will be part of a PBC on Prime Video lineup Saturday, July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Their fights precede a PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video headlined by Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao challenging WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios. Topping the pre-pay-per-view streaming presentation is the return of the former longtime WBC featherweight champion Russell Jr. as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight showdown. The undefeated Picasso will duel Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a ten-round affair, while the Filipino power-puncher Magsayo battles Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a ten-round junior lightweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights lead into the pay-per-view event that, besides the Pacquiao vs. Barrios main event, features three more bouts. WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former champion Tim Tszyu look to eclipse 2024’s bloodiest fight in their championship rematch. Plus, Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meets his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro for a second time in a twelve-round junior welterweight duel, while former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a ten-round featherweight showdown. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“It’s great to be back. I’m excited to be able to get back out there. The last time I competed was over three years ago and I’m ready to do what I love doing best.
“Boxing is a lifestyle for me. In my last fight I got injured and still thought I did enough to get the win. I always wanted to come back to the sport. I lost my father and one of my younger brothers, so there was a lot that held me back. I also took time to train my younger brothers. I had to take the time to focus and regroup. Now I’m ready to come back to the sport.
“Life is about overcoming obstacles that come your way. You have to have mental resiliency. I’m glad that I’m strong-minded enough to stay tunnel-visioned.
“Now that I’m competing again, my younger brothers are helping to train me. It’s cool for the dynamics to switch like that. Even a king needs to be open-minded for constructive criticism. I’m using it all as fuel for progression.
“I’m getting the good fight nerves. It’s really more excitement the closer we get to the fight. I’m glad that I’ll be ready to go out there and display my skillset to the world.
“Mark Magsayo says he’s in for a rematch, but his promoters might not be glad he said that. Because it’s real over here.
“We have to decide who’s the best in the area, so that would make Gervonta Davis or Lamont Roach an interesting opponent. I want to figure out who the best is in our area of the country.”
DAVID PICASSO
“I’m just so excited to fight on a card like this. Manny Pacquiao is a boxer who I idolize and who has motivated me to chase my dreams. Fighting before him is a great honor. I know this fight is the most important in my career because I want to fight for the world championship in December.
“I’ve just been training all the time in between every fight. I’m only focused on the fight in front of me, even though I want to fight for the title in December. Kameda is a rangier fighter, so I’ll need to use my movement and still make it exciting.
“This is my second fight in Las Vegas and I know the Mexican fans there love my style. I’m so excited to be fighting in front of those fans.
“All of my life I’ve been preparing to become a world champion. Ever since I was seven-years-old. This fight is everything for me. This can change my life. I have to win this fight.
“Life is full of challenges, but you have to focus on what’s in front of you. July 19 is the most important thing in my life. Once that’s over, we can see what the next step will be. I have to stay mentally focused.
“Every fight is a championship fight for me. Everything is about boxing. When boxing is your life, it’s a true passion. It makes every fight a world title fight.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“When I knew that Pacquiao was coming back, I wanted to be on that undercard and my wish has come true. I’m so excited to get into the ring.
“It’s an honor to be on the undercard of a legend. I can’t wait to showcase my talent and I know that I’m going to be at my best.
“My losses at featherweight were largely because of the weight. I was too dehydrated. I had planned to already move up in weight.
“My coach and I are speaking the same language and he’s taught me a new style and new techniques. I’m very grateful to have Marvin Somodio in my corner.
“I think this will be a toe-to-toe fight. He’s a good fighter so I’m not underestimating him. I’m going to do my best to entertain the fans and if the knockout presents itself, I’ll take advantage.
“I’ll fight anybody in my division. Whichever champion is willing to step up to the plate. Whoever my promoter’s say is available, I’ll be ready for them.
“This is my stepping stone to the next level. I need to win this fight. The next fight I’m looking for is a world title fight.”
|
Ellis calls out Norman and Barrios |
|
After delivering a third-round knockout of Josec Ruiz last month, welterweight contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (27-1, 18 KOs) is putting the division’s champions on notice: The time for avoiding him is over. The 31 year-old Lynn, Massachusetts native, known for blinding speed plus power, is calling out reigning world champions Brian Norman Jr. (WBO), Mario Barrios (WBC), and Rolando “Rolly” Romero (WBA), daring them to step into the ring to determine who is the best welterweight in the world. [Norman and Barrios currently have fights scheduled. The IBF title is vacant with Jaron Ennis announcing he is moving up in weight].
“Brian Norman Jr. has no excuses now,” said Ellis. “‘Boots’ Ennis left the division. He ducked Boots and now he's ducking me. Don’t talk about me fighting Rohan Polanco while you're racing track stars—come and face the truth. Let’s show the world who the best is.”
This past year, Ellis and Norman seemed poised for a showdown as they traded barbs on social media. Each delivered highlight-reel knockouts within days of each other: Norman stopping Jin Sasaki in Japan on June 19th, and Ellis dropping Josec Ruiz three times for a third-round stoppage two days later in Massachusetts.
“Norman said he’d fight me, then he went quiet,” Ellis continued. “Now he announces a track meet with Devin Haney. Come on, man. Real fighters fight. What are we doing here?”
‘The Savage with a Smile’ believes the fans deserve real fights—not carefully curated title defenses. “If you're a real champion, step up and prove it,” Ellis declared. “Mario Barrios is fighting a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao. Norman’s chasing clout fights. If you call yourself a world champion, then step up and prove it. Until you beat me, you can't call yourself the best.”
With three straight wins, Rashidi Ellis is on a mission to prove he's the best in the world and he won't be denied any longer.
|
|
|
|
Ellis calls out Norman and Barrios
After delivering a third-round knockout of Josec Ruiz last month, welterweight contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (27-1, 18 KOs) is putting the division’s champions on notice: The time for avoiding him is over. The 31 year-old Lynn, Massachusetts native, known for blinding speed plus power, is calling out reigning world champions Brian Norman Jr. (WBO), Mario Barrios (WBC), and Rolando “Rolly” Romero (WBA), daring them to step into the ring to determine who is the best welterweight in the world. [Norman and Barrios currently have fights scheduled. The IBF title is vacant with Jaron Ennis announcing he is moving up in weight].
“Brian Norman Jr. has no excuses now,” said Ellis. “‘Boots’ Ennis left the division. He ducked Boots and now he's ducking me. Don’t talk about me fighting Rohan Polanco while you're racing track stars—come and face the truth. Let’s show the world who the best is.”
This past year, Ellis and Norman seemed poised for a showdown as they traded barbs on social media. Each delivered highlight-reel knockouts within days of each other: Norman stopping Jin Sasaki in Japan on June 19th, and Ellis dropping Josec Ruiz three times for a third-round stoppage two days later in Massachusetts.
“Norman said he’d fight me, then he went quiet,” Ellis continued. “Now he announces a track meet with Devin Haney. Come on, man. Real fighters fight. What are we doing here?”
‘The Savage with a Smile’ believes the fans deserve real fights—not carefully curated title defenses. “If you're a real champion, step up and prove it,” Ellis declared. “Mario Barrios is fighting a 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao. Norman’s chasing clout fights. If you call yourself a world champion, then step up and prove it. Until you beat me, you can't call yourself the best.”
With three straight wins, Rashidi Ellis is on a mission to prove he's the best in the world and he won't be denied any longer.
|
Morrell bout uncertain after apparent positive drug test for Khataev |
|
|
Light heavyweight Imam Khataev (13-1 including IBA pro bouts and the World Series of Boxing) is scheduled to face David Morrell in New York City this weekend, but the fight's status in unclear based on the surfacing an apparent positive test for a banned substance that dates back more than a year ago. Eye of the Tiger Management issued the following statement on behalf of Khataev: "Imam Khataev was deeply surprised and shocked to learn of the result from the out-of-competition, doping test conducted by the ITA [International Testing Agency] in April 2024. He categorically denies ever knowingly or voluntarily ingesting any prohibited substance. Imam remains fully committed to proving that he is a clean athlete, as he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career. Since April 2024 alone, he has submitted four negative test results from VADA [Voluntary Anti-Doping Association], the RACJ, and Rusada [Russian Anti-Doping Association]. He is also a voluntary participant in the WBC Clean Boxing Program, reflecting his firm commitment to clean and fair sport. No further comments will be made on this matter." The statement was accompanied by screenshots showing negative test results for Khataev dated June 10 and June 30, 2025.
|
|
|
|
Morrell bout uncertain after apparent positive drug test for Khataev
Light heavyweight Imam Khataev (13-1 including IBA pro bouts and the World Series of Boxing) is scheduled to face David Morrell in New York City this weekend, but the fight's status in unclear based on the surfacing an apparent positive test for a banned substance that dates back more than a year ago. Eye of the Tiger Management issued the following statement on behalf of Khataev: "Imam Khataev was deeply surprised and shocked to learn of the result from the out-of-competition, doping test conducted by the ITA [International Testing Agency] in April 2024. He categorically denies ever knowingly or voluntarily ingesting any prohibited substance. Imam remains fully committed to proving that he is a clean athlete, as he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career. Since April 2024 alone, he has submitted four negative test results from VADA [Voluntary Anti-Doping Association], the RACJ, and Rusada [Russian Anti-Doping Association]. He is also a voluntary participant in the WBC Clean Boxing Program, reflecting his firm commitment to clean and fair sport. No further comments will be made on this matter." The statement was accompanied by screenshots showing negative test results for Khataev dated June 10 and June 30, 2025.
|
Report: Francisco Rodriguez tested positive after win over Galal Yafai |
|
|
According to Matchroom Boxing, "[VADA,] the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Matchroom, the World Boxing Council and the British Boxing Board of Control that Francisco Rodriguez has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a post-fight night anti-doping test following his bout with Galal Yafai on June 21, 2025. The matter will be handled by the BBB of C and the WBC." On June 21st, Rodríguez (40-6-1) defeated Yafai by unanimous decision in Birmingham, England. With the win, Rodrgiguez became the WBC interim flyweight champion. Rodriguez was looking for the knockout from the first round on, but Yafai managed to avoid the stoppage. Both fighters received cuts over their left eyes due to the constant exchanges of punches and accidental head clashes. Rodríguez punished the British fighter with even greater intensity from the ninth round onwards, sending him to the canvas at the start of the twelfth. After the referee’s count, Yafai’s punishment continued until the final bell rang to end the fight. The judges’ scores were 119-108 (twice) and 118-109, all in favor of the Mexican fighter. Boxingtalk recognizes Yafai's pro record as 16-4 including the World Series of Boxing.
|
|
|
|
Report: Francisco Rodriguez tested positive after win over Galal Yafai
According to Matchroom Boxing, "[VADA,] the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Matchroom, the World Boxing Council and the British Boxing Board of Control that Francisco Rodriguez has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a post-fight night anti-doping test following his bout with Galal Yafai on June 21, 2025. The matter will be handled by the BBB of C and the WBC." On June 21st, Rodríguez (40-6-1) defeated Yafai by unanimous decision in Birmingham, England. With the win, Rodrgiguez became the WBC interim flyweight champion. Rodriguez was looking for the knockout from the first round on, but Yafai managed to avoid the stoppage. Both fighters received cuts over their left eyes due to the constant exchanges of punches and accidental head clashes. Rodríguez punished the British fighter with even greater intensity from the ninth round onwards, sending him to the canvas at the start of the twelfth. After the referee’s count, Yafai’s punishment continued until the final bell rang to end the fight. The judges’ scores were 119-108 (twice) and 118-109, all in favor of the Mexican fighter. Boxingtalk recognizes Yafai's pro record as 16-4 including the World Series of Boxing.
|
Jake Paul op ed, part 3: The hill they said they'd die on |
|
Defending Jake Paul may seem controversial to some. He’s polarizing, unconventional, and unapologetically disruptive—qualities that often provoke strong reactions, especially in a sport steeped in tradition like boxing. But I’ve spent the better part of my life standing up for those who are misunderstood or dismissed simply because they challenge the status quo. My support for Jake Paul isn’t rooted in popularity—it’s rooted in principle. That’s why it’s worth examining the public stance of two prominent British commentators—Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan—both of whom have recently criticized Jake Paul. Yet, both have also shown, in other contexts, the very empathy and openness they now withhold from him.
Piers Morgan: From Boyle to Backlash
Piers Morgan famously became one of Susan Boyle’s fiercest defenders after the singer's unforgettable “Britain’s Got Talent” audition. Though initially skeptical, Morgan urged the public and media to stop mocking her appearance and give her the respect her voice deserved. He recognized a truth many missed: talent doesn’t always wear the clothes we expect. Morgan later stood his ground on the right to free expression during the fallout from his comments on Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah. Despite receiving over 40,000 complaints and resigning from Good Morning Britain, Morgan refused to back down, stating: “freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on.”
He defended his right to question powerful institutions and to challenge media narratives, even in the face of overwhelming criticism. Ironically, while he doubted Markle's story, his defense rested on the idea that even unpopular opinions deserve to be heard. That same principle—the willingness to defend those whose voices don’t fit neatly into the mainstream—should apply equally to Jake Paul.
Simon Jordan: A Voice for the Unconventional
Simon Jordan, a sharp and respected voice in sports media, has also publicly defended those on the receiving end of harsh or unfair criticism. He’s criticized the media’s portrayal of England football fans, calling it distorted and classist. Most recently, he defended Jude Bellingham, one of England’s brightest young stars, from critics questioning his passion and maturity. Jordan reminded audiences that individuality and emotional expression should not be weaponized against athletes who don't conform. He has also consistently taken aim at media narratives that mischaracterize people based on shallow optics—whether fans, athletes, or personalities who don’t follow the script.
So Why Not Jake?
If Morgan and Jordan can defend the likes of Susan Boyle, Meghan Markle, Jude Bellingham, or even their own right to challenge dominant narratives, why can't they take the same approach to Jake Paul? It should be clear by now that he is not just a novelty act. He has taken fights under sanctioned rules, invested heavily in training, and gone beyond the gimmick. He brings younger audiences to boxing, elevates underrepresented fighters (notably women), and reinvigorates public interest in the sport. His offense is that he doesn’t fit the mold. But isn’t that exactly the kind of figure Morgan and Jordan once claimed to stand up for?
This is the heart of the matter: Jake Paul is being dismissed not because of his record, but because of who he is perceived to be. That’s exactly the kind of prejudice these commentators have rightly challenged in the past. And it’s why their criticism now rings hollow.
Judge by Merit, Not Mold
The sport of boxing cannot grow if it clings only to the familiar. Disruptors, when they bring value and prove their merit, deserve recognition—not scorn. Jake Paul has delivered results, sparked global attention, and invested in the sport’s future. If Morgan and Jordan once stood for fairness, free thought, and the dignity of those misjudged—then they, too, should recognize that Jake Paul has earned more than just criticism. He’s earned a fair shot. So when Morgan says, “freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on,” one has to ask—does that freedom extend only to voices we agree with? Or does it also apply to those like Jake Paul, who speak, fight, and succeed outside the approved script?
If Morgan truly believes in defending those who challenge orthodoxy… If Jordan truly believes in protecting passion, individuality, and media misrepresentation… Then Jake Paul deserves not their mockery, but their consistency. Because if freedom, fairness, and merit matter—then standing up for Jake Paul isn't just reasonable. It’s the very hill they once said they’d die on.
As I gaze upon this so-called hill, it appears strangely barren—no epitaphs, no convictions, just silence where principle once stood. So let me offer one for the missing tombstones: “Here lie Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan—fallen not for freedom, fairness, or merit, but for abandoning the very hill they once said they’d die on.”
Because in the end, words matter. And so does the courage to stand by them.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO TWO PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
|
|
|
|
Jake Paul op ed, part 3: The hill they said they'd die on
Defending Jake Paul may seem controversial to some. He’s polarizing, unconventional, and unapologetically disruptive—qualities that often provoke strong reactions, especially in a sport steeped in tradition like boxing. But I’ve spent the better part of my life standing up for those who are misunderstood or dismissed simply because they challenge the status quo. My support for Jake Paul isn’t rooted in popularity—it’s rooted in principle. That’s why it’s worth examining the public stance of two prominent British commentators—Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan—both of whom have recently criticized Jake Paul. Yet, both have also shown, in other contexts, the very empathy and openness they now withhold from him.
Piers Morgan: From Boyle to Backlash
Piers Morgan famously became one of Susan Boyle’s fiercest defenders after the singer's unforgettable “Britain’s Got Talent” audition. Though initially skeptical, Morgan urged the public and media to stop mocking her appearance and give her the respect her voice deserved. He recognized a truth many missed: talent doesn’t always wear the clothes we expect. Morgan later stood his ground on the right to free expression during the fallout from his comments on Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah. Despite receiving over 40,000 complaints and resigning from Good Morning Britain, Morgan refused to back down, stating: “freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on.”
He defended his right to question powerful institutions and to challenge media narratives, even in the face of overwhelming criticism. Ironically, while he doubted Markle's story, his defense rested on the idea that even unpopular opinions deserve to be heard. That same principle—the willingness to defend those whose voices don’t fit neatly into the mainstream—should apply equally to Jake Paul.
Simon Jordan: A Voice for the Unconventional
Simon Jordan, a sharp and respected voice in sports media, has also publicly defended those on the receiving end of harsh or unfair criticism. He’s criticized the media’s portrayal of England football fans, calling it distorted and classist. Most recently, he defended Jude Bellingham, one of England’s brightest young stars, from critics questioning his passion and maturity. Jordan reminded audiences that individuality and emotional expression should not be weaponized against athletes who don't conform. He has also consistently taken aim at media narratives that mischaracterize people based on shallow optics—whether fans, athletes, or personalities who don’t follow the script.
So Why Not Jake?
If Morgan and Jordan can defend the likes of Susan Boyle, Meghan Markle, Jude Bellingham, or even their own right to challenge dominant narratives, why can't they take the same approach to Jake Paul? It should be clear by now that he is not just a novelty act. He has taken fights under sanctioned rules, invested heavily in training, and gone beyond the gimmick. He brings younger audiences to boxing, elevates underrepresented fighters (notably women), and reinvigorates public interest in the sport. His offense is that he doesn’t fit the mold. But isn’t that exactly the kind of figure Morgan and Jordan once claimed to stand up for?
This is the heart of the matter: Jake Paul is being dismissed not because of his record, but because of who he is perceived to be. That’s exactly the kind of prejudice these commentators have rightly challenged in the past. And it’s why their criticism now rings hollow.
Judge by Merit, Not Mold
The sport of boxing cannot grow if it clings only to the familiar. Disruptors, when they bring value and prove their merit, deserve recognition—not scorn. Jake Paul has delivered results, sparked global attention, and invested in the sport’s future. If Morgan and Jordan once stood for fairness, free thought, and the dignity of those misjudged—then they, too, should recognize that Jake Paul has earned more than just criticism. He’s earned a fair shot. So when Morgan says, “freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on,” one has to ask—does that freedom extend only to voices we agree with? Or does it also apply to those like Jake Paul, who speak, fight, and succeed outside the approved script?
If Morgan truly believes in defending those who challenge orthodoxy… If Jordan truly believes in protecting passion, individuality, and media misrepresentation… Then Jake Paul deserves not their mockery, but their consistency. Because if freedom, fairness, and merit matter—then standing up for Jake Paul isn't just reasonable. It’s the very hill they once said they’d die on.
As I gaze upon this so-called hill, it appears strangely barren—no epitaphs, no convictions, just silence where principle once stood. So let me offer one for the missing tombstones: “Here lie Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan—fallen not for freedom, fairness, or merit, but for abandoning the very hill they once said they’d die on.”
Because in the end, words matter. And so does the courage to stand by them.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO TWO PRIOR ONES BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART TWO IS AVAILABLE HERE; PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
|
Remembering the great Emanuel Steward |
|
Boxing attorney John Hornewer, who quietly represented many great champions, including Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko, penned a short but meaningful tribute to the late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. Hornewer wrote: "July 7th... My maternal grandfather's birthday. [Also promoter] Tom Loeffler's birthday... Personally and professionally, apart from family, the birthday of Emanuel Steward is one that hits me hard when it rolls around. I miss this man. Wladimir would fight around this time every year, and every year we would celebrate the birthdays of Emanuel and Tom. He's gone, but not forgotten. In fact, I probably think of him every day. I became very close with Emanuel when he recruited Lennox Lewis after the 1988 Olympics. We became even closer once he got the call to train Lennox. While he had an encyclopedia of knowledge about boxers and boxing, I always believed Emanuel's greatest strength was his ability to reach people and ingratiate himself to them at their core. With me, he would start every conversation asking about my daughter (saying that she is right down the middle between me and my wife). He had that knack of making you feel special and that he was truly interested in you. We had so many talks about the mentality of different fighters - the similarities and differences between Lennox and Wladimir and Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. Also about former Kronk fighters like Thomas Hearns and Mike McCallum, how he in a way was closer to Ray Leonard than to Tommy. We talked about [other boxers he traine, such as] Kermit Cintron, Andy Lee, Johnathan Banks and others. The stories rolled on and were always captivating... He is missed - on his birthday and every day."
Former world cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham added, "I met him at the Hall of Fame but then I really got to know him at Wlad's camp …… he saw me working with Wlad and was excited about the sparring and what we both brought out of each other ….. he was such a kind type guy yet you can tell the man was a man's man, a great dude. He’s missed."
|
|
|
|
Remembering the great Emanuel Steward
Boxing attorney John Hornewer, who quietly represented many great champions, including Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko, penned a short but meaningful tribute to the late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. Hornewer wrote: "July 7th... My maternal grandfather's birthday. [Also promoter] Tom Loeffler's birthday... Personally and professionally, apart from family, the birthday of Emanuel Steward is one that hits me hard when it rolls around. I miss this man. Wladimir would fight around this time every year, and every year we would celebrate the birthdays of Emanuel and Tom. He's gone, but not forgotten. In fact, I probably think of him every day. I became very close with Emanuel when he recruited Lennox Lewis after the 1988 Olympics. We became even closer once he got the call to train Lennox. While he had an encyclopedia of knowledge about boxers and boxing, I always believed Emanuel's greatest strength was his ability to reach people and ingratiate himself to them at their core. With me, he would start every conversation asking about my daughter (saying that she is right down the middle between me and my wife). He had that knack of making you feel special and that he was truly interested in you. We had so many talks about the mentality of different fighters - the similarities and differences between Lennox and Wladimir and Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. Also about former Kronk fighters like Thomas Hearns and Mike McCallum, how he in a way was closer to Ray Leonard than to Tommy. We talked about [other boxers he traine, such as] Kermit Cintron, Andy Lee, Johnathan Banks and others. The stories rolled on and were always captivating... He is missed - on his birthday and every day."
Former world cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham added, "I met him at the Hall of Fame but then I really got to know him at Wlad's camp …… he saw me working with Wlad and was excited about the sparring and what we both brought out of each other ….. he was such a kind type guy yet you can tell the man was a man's man, a great dude. He’s missed."
|
Poetic tribute to Taylor vs. Serrano III |
|
It will be a historic night at Madison Square Garden this Friday, July 11, when Most Valuable Promotions puts on an all-female card headlined by the trilogy bout between Katie Taylor and New York City’s Amanda Serrano. In honor of the women making history, I offer this poetic tribute.
The ladies comin' to the Garden
The skills have been sharpened
I'm a father of two daughters
So of course I'm all in
Historic night of fights
I will tell them I saw it
Entire card of women fighters
For years, this brand of gladiator
They tried to limit fighters
Appreciate the skills
Exquisite fighters
No they're not timid fighters
Gotta give Jake Paul his props
He's getting the ladies paid
Fight of the Night
On any card, that's often what the ladies make
So why can't a nice check the ladies take
MVP is payin' 'em instead of playin' 'em
Unlike others just baitin' them
You don't like the facts, don't be mad at me, I'm just statin' em.
Taylor and Serrano, now a trilogy
Based on past history
It's gonna be a Thrilla, G
I need a selfie there
In other words, a still o' me
To prove I was in the house, on a legendary night
For some legendary fights
Some immaculate left hooks and some legendary rights
Titles defended and titles changin’hands
Beyonce could call me up, I aint changin' plans.
Years ago, boxing made a fan
God made this man
And God gave me young women
So I guess fate was planned.
So it's my duty to return to the Garden
Oh, you're not going? I beg your pardon
Cause there aint no male champs?
You about to be sent away, I'll get you some mail stamps
For your male stance
You blind to the women, I call that your braille stance
Well I'll be there, admiring the thunder, lightning and hail hands.
|
|
|
|
Poetic tribute to Taylor vs. Serrano III
It will be a historic night at Madison Square Garden this Friday, July 11, when Most Valuable Promotions puts on an all-female card headlined by the trilogy bout between Katie Taylor and New York City’s Amanda Serrano. In honor of the women making history, I offer this poetic tribute.
The ladies comin' to the Garden
The skills have been sharpened
I'm a father of two daughters
So of course I'm all in
Historic night of fights
I will tell them I saw it
Entire card of women fighters
For years, this brand of gladiator
They tried to limit fighters
Appreciate the skills
Exquisite fighters
No they're not timid fighters
Gotta give Jake Paul his props
He's getting the ladies paid
Fight of the Night
On any card, that's often what the ladies make
So why can't a nice check the ladies take
MVP is payin' 'em instead of playin' 'em
Unlike others just baitin' them
You don't like the facts, don't be mad at me, I'm just statin' em.
Taylor and Serrano, now a trilogy
Based on past history
It's gonna be a Thrilla, G
I need a selfie there
In other words, a still o' me
To prove I was in the house, on a legendary night
For some legendary fights
Some immaculate left hooks and some legendary rights
Titles defended and titles changin’hands
Beyonce could call me up, I aint changin' plans.
Years ago, boxing made a fan
God made this man
And God gave me young women
So I guess fate was planned.
So it's my duty to return to the Garden
Oh, you're not going? I beg your pardon
Cause there aint no male champs?
You about to be sent away, I'll get you some mail stamps
For your male stance
You blind to the women, I call that your braille stance
Well I'll be there, admiring the thunder, lightning and hail hands.
|
Ebanie Bridges signs with MVP |
|
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the signing of former IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie “The Blonde Bomber” Bridges (9-2, 4 KOs) to its growing roster. The addition of Bridges underscores MVP’s continued commitment to elevating women’s boxing and building the sport’s most dynamic, engaging fight cards. Bridges welcomed her first child in February 2025 and is targeting a return to the ring later this year as she looks to reclaim a world title.
Bridges is both ambitious inside and outside the ring. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Education, speaks three languages, is a qualified mechanic, a black belt in karate, and a savvy investor and businesswoman. Bridges has built a powerful personal brand while using her platform and resources to support other women in boxing. She lives a life rooted in gratitude and humility, often speaking out on key societal and cultural issues.
Originally a high school math teacher from New South Wales, Australia, Bridges left the classroom to chase her dream of becoming a world champion boxer in the UK—a dream she proudly realized by becoming the IBF bantamweight champion in 2022.
Now, a mother, Bridges, is on a new mission: to reclaim her world title and inspire women in sport to return stronger after childbirth and prove that nothing is impossible.
From working as a boxing ring girl to becoming a world champion, Bridges’ journey embodies perseverance and purpose. With her infectious personality and fearless mindset, she empowers people from all walks of life to believe in themselves and pursue their goals unapologetically.
“I’m very excited about signing with MVP. They’ve done amazing things for women’s boxing in such a short time,” said Bridges. “Proud to be joining a star-studded stable full of champions—current, former, and future world champions. I love and appreciate that MVP are truly investing in women’s boxing—for the right reasons. I believe that with MVP’s backing, promotion, and clever marketing, myself and women’s boxing will truly skyrocket.”
“Ebanie Bridges is a star in every sense of the word,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “She’s a world champion, a proven ticket seller, and a force of personality who brings new audiences into boxing. Now a devoted mother on a mission to reclaim her title, she continues to break boundaries both in and out of the ring. We’re thrilled to welcome another Aussie to the MVP family and can’t wait to help take her career to even greater heights.”
|
|
|
|
Ebanie Bridges signs with MVP
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the signing of former IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie “The Blonde Bomber” Bridges (9-2, 4 KOs) to its growing roster. The addition of Bridges underscores MVP’s continued commitment to elevating women’s boxing and building the sport’s most dynamic, engaging fight cards. Bridges welcomed her first child in February 2025 and is targeting a return to the ring later this year as she looks to reclaim a world title.
Bridges is both ambitious inside and outside the ring. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Education, speaks three languages, is a qualified mechanic, a black belt in karate, and a savvy investor and businesswoman. Bridges has built a powerful personal brand while using her platform and resources to support other women in boxing. She lives a life rooted in gratitude and humility, often speaking out on key societal and cultural issues.
Originally a high school math teacher from New South Wales, Australia, Bridges left the classroom to chase her dream of becoming a world champion boxer in the UK—a dream she proudly realized by becoming the IBF bantamweight champion in 2022.
Now, a mother, Bridges, is on a new mission: to reclaim her world title and inspire women in sport to return stronger after childbirth and prove that nothing is impossible.
From working as a boxing ring girl to becoming a world champion, Bridges’ journey embodies perseverance and purpose. With her infectious personality and fearless mindset, she empowers people from all walks of life to believe in themselves and pursue their goals unapologetically.
“I’m very excited about signing with MVP. They’ve done amazing things for women’s boxing in such a short time,” said Bridges. “Proud to be joining a star-studded stable full of champions—current, former, and future world champions. I love and appreciate that MVP are truly investing in women’s boxing—for the right reasons. I believe that with MVP’s backing, promotion, and clever marketing, myself and women’s boxing will truly skyrocket.”
“Ebanie Bridges is a star in every sense of the word,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “She’s a world champion, a proven ticket seller, and a force of personality who brings new audiences into boxing. Now a devoted mother on a mission to reclaim her title, she continues to break boundaries both in and out of the ring. We’re thrilled to welcome another Aussie to the MVP family and can’t wait to help take her career to even greater heights.”
|
IBA tries to woo Fury to fight in Moscow |
|
IBA President Umar Kremlev welcomed heavyweight icon Tyson Fury to Istanbul, Türkiye, for last week's boxing event this week. Fury — who has yet to return to the ring following his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024 — was joined by manager Spencer Brown, with the pair heaping praise on the IBA event. ‘It’s a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together,’ said Fury.
‘With everything going on between Russia and Ukraine, these things can bring people together very quickly, through boxing,’ added Brown.
‘Boxing is for peace. We are for peace,’ Kremlev replied. 'The press conference featured over 180 representatives of international media — and it is all done to popularize boxing. We want IBA to be the Home of Boxing.’
With the boxing community eagerly anticipating Fury’s next move, Kremlev took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the former lineal kingpin see out his career on an IBA show; with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title also a possibility. ‘We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell.'
Kremlev also extended an invitation for Fury and his family to visit Moscow as his guests in the future. ‘We would love to bring Tyson to Moscow,’ said Kremlev excitedly. ‘Just give me the date, and you can bring your team and family with you. We will send a jet to pick you up and bring you. We do not have bears walking around [in Moscow] — despite people’s misconceptions — so please bring your family and your team.’
‘We’d love to go to Moscow. Tyson has always wanted to go,’ said Brown.
‘I was supposed to go, four years ago,’ added Fury. ‘I was supposed to go to the Red Square with a fur coat in the winter with the snow, before going to party in New Zealand. ‘I’m filming a reality show with Netflix, [so] it would be very good to see Russia on the TV worldwide — 500 million, a billion people — very good for relations… so you give us a proposal, you speak to Spencer!’
‘The story is not ended yet,’ Brown followed. 'So, you [Umar Kremlev] are coming in at the end of the story, but it hasn’t ended, and we’d love to have you on board.’
‘So, I have joined you on time!’ Kremlev responded, bringing laughter from those in attendance. ‘I have big respect for those who invest their soul and their talent into their sport — and I believe that in the modern world, in the current times, out of all heavyweight categories, Tyson is most talented.’
|
|
|
|
IBA tries to woo Fury to fight in Moscow
IBA President Umar Kremlev welcomed heavyweight icon Tyson Fury to Istanbul, Türkiye, for last week's boxing event this week. Fury — who has yet to return to the ring following his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024 — was joined by manager Spencer Brown, with the pair heaping praise on the IBA event. ‘It’s a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together,’ said Fury.
‘With everything going on between Russia and Ukraine, these things can bring people together very quickly, through boxing,’ added Brown.
‘Boxing is for peace. We are for peace,’ Kremlev replied. 'The press conference featured over 180 representatives of international media — and it is all done to popularize boxing. We want IBA to be the Home of Boxing.’
With the boxing community eagerly anticipating Fury’s next move, Kremlev took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the former lineal kingpin see out his career on an IBA show; with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title also a possibility. ‘We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell.'
Kremlev also extended an invitation for Fury and his family to visit Moscow as his guests in the future. ‘We would love to bring Tyson to Moscow,’ said Kremlev excitedly. ‘Just give me the date, and you can bring your team and family with you. We will send a jet to pick you up and bring you. We do not have bears walking around [in Moscow] — despite people’s misconceptions — so please bring your family and your team.’
‘We’d love to go to Moscow. Tyson has always wanted to go,’ said Brown.
‘I was supposed to go, four years ago,’ added Fury. ‘I was supposed to go to the Red Square with a fur coat in the winter with the snow, before going to party in New Zealand. ‘I’m filming a reality show with Netflix, [so] it would be very good to see Russia on the TV worldwide — 500 million, a billion people — very good for relations… so you give us a proposal, you speak to Spencer!’
‘The story is not ended yet,’ Brown followed. 'So, you [Umar Kremlev] are coming in at the end of the story, but it hasn’t ended, and we’d love to have you on board.’
‘So, I have joined you on time!’ Kremlev responded, bringing laughter from those in attendance. ‘I have big respect for those who invest their soul and their talent into their sport — and I believe that in the modern world, in the current times, out of all heavyweight categories, Tyson is most talented.’
|
Jalapeno Hernandez to headline vs. Jayvon Garnett next month |
|
On Saturday, August 2nd at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, Christy Martin Promotions will present “Mayhem in Music City 2” featuring Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) taking on Jayvon “El Elegido” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) ina ten-round featherweight headliner. Also scheduled in the co-featured bout will be super middleweight Djibril “The Messenger” Diakite (10-0, 8 KOs) of Queens, New York facing trialhorse Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-24-2, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. Tickets for the live event are available from Eventbrite. The event will be broadcast live on Millions.co pay-per-view.
After just thirty amateur fights, Hernandez turned professional in mid-2021. He registered a fourth-round knockout over Jose Edgardo Garcia in his ninth fight in February of last year. Based in El Paso, TX and Kenner, Louisiana, Hernandez is blessed with the natural punching power of a much larger fighter and utilizes a classic Mexican style because he wants his fans to enjoy watching him as much as he enjoys being in the ring. Hernandez works with renowned trainer Craig Duncan, and is signed to Christy Martin Promotions.
Garnett hails from the boxing talent-laden city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he first put on a pair of boxing gloves at the age of six. He had a stellar amateur career fighting over 110 times, developing his style and sharpening his skills in Ohio’s very competitive amateur boxing scene. The 30-year-old Garnett combines exceptional quickness and accuracy with a propensity for power. He got a notable win via unanimous decision over Jose Argel in June 2021.
A lanky 6′ tall puncher with an aggressive style, Diakite (pronounced "Dee a key tay") had just one amateur fight before turning pro in July 2021. Still a work in progress with tremendous potential, the 25-year old has won his last four fights by knockout. He was last seen in the ring in May of this year, where he scored a second-round stoppage of Manny Woods in Nashville. A gifted artist and social activist in his spare time, Diakite attended Brooklyn College and hopes to one day become a high school science teacher.
A Los Angeles native, Pendarvis turned professional in November of 2004. Calling himself “Best Underdog in Boxing” Pendarvis has made a career out of taking on any and all comers, including several world champions and top contenders all the way from 141 to 176 lbs., and scored several upset victories along the way. Pendarvis was world-ranked from 2010 to 2013 at 140 pounds. He was also one of the sparring partners of Antonio Margarito for his 2010 fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Additonal undercard match-ups will be announced soon.
“This is going to be a fantastic show,” said promoter Christy Martin. “Hernandez vs. Garnett will be a war between two hungry prospects. Djibril Diakite is in the toughest test of his young career against one of boxing’s best spoilers in Mookie Pendarvis. We’ve got several local and international prospects on the undercard. I’m excited to be bringing this event to Nashville live and to the viewers on Millions.co pay-per-view."
|
|
|
|
Jalapeno Hernandez to headline vs. Jayvon Garnett next month
On Saturday, August 2nd at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, Christy Martin Promotions will present “Mayhem in Music City 2” featuring Victor “Jalapeno” Hernandez (14-0, 12 KOs) taking on Jayvon “El Elegido” Garnett (10-2, 5 KOs) ina ten-round featherweight headliner. Also scheduled in the co-featured bout will be super middleweight Djibril “The Messenger” Diakite (10-0, 8 KOs) of Queens, New York facing trialhorse Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-24-2, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. Tickets for the live event are available from Eventbrite. The event will be broadcast live on Millions.co pay-per-view.
After just thirty amateur fights, Hernandez turned professional in mid-2021. He registered a fourth-round knockout over Jose Edgardo Garcia in his ninth fight in February of last year. Based in El Paso, TX and Kenner, Louisiana, Hernandez is blessed with the natural punching power of a much larger fighter and utilizes a classic Mexican style because he wants his fans to enjoy watching him as much as he enjoys being in the ring. Hernandez works with renowned trainer Craig Duncan, and is signed to Christy Martin Promotions.
Garnett hails from the boxing talent-laden city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he first put on a pair of boxing gloves at the age of six. He had a stellar amateur career fighting over 110 times, developing his style and sharpening his skills in Ohio’s very competitive amateur boxing scene. The 30-year-old Garnett combines exceptional quickness and accuracy with a propensity for power. He got a notable win via unanimous decision over Jose Argel in June 2021.
A lanky 6′ tall puncher with an aggressive style, Diakite (pronounced "Dee a key tay") had just one amateur fight before turning pro in July 2021. Still a work in progress with tremendous potential, the 25-year old has won his last four fights by knockout. He was last seen in the ring in May of this year, where he scored a second-round stoppage of Manny Woods in Nashville. A gifted artist and social activist in his spare time, Diakite attended Brooklyn College and hopes to one day become a high school science teacher.
A Los Angeles native, Pendarvis turned professional in November of 2004. Calling himself “Best Underdog in Boxing” Pendarvis has made a career out of taking on any and all comers, including several world champions and top contenders all the way from 141 to 176 lbs., and scored several upset victories along the way. Pendarvis was world-ranked from 2010 to 2013 at 140 pounds. He was also one of the sparring partners of Antonio Margarito for his 2010 fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Additonal undercard match-ups will be announced soon.
“This is going to be a fantastic show,” said promoter Christy Martin. “Hernandez vs. Garnett will be a war between two hungry prospects. Djibril Diakite is in the toughest test of his young career against one of boxing’s best spoilers in Mookie Pendarvis. We’ve got several local and international prospects on the undercard. I’m excited to be bringing this event to Nashville live and to the viewers on Millions.co pay-per-view."
|
Arum confirms Norman will fight Haney |
|
Promoter Bob Arum tweeted, "Congratulations to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for putting together a sensational card on November 22nd in Riyadh. WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. [pictured] and lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason are tremendous young talents who will rise to the occasion. Arum's tweet was accompanied by an image stating Norman would be fighting undefeated two-division champion Devin Haney. If Haney can defeat Norman and Haney would be the underdog), Haney would add Norman's WBO 147-pound title to his resume.
Also tipped for the card is a 115-pound unification match between Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez. However, Rodriguez has a unification fight scheduled for next week in Texas, when he will attempt to Phumelela Cafu's WBO title to the WBC version Rodriguez currently owns. Martinez is the WBA champion but also previously held the IBF title before giving it up to do a rematch with Kazuto Ioak. Both Rodriguez and Martinez are undefeated, so if all goes as planned, theNovember 22nd fight would be for true super flyweight supremacy.
The image also showed Mason fighting Sam Noakes, a fight Alalshikh previously announced on social media. That fight is expected to be for the WBO lightweight title which was recently lost on the scales by an overweight Keyshwan Davis.
Alalshikh appeared to confirm the news, responding back to Arum, "Thank you, my big brother. You are a living legend in the boxing industry!"
The previously revealed main event for November 22nd will see David Benavidez defending his WBC light heavyweight world title against Anthony Yarde.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 30, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, informally announced on social media that WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman will be defending his title vs. Devin Haney (pictured) in a battle on undefeated boxers, with Haney attempting to become a three-division champion. Alalshikh tweeted, "Thank you to [promoter] Bob Arum and [his company] Top Rank for working with us and Riyadh Season to deliver their [WBO welterweight] champion, Brian Norman, in a title defense vs. Devin Haney in November. More to come with Top Rank."
Haney, a former two-division champion, won his last fight vs. Jose Carlos Ramirez but fought very reluctantly and has received criticism for his safety-first style in that bout. Haney's strategy was very understandable in light his prior fight, in which he took a lot of punishment from an illegally enhanced Ryan Garcia. That fight was declared a no contest after Garcia tested positive for perfomrance enhancing substances. While the loss came off Haney's record, the punishment to his body did not. Haney's record as a pro is 32-0 with the one no contest vs. Garcia.
In his last fight, Norman defended his title with a fifth-round knockout of hometown challenger Jin Sasaki at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. This marked the second successful defense for the 24-year-old Norman (28-0, 22 KOs), an Atlanta native and boxing's youngest male world champion. Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs) saw his nine-fight unbeaten streak end at the hands of Norman, who unleashed a powerful left hook that left him on the canvas for several minutes. “It was a wonderful fight. I had a great opponent in front of me. You all seen he got heart. That boy is not a slouch at all. I give nothing but props to him. I love ya’ll over here in Japan. I’d gladly come back," Norman said. “I knew whatever he was bringing to the table, I’m a champion for a reason. As you saw, I showed that.”
|
|
|
|
Arum confirms Norman will fight Haney
Promoter Bob Arum tweeted, "Congratulations to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for putting together a sensational card on November 22nd in Riyadh. WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. [pictured] and lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason are tremendous young talents who will rise to the occasion. Arum's tweet was accompanied by an image stating Norman would be fighting undefeated two-division champion Devin Haney. If Haney can defeat Norman and Haney would be the underdog), Haney would add Norman's WBO 147-pound title to his resume.
Also tipped for the card is a 115-pound unification match between Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Fernando Martinez. However, Rodriguez has a unification fight scheduled for next week in Texas, when he will attempt to Phumelela Cafu's WBO title to the WBC version Rodriguez currently owns. Martinez is the WBA champion but also previously held the IBF title before giving it up to do a rematch with Kazuto Ioak. Both Rodriguez and Martinez are undefeated, so if all goes as planned, theNovember 22nd fight would be for true super flyweight supremacy.
The image also showed Mason fighting Sam Noakes, a fight Alalshikh previously announced on social media. That fight is expected to be for the WBO lightweight title which was recently lost on the scales by an overweight Keyshwan Davis.
Alalshikh appeared to confirm the news, responding back to Arum, "Thank you, my big brother. You are a living legend in the boxing industry!"
The previously revealed main event for November 22nd will see David Benavidez defending his WBC light heavyweight world title against Anthony Yarde.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JUNE 30, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, informally announced on social media that WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman will be defending his title vs. Devin Haney (pictured) in a battle on undefeated boxers, with Haney attempting to become a three-division champion. Alalshikh tweeted, "Thank you to [promoter] Bob Arum and [his company] Top Rank for working with us and Riyadh Season to deliver their [WBO welterweight] champion, Brian Norman, in a title defense vs. Devin Haney in November. More to come with Top Rank."
Haney, a former two-division champion, won his last fight vs. Jose Carlos Ramirez but fought very reluctantly and has received criticism for his safety-first style in that bout. Haney's strategy was very understandable in light his prior fight, in which he took a lot of punishment from an illegally enhanced Ryan Garcia. That fight was declared a no contest after Garcia tested positive for perfomrance enhancing substances. While the loss came off Haney's record, the punishment to his body did not. Haney's record as a pro is 32-0 with the one no contest vs. Garcia.
In his last fight, Norman defended his title with a fifth-round knockout of hometown challenger Jin Sasaki at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. This marked the second successful defense for the 24-year-old Norman (28-0, 22 KOs), an Atlanta native and boxing's youngest male world champion. Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs) saw his nine-fight unbeaten streak end at the hands of Norman, who unleashed a powerful left hook that left him on the canvas for several minutes. “It was a wonderful fight. I had a great opponent in front of me. You all seen he got heart. That boy is not a slouch at all. I give nothing but props to him. I love ya’ll over here in Japan. I’d gladly come back," Norman said. “I knew whatever he was bringing to the table, I’m a champion for a reason. As you saw, I showed that.”
|
Boxingtalk op-ed: Jake Paul, Turki Alalshikh and the History of Defiance |
|
|
When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in 1955, she didn’t just resist a bus driver—she disrupted the power structure. Her defiance echoed through every system that told her to sit down, be quiet, and wait her turn. Today, in boxing, Jake Paul is having his own Rosa Parks moment. That may sound like an outrageous comparison, but the pattern is the same. Whenever someone threatens a corrupt system—from the back of the bus or the undercard of a boxing show—the system doesn’t argue. It blacklists.
According to multiple sources, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and boxing’s most powerful political figure, has been threatening sanctioning bodies—telling them that if they support Jake Paul, they will no longer work with him. If those sources are accurate, that would be coercion, a modern-day form of restraint of trade. In America, we have antitrust laws for this. Our federal courts have long held that monopolistic behavior—collusion, backdoor threats, or coordinated blackballing—violates the basic principles of free enterprise. That applies to tech, to sports, and yes—even to boxing.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman is on record with the BBC as saying Paul could be ranked if he were to defeat Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul held up his end of the bargain, so we will watch the WBC rankings closely to see if Paul gets ranked or perhaps pressure is being exerted against the WBC as well.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO LAST WEEK'S STORY BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
In fact, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was passed precisely to combat this kind of abuse. The law prohibits coercion by promoters and protects boxers from being frozen out or retaliated against for refusing to play along. It reinforces that no promoter or power broker should be able to blacklist a fighter simply because they won’t conform. The Act’s spirit demands that boxing remain a fair playing field—not a private club.
This isn’t without precedent. In the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Klor’s, Inc. v. Broadway-Hale Stores (1959), a large retail chain coerced multiple suppliers into boycotting a smaller competitor. The Court ruled this kind of coordinated refusal to deal—blacklisting through influence and pressure— was a per se violation of U.S. antitrust law. The parallels to boxing are clear: when someone uses their market power to freeze out competition not based on merit, but control, the law—and history—stands with the underdog.
When sanctioning bodies are pressured to exclude someone for political or personal reasons, that isn’t just unethical—it’s anti-competitive. And if Jake Paul is being denied an opportunity due to backchannel threats or coercion, the boxing world should remember: the Ali Act was written for this moment. Jake Paul didn’t come from a boxing dynasty. He wasn’t groomed by promoters. Like Lamar Hunt, the man who launched the AFL when the NFL told him to go away, Jake built his own league. Like Howard Schultz, who created Starbucks from nothing, Jake built his own platform, audience, and economics. His greatest sin? That he succeeded.
Like Al Davis, the renegade owner of the Oakland Raiders, Jake Paul refuses to conform. Davis famously sued the NFL, relocated his team against the league’s wishes, and said: “The greatness of the Raiders is in its future.” That same future belongs to fighters like Amanda Serrano—whose purses, platforms, and respect were transformed by Jake’s disruption. The truth is this: systems don’t collapse from within. They collapse when someone from the outside kicks the door open. That’s what Jake Paul did—and that’s why powerful people want him gone.
Even the Bible recognizes this pattern. In the Book of Daniel, a king demanded everyone bow before a golden idol. But three men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused. They were thrown into a fiery furnace. But they didn’t burn. They walked out untouched. Why? Because they stood on conviction—not compliance. The Qur’an also echoes this theme. In Surah Al-Qasas, it tells the story of Qarun (Korah)—a man of immense wealth from the time of Moses. Qarun was arrogant, believing his riches were the result of his own knowledge and merit. His people warned him not to use his wealth to cause corruption or oppress others, but he refused. The Qur’an says: “So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. Then he had no group to help him besides Allah, nor was he of those who could defend themselves.” (Qur’an 28:81). The context is vital: Qarun symbolizes those who believe wealth is a shield from accountability. But when wealth is used to dominate rather than uplift, it becomes a curse, not a blessing. Power without humility invites collapse.
Jake Paul isn’t pretending to be righteous. But like those men, he refuses to bow to someone else's gold.
To be fair, Turki Alalshikh has accomplished what few in boxing ever could. He’s brought together fighters, promoters, and global attention with a speed and scale that’s reshaping the boxing industry. He has elevated the sport—bringing untold wealth to fighters, making long-overdue super fights happen, and giving the public events worth watching. But true leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes—it’s about empowering all voices, even those who challenge convention. Turki has the power not just to shape boxing’s future, but to ensure it remains open to disruptors like Jake Paul. That is the mark of legacy.
Let’s talk about gold for a moment. Not long ago, Saudi Arabia was a vast desert where nomadic tribes survived without oil, electricity, or global wealth. Then, in 1938, an American company—Standard Oil of California—struck oil in Dammam. That discovery changed everything. From that moment, power flowed not from lineage or monarchy, but from access to markets, capital, and global systems. Ironically, the very nation that rose from Western energy investment is now trying to silence a Westerner who threatens its control over a sport. But history is full of reminders that wealth without principle always collapses. Kings fall. Titans of industry go broke. There are countless stories of men who came from nothing, rose to power, and lost it all chasing more. Greed clouds judgment. Power fears challenge. And those who surround themselves with yes-men often stop seeing straight.
Or as Lord Acton once said: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Jake Paul didn’t inherit a billion-dollar trust or an oil kingdom. He built his influence fight by fight, controversy by controversy, bet by bet. And now that he’s on the doorstep of real legitimacy, Alalshikh is allegedly using his position to block it. But if he is so confident Jake doesn’t belong, there’s a simple solution: put one of your champions in the ring with him.
Jake Paul has said he’s willing to fight Badou Jack— who is the reigning WBC cruiserweight champion, a favorite of Alalsheikh's promotional orbit, and a proven force. If this is really about merit, let the ring decide. If Jake Paul doesn’t belong, the fight will prove it. But if he wins, or even survives, then the entire narrative against him collapses.
Fight or flee, Turki. Put your money where your mouth is. You don’t get to call someone unworthy while hiding behind sanctioning bodies and whispered threats. If Jake Paul is a joke, then book the fight and let him get exposed. If he’s not… then maybe the one who needs to be humbled isn’t the fighter—but the kingmaker. The blacklist ends in two ways: with a signature on a fight contract, or with silence that tells the world who really blinked.
Jake Paul is being blacklisted not because he’s unworthy, but because he’s un-owned.
Let the record show: when boxing tried to silence Jake Paul, it wasn’t just protecting tradition. It was protecting control. And in the end, history always sides with the one who refused to bow.
|
|
|
|
Boxingtalk op-ed: Jake Paul, Turki Alalshikh and the History of Defiance
When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in 1955, she didn’t just resist a bus driver—she disrupted the power structure. Her defiance echoed through every system that told her to sit down, be quiet, and wait her turn. Today, in boxing, Jake Paul is having his own Rosa Parks moment. That may sound like an outrageous comparison, but the pattern is the same. Whenever someone threatens a corrupt system—from the back of the bus or the undercard of a boxing show—the system doesn’t argue. It blacklists.
According to multiple sources, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and boxing’s most powerful political figure, has been threatening sanctioning bodies—telling them that if they support Jake Paul, they will no longer work with him. If those sources are accurate, that would be coercion, a modern-day form of restraint of trade. In America, we have antitrust laws for this. Our federal courts have long held that monopolistic behavior—collusion, backdoor threats, or coordinated blackballing—violates the basic principles of free enterprise. That applies to tech, to sports, and yes—even to boxing.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman is on record with the BBC as saying Paul could be ranked if he were to defeat Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul held up his end of the bargain, so we will watch the WBC rankings closely to see if Paul gets ranked or perhaps pressure is being exerted against the WBC as well.
THIS OP-ED PIECE IS A FOLLOW-UP TO LAST WEEK'S STORY BY THE SAME AUTHOR. PART ONE IS AVAILABLE HERE.
In fact, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was passed precisely to combat this kind of abuse. The law prohibits coercion by promoters and protects boxers from being frozen out or retaliated against for refusing to play along. It reinforces that no promoter or power broker should be able to blacklist a fighter simply because they won’t conform. The Act’s spirit demands that boxing remain a fair playing field—not a private club.
This isn’t without precedent. In the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Klor’s, Inc. v. Broadway-Hale Stores (1959), a large retail chain coerced multiple suppliers into boycotting a smaller competitor. The Court ruled this kind of coordinated refusal to deal—blacklisting through influence and pressure— was a per se violation of U.S. antitrust law. The parallels to boxing are clear: when someone uses their market power to freeze out competition not based on merit, but control, the law—and history—stands with the underdog.
When sanctioning bodies are pressured to exclude someone for political or personal reasons, that isn’t just unethical—it’s anti-competitive. And if Jake Paul is being denied an opportunity due to backchannel threats or coercion, the boxing world should remember: the Ali Act was written for this moment. Jake Paul didn’t come from a boxing dynasty. He wasn’t groomed by promoters. Like Lamar Hunt, the man who launched the AFL when the NFL told him to go away, Jake built his own league. Like Howard Schultz, who created Starbucks from nothing, Jake built his own platform, audience, and economics. His greatest sin? That he succeeded.
Like Al Davis, the renegade owner of the Oakland Raiders, Jake Paul refuses to conform. Davis famously sued the NFL, relocated his team against the league’s wishes, and said: “The greatness of the Raiders is in its future.” That same future belongs to fighters like Amanda Serrano—whose purses, platforms, and respect were transformed by Jake’s disruption. The truth is this: systems don’t collapse from within. They collapse when someone from the outside kicks the door open. That’s what Jake Paul did—and that’s why powerful people want him gone.
Even the Bible recognizes this pattern. In the Book of Daniel, a king demanded everyone bow before a golden idol. But three men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused. They were thrown into a fiery furnace. But they didn’t burn. They walked out untouched. Why? Because they stood on conviction—not compliance. The Qur’an also echoes this theme. In Surah Al-Qasas, it tells the story of Qarun (Korah)—a man of immense wealth from the time of Moses. Qarun was arrogant, believing his riches were the result of his own knowledge and merit. His people warned him not to use his wealth to cause corruption or oppress others, but he refused. The Qur’an says: “So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. Then he had no group to help him besides Allah, nor was he of those who could defend themselves.” (Qur’an 28:81). The context is vital: Qarun symbolizes those who believe wealth is a shield from accountability. But when wealth is used to dominate rather than uplift, it becomes a curse, not a blessing. Power without humility invites collapse.
Jake Paul isn’t pretending to be righteous. But like those men, he refuses to bow to someone else's gold.
To be fair, Turki Alalshikh has accomplished what few in boxing ever could. He’s brought together fighters, promoters, and global attention with a speed and scale that’s reshaping the boxing industry. He has elevated the sport—bringing untold wealth to fighters, making long-overdue super fights happen, and giving the public events worth watching. But true leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes—it’s about empowering all voices, even those who challenge convention. Turki has the power not just to shape boxing’s future, but to ensure it remains open to disruptors like Jake Paul. That is the mark of legacy.
Let’s talk about gold for a moment. Not long ago, Saudi Arabia was a vast desert where nomadic tribes survived without oil, electricity, or global wealth. Then, in 1938, an American company—Standard Oil of California—struck oil in Dammam. That discovery changed everything. From that moment, power flowed not from lineage or monarchy, but from access to markets, capital, and global systems. Ironically, the very nation that rose from Western energy investment is now trying to silence a Westerner who threatens its control over a sport. But history is full of reminders that wealth without principle always collapses. Kings fall. Titans of industry go broke. There are countless stories of men who came from nothing, rose to power, and lost it all chasing more. Greed clouds judgment. Power fears challenge. And those who surround themselves with yes-men often stop seeing straight.
Or as Lord Acton once said: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Jake Paul didn’t inherit a billion-dollar trust or an oil kingdom. He built his influence fight by fight, controversy by controversy, bet by bet. And now that he’s on the doorstep of real legitimacy, Alalshikh is allegedly using his position to block it. But if he is so confident Jake doesn’t belong, there’s a simple solution: put one of your champions in the ring with him.
Jake Paul has said he’s willing to fight Badou Jack— who is the reigning WBC cruiserweight champion, a favorite of Alalsheikh's promotional orbit, and a proven force. If this is really about merit, let the ring decide. If Jake Paul doesn’t belong, the fight will prove it. But if he wins, or even survives, then the entire narrative against him collapses.
Fight or flee, Turki. Put your money where your mouth is. You don’t get to call someone unworthy while hiding behind sanctioning bodies and whispered threats. If Jake Paul is a joke, then book the fight and let him get exposed. If he’s not… then maybe the one who needs to be humbled isn’t the fighter—but the kingmaker. The blacklist ends in two ways: with a signature on a fight contract, or with silence that tells the world who really blinked.
Jake Paul is being blacklisted not because he’s unworthy, but because he’s un-owned.
Let the record show: when boxing tried to silence Jake Paul, it wasn’t just protecting tradition. It was protecting control. And in the end, history always sides with the one who refused to bow.
|
Catterall on technical decision: "I won but not how I wanted" |
|
Jack Catterall W7 Harlem Eubank... In an all-British clash, southpaw Jack Catterall made a wining but damaging move up to welterweight with a technical decision victory over Harlem Eubank at the AO Arena in Manchester. The bout was halted in the seventh round following a clash of heads that left both fighters bloodied and prompted referee Bob Williams to consult the ringside officials. The contest went to the scorecards, where Catterall emerged as the winner. The fight marked Catterall’s (31-1, 13 KOs) debut at welterweight, just months after a hard-fought loss to Arnold Barboza Jr. at 140 pounds. Eubank (21-1, 9 KOs) struggled to impose his unorthodox style against the more seasoned former British champion.
In response to criticism that his performance wasn't aggressive enough, Caterall tweeted: "Listen, to be a boxer you have to accept any criticism. I won last night but not how I wanted to win so I’ll let the cut heal and I’ll be back in the gym to keep improving. But make no mistake I will fight absolutely anyone."
From the opening bell, Eubank tried to disrupt Catterall’s rhythm with feints and footwork, but the Chorley native calmly countered with sharp, accurate shots that gradually took control of the fight. Eubank focused on body work early, but repeatedly left himself open to Catterall’s crisp left hand, which found its target throughout the contest. Both fighters hit the canvas due to tangles in the third and sixth rounds before the accidental headbutt caused serious cuts—one over Catterall’s right eyebrow and another above Eubank’s left.
|
|
|
|
Catterall on technical decision: "I won but not how I wanted"
Jack Catterall W7 Harlem Eubank... In an all-British clash, southpaw Jack Catterall made a wining but damaging move up to welterweight with a technical decision victory over Harlem Eubank at the AO Arena in Manchester. The bout was halted in the seventh round following a clash of heads that left both fighters bloodied and prompted referee Bob Williams to consult the ringside officials. The contest went to the scorecards, where Catterall emerged as the winner. The fight marked Catterall’s (31-1, 13 KOs) debut at welterweight, just months after a hard-fought loss to Arnold Barboza Jr. at 140 pounds. Eubank (21-1, 9 KOs) struggled to impose his unorthodox style against the more seasoned former British champion.
In response to criticism that his performance wasn't aggressive enough, Caterall tweeted: "Listen, to be a boxer you have to accept any criticism. I won last night but not how I wanted to win so I’ll let the cut heal and I’ll be back in the gym to keep improving. But make no mistake I will fight absolutely anyone."
From the opening bell, Eubank tried to disrupt Catterall’s rhythm with feints and footwork, but the Chorley native calmly countered with sharp, accurate shots that gradually took control of the fight. Eubank focused on body work early, but repeatedly left himself open to Catterall’s crisp left hand, which found its target throughout the contest. Both fighters hit the canvas due to tangles in the third and sixth rounds before the accidental headbutt caused serious cuts—one over Catterall’s right eyebrow and another above Eubank’s left.
|
The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: results from around the world |
|
|
Khalil El Hadri TKO4 Samir Ziani ... Khalil El Hadri (21 wins, 3 losses) resoundingly defeated Samir Ziani (36 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses) by technical knockout in the fourth round of a junior lightweight bout. From the first bell, Ziani did as expected, immediately advancing and applying pressure. This strategy did not surprise Khalil, who was waiting for him with hard punches and a well-established fight plan that led him to victory. In the fourth round, a combination to the head and body sent his opponent to the canvas; and although he managed to get back on his feet, the referee decided to stop the fight after an aggressive attack by the Parisian fighter.
Shamar Leon Canal W10 Bryan Jiménez... Shamar Leon Canal of New York defeated Nicaragua's Bryan Jiménez by ten-round decision. The lightweight bout took place in Shreveport, Louisiana. Canal (12-0, 7 KOs) showed better boxing skills from the outset, dominating the tough Jimenez (17-2, 10 KOs), who always sought to fight with determination, but not with enough skill. Jiménez proved to be a tough test, perhaps the first of Canal's career. Canal knocked down Jiménez in the eighth round to secure the victory. The judges’ scores were: Pat Dayton Monroe 96-93, Buddy Caskey 95-94, and Bassel Mahgoub 98-91.
DonJuan van Heerden TKO10 Dean Promnick ... South African middleweights DonJuan van Heerden and Dean Promnick clashed at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa, with van Heerden winning by late stoppage. Van Heerden (10-3) dominated and broke down Promnick, boxing with confidence and sticking to a game plan that was as simple yet effective. His high-pressure game proved telling and when Promnick (5-1) was pulled out at the end of the tenth round, it came as little surprise. He was well beaten.
Stefano Ramundo W10 Samy Khellas ... In Grosseto, Italy, local fighter Stefano Ramundo (17-2-0, 3 KOs) defeated Samy Khellas (7-7-1, 1 KO) of France in a junior welterweight bout. Ramundo dominated the actions against a complicated opponent but after ten rounds, he secured a well-deserved victory on the judges’ scorecards. This card was promoted by Rossana Conti Cavini, Italy’s longest serving and most experienced promoter, who began promoting boxing in 1981 with her late husband Umberto Cavini.
|
|
|
|
The Boxingtalk Scoreboard: results from around the world
Khalil El Hadri TKO4 Samir Ziani ... Khalil El Hadri (21 wins, 3 losses) resoundingly defeated Samir Ziani (36 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses) by technical knockout in the fourth round of a junior lightweight bout. From the first bell, Ziani did as expected, immediately advancing and applying pressure. This strategy did not surprise Khalil, who was waiting for him with hard punches and a well-established fight plan that led him to victory. In the fourth round, a combination to the head and body sent his opponent to the canvas; and although he managed to get back on his feet, the referee decided to stop the fight after an aggressive attack by the Parisian fighter.
Shamar Leon Canal W10 Bryan Jiménez... Shamar Leon Canal of New York defeated Nicaragua's Bryan Jiménez by ten-round decision. The lightweight bout took place in Shreveport, Louisiana. Canal (12-0, 7 KOs) showed better boxing skills from the outset, dominating the tough Jimenez (17-2, 10 KOs), who always sought to fight with determination, but not with enough skill. Jiménez proved to be a tough test, perhaps the first of Canal's career. Canal knocked down Jiménez in the eighth round to secure the victory. The judges’ scores were: Pat Dayton Monroe 96-93, Buddy Caskey 95-94, and Bassel Mahgoub 98-91.
DonJuan van Heerden TKO10 Dean Promnick ... South African middleweights DonJuan van Heerden and Dean Promnick clashed at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa, with van Heerden winning by late stoppage. Van Heerden (10-3) dominated and broke down Promnick, boxing with confidence and sticking to a game plan that was as simple yet effective. His high-pressure game proved telling and when Promnick (5-1) was pulled out at the end of the tenth round, it came as little surprise. He was well beaten.
Stefano Ramundo W10 Samy Khellas ... In Grosseto, Italy, local fighter Stefano Ramundo (17-2-0, 3 KOs) defeated Samy Khellas (7-7-1, 1 KO) of France in a junior welterweight bout. Ramundo dominated the actions against a complicated opponent but after ten rounds, he secured a well-deserved victory on the judges’ scorecards. This card was promoted by Rossana Conti Cavini, Italy’s longest serving and most experienced promoter, who began promoting boxing in 1981 with her late husband Umberto Cavini.
|
Yoseline Perez wins silver for USA in Astana |
|
Yoseline Perez closed the week for Team USA at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 with a silver medal. Perez’s bid for a gold medal came up just short in a 5-0 defeat in the 54-kilogram final against India’s Sakshi Sakshi. The World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 was hosted at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana, Kazakhstan. Perez was unable to find her footing from the beginning of the match against Sakshi and was stifled by her Indian opponent’s length. Despite many attempts at using her speed against Sakshi’s defense, Perez could not muster a consistent attack around her opponent’s tie-ups. After the opening round, Perez was behind 4-1, creating a large deficit for Perez to overcome. While round two continued as a gritty battle for Perez, she pushed ahead, despite Sakshi’s many attempts to slow her down in the clinch position. Heading into round three, Perez was able to trim the judges' scores to 3-0, still in favor of Sakshi, setting up a critical round three. The bantamweight bout concluded in the same fashion as the opening two rounds, and unfortunately, did not fall in Perez’s favor. After the final three minutes of competition, Perez was defeated by a unanimous decision, cementing the silver medal for her.
Perez closes the week with a 3-1 record for her third international medal of the calendar year. Throughout her opening three tournaments, Perez has earned two silver medals, each at a World Boxing Cup event, and one gold medal at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem. She will now turn her attention to the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England, in September.
Team USA closed the week of competition at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 with three medals: silver for Perez and two bronze, one for Morelle McCane (women’s welterweight) and one for Robby Gonzales (men’s light heavyweight).
Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the charge for Team USA at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025. National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), Nicole Burleson (Bethany, Okla.), and Eric Zimmerman (Alexandria, Va.) assisted Coach Walsh throughout the week.
|
|
|
|
Yoseline Perez wins silver for USA in Astana
Yoseline Perez closed the week for Team USA at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 with a silver medal. Perez’s bid for a gold medal came up just short in a 5-0 defeat in the 54-kilogram final against India’s Sakshi Sakshi. The World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 was hosted at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana, Kazakhstan. Perez was unable to find her footing from the beginning of the match against Sakshi and was stifled by her Indian opponent’s length. Despite many attempts at using her speed against Sakshi’s defense, Perez could not muster a consistent attack around her opponent’s tie-ups. After the opening round, Perez was behind 4-1, creating a large deficit for Perez to overcome. While round two continued as a gritty battle for Perez, she pushed ahead, despite Sakshi’s many attempts to slow her down in the clinch position. Heading into round three, Perez was able to trim the judges' scores to 3-0, still in favor of Sakshi, setting up a critical round three. The bantamweight bout concluded in the same fashion as the opening two rounds, and unfortunately, did not fall in Perez’s favor. After the final three minutes of competition, Perez was defeated by a unanimous decision, cementing the silver medal for her.
Perez closes the week with a 3-1 record for her third international medal of the calendar year. Throughout her opening three tournaments, Perez has earned two silver medals, each at a World Boxing Cup event, and one gold medal at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem. She will now turn her attention to the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England, in September.
Team USA closed the week of competition at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025 with three medals: silver for Perez and two bronze, one for Morelle McCane (women’s welterweight) and one for Robby Gonzales (men’s light heavyweight).
Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the charge for Team USA at the World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025. National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), Nicole Burleson (Bethany, Okla.), and Eric Zimmerman (Alexandria, Va.) assisted Coach Walsh throughout the week.
|
Hatton coming back to fight a fellow 46-year old |
|
Former two-division champion Ricky Hatton announced a comeback fight for December 2nd at The Agenda in Dubai. Hatton tweeted that he will fight 46 year-old Eisa Al Dah of Dubai, who is 8-3. Hatton, also age 46, is 45-3 for his career. Hatton has not had an official fight since 2012, although he has fought in exhibitions since then. Al Dah last won a fight in 2012 but came back in 2021 to get stopped in the first round by a nondescript opponent.
|
|
|
|
Hatton coming back to fight a fellow 46-year old
Former two-division champion Ricky Hatton announced a comeback fight for December 2nd at The Agenda in Dubai. Hatton tweeted that he will fight 46 year-old Eisa Al Dah of Dubai, who is 8-3. Hatton, also age 46, is 45-3 for his career. Hatton has not had an official fight since 2012, although he has fought in exhibitions since then. Al Dah last won a fight in 2012 but came back in 2021 to get stopped in the first round by a nondescript opponent.
|
Two weeks to go until Usyk vs. Dubois II |
|
An undisputed heavyweight champion of the world will be crowned on Saturday, July 19th at Wembley Stadium in London. Unified WBC, WBO and WBA champ Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) and IBF champion Daniel Dubois will fight for all the belts in an historic event for the UK. Never before has an undisputed heavyweight championship been fought for on British soil and attendance and viewing figure records in the UK and Europe are likely to be shattered on what will be a monumental night for the sport. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
|
|
|
|
Two weeks to go until Usyk vs. Dubois II
An undisputed heavyweight champion of the world will be crowned on Saturday, July 19th at Wembley Stadium in London. Unified WBC, WBO and WBA champ Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) and IBF champion Daniel Dubois will fight for all the belts in an historic event for the UK. Never before has an undisputed heavyweight championship been fought for on British soil and attendance and viewing figure records in the UK and Europe are likely to be shattered on what will be a monumental night for the sport. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
|
Yokasta Valle books next title defense |
|
WBC minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle will face Peru’s Rocío Gaspar. Their ten-round bout will headline a card on July 18th at the Cámara de Ganaderos de Liberia in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Valle, with a record of 33-3 and 10 KOs, previously fought at this venue in November, where she defeated Ramandeep Kaur by second-round knockout. Her most recent fight was at flyweight, where she outpointed Marlen Esparza in Mexico. Gaspar, with a record of 12-2 and 3 KOs, has some international experience. She lost in a title bid against the then-undefeated Tina Rupprecht in Heilbronn, Germany.
Valle’s first defense will be under her company, Yoka Sport & Boxing Promotions, which she runs with her manager, Mario Vega.
|
|
|
|
Yokasta Valle books next title defense
WBC minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle will face Peru’s Rocío Gaspar. Their ten-round bout will headline a card on July 18th at the Cámara de Ganaderos de Liberia in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Valle, with a record of 33-3 and 10 KOs, previously fought at this venue in November, where she defeated Ramandeep Kaur by second-round knockout. Her most recent fight was at flyweight, where she outpointed Marlen Esparza in Mexico. Gaspar, with a record of 12-2 and 3 KOs, has some international experience. She lost in a title bid against the then-undefeated Tina Rupprecht in Heilbronn, Germany.
Valle’s first defense will be under her company, Yoka Sport & Boxing Promotions, which she runs with her manager, Mario Vega.
|
Tyson Fury surfaces in Istanbul, teases comeback |
|
|
A host of the biggest names in boxing descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the IBA. The presentation coincided with an IBA professional boxing event. IBA president Umar Kremlev was joined on stage by former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford. Kremlev laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the IBA, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.
When it was his turn to speak, Fury gave a speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.
‘Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.’
‘I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money. We fight for the biggest purse — and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.’
With ‘The Gypsy King’ still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker as he asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title.
‘Of course. 100%,’ Fury confirmed.
‘Show me the money, Umar [Kremlev]! I haven’t got an IBA pro belt, but I’m available — I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle!’
Crawford, just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, took time out from his busy schedule to attend the conference in support of IBA and Kremlev. ‘It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.
‘There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.’
Ahead of his bout with ‘Canelo’ in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.
‘I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on September 13th.’
|
|
|
|
Tyson Fury surfaces in Istanbul, teases comeback
A host of the biggest names in boxing descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the IBA. The presentation coincided with an IBA professional boxing event. IBA president Umar Kremlev was joined on stage by former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford. Kremlev laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the IBA, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.
When it was his turn to speak, Fury gave a speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.
‘Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.’
‘I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money. We fight for the biggest purse — and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.’
With ‘The Gypsy King’ still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker as he asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title.
‘Of course. 100%,’ Fury confirmed.
‘Show me the money, Umar [Kremlev]! I haven’t got an IBA pro belt, but I’m available — I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle!’
Crawford, just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, took time out from his busy schedule to attend the conference in support of IBA and Kremlev. ‘It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.
‘There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.’
Ahead of his bout with ‘Canelo’ in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.
‘I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on September 13th.’
|
Mexico confirms Chavez Jr. is a wanted man |
|
On Thursday, The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien" Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and is processing him for expedited removal from the United States. Sauturday's New York Times ran a story in which Mexican president Claudia Scheinbaum confirmed that the younger Chavez was indeed a wanted man in Mexico. The story credited Scheinbaum with saying that Mexican prosecutors had begun investigating the boxer in 2019 and had issued an arrest warrant in March 2023. She said Mexico had been unable to detain Mr. Chávez because “he lived most of the time in the United States.” Chavez, a former champion over a decade ago, had remained out of the spotlight until last week's high-profile loss to social media superstar Jake Paul. Here is the official United States government press release from July 3rd: Chavez is a Mexican citizen who has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. In August 2023, he entered the country legally with a B2 tourist visa that was valid until February 2024. Chavez is also believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. ICE arrested Chavez in Studio City, California on July 2nd.
On April 2, 2024, Chavez filed application for Lawful Permanent Resident status. Chavez’s application was based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. On December 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made a referral to ICE that Chavez is an egregious public safety threat. However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority. On January 4, 2025, the Biden administration allowed Chavez to reenter the country and paroled him into the country at the San Ysidro port of entry. Following multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident, he was determined to be in the country illegally and removable on June 27, 2025.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE. It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
[Chavez's] rap sheet is below:
On January 22, 2012, California Highway Patrol arrested Chavez and charged him with DUI alcohol/drugs and Driving Without a License.
On June 23, 2012, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted Chavez for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and sentenced him to 13 days in jail and 36 months’ probation.
On January 14, 2023, a District Judge issued an arrest warrant for Chavez, for the offense of organized crime for the purpose of committing crimes of weapons trafficking and manufacturing crimes, in the modality of those who participate in clandestinely bringing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives into the country; and those who manufacture weapons, ammunition, cartridges, and explosives without the corresponding permit.
On January 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chavez and charged him with Illegal Possession of Any Assault Weapon and Manufacture or Import Short Barreled Rifle. The court convicted Chavez of these charges.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Sinaloa Cartel targeted and viciously murdered U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nicholas Quets, and has kidnapped, tortured and killed many other Americans. The Sinaloa Cartel has also played a major role in the trafficking of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow vicious cartels to operate on American soil.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE JUNE 29, 2025... In Anaheim, California, Jake Paul got in ten rounds of good work but was never seriously challenged by Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul won nearly every round but failed to hurt Chavez, a former champion from 2011-2012 who hasn't taken boxing seriously for years. Paul tired over the last two rounds, allowing Chavez to save some face after a generally dismal performance. Still, Paul won a deserved lopsided unanimous decision by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is likely to enter the world rankings of at least one of the major sanctioning bodies. Compubox credited Paul with a 141-60 edge in punches landed. For the first three rounds, Chavez's offense was virtually nonexistent. With the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. screamimng from ringside in frustration, his son finally landed a punch just before the end of round three. Things heated up a bit in the fourth as Chavez began to come forward a little more, but Paul still won the round. Chavez simply would not let his hands go with any regularity, and the couple of times that he did when he was in punching range, Paul wisely tied Chavez up.The packed, pro-Mexican crowd tried to will Chavez forward over the second half of the fight, but Chavez lacked the energy to throw extended combinations. It should be remembered that Chavez is 39 years old and as a former middleweight champion now fighting at cruiserweight, he is 40 pounds over his best weight. The momentum turned in round nine as Paul tired and Chavez landed several good blows. The tenth round featured the best exchanges of the contest, as a tired Paul fought back against a surging, suddenly aggressive Chavez. The late rally was not enough to overcome the first eight rounds.
|
|
|
|
Mexico confirms Chavez Jr. is a wanted man
On Thursday, The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien" Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and is processing him for expedited removal from the United States. Sauturday's New York Times ran a story in which Mexican president Claudia Scheinbaum confirmed that the younger Chavez was indeed a wanted man in Mexico. The story credited Scheinbaum with saying that Mexican prosecutors had begun investigating the boxer in 2019 and had issued an arrest warrant in March 2023. She said Mexico had been unable to detain Mr. Chávez because “he lived most of the time in the United States.” Chavez, a former champion over a decade ago, had remained out of the spotlight until last week's high-profile loss to social media superstar Jake Paul. Here is the official United States government press release from July 3rd: Chavez is a Mexican citizen who has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. In August 2023, he entered the country legally with a B2 tourist visa that was valid until February 2024. Chavez is also believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. ICE arrested Chavez in Studio City, California on July 2nd.
On April 2, 2024, Chavez filed application for Lawful Permanent Resident status. Chavez’s application was based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. On December 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made a referral to ICE that Chavez is an egregious public safety threat. However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority. On January 4, 2025, the Biden administration allowed Chavez to reenter the country and paroled him into the country at the San Ysidro port of entry. Following multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident, he was determined to be in the country illegally and removable on June 27, 2025.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE. It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
[Chavez's] rap sheet is below:
On January 22, 2012, California Highway Patrol arrested Chavez and charged him with DUI alcohol/drugs and Driving Without a License.
On June 23, 2012, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted Chavez for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and sentenced him to 13 days in jail and 36 months’ probation.
On January 14, 2023, a District Judge issued an arrest warrant for Chavez, for the offense of organized crime for the purpose of committing crimes of weapons trafficking and manufacturing crimes, in the modality of those who participate in clandestinely bringing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives into the country; and those who manufacture weapons, ammunition, cartridges, and explosives without the corresponding permit.
On January 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chavez and charged him with Illegal Possession of Any Assault Weapon and Manufacture or Import Short Barreled Rifle. The court convicted Chavez of these charges.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Sinaloa Cartel targeted and viciously murdered U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nicholas Quets, and has kidnapped, tortured and killed many other Americans. The Sinaloa Cartel has also played a major role in the trafficking of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow vicious cartels to operate on American soil.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE JUNE 29, 2025... In Anaheim, California, Jake Paul got in ten rounds of good work but was never seriously challenged by Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul won nearly every round but failed to hurt Chavez, a former champion from 2011-2012 who hasn't taken boxing seriously for years. Paul tired over the last two rounds, allowing Chavez to save some face after a generally dismal performance. Still, Paul won a deserved lopsided unanimous decision by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is likely to enter the world rankings of at least one of the major sanctioning bodies. Compubox credited Paul with a 141-60 edge in punches landed. For the first three rounds, Chavez's offense was virtually nonexistent. With the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. screamimng from ringside in frustration, his son finally landed a punch just before the end of round three. Things heated up a bit in the fourth as Chavez began to come forward a little more, but Paul still won the round. Chavez simply would not let his hands go with any regularity, and the couple of times that he did when he was in punching range, Paul wisely tied Chavez up.The packed, pro-Mexican crowd tried to will Chavez forward over the second half of the fight, but Chavez lacked the energy to throw extended combinations. It should be remembered that Chavez is 39 years old and as a former middleweight champion now fighting at cruiserweight, he is 40 pounds over his best weight. The momentum turned in round nine as Paul tired and Chavez landed several good blows. The tenth round featured the best exchanges of the contest, as a tired Paul fought back against a surging, suddenly aggressive Chavez. The late rally was not enough to overcome the first eight rounds.
|
Salita Promotions signs hw Sardius Simmons |
|
Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions announced the following news on social media: "Grateful to announce the signing of Sardius Simmons, 2025 National Heavyweight Champion and one of the most decorated amateur heavyweights in the country. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, a city with a deep boxing legacy, Sardius represents the next generation of American heavyweights—talented, driven, and ready to make a global impact. Our commitment is clear: to discover, develop, and deliver the future champions of the heavyweight division—right here in the United States. Watch his development live on DAZN." Salita's biggest client is Claressa "GWOAT" Shields, the multi-division champion, who also comes from Flint.
|
|
|
|
Salita Promotions signs hw Sardius Simmons
Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions announced the following news on social media: "Grateful to announce the signing of Sardius Simmons, 2025 National Heavyweight Champion and one of the most decorated amateur heavyweights in the country. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, a city with a deep boxing legacy, Sardius represents the next generation of American heavyweights—talented, driven, and ready to make a global impact. Our commitment is clear: to discover, develop, and deliver the future champions of the heavyweight division—right here in the United States. Watch his development live on DAZN." Salita's biggest client is Claressa "GWOAT" Shields, the multi-division champion, who also comes from Flint.
|
Junior lightweight title overview |
|
Here is a look at the recent lineage of the four major championships in the junior lightweight (130-pound) weight class. The current champions are Emanuel Navarrete (WBO), O'Shaquie Foster (WBC), Eduardo Nunez (IBF) and Lamont Roach (WBA). Boxingtalk will be updating and expanding this recent history of the junior lightweight division from time to time.
WBA INTERIM / JULY 2, 2025: In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
IBF / MAY 28, 2025: In Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez of Mexico beat Masanori Rikiishi to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title over twelve rounds. Nunez picked up the unanimous decision win with the scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111. Nunez is now 28-1 with 27 KOs, meaning this was the first fight he won by decision. The title was vacated by Anthony Cacace, who chose to fight former featherweight titlist Leigh Wood rather than Nunez. It has been a good week for Mexican boxing, as Willibaldo Garcia won a 155-pound title a few days ago,
WBO / MAY 10, 2025: Emanuel Navarrete controversially retained his WBO junior lightweight world title Saturday evening with an eighth-round technical decision over Filipino contender Charly Suarez. The fight was halted early due to a cut over Navarrete’s left eye, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an accidental headbutt. However, instant replay showed Suarez landed a punch just before Suarez's follow through caused a very slight clash of heads. It was difficult to tell whether the punch or the head caused the cut, and the California State Athletic Commission conducted an instant replay review. Boxingtalk is of the opinion that the punch caused the cut, which would have given Suarez the championship by TKO. It was a very difficult decision to make, and Suarez deserves a rematch. The headbutt ruling meant that the winner wouldbe determined on the scorecards. Navarrete prevailed by scores of 77-76 (twice) and 78-75.
IBO / MAY 10, 2025: Ex-IBF junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace has seemingly brought an end to Leigh Wood's career after stopping the former WBA featherweight champion in round nine in Nottingham, England. The end came with Wood runing away from Cacace and the towel flying in from Wood's corner. Cacace (24-1) retained his IBO junior lightweight title, and now has dispatched Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington and Wood in his last three outings. Wood is now 28-4.
WBA / MARCH 23, 2025: In front of a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, amateur rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont “The Reaper” Roach engaged in an exciting lightweight brawl over twelve competitive rounds that ended was scored a draw. The outcome of the fight was swayed by a missed knockdown call when Davis took a knee. It was a slow-paced fight early on, but built to a crescendo by the end, as Roach withstood Davis' power and fearlessly battled back in the exchanges, sometimes getting the better of them. As usual, the southpaw Davis’ punch output was measured at first then increased round by round, whether planting straight lefts to the body or letting Roach lead so he could launch a powerful counter attack. Roach, who remains the reigning WBA junior lightweight champion, earned the respect of fans and pundits alike.
IBF / FEB 1, 2025: Anthony Cacace has vacated the IBF 130-pound title to avoid facing his mandatory contender, Mexico's Eduardo Nunez. Here is how Cacace defended the move: "Becoming a world champion was an absolute dream and incredibly proud moment for me. However, at this stage of my career, I only want the biggest fights possible, regardless of the belt on the line. I’m a prize fighter, and my aim is now to secure mine and families future, and to create a legacy for myself in boxing by being involved in massive fights that fans will remember. I look forward to announcing my next fight very soon."
WBO / DEC. 8, 2024: In Phoenix, Emanuel Navarrete stopped Oscar Valdez in round six with a left hook to the body, retaining his WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) had already bested Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) once, by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not see the final bell. Navarrete knocked down Valdez three times, including at the end of the opening round. While Valdez succeeded in small pockets, the three-division champion landed the harder, more telling blows. It was a return to form for Navarrete, who bounced back from May's decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. He came back to the junior lightweight ranks and used his awkward style and looping punches to once again blunt Valdez's aggression.
WBC / NOV. 3, 2024: O'Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) is now a two-time junior lightweight champion. Foster regained the WBC world title with a split decision victory over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Two judges scored it 115-113 for Foster, while one scored it 115-113 for Conceição. Conceição dethroned Foster with a hard-fought verdict in July, prompting the rematch less than four months later. By the seventh, Foster began to wear down Conceição. The Brazilian fired back, but Foster consistently defended against Conceição’s right hand, countering sharply with a right of his own. In the tenth, Foster buzzed Conceição with a one-two, but Conceição survived before trading blows in the championship rounds.
WBC / JULY 26, 2024: The WBC Board of Governors has ordered a direct rematch between WBC 130-pound champion Robson Conceciao and the man he controversially beat for the title last month, former champ O'Shaquie Foster. On July 6th, Conceicao upset Foster by split decision to win the WBC title in a tactical affair. Conceicao fell short in world title bids three times before but this time, the judges though he did just enough to win. The verdict that sparked immediate debate. Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Foster held a 116-112 edge on the third card. Boxingtalk reviewed the fight and scored it 115-113 for Foster.
IBF / MAY 19, 2024: Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) is now the IBF champion after stopping Wales' Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) in round eight in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Cacace, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, became a world champion at the advanced age of 35. Punchstats credited Cacace with outlanding Cordina, 282 punches to 113. Cacace was breaking down Cordina against the ropes when the referee delcared the bout over and Cacace the new champion.
WBO / MAY 19, 2024: He tried moving up to 135 pounds, but Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become a four-division champion.On the same day Oleksandr Usyk captured the undisputed world heavyweight championsip, Usyk's 2012 Olympic temmate, Denys Berinchyk defeated Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title in San Diego. Berinchyk prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won the third card, 116-112. Navarrete remains the WBO 130-pound champion.
WBA / NOV. 26, 2023: In Las Vegas, Lamont Roach wrested away Héctor García’s WBA super featherweight title in his second attempt at a belt. Roach dropped García in the twelfth round and wound up winning a split decision by scores of 116-111, 114-113 and 113-114 in a technical and strategic fight. [The result is controversial as Roach appeared to knock Garcia down with an improper blow to the back of the head]. The knockdown caused the WBA title to change hands as it allowed Roach to avoid a split-draw. The punch in question was a the left hook that landed with 1:20 left in the fight and drove García into the canvas for the second time in his career. In 2019, Roach came up short in his first title shot against Jamel Herring, also a southpaw
WBO / NOV. 16, 2023... Robson Conceicao of Brazil showed incredible heart, battling through two knockdowns and an apparent broken nose to get a draw against WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. Conceicao, age 35, is a three-time Olympian, gold medal winner and three time world title challenger. After a legitimate loss to Shakur Stevenson and a controversial one to Oscar Valdez in prior title fights, Conceicao was all smiles after the bruising stalemate. Official scores were 113-113 (twice) and 114-112 (Navarrete). With the draw, Navarrete retains his title.
IBF / NOV. 4, 2023: The IBF 130-pound title remained with Joe Cordina of Wales who edged Edward Vazquez of Texas via a debatable majority decision. After twelve exciting and very competitive rounds in Monte Carlo, the three neutral judges scored it 114-114 and 116-112 (twice) for Cordina. Now 19-2 including the World Series of Boxing, Cordina is regarded as one of the best British fighters today and is a two-time champion. Cordina's first reign ended due to injury, and both of his losses date back to the Word Series of Boxing. Vazquez returns to Texas at 15-2, with both losses being controversial. Most feel Vazquez was robbed against Raymond Ford in 2022.
WBC / OCT. 29, 2023: O'Shaquie Foster was in position to lose by split decision before gaining a thrilling twelfth-round technical knockout victory over Eduardo Hernandez on Saturday. Fighting a Mexican in Cancun, Mexico, Foster and Hernandez went to war in round eleven. Foster was then three minutes away from losing his title to some very bad judging, as he entered the final round trailing on two of the official scorecards by 110-99 and 107-102. Foster led on the third scorecard by 106-103 but that would not have been enought to save his title. So he came out aggressively and kept his WBC super featherweight championship by knocking Hernandez down and then stopping him. It was dramatic stuff from the Houston resident, who is now 21-2 on ths his career. Boxingtalk salutes Hernandez, who is now 34-2, as well as Foster.
WBO / AUG. 12, 2023: Emanuel Navarrete defeated former two-division champion Oscar Valdez in a classic Mexican war held in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, a three-division champion, retained the WBO junior lightweight championship by unanimous decision. The official scores were 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. Navarrete threw 1038 punches according to Compubox, outlanding Valdez 216-140. Valdez finished with swelling plus a deep bruise under his right eye. Valdez has now failed in his last two title fights, vs. Shakur Stevenson and now Navarrete.
IBF/ APRIL 24, 2023: Joe Cordina became a two-time IBF 130-pound champion, winning a unanimous decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a thriller of a bout held in Cordina's native Wales. The two men both entered the fight undefeated, as Cordina briefly held the title last year but had to give it up due to injury. The vacant belt was then won by Rakhimov last November, setting up Saturday's match
WBC / FEB. 12, 2023: With the words “ice water” and “shock the world” etched on his trunks, O’Shaquie Foster produced the fight of his life, coolly and methodically outboxing two-division champion Rey Vargas to capture the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship in his first title shot at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Foster, who normally switches to southpaw in his fights, fought orthodox for the entire twelve rounds with the objective of befuddling Vargas. He won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109 in a dominant, albeit very competitive win. “I can’t put it into words (what this means),” Foster said in the ring afterward. “I know my mom, my uncle, my grandpa, they are all looking down on me.” Vargas was returning to the Alamodome after winning the WBC featherweight championship in his last bout with a decision victory over Mark Magsayo at the same venue last July. He still holds that title, so a return to 126 pounds may be in the cards for Vargas.
WBO / FEB. 4, 2023: In Glendale, Arizona, Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete (37-1) survived a knockdown and stopped Australia's Liam Wilson (11-2) in a thriller to earn the vacant WBO 130-pound championship. By claiming the title recently vacated by Shakur Stevenson, Navarrete become a three-division champion. Though Wilson lost, he established himself as a skillful and exciting boxer, and earned a return invitiation to the world stage. In round four, Navarrete was knocked down for the first time in his career. As Navarrete lunged forward with a punch, Wilson caught him with a combination that floored and hurt Navarrete. Luckily for him, Navarrete got critical extra seconds of recovery time as his mouth piece needed to be replaced, and Navarrete struggled to put in correctly. Round seven saw Navarrete swing the momentum his way, as blood began to flow freely from Wilson's nose. In round eight, Wilson appeared to be fighting the wrong kind of fight, looking for one big shot while Navarrete landed multiple blows upstairs and downstairs. Navarrete's body work paid off in round nine, as he knocked down Wilson in the first minute with a one-two combination. Wilson got up, but was clearly drained. He absorbed a lot of hard punches, stumbled badly in the middle of the ring, and seemed unable to tie up Navarrete up. When Navarrete trapped Wilson against the rope and began raining in punches, the referee had no choice but to stop the bout.
WBA / JAN. 8, 2023: In Washington D.C., Gervonta Davis defeated WBA 130-pound champion Hector Luis Garcia in a 135-pound bout in which Garcia's title was not at stake. Davis' feared punching power did not produce the knockout the fans were looking for, but it nonetheless proved to be Garcia's undoing. After seven competitive rounds, Davis began consistently landing power punches in round eight. Garcia was staggered but survived until the end of the round. Garcia was guided back to his corner in clear distress and told trainer Bob Santos he could not see. Garcia did not come out for round ten, and Davis was the winner by technical knockout. Davis remains the WBA regular title holder in the lightweight division, while the battered Garcia also retains the WBA junior lightweight title, which was not on the line because this was a lightweight bout. Davis led the cards at the time of the stoppage, 78-74 (twice) and 79-73. Punchstats gave Davis the lead in punches landed, 99-55.
IBF / NOV 6, 2022: In Abu Dhabi, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov won the vacant IBF 130-pound title after the IBF stripped Joe Cordina for having hand surgery. Rakhimov defeated Zelfa Barrett by ninth-round technical knockout. The new champ is from Tajikistan and boasts a pro record of 16-0-1 with the draw coming in a prior IBF title shot vs. Joseph "JoJo" Diaz last year. Barrett was doing well in the fight as a whole, even knocking Rakhimov down with a huge uppercut early in the contest. But according to DAZN, something happened in the ninth round and Barrett's leg appeared to be injured. It looked like Barrett couldn't put full weight on his right leg, and Rakhimov took advantage with a flurry of hard shots to knock Barrett down twice. At the point the fight was stopped, the referee did not administer a count, although Barrett's corner was ready to throw in the towel. The British Barrett is now 28-2.
IBF / OCT. 5, 2022: Joe Cordina had this to say about getting stripped by the IBF of his 130-pound championship because he had hand surgery (he posted a picture on social media to prove it): "Absolutely gutted. Worked my whole life to become a world champion and I haven’t even had the chance to defend the title Feel like I’ve been robbed !!" Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF 130-pound championship on a Matchroom show at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5th. Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130-pound crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.
WBC & WBO / SEPT. 23, 2022: At Thursday's weigh-in in Newark, New Jersey, hometown hero Shakur Stevenson could not get below 131.6 pounds, and therefore lost the WBO and WBC 130-pound championships on the scale. His ESPN main event vs. Robson Conceição is still on, with the Brazilian challenger still eligible to win the titles. If Stevenson wins the twelve-round bout, the two titles become vacant. Conceição made weight with a bit to spare at 129.6. [Stevenson won the fight, so the titles remained vacant until February 2023 when O'Shaquie Foster defeated Rey Vargas for the WBC and Emanuel Navarrete stopped Liam WIlson for the WBO].
WBA / AUG. 21, 2022: Hector Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic dethroned Roger Gutierrez for the WBA 130-pound championship. From San Juan de la Maguana, Garcia (16-0) proved that his dominant win against Chris Colbert in February wasn’t a fluke. Garcia, a former Olympian, dictated the action and survived a late rally to wrest the WBA title from Gutierrez via unanimous decision. Scores were 117-111 (twice) and 118-110.
IBF / JUNE 4, 2022: Wales has a new world champion as Joe Cordina had a dream-come-true moment in Cardiff. Fightng in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Cordina claimed the IBF 130-pound championship from Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a turn-out-the-lights right hand. The one-punch, knockout-of-the-year candidate came in round two and saw Ogawa struggling to stand up, only to fall back down as the referee reched the ten count. Cordina was outboxed in the first round, but he made it all irrelevant with one punch a round later. He's been credited as the 13th world champion from Wales. Cordina is listed as 15-0, but Boxingtalk recognizes the World Series of Boxing as professional, so we report him as 17-1. Ogawa, a former drug cheat in 2017, is now 26-2-1.
WBC & WBO / MAY 21, 2022: WBO junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson unified two titles when he outboxed WBC champion Oscar Valdez via unanimous decision on Saturday in front of 10,102 fans in Las Vegas. After twelve rounds, the judges declared Newark, New Jersey's Stevenson the winner by scores of 118-109 (twice) and 117-110. Stevenson (20-0 including the World Series of Boxing) established the southpaw jab in the early going, and Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs) could not get his offense going outside of pockets of success in the third round. In the sixth, Stevenson spun Valdez into the ropes and knocked him down with a right hand. It was all Stevenson in the second half of the fight, who built an insurmountable lead on the cards. Valdez won the final round on all three judges' cards, but it was too little, too late.
IBF / NOV. 21, 2021... In the Madison Square Garden co-feature, Japan's Kenichi Ogawa became the new IBF super featherweight champion, dropping South Africa's Azinga Fuzile three times on the way to a unanimous decision. Official scores were 115-110 (twice) and 114-111 for Ogawa to claim the vacant title. A former drug cheat, Ogawa is now 26-1-1 but also has a no contest after testing positive in a fight vs. Tevin Farmer in 2017. Fuzile is now 15-2. The title became vacant ealier this year when JoJo Diaz failed to make the 130-pound limit for a fight.
WBO / OCT. 24, 2021: In Atlanta, Shakur Stevenson stopped Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) on cuts in round ten to become the new WBO junior lightweight champion. There were no knockdowns, but Herring was well behind on the cards and a cut over his left eye was rapidly worsening from Stevenson's punches. Although he was not badly hurt, Herring did not complain much about referee Mark Nelson's stoppage. The undefeated Stevenson is now a two-division title holder (as well as an Olympic silver medalist), having previously won a featherweight title before moving up in weight. As soon as the fight ended, talk began about Stevenson's next foe. The top name on his list is the WBC champion at 130 pounds, Mexico's Oscar Valdez.
WBC / SEPT. 11, 2021: In Tucson, Arizona, WBC 130-pound champion Oscar Valdez started slow but got some home cooking to help him remain a champion. Robson Conceicao was fighting the fight of his life, likely winning the first five rounds although not getting credit from the judges for it. The champion then turned it around. Valdez retained his title Friday evening with a unanimous decision over 2016 Brazilian Olympian gold medalist Conceicao. Official scores were 115-112 (twice) and a corrupt or incompetent 117-110. [Punchstat numbers favored Conceicao widely, 141 punches landed to 83. Valdez's face was completely marked up from the punches he absorbed. The referee did his part to assist Valdez by making a ridiculous and unjustified point deduction againt the challenger for a minor tap to the back of the head. Not even a warning for Conceicao but Valdez did the same thing and suffered no penalty. Valdez probably should not have even been allowed to fight, as he tested positive for a VADA-banned substance last week.
WBO / APRIL 23, 2021: Jamel Herring stops and retires the respected Carl Frampton a former two-division champion. With the win, Herring retained his WBO championship.
WBC / FEB. 20, 2021: In Las Vegas, Oscar Valdez and Miguel Berchelt promised an all-Mexican clash for the ages. They delivered. Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook at the end of the tenth round to win the WBC super featherweight title from Berchelt, who was making his seventh title defense. The hook crumpled Berchelt, who fell face-first to the canvas, and referee Russell Mora immediately waved off the fight. Valdez, a former WBO featherweight champion, is now a two-division champion and a major star in boxing. Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) had been badly hurt and knocked down in the fourth, but steadied himself and continued to pressure Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs) throughout the middle rounds. Valdez turned the tide once again in the ninth with a knockdown, and with the tenth round in hand, he lowered the boom.
WBA / JAN. 2, 2021: Venezuela's Roger Gutierrez defeated Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado by an extremely narrow unanimous decision in Dallas on Saturday. Gutierrez, who had a prior loss to Alvarado in 2017, scored three knockdowns this time around and needed every one of them to capture the three scorecards by 113-112. It was a very close fight that had Alvarez ahead but things were still up for grabs going into the final round. A twelfth-round left hook from Gutierrez sent Alvarado to the canvas for the third time and proved to be the difference on the scorecards. With the win, Gutierrez acquires the WBA regular junior lightweight title in a situation hopelessly mucked up by the WBA. Right now Gervonta Davis holds the WBA super championship in this division and also the WBA regular championship at lightweight, but under the WBA rules, a super championship in at 130 pounds should never have been issued. So Gutierrez has a stronger claim to being the WBA 130-pound champion than Davis.
WBA / NOV. 24, 2019: A confrontation between veterans ended with a technical knockout in favor of Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado, who defeated California's Andrew Cancio to become the WBA junior lightweight champion. Alvarado (32-8), never considered true world-class material, surprised the fans in Indio, California by dominating Cancio for seven rounds. As soon as round seven ended, referee Raul Caiz, Sr. made a wise decision and stopped the bout. Alvarado broke down in tears in his corner. At one point, Alvarado was 24-8 but has now reeled off eight straight wins. Alvarado's twin brother is Felix Alvarado, the IBF 108-pound champion, meaning they have duplicated the Charlo brothers' feat as simultaneous twin champions.
WBA / JUNE 22, 2019: A boxing Cinderella story continued in true Arturo Gatti fashion on Friday in Indio, California. In an immediate rematch, Andrew Cancio fought through a bad cut to knock out Alberto Machado and retain his WBA regular 130-pound championship. Cancio, who is not hard to hit, suffered a cut forhead in round two, but he immediately began walking Machado down, landing hard body punches that quickly took all the steam out of Machado. Cutman Carlos Vargas did a phenomenal job stopping the bleeding, and Cancio picked up right where he left off to start round three. A nasty Cancio left hook to the side put his opponent down on one knee, and the deflated Machado got up an instant after the referee reached the ten count. No controversy. The result is similar to their first fight, in which Cancio's body attack stopped Machado in four rounds. Cancio is an unlikely champion: he retired from boxing in 2016 and remains a full-time employee of California Gas & Electric. Cancio (20-4-2) holds a title that it listed by the WBA as secondary to Gervonta Davis' super championship, but Cancio's title is no less legitimate than Davis', as Cancio beat a reigning title holder (Machado) to get his belt while Davis beat a non-champion who had lost his prior fight (Jesus Cuellar) to acquire the super championship
WBO / MAY 26, 2019: Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring completed his Hollywood story, upsetting WBO junior lightweight champion Masayuki Ito via unanimous decision Saturday evening at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. It was a highly active yet largely tactical match-up between Ito (25-2-1, 13 KOs) and Herring (20-2, 10 KOs). With Herring’s stamina fading slightly down the stretch, Ito’s best rounds came in the final quarter of the fight, however it was too little too late as Herring won a unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 and 118-110 (twice). Herring accomplished his championship dream on Memorial Day weekend in front of a host of active and reserve U.S. Marines.
WBO / JULY 29, 2018: Masayuki Ito traveled halfway around the world but he will return home with the WBO 130-pound championship. Ito, from Tokyo, defeated Puerto Rico's Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz via unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) on Saturday evening at the Kissimmee (Florida) Civic Center. Ito claimed the title that had been vacated by Vasyl Lomachenko. Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) knocked down Diaz (23-1, 15 KOs) in the fourth round and controlled the tempo of the fight. Ito, who was fighting for the first time outside of Japan, was not fazed by the pro-Diaz crowd
WBC / JAN 29, 2017: The WBC 130-pound title now belongs to Miguel Berchelt, who punished Francisco Vargas in Indio, California. The HBO Boxing After Dark fight went on a couple of rounds too long as Berchelt turned Vargas’ face into a bloody wreck. The ringside physician declined two opportunities to stop the fight, and when it was over, the cut above Vargas’ left eye was longer than the eye itself. Berchelt is now 30-1, with lone loss coming in 2014 to non-contender Luis Eduardo Florez. Bechelt’s first defense could be against former WBC champion Takashi Miura, who won an eliminator on the undercard. Another possibility is Orlando Salido, a former featherweight champion who recently drew with Vargas. Meanwhile, Vargas is now 23-1-1, and showed some effects from back-to-back wars vs. Miura and Salido.
IBF / JAN. 14, 2017: Baltimore's Gervonta "Tank" Davis (17-0 with 16 KOs) punished and stopped Jose Pedraza (22-1 with 12 KOs) to claim the IBF 130-pound championship. Just 22 years old, Davis is built like Mike Tyson. He certainly fought in a Tysonesque manner, bulling forward to take the Puerto Rican Pedraza's title in round seven. Davis started aggressively and landed some hard shots in the opening round. Davis continued to show he meant business, hitting Pedraza when Pedraza was down on a slip in round two and engaging in rabbit punches in round three. In the fourth round, Pedraza made some adjustments, landing enough to make Davis shake his head no, trying to indicate he wasn't hurt. In the fifth, Pedraza controlled the action for most of the round until both men put on a display of machismo, thrilling the crowd by trading punches with their hands down. Davis hurt Pedraza badly with a left hook to the ribs, forcing Pedraza to fight the remainder of the round with his right hand down to cover the rib. Davis punished the one-handed Pedraza accordingly, and it looked as though the fight might be stopped by the ringside doctor between rounds. The seventh round eventually got started, and the weakened Pedraza could no nothing but absorb punishment against the ropes. A hard combination punctuated by a right decked Pedraza. The Puerto Rican beat the count but the referee wisely ended the bout immediately.
WBO / JUNE 11, 2016: Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko defeated Roman "Rocky" Martinez in a fifth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO junior lightweight champion. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is now a two-division professional champion. Lomachenko made a successful debut at 130 pounds with a spectacular, fifth-round knockout of Martinez. WBC / JUNE 6, 2016: Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fight to a draw, allowing Vargas to retain his WBC title. WBC / NOV. 21, 2015: In Las Vegas, Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura gave boxing fans an instant classic. The Mexican Vargas (23-0-1) took the WBC 130-pound championship from Japan's Takashi Miura (29-3-2). In round one, Vargas nearly knocked Takashi down with a looping right hand. Despite doing his best to make it an early night, Vargas was unable to finish Miura off. Soon, Miura began to time his left hand and he dropped Vargas with a straight right hand at the end of round four. After being cut under his right eye by an accidental clash of heads in the earlier rounds, Miura opened a cut on top of Vargas' eye turning his face into a bloody mask. Rounds 5-8 were all Miura, as the soon-to-be-ex champ landed the cleaner, harder shots for the majority of those frames. But Vargas was not to be denied. He came out blazing in the ninth and dropped Miura with a series of heavy shots. After flopping around on the canvas, Miura made it to his feet and his found his balance. After not punching back for nearly 30 seconds, referee Tony Weeks appeared to stop the bout just when it seemed Miura was getting his feet back under him. IBF / JUNE 14, 2015: In the opening bout of the Showtime doubleheader from Birmingham, Alabama, Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) dominated Andrey Klimov (20-1, 9 KOs) from the opening bell to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory. The Puerto Rican Pedraza, making his 2015 debut, triumphed by the scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109. The IBF title was last held by Cuba's Rances Barthelemy. WBO/ APRIL 11, 2015: Score one for Puerto Rico in its boxing rivalry vs. Mexico. In San Juan, Roman "Rocky" Martinez won the WBO 130-pound championship by unanimous decision over Mexico's Orlando Salido. Martinez knocked Salido down in the third and fifth rounds, and Salido was also penalized for low blows in the eleventh. Martinez carried the scorecards by tallies of 115-110, 114-111 and 116-109. Salido previously had great success over Puerto Rican rivals, including Juan Manuel Lopez, but having turned pro at age 15, the now 34 year-old Salido has absorbed a lot of punishment over his career. He was taken to the hospital after the fight. Salido is now 42-13-2 with 1 no contest in a long and honorable career. Martinez (29-2-2) now begins his third reign as the WBO 130-pound champion. Both times, his title was taken from him under dubious circumstances (vs. Ricky Burns in 2010 and Mikey Garcia in 2013). WBO / OCT. 17, 2014: Orlando Salido has earned his warrior stripes many times over, but this week, he got a free pass to a paper championship. The WBO handed Salido a title belt in the 130-pound weight class. Salido, who held featherweight titles on multiple occasions, was handed the title because the prior titlist, Mikey Garcia, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Top Rank over his promotional rights, and Garcia intends to move up to 140 pounds anyway. Garcia has not fought since January and has no fight on the horizon. Garcia beat Salido controversially at 126 pounds in 2013 when Garcia, ahead on points, quit on his stool after eight rounds. The bout was allowed to go to the scorecards when it appeared that Salido, although losing most rounds, should have won by technical knockout because the injury to Garcia was caused by a punch. In any event, Garcia moved up to 130 and took the WBO title from Roman Martinez. Last month, with Garcia on the sideline due to the lawsuit, Salido defeated Terdsak Kokietgym of Thailand for an interim title. That title has now been updated from interim to full.
|
|
|
|
Junior lightweight title overview
Here is a look at the recent lineage of the four major championships in the junior lightweight (130-pound) weight class. The current champions are Emanuel Navarrete (WBO), O'Shaquie Foster (WBC), Eduardo Nunez (IBF) and Lamont Roach (WBA). Boxingtalk will be updating and expanding this recent history of the junior lightweight division from time to time.
WBA INTERIM / JULY 2, 2025: In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
IBF / MAY 28, 2025: In Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez of Mexico beat Masanori Rikiishi to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title over twelve rounds. Nunez picked up the unanimous decision win with the scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111. Nunez is now 28-1 with 27 KOs, meaning this was the first fight he won by decision. The title was vacated by Anthony Cacace, who chose to fight former featherweight titlist Leigh Wood rather than Nunez. It has been a good week for Mexican boxing, as Willibaldo Garcia won a 155-pound title a few days ago,
WBO / MAY 10, 2025: Emanuel Navarrete controversially retained his WBO junior lightweight world title Saturday evening with an eighth-round technical decision over Filipino contender Charly Suarez. The fight was halted early due to a cut over Navarrete’s left eye, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an accidental headbutt. However, instant replay showed Suarez landed a punch just before Suarez's follow through caused a very slight clash of heads. It was difficult to tell whether the punch or the head caused the cut, and the California State Athletic Commission conducted an instant replay review. Boxingtalk is of the opinion that the punch caused the cut, which would have given Suarez the championship by TKO. It was a very difficult decision to make, and Suarez deserves a rematch. The headbutt ruling meant that the winner wouldbe determined on the scorecards. Navarrete prevailed by scores of 77-76 (twice) and 78-75.
IBO / MAY 10, 2025: Ex-IBF junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace has seemingly brought an end to Leigh Wood's career after stopping the former WBA featherweight champion in round nine in Nottingham, England. The end came with Wood runing away from Cacace and the towel flying in from Wood's corner. Cacace (24-1) retained his IBO junior lightweight title, and now has dispatched Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington and Wood in his last three outings. Wood is now 28-4.
WBA / MARCH 23, 2025: In front of a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, amateur rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont “The Reaper” Roach engaged in an exciting lightweight brawl over twelve competitive rounds that ended was scored a draw. The outcome of the fight was swayed by a missed knockdown call when Davis took a knee. It was a slow-paced fight early on, but built to a crescendo by the end, as Roach withstood Davis' power and fearlessly battled back in the exchanges, sometimes getting the better of them. As usual, the southpaw Davis’ punch output was measured at first then increased round by round, whether planting straight lefts to the body or letting Roach lead so he could launch a powerful counter attack. Roach, who remains the reigning WBA junior lightweight champion, earned the respect of fans and pundits alike.
IBF / FEB 1, 2025: Anthony Cacace has vacated the IBF 130-pound title to avoid facing his mandatory contender, Mexico's Eduardo Nunez. Here is how Cacace defended the move: "Becoming a world champion was an absolute dream and incredibly proud moment for me. However, at this stage of my career, I only want the biggest fights possible, regardless of the belt on the line. I’m a prize fighter, and my aim is now to secure mine and families future, and to create a legacy for myself in boxing by being involved in massive fights that fans will remember. I look forward to announcing my next fight very soon."
WBO / DEC. 8, 2024: In Phoenix, Emanuel Navarrete stopped Oscar Valdez in round six with a left hook to the body, retaining his WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) had already bested Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) once, by decision in August 2023, but this time, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, did not see the final bell. Navarrete knocked down Valdez three times, including at the end of the opening round. While Valdez succeeded in small pockets, the three-division champion landed the harder, more telling blows. It was a return to form for Navarrete, who bounced back from May's decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title. He came back to the junior lightweight ranks and used his awkward style and looping punches to once again blunt Valdez's aggression.
WBC / NOV. 3, 2024: O'Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs) is now a two-time junior lightweight champion. Foster regained the WBC world title with a split decision victory over Robson Conceição (19-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday evening at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Two judges scored it 115-113 for Foster, while one scored it 115-113 for Conceição. Conceição dethroned Foster with a hard-fought verdict in July, prompting the rematch less than four months later. By the seventh, Foster began to wear down Conceição. The Brazilian fired back, but Foster consistently defended against Conceição’s right hand, countering sharply with a right of his own. In the tenth, Foster buzzed Conceição with a one-two, but Conceição survived before trading blows in the championship rounds.
WBC / JULY 26, 2024: The WBC Board of Governors has ordered a direct rematch between WBC 130-pound champion Robson Conceciao and the man he controversially beat for the title last month, former champ O'Shaquie Foster. On July 6th, Conceicao upset Foster by split decision to win the WBC title in a tactical affair. Conceicao fell short in world title bids three times before but this time, the judges though he did just enough to win. The verdict that sparked immediate debate. Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Foster held a 116-112 edge on the third card. Boxingtalk reviewed the fight and scored it 115-113 for Foster.
IBF / MAY 19, 2024: Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) is now the IBF champion after stopping Wales' Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) in round eight in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. Cacace, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, became a world champion at the advanced age of 35. Punchstats credited Cacace with outlanding Cordina, 282 punches to 113. Cacace was breaking down Cordina against the ropes when the referee delcared the bout over and Cacace the new champion.
WBO / MAY 19, 2024: He tried moving up to 135 pounds, but Emanuel Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) failed in his attempt to become a four-division champion.On the same day Oleksandr Usyk captured the undisputed world heavyweight championsip, Usyk's 2012 Olympic temmate, Denys Berinchyk defeated Navarrete by split decision to win the vacant WBO lightweight world title in San Diego. Berinchyk prevailed by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Navarrete won the third card, 116-112. Navarrete remains the WBO 130-pound champion.
WBA / NOV. 26, 2023: In Las Vegas, Lamont Roach wrested away Héctor García’s WBA super featherweight title in his second attempt at a belt. Roach dropped García in the twelfth round and wound up winning a split decision by scores of 116-111, 114-113 and 113-114 in a technical and strategic fight. [The result is controversial as Roach appeared to knock Garcia down with an improper blow to the back of the head]. The knockdown caused the WBA title to change hands as it allowed Roach to avoid a split-draw. The punch in question was a the left hook that landed with 1:20 left in the fight and drove García into the canvas for the second time in his career. In 2019, Roach came up short in his first title shot against Jamel Herring, also a southpaw
WBO / NOV. 16, 2023... Robson Conceicao of Brazil showed incredible heart, battling through two knockdowns and an apparent broken nose to get a draw against WBO champion Emanuel Navarrete. Conceicao, age 35, is a three-time Olympian, gold medal winner and three time world title challenger. After a legitimate loss to Shakur Stevenson and a controversial one to Oscar Valdez in prior title fights, Conceicao was all smiles after the bruising stalemate. Official scores were 113-113 (twice) and 114-112 (Navarrete). With the draw, Navarrete retains his title.
IBF / NOV. 4, 2023: The IBF 130-pound title remained with Joe Cordina of Wales who edged Edward Vazquez of Texas via a debatable majority decision. After twelve exciting and very competitive rounds in Monte Carlo, the three neutral judges scored it 114-114 and 116-112 (twice) for Cordina. Now 19-2 including the World Series of Boxing, Cordina is regarded as one of the best British fighters today and is a two-time champion. Cordina's first reign ended due to injury, and both of his losses date back to the Word Series of Boxing. Vazquez returns to Texas at 15-2, with both losses being controversial. Most feel Vazquez was robbed against Raymond Ford in 2022.
WBC / OCT. 29, 2023: O'Shaquie Foster was in position to lose by split decision before gaining a thrilling twelfth-round technical knockout victory over Eduardo Hernandez on Saturday. Fighting a Mexican in Cancun, Mexico, Foster and Hernandez went to war in round eleven. Foster was then three minutes away from losing his title to some very bad judging, as he entered the final round trailing on two of the official scorecards by 110-99 and 107-102. Foster led on the third scorecard by 106-103 but that would not have been enought to save his title. So he came out aggressively and kept his WBC super featherweight championship by knocking Hernandez down and then stopping him. It was dramatic stuff from the Houston resident, who is now 21-2 on ths his career. Boxingtalk salutes Hernandez, who is now 34-2, as well as Foster.
WBO / AUG. 12, 2023: Emanuel Navarrete defeated former two-division champion Oscar Valdez in a classic Mexican war held in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete, a three-division champion, retained the WBO junior lightweight championship by unanimous decision. The official scores were 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. Navarrete threw 1038 punches according to Compubox, outlanding Valdez 216-140. Valdez finished with swelling plus a deep bruise under his right eye. Valdez has now failed in his last two title fights, vs. Shakur Stevenson and now Navarrete.
IBF/ APRIL 24, 2023: Joe Cordina became a two-time IBF 130-pound champion, winning a unanimous decision over Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a thriller of a bout held in Cordina's native Wales. The two men both entered the fight undefeated, as Cordina briefly held the title last year but had to give it up due to injury. The vacant belt was then won by Rakhimov last November, setting up Saturday's match
WBC / FEB. 12, 2023: With the words “ice water” and “shock the world” etched on his trunks, O’Shaquie Foster produced the fight of his life, coolly and methodically outboxing two-division champion Rey Vargas to capture the vacant WBC junior lightweight championship in his first title shot at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Foster, who normally switches to southpaw in his fights, fought orthodox for the entire twelve rounds with the objective of befuddling Vargas. He won by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109 in a dominant, albeit very competitive win. “I can’t put it into words (what this means),” Foster said in the ring afterward. “I know my mom, my uncle, my grandpa, they are all looking down on me.” Vargas was returning to the Alamodome after winning the WBC featherweight championship in his last bout with a decision victory over Mark Magsayo at the same venue last July. He still holds that title, so a return to 126 pounds may be in the cards for Vargas.
WBO / FEB. 4, 2023: In Glendale, Arizona, Mexico's Emanuel Navarrete (37-1) survived a knockdown and stopped Australia's Liam Wilson (11-2) in a thriller to earn the vacant WBO 130-pound championship. By claiming the title recently vacated by Shakur Stevenson, Navarrete become a three-division champion. Though Wilson lost, he established himself as a skillful and exciting boxer, and earned a return invitiation to the world stage. In round four, Navarrete was knocked down for the first time in his career. As Navarrete lunged forward with a punch, Wilson caught him with a combination that floored and hurt Navarrete. Luckily for him, Navarrete got critical extra seconds of recovery time as his mouth piece needed to be replaced, and Navarrete struggled to put in correctly. Round seven saw Navarrete swing the momentum his way, as blood began to flow freely from Wilson's nose. In round eight, Wilson appeared to be fighting the wrong kind of fight, looking for one big shot while Navarrete landed multiple blows upstairs and downstairs. Navarrete's body work paid off in round nine, as he knocked down Wilson in the first minute with a one-two combination. Wilson got up, but was clearly drained. He absorbed a lot of hard punches, stumbled badly in the middle of the ring, and seemed unable to tie up Navarrete up. When Navarrete trapped Wilson against the rope and began raining in punches, the referee had no choice but to stop the bout.
WBA / JAN. 8, 2023: In Washington D.C., Gervonta Davis defeated WBA 130-pound champion Hector Luis Garcia in a 135-pound bout in which Garcia's title was not at stake. Davis' feared punching power did not produce the knockout the fans were looking for, but it nonetheless proved to be Garcia's undoing. After seven competitive rounds, Davis began consistently landing power punches in round eight. Garcia was staggered but survived until the end of the round. Garcia was guided back to his corner in clear distress and told trainer Bob Santos he could not see. Garcia did not come out for round ten, and Davis was the winner by technical knockout. Davis remains the WBA regular title holder in the lightweight division, while the battered Garcia also retains the WBA junior lightweight title, which was not on the line because this was a lightweight bout. Davis led the cards at the time of the stoppage, 78-74 (twice) and 79-73. Punchstats gave Davis the lead in punches landed, 99-55.
IBF / NOV 6, 2022: In Abu Dhabi, Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov won the vacant IBF 130-pound title after the IBF stripped Joe Cordina for having hand surgery. Rakhimov defeated Zelfa Barrett by ninth-round technical knockout. The new champ is from Tajikistan and boasts a pro record of 16-0-1 with the draw coming in a prior IBF title shot vs. Joseph "JoJo" Diaz last year. Barrett was doing well in the fight as a whole, even knocking Rakhimov down with a huge uppercut early in the contest. But according to DAZN, something happened in the ninth round and Barrett's leg appeared to be injured. It looked like Barrett couldn't put full weight on his right leg, and Rakhimov took advantage with a flurry of hard shots to knock Barrett down twice. At the point the fight was stopped, the referee did not administer a count, although Barrett's corner was ready to throw in the towel. The British Barrett is now 28-2.
IBF / OCT. 5, 2022: Joe Cordina had this to say about getting stripped by the IBF of his 130-pound championship because he had hand surgery (he posted a picture on social media to prove it): "Absolutely gutted. Worked my whole life to become a world champion and I haven’t even had the chance to defend the title Feel like I’ve been robbed !!" Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF 130-pound championship on a Matchroom show at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5th. Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130-pound crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.
WBC & WBO / SEPT. 23, 2022: At Thursday's weigh-in in Newark, New Jersey, hometown hero Shakur Stevenson could not get below 131.6 pounds, and therefore lost the WBO and WBC 130-pound championships on the scale. His ESPN main event vs. Robson Conceição is still on, with the Brazilian challenger still eligible to win the titles. If Stevenson wins the twelve-round bout, the two titles become vacant. Conceição made weight with a bit to spare at 129.6. [Stevenson won the fight, so the titles remained vacant until February 2023 when O'Shaquie Foster defeated Rey Vargas for the WBC and Emanuel Navarrete stopped Liam WIlson for the WBO].
WBA / AUG. 21, 2022: Hector Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic dethroned Roger Gutierrez for the WBA 130-pound championship. From San Juan de la Maguana, Garcia (16-0) proved that his dominant win against Chris Colbert in February wasn’t a fluke. Garcia, a former Olympian, dictated the action and survived a late rally to wrest the WBA title from Gutierrez via unanimous decision. Scores were 117-111 (twice) and 118-110.
IBF / JUNE 4, 2022: Wales has a new world champion as Joe Cordina had a dream-come-true moment in Cardiff. Fightng in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Cordina claimed the IBF 130-pound championship from Japan's Kenichi Ogawa with a turn-out-the-lights right hand. The one-punch, knockout-of-the-year candidate came in round two and saw Ogawa struggling to stand up, only to fall back down as the referee reched the ten count. Cordina was outboxed in the first round, but he made it all irrelevant with one punch a round later. He's been credited as the 13th world champion from Wales. Cordina is listed as 15-0, but Boxingtalk recognizes the World Series of Boxing as professional, so we report him as 17-1. Ogawa, a former drug cheat in 2017, is now 26-2-1.
WBC & WBO / MAY 21, 2022: WBO junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson unified two titles when he outboxed WBC champion Oscar Valdez via unanimous decision on Saturday in front of 10,102 fans in Las Vegas. After twelve rounds, the judges declared Newark, New Jersey's Stevenson the winner by scores of 118-109 (twice) and 117-110. Stevenson (20-0 including the World Series of Boxing) established the southpaw jab in the early going, and Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs) could not get his offense going outside of pockets of success in the third round. In the sixth, Stevenson spun Valdez into the ropes and knocked him down with a right hand. It was all Stevenson in the second half of the fight, who built an insurmountable lead on the cards. Valdez won the final round on all three judges' cards, but it was too little, too late.
IBF / NOV. 21, 2021... In the Madison Square Garden co-feature, Japan's Kenichi Ogawa became the new IBF super featherweight champion, dropping South Africa's Azinga Fuzile three times on the way to a unanimous decision. Official scores were 115-110 (twice) and 114-111 for Ogawa to claim the vacant title. A former drug cheat, Ogawa is now 26-1-1 but also has a no contest after testing positive in a fight vs. Tevin Farmer in 2017. Fuzile is now 15-2. The title became vacant ealier this year when JoJo Diaz failed to make the 130-pound limit for a fight.
WBO / OCT. 24, 2021: In Atlanta, Shakur Stevenson stopped Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) on cuts in round ten to become the new WBO junior lightweight champion. There were no knockdowns, but Herring was well behind on the cards and a cut over his left eye was rapidly worsening from Stevenson's punches. Although he was not badly hurt, Herring did not complain much about referee Mark Nelson's stoppage. The undefeated Stevenson is now a two-division title holder (as well as an Olympic silver medalist), having previously won a featherweight title before moving up in weight. As soon as the fight ended, talk began about Stevenson's next foe. The top name on his list is the WBC champion at 130 pounds, Mexico's Oscar Valdez.
WBC / SEPT. 11, 2021: In Tucson, Arizona, WBC 130-pound champion Oscar Valdez started slow but got some home cooking to help him remain a champion. Robson Conceicao was fighting the fight of his life, likely winning the first five rounds although not getting credit from the judges for it. The champion then turned it around. Valdez retained his title Friday evening with a unanimous decision over 2016 Brazilian Olympian gold medalist Conceicao. Official scores were 115-112 (twice) and a corrupt or incompetent 117-110. [Punchstat numbers favored Conceicao widely, 141 punches landed to 83. Valdez's face was completely marked up from the punches he absorbed. The referee did his part to assist Valdez by making a ridiculous and unjustified point deduction againt the challenger for a minor tap to the back of the head. Not even a warning for Conceicao but Valdez did the same thing and suffered no penalty. Valdez probably should not have even been allowed to fight, as he tested positive for a VADA-banned substance last week.
WBO / APRIL 23, 2021: Jamel Herring stops and retires the respected Carl Frampton a former two-division champion. With the win, Herring retained his WBO championship.
WBC / FEB. 20, 2021: In Las Vegas, Oscar Valdez and Miguel Berchelt promised an all-Mexican clash for the ages. They delivered. Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook at the end of the tenth round to win the WBC super featherweight title from Berchelt, who was making his seventh title defense. The hook crumpled Berchelt, who fell face-first to the canvas, and referee Russell Mora immediately waved off the fight. Valdez, a former WBO featherweight champion, is now a two-division champion and a major star in boxing. Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) had been badly hurt and knocked down in the fourth, but steadied himself and continued to pressure Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs) throughout the middle rounds. Valdez turned the tide once again in the ninth with a knockdown, and with the tenth round in hand, he lowered the boom.
WBA / JAN. 2, 2021: Venezuela's Roger Gutierrez defeated Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado by an extremely narrow unanimous decision in Dallas on Saturday. Gutierrez, who had a prior loss to Alvarado in 2017, scored three knockdowns this time around and needed every one of them to capture the three scorecards by 113-112. It was a very close fight that had Alvarez ahead but things were still up for grabs going into the final round. A twelfth-round left hook from Gutierrez sent Alvarado to the canvas for the third time and proved to be the difference on the scorecards. With the win, Gutierrez acquires the WBA regular junior lightweight title in a situation hopelessly mucked up by the WBA. Right now Gervonta Davis holds the WBA super championship in this division and also the WBA regular championship at lightweight, but under the WBA rules, a super championship in at 130 pounds should never have been issued. So Gutierrez has a stronger claim to being the WBA 130-pound champion than Davis.
WBA / NOV. 24, 2019: A confrontation between veterans ended with a technical knockout in favor of Nicaragua's Rene Alvarado, who defeated California's Andrew Cancio to become the WBA junior lightweight champion. Alvarado (32-8), never considered true world-class material, surprised the fans in Indio, California by dominating Cancio for seven rounds. As soon as round seven ended, referee Raul Caiz, Sr. made a wise decision and stopped the bout. Alvarado broke down in tears in his corner. At one point, Alvarado was 24-8 but has now reeled off eight straight wins. Alvarado's twin brother is Felix Alvarado, the IBF 108-pound champion, meaning they have duplicated the Charlo brothers' feat as simultaneous twin champions.
WBA / JUNE 22, 2019: A boxing Cinderella story continued in true Arturo Gatti fashion on Friday in Indio, California. In an immediate rematch, Andrew Cancio fought through a bad cut to knock out Alberto Machado and retain his WBA regular 130-pound championship. Cancio, who is not hard to hit, suffered a cut forhead in round two, but he immediately began walking Machado down, landing hard body punches that quickly took all the steam out of Machado. Cutman Carlos Vargas did a phenomenal job stopping the bleeding, and Cancio picked up right where he left off to start round three. A nasty Cancio left hook to the side put his opponent down on one knee, and the deflated Machado got up an instant after the referee reached the ten count. No controversy. The result is similar to their first fight, in which Cancio's body attack stopped Machado in four rounds. Cancio is an unlikely champion: he retired from boxing in 2016 and remains a full-time employee of California Gas & Electric. Cancio (20-4-2) holds a title that it listed by the WBA as secondary to Gervonta Davis' super championship, but Cancio's title is no less legitimate than Davis', as Cancio beat a reigning title holder (Machado) to get his belt while Davis beat a non-champion who had lost his prior fight (Jesus Cuellar) to acquire the super championship
WBO / MAY 26, 2019: Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring completed his Hollywood story, upsetting WBO junior lightweight champion Masayuki Ito via unanimous decision Saturday evening at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. It was a highly active yet largely tactical match-up between Ito (25-2-1, 13 KOs) and Herring (20-2, 10 KOs). With Herring’s stamina fading slightly down the stretch, Ito’s best rounds came in the final quarter of the fight, however it was too little too late as Herring won a unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 and 118-110 (twice). Herring accomplished his championship dream on Memorial Day weekend in front of a host of active and reserve U.S. Marines.
WBO / JULY 29, 2018: Masayuki Ito traveled halfway around the world but he will return home with the WBO 130-pound championship. Ito, from Tokyo, defeated Puerto Rico's Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz via unanimous decision (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) on Saturday evening at the Kissimmee (Florida) Civic Center. Ito claimed the title that had been vacated by Vasyl Lomachenko. Ito (24-1-1, 12 KOs) knocked down Diaz (23-1, 15 KOs) in the fourth round and controlled the tempo of the fight. Ito, who was fighting for the first time outside of Japan, was not fazed by the pro-Diaz crowd
WBC / JAN 29, 2017: The WBC 130-pound title now belongs to Miguel Berchelt, who punished Francisco Vargas in Indio, California. The HBO Boxing After Dark fight went on a couple of rounds too long as Berchelt turned Vargas’ face into a bloody wreck. The ringside physician declined two opportunities to stop the fight, and when it was over, the cut above Vargas’ left eye was longer than the eye itself. Berchelt is now 30-1, with lone loss coming in 2014 to non-contender Luis Eduardo Florez. Bechelt’s first defense could be against former WBC champion Takashi Miura, who won an eliminator on the undercard. Another possibility is Orlando Salido, a former featherweight champion who recently drew with Vargas. Meanwhile, Vargas is now 23-1-1, and showed some effects from back-to-back wars vs. Miura and Salido.
IBF / JAN. 14, 2017: Baltimore's Gervonta "Tank" Davis (17-0 with 16 KOs) punished and stopped Jose Pedraza (22-1 with 12 KOs) to claim the IBF 130-pound championship. Just 22 years old, Davis is built like Mike Tyson. He certainly fought in a Tysonesque manner, bulling forward to take the Puerto Rican Pedraza's title in round seven. Davis started aggressively and landed some hard shots in the opening round. Davis continued to show he meant business, hitting Pedraza when Pedraza was down on a slip in round two and engaging in rabbit punches in round three. In the fourth round, Pedraza made some adjustments, landing enough to make Davis shake his head no, trying to indicate he wasn't hurt. In the fifth, Pedraza controlled the action for most of the round until both men put on a display of machismo, thrilling the crowd by trading punches with their hands down. Davis hurt Pedraza badly with a left hook to the ribs, forcing Pedraza to fight the remainder of the round with his right hand down to cover the rib. Davis punished the one-handed Pedraza accordingly, and it looked as though the fight might be stopped by the ringside doctor between rounds. The seventh round eventually got started, and the weakened Pedraza could no nothing but absorb punishment against the ropes. A hard combination punctuated by a right decked Pedraza. The Puerto Rican beat the count but the referee wisely ended the bout immediately.
WBO / JUNE 11, 2016: Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko defeated Roman "Rocky" Martinez in a fifth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO junior lightweight champion. Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is now a two-division professional champion. Lomachenko made a successful debut at 130 pounds with a spectacular, fifth-round knockout of Martinez. WBC / JUNE 6, 2016: Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fight to a draw, allowing Vargas to retain his WBC title. WBC / NOV. 21, 2015: In Las Vegas, Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura gave boxing fans an instant classic. The Mexican Vargas (23-0-1) took the WBC 130-pound championship from Japan's Takashi Miura (29-3-2). In round one, Vargas nearly knocked Takashi down with a looping right hand. Despite doing his best to make it an early night, Vargas was unable to finish Miura off. Soon, Miura began to time his left hand and he dropped Vargas with a straight right hand at the end of round four. After being cut under his right eye by an accidental clash of heads in the earlier rounds, Miura opened a cut on top of Vargas' eye turning his face into a bloody mask. Rounds 5-8 were all Miura, as the soon-to-be-ex champ landed the cleaner, harder shots for the majority of those frames. But Vargas was not to be denied. He came out blazing in the ninth and dropped Miura with a series of heavy shots. After flopping around on the canvas, Miura made it to his feet and his found his balance. After not punching back for nearly 30 seconds, referee Tony Weeks appeared to stop the bout just when it seemed Miura was getting his feet back under him. IBF / JUNE 14, 2015: In the opening bout of the Showtime doubleheader from Birmingham, Alabama, Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) dominated Andrey Klimov (20-1, 9 KOs) from the opening bell to claim the vacant IBF junior lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory. The Puerto Rican Pedraza, making his 2015 debut, triumphed by the scores of 120-108 (twice) and 119-109. The IBF title was last held by Cuba's Rances Barthelemy. WBO/ APRIL 11, 2015: Score one for Puerto Rico in its boxing rivalry vs. Mexico. In San Juan, Roman "Rocky" Martinez won the WBO 130-pound championship by unanimous decision over Mexico's Orlando Salido. Martinez knocked Salido down in the third and fifth rounds, and Salido was also penalized for low blows in the eleventh. Martinez carried the scorecards by tallies of 115-110, 114-111 and 116-109. Salido previously had great success over Puerto Rican rivals, including Juan Manuel Lopez, but having turned pro at age 15, the now 34 year-old Salido has absorbed a lot of punishment over his career. He was taken to the hospital after the fight. Salido is now 42-13-2 with 1 no contest in a long and honorable career. Martinez (29-2-2) now begins his third reign as the WBO 130-pound champion. Both times, his title was taken from him under dubious circumstances (vs. Ricky Burns in 2010 and Mikey Garcia in 2013). WBO / OCT. 17, 2014: Orlando Salido has earned his warrior stripes many times over, but this week, he got a free pass to a paper championship. The WBO handed Salido a title belt in the 130-pound weight class. Salido, who held featherweight titles on multiple occasions, was handed the title because the prior titlist, Mikey Garcia, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Top Rank over his promotional rights, and Garcia intends to move up to 140 pounds anyway. Garcia has not fought since January and has no fight on the horizon. Garcia beat Salido controversially at 126 pounds in 2013 when Garcia, ahead on points, quit on his stool after eight rounds. The bout was allowed to go to the scorecards when it appeared that Salido, although losing most rounds, should have won by technical knockout because the injury to Garcia was caused by a punch. In any event, Garcia moved up to 130 and took the WBO title from Roman Martinez. Last month, with Garcia on the sideline due to the lawsuit, Salido defeated Terdsak Kokietgym of Thailand for an interim title. That title has now been updated from interim to full.
|
Late results: Jason Sanchez resurrects career with road win |
|
Jason Sanchez scored a ten-round split decision over previously undefeated Julian Gonzalez... Veteran junior lightweight Jason Sanchez scored a ten-round split decision over previously undefeated Julian Gonzalez last Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The show was promoted by King's Promotions. Sanchez pressured Gonzalez throughout the fight. Gonzalez did well by countering off the ropes over the first several rounds. In round four, Gonzalez started getting through with combinations that seemed to bother Gonzalez. In round five, a perfect left to the body sent Gonzalez to his knees for a knockdown. Sanchez continued his pressure tactics with Gonzalez trying to work himself back into the fight in the late rounds. It was too little, too late as Sanchez got the decision on the road. Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM, challenged Oscar Valdez for a featherweight title in 2019, is now 17-6. Gonzalez of Reading, PA is 16-1-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Shannel Butler stopped veteran Cara Mclaughlin in round three of their sox-round featherweight bout. Butler dominated and in round three, she set off a big flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 1:12. Butler of Philadelphia is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Mclaughlin of New York via Derry, UK is 2-13.
Brendan O'Callaghan pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Travis Floyd in a middleweight bout. Scores were 39-37 on all cards for O'Callaghan of Philadelphia who is now 7-4-1. Floyd of Douglasville, GA is 4-15-2.
Alexandre Dokvadze got his pro career off to a good start by stopping Mike Diorio in the opening round of their four-round cruiserweight bout. Dokvadze of the Georgia Republic is 1-0 with one knockout. Diorio of Cortland, NY is 1-14-2.
Daetwon Young Garret stropped tough-as-nails Carlos Avelar in the fourth and final round of their welterweight bout. Young hit Avelar with everything over the first two rounds and the debutant did not budge. Finally a knockdown in round three and more flush punches stopped the bout at 47 seconds of the final stanza. Young Garret of York, PA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Avelar of Watertown, CT is 0-1.
Ali Ellis remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Lemir Isom Riley in a heavyweight bout. Ellis of Philadelphia won by scores of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56 and is now 7-0-1. Riley of New Cumberland, PA is 4-6.
Sadarius Simmons made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Michael Shaw in a four-round heavyweight bout. Simmons of Flint, MI is 1-0. Shaw of Atlanta is 0-4.
Emmanuel Chance stopped Gorwar Karyah in the opening round of their four-round bantamweight fight. Chance of East Orange, NJ is 2-0 with one knockout.. Karyah of Philadelphia is 2-6.
King's Promotions is back on Saturday, July 12th at The County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. Then on September 5th, King's Promotions will be back at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA with an outstanding card the will be streamed live DAZN
, is one of the most anticipated bouts in the 108-pound divisi
|
|
|
|
Late results: Jason Sanchez resurrects career with road win
Jason Sanchez scored a ten-round split decision over previously undefeated Julian Gonzalez... Veteran junior lightweight Jason Sanchez scored a ten-round split decision over previously undefeated Julian Gonzalez last Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The show was promoted by King's Promotions. Sanchez pressured Gonzalez throughout the fight. Gonzalez did well by countering off the ropes over the first several rounds. In round four, Gonzalez started getting through with combinations that seemed to bother Gonzalez. In round five, a perfect left to the body sent Gonzalez to his knees for a knockdown. Sanchez continued his pressure tactics with Gonzalez trying to work himself back into the fight in the late rounds. It was too little, too late as Sanchez got the decision on the road. Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM, challenged Oscar Valdez for a featherweight title in 2019, is now 17-6. Gonzalez of Reading, PA is 16-1-1.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Shannel Butler stopped veteran Cara Mclaughlin in round three of their sox-round featherweight bout. Butler dominated and in round three, she set off a big flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 1:12. Butler of Philadelphia is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Mclaughlin of New York via Derry, UK is 2-13.
Brendan O'Callaghan pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Travis Floyd in a middleweight bout. Scores were 39-37 on all cards for O'Callaghan of Philadelphia who is now 7-4-1. Floyd of Douglasville, GA is 4-15-2.
Alexandre Dokvadze got his pro career off to a good start by stopping Mike Diorio in the opening round of their four-round cruiserweight bout. Dokvadze of the Georgia Republic is 1-0 with one knockout. Diorio of Cortland, NY is 1-14-2.
Daetwon Young Garret stropped tough-as-nails Carlos Avelar in the fourth and final round of their welterweight bout. Young hit Avelar with everything over the first two rounds and the debutant did not budge. Finally a knockdown in round three and more flush punches stopped the bout at 47 seconds of the final stanza. Young Garret of York, PA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Avelar of Watertown, CT is 0-1.
Ali Ellis remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Lemir Isom Riley in a heavyweight bout. Ellis of Philadelphia won by scores of 59-55 (twice) and 58-56 and is now 7-0-1. Riley of New Cumberland, PA is 4-6.
Sadarius Simmons made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Michael Shaw in a four-round heavyweight bout. Simmons of Flint, MI is 1-0. Shaw of Atlanta is 0-4.
Emmanuel Chance stopped Gorwar Karyah in the opening round of their four-round bantamweight fight. Chance of East Orange, NJ is 2-0 with one knockout.. Karyah of Philadelphia is 2-6.
King's Promotions is back on Saturday, July 12th at The County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. Then on September 5th, King's Promotions will be back at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA with an outstanding card the will be streamed live DAZN
, is one of the most anticipated bouts in the 108-pound divisi
|
Why It's Time to Rank and Respect Jake Paul |
|
|
As someone who has followed boxing for years and worked across its business and promotional sides, I never expected to find myself defending Jake Paul. But I also can't deny what I see. Jake Paul has done more to revive interest in boxing-especially among younger fans and women - than most fighters with twice the experience. And whether traditionalists like it or not, he's earned a place in the sport's present-and likely its future.
In boxing, the term "rankings" once meant a sacred shortlist reserved for the sport's most battle-tested warriors. But as the sport evolves - economically, culturally, and digitally - so too must its metrics of recognition. Jake Paul, who just a few years ago was dismissed as a YouTuber dabbling in boxing, now finds himself ranked #14 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the cruiserweight division. And the backlash has been swift.
But here's the uncomfortable truth for boxing purists: the WBA got it right. And if any sanctioning body wants to remain relevant in a changing landscape, Jake Paul should not only be ranked-he should be taken seriously.
Jake Paul vs. Badou Jack: A Fight That Ends the Debate
If there's a single fight that would silence doubters and make Jake Paul's status in the sport undeniable, it's this: Jake Paul vs. Badou Jack, the current WBC cruiserweight champion and one of the most respected, battle-proven veterans in the game. Jack, who is closely aligned with Turki Alalshikh [chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and the most influential figure in global boxing today] is seen as a throwback to traditional boxing values: discipline, longevity, grit.
Paul, by contrast, is viewed by some as a social media disruptor with a camera and gloves. But here's the irony: Paul has fought higher-caliber opposition than most prospects with the similar experfience levels. Paul is competitive, athletic, and improving. A bout between the two wouldn't be a circus, it would be a crossroads fight. If Paul truly wants to put the debate to rest, challenging Badou Jack is the way to do it. It forces the hand of the critics, particularly those in Alalshikh's circle, who have vocally dismissed Paul as unworthy of sanctioning body recognition.
What better way to prove your legitimacy than by taking on the champion favored by the most powerful man in modern boxing? Even if Paul doesn't win, a competitive and respectable performance against a world champion like Jack would validate his standing and silence many of the remaining critics. In boxing, it's not always about the win - it's about how you perform when the lights are brightest. And Jake Paul has shown time and again that he delivers when the stakes are high.
Responding to the Critics: Boxing's Old Guard vs. the New Era
Jake Paul's critics are loud, passionate, and rooted in tradition. They argue that he hasn't paid his dues, that he hasn't faced a ranked opponent, or that his rise is more spectacle than sport. But here's what they're missing: Jake Paul has done more to spark conversation, sell tickets, and bring global attention to boxing in his short career than most fighters do in their entire lifetimes. Critics conveniently forget that boxing has always been about more than just the number of fights. It's about who can command attention, create demand, and deliver when the lights are on. From Jack Johnson to Mike Tyson, from Floyd Mayweather to Tyson Fury - controversial, charismatic figures have always moved the sport forward. Jake Paul is simply the modern version of that formula, and boxing should embrace the energy, not resist it.
The reality is that boxing has become a niche sport, dominated for years by an aging audience and often ignored by the mainstream. Jake Paul has disrupted that pattern. He's brought in a younger demographic, attracted casual fans, and, perhaps most meaningfully, he has done more to elevate women's boxing than anyone else. This simply can't be ignored. Look no further than his role in promoting Amanda Serrano. Through his platform and business acumen, Serrano and Katie Taylor headlined Madison Square Garden in one of the most significant women's fights in boxing history. And unlike many promoters of the past, Paul pushed for fairer purses and legitimate spotlight. Serrano, who once fought for world titles for pennies, is now earning what champions deserve. That's because of Jake Paul.
So when critics argue that Paul is in it for himself, the facts say otherwise. He's put his platform behind other fighters-especially women-and used his reach to push the sport forward, not just his own narrative.
The WBA Took a Risk and Got It Right
The WBA is taking heat for ranking Jake Paul at #14, but let's be clear: their decision is not just defensible, it's visionary. Jake Paul is arguably more talked about, more marketable, and more influential than 95% of ranked fighters in any weight class. That matters. Rankings are not - and never have been - solely about resumes. They are about relevance, activity, fan interest, and growth potential.
In an era when boxing is struggling to capture mainstream attention outside of its diehards, the WBA chose to embrace the future, not protect the past. They recognized that Paul's presence in the rankings doesn't cheapen the sport, it invites millions of new fans to care about it. That kind of reach and engagement is something the sport desperately needs to survive and thrive.
Fighters Ranked Early with Limited Fights - The Precedent Exists (Even Ali Didn't Command This Much Attention At First)
Jake Paul has 11 professional fights, and while critics question his ranking, many boxers have been ranked or even handed title shots with the same or fewer: Vasyl Lomachenko fought for a world title in just his second pro fight [eight if you count the World Series of Boxing] and won one in his third. Guillermo Rigondeaux was ranked and won a world title in his seventh fight. Shakur Stevenson and Naoya Inoue were fast-tracked into world rankings before reaching double-digit bouts.
What sets Paul apart? None of those fighters drew even a fraction of the attention, digital reach, or pay-per-view sales that Paul generates. They were ranked on potential. Jake Paul has proven both potential and marketability in the ring. And when we look back through boxing history, it is nearly impossible to find a fighter with only 11 bouts who has commanded the kind of global attention, financial power, and cultural impact that Jake Paul has. He is not just another prospect, he is a once-in-a-generation disruptor forcing the sport to reckon with its own outdated models.
Even when compared to the sport's greatest legends, Jake Paul's reach is extraordinary. Take Muhammad Ali, for instance. By his 11th professional fight in 1961, Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) was respected as an Olympic gold medalist and a fast-rising contender, but he had yet to become a household name globally. There was no social media, pay-per-view system, or instant global audience. His fame grew steadily, rooted in performance and charisma, but not amplified by algorithms, digital campaigns, or viral buzz.
Jake Paul, by contrast, has generated more attention, media coverage, and fan engagement in his first 11 fights than any boxer in history at the same stage-including Ali. That is not a knock on
Ali's greatness-it's a recognition of how powerful the modern media ecosystem can be when combined with calculated ambition and performance.
The Turki Alalshikh Paradox: Why One Disruptor Is Celebrated, and the Other Dismissed
Turki Alalshikh is now the most powerful man in boxing. Yet, just two years ago, he was a relative unknown in the sport, with no in-ring experience. Since then, he has transformed boxing, staged landmark fights, and reshaped the business model. The boxing world didn't question whether he "earned" his influence. They embraced his vision and results. So why does Jake Paul face a different standard?
Like Turki, Jake Paul entered the sport as an outsider. But he too has invested, committed, and delivered. He trains, promotes, competes, and pulls in global audiences. If boxing can celebrate Turki's rise as a visionary, it should at least acknowledge Paul's legitimacy as a fighter. If Turki can be boxing's kingmaker without ever throwing a punch, Jake Paul deserves the dignity of a ranking for stepping between the ropes and fighting.
From Influencer to Disruptor: The Jake Paul Arc
From my own life experience, I recognize a rare psychological trait in Jake Paul, one I've seen in only a few people, and it's what makes him truly dangerous in the ring. The more he's doubted, the harder he works. The more critics say he doesn't belong, the more he pours fuel on the fire. There's a psychological compulsion in him to prove people wrong-not just once, but over and over again. And as he gains more experience, that belief in himself doesn't just grow, it multiplies. It's the kind of mindset that can't be taught. You either have it or you don't. Jake Paul has it. And that
relentless drive-fueled not by entitlement but by rejection-is exactly what makes him a serious threat to anyone who underestimates him.
Skeptics say Paul doesn't belong in boxing. But history says otherwise. Just look at how often the world gets disruptors wrong at first glance. Jeff Bezos was mocked for selling books online. Mark Zuckerberg was dismissed as a college dropout running a glorified social directory. Even Elon Musk was ridiculed for betting on electric cars and rockets. These figures weren't respected until they forced the world to take notice-not with legacy credentials, but with results. Jake Paul is following that same pattern in boxing. He may not come from the amateur ranks, but he's already disrupted the game-and the metrics that matter show he's here to stay.
Just look at the pattern across sports. Venus and Serena Williams were dismissed as sideshows coached by an overbearing father—until they dominated tennis and changed it forever. Tiger Woods was mocked for being too robotic and too different—and then won the Masters by twelve strokes, shattering the sport’s racial and generational barriers. Ronda Rousey was called a gimmick before becoming the face of women’s MMA. Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall and told he’d never start in the NFL. Now he’s the greatest quarterback of all time. Stephen Curry was doubted because he wasn’t big or athletic. Now he’s changed how basketball is played. Conor McGregor was laughed at for being brash and broke, collecting welfare in Dublin—until he took over the fight world. Jake Paul is walking a path that’s been walked before. And like those before him, he may be doubted now, but the smart money’s on him becoming undeniable.
Conclusion: Legacy Is Earned, Not Given but Jake Paul Is Earning It
Jake Paul doesn't need to convince everyone-but he's convinced enough people that he's no longer a gimmick. If he's willing to challenge a fighter like Badou Jack, the world must pay attention. And if the sanctioning bodies want to stay relevant in the streaming era of boxing, Jake Paul's ascent is not just acceptable, it's necessary. Because in the end, boxing isn't just about who you beat, it's about who's watching when you do. And Jake Paul has the world watching.
Editor's note: Charles Muniz is a respected boxing insider who has spent decades in the sport as an advisor and manager.
|
|
|
|
Why It's Time to Rank and Respect Jake Paul
As someone who has followed boxing for years and worked across its business and promotional sides, I never expected to find myself defending Jake Paul. But I also can't deny what I see. Jake Paul has done more to revive interest in boxing-especially among younger fans and women - than most fighters with twice the experience. And whether traditionalists like it or not, he's earned a place in the sport's present-and likely its future.
In boxing, the term "rankings" once meant a sacred shortlist reserved for the sport's most battle-tested warriors. But as the sport evolves - economically, culturally, and digitally - so too must its metrics of recognition. Jake Paul, who just a few years ago was dismissed as a YouTuber dabbling in boxing, now finds himself ranked #14 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the cruiserweight division. And the backlash has been swift.
But here's the uncomfortable truth for boxing purists: the WBA got it right. And if any sanctioning body wants to remain relevant in a changing landscape, Jake Paul should not only be ranked-he should be taken seriously.
Jake Paul vs. Badou Jack: A Fight That Ends the Debate
If there's a single fight that would silence doubters and make Jake Paul's status in the sport undeniable, it's this: Jake Paul vs. Badou Jack, the current WBC cruiserweight champion and one of the most respected, battle-proven veterans in the game. Jack, who is closely aligned with Turki Alalshikh [chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and the most influential figure in global boxing today] is seen as a throwback to traditional boxing values: discipline, longevity, grit.
Paul, by contrast, is viewed by some as a social media disruptor with a camera and gloves. But here's the irony: Paul has fought higher-caliber opposition than most prospects with the similar experfience levels. Paul is competitive, athletic, and improving. A bout between the two wouldn't be a circus, it would be a crossroads fight. If Paul truly wants to put the debate to rest, challenging Badou Jack is the way to do it. It forces the hand of the critics, particularly those in Alalshikh's circle, who have vocally dismissed Paul as unworthy of sanctioning body recognition.
What better way to prove your legitimacy than by taking on the champion favored by the most powerful man in modern boxing? Even if Paul doesn't win, a competitive and respectable performance against a world champion like Jack would validate his standing and silence many of the remaining critics. In boxing, it's not always about the win - it's about how you perform when the lights are brightest. And Jake Paul has shown time and again that he delivers when the stakes are high.
Responding to the Critics: Boxing's Old Guard vs. the New Era
Jake Paul's critics are loud, passionate, and rooted in tradition. They argue that he hasn't paid his dues, that he hasn't faced a ranked opponent, or that his rise is more spectacle than sport. But here's what they're missing: Jake Paul has done more to spark conversation, sell tickets, and bring global attention to boxing in his short career than most fighters do in their entire lifetimes. Critics conveniently forget that boxing has always been about more than just the number of fights. It's about who can command attention, create demand, and deliver when the lights are on. From Jack Johnson to Mike Tyson, from Floyd Mayweather to Tyson Fury - controversial, charismatic figures have always moved the sport forward. Jake Paul is simply the modern version of that formula, and boxing should embrace the energy, not resist it.
The reality is that boxing has become a niche sport, dominated for years by an aging audience and often ignored by the mainstream. Jake Paul has disrupted that pattern. He's brought in a younger demographic, attracted casual fans, and, perhaps most meaningfully, he has done more to elevate women's boxing than anyone else. This simply can't be ignored. Look no further than his role in promoting Amanda Serrano. Through his platform and business acumen, Serrano and Katie Taylor headlined Madison Square Garden in one of the most significant women's fights in boxing history. And unlike many promoters of the past, Paul pushed for fairer purses and legitimate spotlight. Serrano, who once fought for world titles for pennies, is now earning what champions deserve. That's because of Jake Paul.
So when critics argue that Paul is in it for himself, the facts say otherwise. He's put his platform behind other fighters-especially women-and used his reach to push the sport forward, not just his own narrative.
The WBA Took a Risk and Got It Right
The WBA is taking heat for ranking Jake Paul at #14, but let's be clear: their decision is not just defensible, it's visionary. Jake Paul is arguably more talked about, more marketable, and more influential than 95% of ranked fighters in any weight class. That matters. Rankings are not - and never have been - solely about resumes. They are about relevance, activity, fan interest, and growth potential.
In an era when boxing is struggling to capture mainstream attention outside of its diehards, the WBA chose to embrace the future, not protect the past. They recognized that Paul's presence in the rankings doesn't cheapen the sport, it invites millions of new fans to care about it. That kind of reach and engagement is something the sport desperately needs to survive and thrive.
Fighters Ranked Early with Limited Fights - The Precedent Exists (Even Ali Didn't Command This Much Attention At First)
Jake Paul has 11 professional fights, and while critics question his ranking, many boxers have been ranked or even handed title shots with the same or fewer: Vasyl Lomachenko fought for a world title in just his second pro fight [eight if you count the World Series of Boxing] and won one in his third. Guillermo Rigondeaux was ranked and won a world title in his seventh fight. Shakur Stevenson and Naoya Inoue were fast-tracked into world rankings before reaching double-digit bouts.
What sets Paul apart? None of those fighters drew even a fraction of the attention, digital reach, or pay-per-view sales that Paul generates. They were ranked on potential. Jake Paul has proven both potential and marketability in the ring. And when we look back through boxing history, it is nearly impossible to find a fighter with only 11 bouts who has commanded the kind of global attention, financial power, and cultural impact that Jake Paul has. He is not just another prospect, he is a once-in-a-generation disruptor forcing the sport to reckon with its own outdated models.
Even when compared to the sport's greatest legends, Jake Paul's reach is extraordinary. Take Muhammad Ali, for instance. By his 11th professional fight in 1961, Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) was respected as an Olympic gold medalist and a fast-rising contender, but he had yet to become a household name globally. There was no social media, pay-per-view system, or instant global audience. His fame grew steadily, rooted in performance and charisma, but not amplified by algorithms, digital campaigns, or viral buzz.
Jake Paul, by contrast, has generated more attention, media coverage, and fan engagement in his first 11 fights than any boxer in history at the same stage-including Ali. That is not a knock on
Ali's greatness-it's a recognition of how powerful the modern media ecosystem can be when combined with calculated ambition and performance.
The Turki Alalshikh Paradox: Why One Disruptor Is Celebrated, and the Other Dismissed
Turki Alalshikh is now the most powerful man in boxing. Yet, just two years ago, he was a relative unknown in the sport, with no in-ring experience. Since then, he has transformed boxing, staged landmark fights, and reshaped the business model. The boxing world didn't question whether he "earned" his influence. They embraced his vision and results. So why does Jake Paul face a different standard?
Like Turki, Jake Paul entered the sport as an outsider. But he too has invested, committed, and delivered. He trains, promotes, competes, and pulls in global audiences. If boxing can celebrate Turki's rise as a visionary, it should at least acknowledge Paul's legitimacy as a fighter. If Turki can be boxing's kingmaker without ever throwing a punch, Jake Paul deserves the dignity of a ranking for stepping between the ropes and fighting.
From Influencer to Disruptor: The Jake Paul Arc
From my own life experience, I recognize a rare psychological trait in Jake Paul, one I've seen in only a few people, and it's what makes him truly dangerous in the ring. The more he's doubted, the harder he works. The more critics say he doesn't belong, the more he pours fuel on the fire. There's a psychological compulsion in him to prove people wrong-not just once, but over and over again. And as he gains more experience, that belief in himself doesn't just grow, it multiplies. It's the kind of mindset that can't be taught. You either have it or you don't. Jake Paul has it. And that
relentless drive-fueled not by entitlement but by rejection-is exactly what makes him a serious threat to anyone who underestimates him.
Skeptics say Paul doesn't belong in boxing. But history says otherwise. Just look at how often the world gets disruptors wrong at first glance. Jeff Bezos was mocked for selling books online. Mark Zuckerberg was dismissed as a college dropout running a glorified social directory. Even Elon Musk was ridiculed for betting on electric cars and rockets. These figures weren't respected until they forced the world to take notice-not with legacy credentials, but with results. Jake Paul is following that same pattern in boxing. He may not come from the amateur ranks, but he's already disrupted the game-and the metrics that matter show he's here to stay.
Just look at the pattern across sports. Venus and Serena Williams were dismissed as sideshows coached by an overbearing father—until they dominated tennis and changed it forever. Tiger Woods was mocked for being too robotic and too different—and then won the Masters by twelve strokes, shattering the sport’s racial and generational barriers. Ronda Rousey was called a gimmick before becoming the face of women’s MMA. Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall and told he’d never start in the NFL. Now he’s the greatest quarterback of all time. Stephen Curry was doubted because he wasn’t big or athletic. Now he’s changed how basketball is played. Conor McGregor was laughed at for being brash and broke, collecting welfare in Dublin—until he took over the fight world. Jake Paul is walking a path that’s been walked before. And like those before him, he may be doubted now, but the smart money’s on him becoming undeniable.
Conclusion: Legacy Is Earned, Not Given but Jake Paul Is Earning It
Jake Paul doesn't need to convince everyone-but he's convinced enough people that he's no longer a gimmick. If he's willing to challenge a fighter like Badou Jack, the world must pay attention. And if the sanctioning bodies want to stay relevant in the streaming era of boxing, Jake Paul's ascent is not just acceptable, it's necessary. Because in the end, boxing isn't just about who you beat, it's about who's watching when you do. And Jake Paul has the world watching.
Editor's note: Charles Muniz is a respected boxing insider who has spent decades in the sport as an advisor and manager.
|
Alalshikh says Mason will fight Noakes for vacant lightweight title |
|
|
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, posted on Twitter that Abdullah Mason will collide with Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title, as part of the Riyadh Season event being planned for November. The WBO title was recently stripped from Keyshawn Davis for failing to make weight. Alalshikh (pictured) added that Mason -Noakes will be "a battle of undefeated fighters for the world title!" Earlier in the day, Alalshikh tweeted that, on the same show, David Benavidez will defend his WBC light heavyweight world title against Great Britain's Anthony Yarde. At 30-0, Benavidez is a three-time champion who lost his prior two titles outside the ring. His last fight was a career-best performance, a thrilling defeat of David Morrell in February. Yarde is 27-3 and has failed in title bids against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. In Yarde's last fight, he avenged his only other loss, defeating Lyndon Arthur by decision in April.
|
|
|
|
Alalshikh says Mason will fight Noakes for vacant lightweight title
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, posted on Twitter that Abdullah Mason will collide with Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title, as part of the Riyadh Season event being planned for November. The WBO title was recently stripped from Keyshawn Davis for failing to make weight. Alalshikh (pictured) added that Mason -Noakes will be "a battle of undefeated fighters for the world title!" Earlier in the day, Alalshikh tweeted that, on the same show, David Benavidez will defend his WBC light heavyweight world title against Great Britain's Anthony Yarde. At 30-0, Benavidez is a three-time champion who lost his prior two titles outside the ring. His last fight was a career-best performance, a thrilling defeat of David Morrell in February. Yarde is 27-3 and has failed in title bids against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. In Yarde's last fight, he avenged his only other loss, defeating Lyndon Arthur by decision in April.
|
CES signs four boxers ahead of July 19th show |
|
As the summer heats up, so does CES Boxing with the signing of four sizzling young boxers just in time for 'Summer Heat 2025' on July 19th at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Joining the CES Boxing roster are junior welterweight Jacob "Lefty"Marrero (9-0, 7 KOs) from Bridgeport, CT; lightweight Gianni Liguori (2-0-1, 2 KOs) from Branford, CT; junior middleweight Tyler Macari of Cranston, Rhode Island; and light heavyweight Ayowole Tom Jones of Providence, RI. The signings highlight CES Boxing’s continued commitment to developing the future global stars from New England.
The fast and explosive Marrero faces his toughest opponent yet on July 19th in Hartford-based Puerto Rican Alberto Mercado (17-7-1, 4 KOs). Marrero returned to the ring in 2024 after a five year hiatus, and has scored four knockouts over the course of five straight wins.
The charismatic Liguori looks to stay unbeaten against the tough-as-nails Anthony Mora (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of New Britain, CT. The event also marks the professional debut of two rising stars: Jones in a light heavyweight clash against Jhony Dos Santos (0-2)of Winchester, Massachusetts, and Macari in a junior middleweight contest against Arizona's Kevin Spraags (2-5).
“These are the kinds of young men who represent the future of CES Boxing,” said its Founder and President, Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “They are hungry, fearless, and proud to represent their communities every time they step into the ring. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the CES family and can’t wait to showcase their talent on July 19th at one of the best arenas in the world.”
Tickets for 'Summer Heat 2025' at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 19 are available for purchase at cesfights.com, Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
|
|
|
|
CES signs four boxers ahead of July 19th show
As the summer heats up, so does CES Boxing with the signing of four sizzling young boxers just in time for 'Summer Heat 2025' on July 19th at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Joining the CES Boxing roster are junior welterweight Jacob "Lefty"Marrero (9-0, 7 KOs) from Bridgeport, CT; lightweight Gianni Liguori (2-0-1, 2 KOs) from Branford, CT; junior middleweight Tyler Macari of Cranston, Rhode Island; and light heavyweight Ayowole Tom Jones of Providence, RI. The signings highlight CES Boxing’s continued commitment to developing the future global stars from New England.
The fast and explosive Marrero faces his toughest opponent yet on July 19th in Hartford-based Puerto Rican Alberto Mercado (17-7-1, 4 KOs). Marrero returned to the ring in 2024 after a five year hiatus, and has scored four knockouts over the course of five straight wins.
The charismatic Liguori looks to stay unbeaten against the tough-as-nails Anthony Mora (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of New Britain, CT. The event also marks the professional debut of two rising stars: Jones in a light heavyweight clash against Jhony Dos Santos (0-2)of Winchester, Massachusetts, and Macari in a junior middleweight contest against Arizona's Kevin Spraags (2-5).
“These are the kinds of young men who represent the future of CES Boxing,” said its Founder and President, Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “They are hungry, fearless, and proud to represent their communities every time they step into the ring. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the CES family and can’t wait to showcase their talent on July 19th at one of the best arenas in the world.”
Tickets for 'Summer Heat 2025' at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 19 are available for purchase at cesfights.com, Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
|
BKFC holding open tryouts in Indiana |
|
Do you think you have what it takes to fight in the Squared Circle? BKFC is hosting tryouts in Merrillville, Indiana on Saturday July 19th starting at noon and ending at 3:00 PM. The tryouts will be held at Team Colon Mixed Martial Arts located at 8215 Taney Pl. Unit D. Heavyweight 'Big' Ben Rothwell will be in attendance helping to scout the hopefuls. All interested parties should sign up ahead of time at https://www.bkfc.com/tryouts to receive a BKFC T-shirt and let BKFC know you are coming
|
|
|
|
BKFC holding open tryouts in Indiana
Do you think you have what it takes to fight in the Squared Circle? BKFC is hosting tryouts in Merrillville, Indiana on Saturday July 19th starting at noon and ending at 3:00 PM. The tryouts will be held at Team Colon Mixed Martial Arts located at 8215 Taney Pl. Unit D. Heavyweight 'Big' Ben Rothwell will be in attendance helping to scout the hopefuls. All interested parties should sign up ahead of time at https://www.bkfc.com/tryouts to receive a BKFC T-shirt and let BKFC know you are coming
|
Chavez Jr. arrested by ICE; deportation planned |
|
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien" Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and is processing him for expedited removal from the United States. Chavez, a former champion over a decade ago, has remained out of the spotlight until last week's high-profile loss to social media superstar Jake Paul. Here is the official government press release: Chavez is a Mexican citizen who has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. In August 2023, he entered the country legally with a B2 tourist visa that was valid until February 2024. Chavez is also believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. ICE arrested Chavez in Studio City, California on July 2nd.
On April 2, 2024, Chavez filed application for Lawful Permanent Resident status. Chavez’s application was based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. On December 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made a referral to ICE that Chavez is an egregious public safety threat. However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority. On January 4, 2025, the Biden administration allowed Chavez to reenter the country and paroled him into the country at the San Ysidro port of entry. Following multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident, he was determined to be in the country illegally and removable on June 27, 2025.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE. It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
[Chavez's] rap sheet is below:
On January 22, 2012, California Highway Patrol arrested Chavez and charged him with DUI alcohol/drugs and Driving Without a License.
On June 23, 2012, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted Chavez for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and sentenced him to 13 days in jail and 36 months’ probation.
On January 14, 2023, a District Judge issued an arrest warrant for Chavez, for the offense of organized crime for the purpose of committing crimes of weapons trafficking and manufacturing crimes, in the modality of those who participate in clandestinely bringing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives into the country; and those who manufacture weapons, ammunition, cartridges, and explosives without the corresponding permit.
On January 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chavez and charged him with Illegal Possession of Any Assault Weapon and Manufacture or Import Short Barreled Rifle. The court convicted Chavez of these charges.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Sinaloa Cartel targeted and viciously murdered U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nicholas Quets, and has kidnapped, tortured and killed many other Americans. The Sinaloa Cartel has also played a major role in the trafficking of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow vicious cartels to operate on American soil.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE JUNE 29, 2025... In Anaheim, California, Jake Paul got in ten rounds of good work but was never seriously challenged by Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul won nearly every round but failed to hurt Chavez, a former champion from 2011-2012 who hasn't taken boxing seriously for years. Paul tired over the last two rounds, allowing Chavez to save some face after a generally dismal performance. Still, Paul won a deserved lopsided unanimous decision by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is likely to enter the world rankings of at least one of the major sanctioning bodies. Compubox credited Paul with a 141-60 edge in punches landed. For the first three rounds, Chavez's offense was virtually nonexistent. With the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. screamimng from ringside in frustration, his son finally landed a punch just before the end of round three. Things heated up a bit in the fourth as Chavez began to come forward a little more, but Paul still won the round. Chavez simply would not let his hands go with any regularity, and the couple of times that he did when he was in punching range, Paul wisely tied Chavez up.The packed, pro-Mexican crowd tried to will Chavez forward over the second half of the fight, but Chavez lacked the energy to throw extended combinations. It should be remembered that Chavez is 39 years old and as a former middleweight champion now fighting at cruiserweight, he is 40 pounds over his best weight. The momentum turned in round nine as Paul tired and Chavez landed several good blows. The tenth round featured the best exchanges of the contest, as a tired Paul fought back against a surging, suddenly aggressive Chavez. The late rally was not enough to overcome the first eight rounds.
|
|
|
|
Chavez Jr. arrested by ICE; deportation planned
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien" Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and is processing him for expedited removal from the United States. Chavez, a former champion over a decade ago, has remained out of the spotlight until last week's high-profile loss to social media superstar Jake Paul. Here is the official government press release: Chavez is a Mexican citizen who has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for his involvement in organized crime and trafficking firearms, ammunition, and explosives. In August 2023, he entered the country legally with a B2 tourist visa that was valid until February 2024. Chavez is also believed to be an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. ICE arrested Chavez in Studio City, California on July 2nd.
On April 2, 2024, Chavez filed application for Lawful Permanent Resident status. Chavez’s application was based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who is connected to the Sinaloa Cartel through a prior relationship with the now-deceased son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. On December 17, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made a referral to ICE that Chavez is an egregious public safety threat. However, an entry in a DHS law enforcement system under the Biden administration indicated Chavez was not an immigration enforcement priority. On January 4, 2025, the Biden administration allowed Chavez to reenter the country and paroled him into the country at the San Ysidro port of entry. Following multiple fraudulent statements on his application to become a Lawful Permanent Resident, he was determined to be in the country illegally and removable on June 27, 2025.
“This Sinaloa Cartel affiliate with an active arrest warrant for trafficking guns, ammunition, and explosives was arrested by ICE. It is shocking the previous administration flagged this criminal illegal alien as a public safety threat, but chose to not prioritize his removal and let him leave and COME BACK into our country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes. Our message to any cartel affiliates in the U.S. is clear: We will find you and you will face consequences. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”
[Chavez's] rap sheet is below:
On January 22, 2012, California Highway Patrol arrested Chavez and charged him with DUI alcohol/drugs and Driving Without a License.
On June 23, 2012, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, convicted Chavez for the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol and sentenced him to 13 days in jail and 36 months’ probation.
On January 14, 2023, a District Judge issued an arrest warrant for Chavez, for the offense of organized crime for the purpose of committing crimes of weapons trafficking and manufacturing crimes, in the modality of those who participate in clandestinely bringing weapons, ammunition, cartridges, explosives into the country; and those who manufacture weapons, ammunition, cartridges, and explosives without the corresponding permit.
On January 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Chavez and charged him with Illegal Possession of Any Assault Weapon and Manufacture or Import Short Barreled Rifle. The court convicted Chavez of these charges.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Sinaloa Cartel targeted and viciously murdered U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Nicholas Quets, and has kidnapped, tortured and killed many other Americans. The Sinaloa Cartel has also played a major role in the trafficking of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow vicious cartels to operate on American soil.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE JUNE 29, 2025... In Anaheim, California, Jake Paul got in ten rounds of good work but was never seriously challenged by Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Paul won nearly every round but failed to hurt Chavez, a former champion from 2011-2012 who hasn't taken boxing seriously for years. Paul tired over the last two rounds, allowing Chavez to save some face after a generally dismal performance. Still, Paul won a deserved lopsided unanimous decision by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is likely to enter the world rankings of at least one of the major sanctioning bodies. Compubox credited Paul with a 141-60 edge in punches landed. For the first three rounds, Chavez's offense was virtually nonexistent. With the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. screamimng from ringside in frustration, his son finally landed a punch just before the end of round three. Things heated up a bit in the fourth as Chavez began to come forward a little more, but Paul still won the round. Chavez simply would not let his hands go with any regularity, and the couple of times that he did when he was in punching range, Paul wisely tied Chavez up.The packed, pro-Mexican crowd tried to will Chavez forward over the second half of the fight, but Chavez lacked the energy to throw extended combinations. It should be remembered that Chavez is 39 years old and as a former middleweight champion now fighting at cruiserweight, he is 40 pounds over his best weight. The momentum turned in round nine as Paul tired and Chavez landed several good blows. The tenth round featured the best exchanges of the contest, as a tired Paul fought back against a surging, suddenly aggressive Chavez. The late rally was not enough to overcome the first eight rounds.
|
Report: Benavidez to face Yarde in November |
|
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, posted on Twitter that David Benavidez (pictured) will defend his WBC light heavyweight world title against Great Britain's Anthony Yarde as he makes his Riyadh Season debut in November. At 30-0, Benavidez is a three-time champion who lost his prior two titles outside the ring. His last fight was a career-best performance, a thrilling defeat of David Morrell in February. Yarde is 27-3 and has failed in title bids against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. In Yarde's last fight, he avenged his only other loss, defeating Lyndon Arthur by decision in April.
|
|
|
|
Report: Benavidez to face Yarde in November
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, posted on Twitter that David Benavidez (pictured) will defend his WBC light heavyweight world title against Great Britain's Anthony Yarde as he makes his Riyadh Season debut in November. At 30-0, Benavidez is a three-time champion who lost his prior two titles outside the ring. His last fight was a career-best performance, a thrilling defeat of David Morrell in February. Yarde is 27-3 and has failed in title bids against Sergey Kovalev and Artur Beterbiev. In Yarde's last fight, he avenged his only other loss, defeating Lyndon Arthur by decision in April.
|
Watch: Dickens upsets Batyrgaziev to claim interim title |
|
James Dickens TKO4 Albert Batyrgaziev... In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
|
|
|
|
Watch: Dickens upsets Batyrgaziev to claim interim title
James Dickens TKO4 Albert Batyrgaziev... In an upset, British veteran James “Jazza” Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) handed 2021 Olympic champion Albert Batyrgaziev (14-1 including IBA pro fights) his first professional loss with a stunning knockout victory to claim the WBA interim junior lightweight world title. The bout headlined Wednesday night’s IBA card at the Rixos Tersane in Istanbul. The finish was as dramatic as it was decisive. Dickens, age 34 and a former IBO featherweight titleholder, timed a perfect combination in the fourth round that left Russian Batyrgaziev unable to respond, forcing his corner to throw in the towel after two knockdowns. Up until that moment, the fight had been tightly contested. Batyrgaziev showcased his usual precision and range control, while Dickens pressed forward, banking on pressure and attrition. But in the fourth, the Liverpool native found the moment he was looking for. A sharp left hook followed by a straight right hand that sent Batyrgaziev to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
|
Gary Russell coming back as a lightweight |
|
A three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup will see the return of two former champions and a battle of super bantamweight contenders leading up to a pay-per-view event headlined by Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his WBC welterweight title against Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Saturday, July 19th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Topping the streaming presentation is the return of former longtime featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight showdown. The action also includes undefeated super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso dueling Japan's Kyonosuke Kameda in a ten-round affair, plus Filipino power-puncher and former champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battling Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a ten-round super featherweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights lead into a pay-per-view broadcast that, besides Barrios-Pacquiao, features WBC 1544-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora aagainst former champion Tim Tszyu in a rmeatch of 2024’s bloodiest fight, “Pitbull” Cruz meeting fwllow Mexican Angel Fierro for a second time in a twelve-round 140-pound duel, while former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a ten-round featherweight showdown. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Returning to action for the first time since his nearly seven-year title run ended in a fight where he injured his shoulder, Russell will look to show off the skills that made him boxing’s then longest reigning male champion as he makes his lightweight debut in a 10-round fight against veteran Hugo Castañeda. Russell (31-2, 18 KOs) has stayed close to the sport since last fighting, keeping his late father Gary Sr.’s legacy going by training his younger brothers, WBA 140-pound champ Gary Antuanne and contender Gary Antonio. The Capitol Heights, Md., native first captured the WBC featherweight championship in March 2015 by stopping former multiple division champion Jhonny Gonzalez, and held it until losing a majority decision to Magsayo in January 2022. His run as champion included a stoppage of former world champion Kiko Martinez, and a dominant unanimous decision over former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr., both of whom went on to win championships after losing to Russell.
“I’m so glad to be back on this great event on July 19th in Las Vegas,” said Russell. “I’m ready to shake off the dust and entertain by doing what I love. Make sure you tune in to see me do my thing.”
Originally from Reynoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Castañeda (15-2-1, 11 KOs) has ended each of his last three victories by knockout, including an upset over the previously unbeaten Felix Garcia in April 2024. Most recently, Castañeda came up short in an April clash against undefeated Demler Zamora. Now fighting out of Alamo, Texas, the 23-year-old will step into the ring stateside for the sixth time as a professional, where he’s amassed a 3-2 record. Castañeda turned pro in 2021, racking up wins in his first 12 bouts.
"This is a huge opportunity for me and I'm coming to take full advantage of it," said Castañeda. "I know that I'm facing a great fighter who's accomplished a lot, but I have everything it takes to get the victory. I'm training hard to be at my best and show everyone what I can do on July 19th."
|
|
|
|
Gary Russell coming back as a lightweight
A three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup will see the return of two former champions and a battle of super bantamweight contenders leading up to a pay-per-view event headlined by Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his WBC welterweight title against Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on Saturday, July 19th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Topping the streaming presentation is the return of former longtime featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight showdown. The action also includes undefeated super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso dueling Japan's Kyonosuke Kameda in a ten-round affair, plus Filipino power-puncher and former champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battling Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a ten-round super featherweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights lead into a pay-per-view broadcast that, besides Barrios-Pacquiao, features WBC 1544-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora aagainst former champion Tim Tszyu in a rmeatch of 2024’s bloodiest fight, “Pitbull” Cruz meeting fwllow Mexican Angel Fierro for a second time in a twelve-round 140-pound duel, while former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a ten-round featherweight showdown. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Returning to action for the first time since his nearly seven-year title run ended in a fight where he injured his shoulder, Russell will look to show off the skills that made him boxing’s then longest reigning male champion as he makes his lightweight debut in a 10-round fight against veteran Hugo Castañeda. Russell (31-2, 18 KOs) has stayed close to the sport since last fighting, keeping his late father Gary Sr.’s legacy going by training his younger brothers, WBA 140-pound champ Gary Antuanne and contender Gary Antonio. The Capitol Heights, Md., native first captured the WBC featherweight championship in March 2015 by stopping former multiple division champion Jhonny Gonzalez, and held it until losing a majority decision to Magsayo in January 2022. His run as champion included a stoppage of former world champion Kiko Martinez, and a dominant unanimous decision over former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr., both of whom went on to win championships after losing to Russell.
“I’m so glad to be back on this great event on July 19th in Las Vegas,” said Russell. “I’m ready to shake off the dust and entertain by doing what I love. Make sure you tune in to see me do my thing.”
Originally from Reynoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Castañeda (15-2-1, 11 KOs) has ended each of his last three victories by knockout, including an upset over the previously unbeaten Felix Garcia in April 2024. Most recently, Castañeda came up short in an April clash against undefeated Demler Zamora. Now fighting out of Alamo, Texas, the 23-year-old will step into the ring stateside for the sixth time as a professional, where he’s amassed a 3-2 record. Castañeda turned pro in 2021, racking up wins in his first 12 bouts.
"This is a huge opportunity for me and I'm coming to take full advantage of it," said Castañeda. "I know that I'm facing a great fighter who's accomplished a lot, but I have everything it takes to get the victory. I'm training hard to be at my best and show everyone what I can do on July 19th."
|
