Ennis and Kelly unification bout set for Feb. 27th |
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Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (pictured) and Josh Kelly will clash in a junior middleweight unification blockbuster on Saturday, February 27th at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, the latest headline bout of TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight”, the monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN. Ennis (36-0 32 KOs) became a two-time, two-weight unified champion in June with a stoppage win over Xander Zayas in Brooklyn. The result was that Ennis, a Philadelphian, owned the WBO and WBA straps. Ennis moved up to 154 pounds in October 2025 after becoming a two-belt champion at welterweight with a dominant win over previously undefeated Eimantas Stanionis.
Kelly (19-2-1 9 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) won the IBF title by taking on Bakhram Murtazaliev in January in Newcastle, England. The Sunderland slickster defended the crown against Caoimhin Agyarko in Saudi Arabia in July. The 32-year old, who represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics, comes to the States for the third time for the biggest night of his career to date, having already boxed twice in the States in New York and Arizona.
Boots and Kelly’s showdown will bring the 154-pound division closer to having an undisputed champion, with WBC ruler Sebastian Fundora lying in wait for the winner, and both men are confident that they will emerge victorious in Matchroom’s first event in Atlanta.
“What a fantastic unification fight this is,” said Eddie Hearn. “Boots and Josh are both brilliant World champions and this was not a difficult fight to make when you lay out what is there for the winner – three belts around your waist and just one more to collect to become undisputed at 154 and lay the foundations to a legacy in the sport. There’s so much incredible action still to come in 2026, but I already cannot wait for February 27, when one of these fantastic champions will take a giant step to landing a shot at becoming an undisputed World ruler in our first ever event in Atlanta. This is a night not to miss in person or live on TNT and DAZN.”
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Ennis and Kelly unification bout set for Feb. 27th
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (pictured) and Josh Kelly will clash in a junior middleweight unification blockbuster on Saturday, February 27th at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, the latest headline bout of TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight”, the monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN. Ennis (36-0 32 KOs) became a two-time, two-weight unified champion in June with a stoppage win over Xander Zayas in Brooklyn. The result was that Ennis, a Philadelphian, owned the WBO and WBA straps. Ennis moved up to 154 pounds in October 2025 after becoming a two-belt champion at welterweight with a dominant win over previously undefeated Eimantas Stanionis.
Kelly (19-2-1 9 KOs including the World Series of Boxing) won the IBF title by taking on Bakhram Murtazaliev in January in Newcastle, England. The Sunderland slickster defended the crown against Caoimhin Agyarko in Saudi Arabia in July. The 32-year old, who represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics, comes to the States for the third time for the biggest night of his career to date, having already boxed twice in the States in New York and Arizona.
Boots and Kelly’s showdown will bring the 154-pound division closer to having an undisputed champion, with WBC ruler Sebastian Fundora lying in wait for the winner, and both men are confident that they will emerge victorious in Matchroom’s first event in Atlanta.
“What a fantastic unification fight this is,” said Eddie Hearn. “Boots and Josh are both brilliant World champions and this was not a difficult fight to make when you lay out what is there for the winner – three belts around your waist and just one more to collect to become undisputed at 154 and lay the foundations to a legacy in the sport. There’s so much incredible action still to come in 2026, but I already cannot wait for February 27, when one of these fantastic champions will take a giant step to landing a shot at becoming an undisputed World ruler in our first ever event in Atlanta. This is a night not to miss in person or live on TNT and DAZN.”
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WBA chooses Valenzuela over Bahdi as lightweight mandatory contender |
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In two separate but related rulings, the WBA ordered a mandatory bout between its reigning lightweight champion Floyd Schofield and José Valenzuela and also denied a request for a rematch by Lucas Bahdi, who lost a controversial decision to Schofield when they fought for the vacant WBA title on October 10th in Chicago. Bahdi protested the referee's rulings concerning several knockdowns / slips. After reviewing the challenged calls, the WBA determined that there were "significant" officiating errors that fell below the standards expected in a world championship bout. Nevertheless, the WBA concluded that these irregularities did not provide sufficient grounds to overturn the official result.
The WBA Officials Committee conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the bout, which included the participation of seven international referees and an independent panel of judges. The review focused primarily on the controversial actions in the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh rounds, as well as their potential impact on the official scorecards.
The review determined that the referee failed to count two legitimate knockdowns of Schofield, caused by Bahdi’s punches in the sixth and ninth rounds. All seven international referees unanimously agreed that both instances should have been ruled knockdowns.
Regarding the third round, opinions were divided over a knockdown of Bahdi near the ropes. Four of the seven referees supported the original official’s ruling, leading the Committee to uphold that determination. The Committee also concluded that Schofield’s fall in the eleventh round resulted from a stumble after stepping on his opponent’s foot, rather than from the impact of a legal punch. Therefore, it should not have been scored as a knockdown.
The Committee also reviewed the judges’ scorecards and conducted a revised scoring exercise, awarding the sixth and ninth rounds to Bahdi as 10-8 rounds in recognition of the knockdowns that were not called during the fight.
However, even after these adjustments, two of the three original scorecards still had Schofield winning, while the third resulted in a draw. An additional evaluation by an independent panel of judges also failed to establish a majority victory for Bahdi. Although some judges maintained Schofield as the winner and one favored the Canadian, the majority scored the bout a draw.
Consequently, the organization upheld Floyd Schofield’s unanimous decision victory, confirming his status as WBA lightweight champion, and denied the request for an immediate rematch submitted by MVP on behalf of Bahdi.
As part of the resolution, the findings regarding the referee’s performance will be referred to the appropriate WBA authorities for administrative review and consideration of any measures deemed appropriate concerning his performance and future assignments.
As for Valenzuela, the WBA ruled Schofield must now fulfill his first mandatory title defense and Valenzuela, a former junuor welterweight title holder, is the mandatory challenger.
The representatives of Schofield and Valenzuela will have a thirty-day period to reach an agreement, extending through December 11th. If an agreement is not reached within the negotiation period, or either party expresses its unwillingness to negotiate or participate in the mandatory bout, the Championships Committee reserved the right to call for a purse bid.
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WBA chooses Valenzuela over Bahdi as lightweight mandatory contender
In two separate but related rulings, the WBA ordered a mandatory bout between its reigning lightweight champion Floyd Schofield and José Valenzuela and also denied a request for a rematch by Lucas Bahdi, who lost a controversial decision to Schofield when they fought for the vacant WBA title on October 10th in Chicago. Bahdi protested the referee's rulings concerning several knockdowns / slips. After reviewing the challenged calls, the WBA determined that there were "significant" officiating errors that fell below the standards expected in a world championship bout. Nevertheless, the WBA concluded that these irregularities did not provide sufficient grounds to overturn the official result.
The WBA Officials Committee conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the bout, which included the participation of seven international referees and an independent panel of judges. The review focused primarily on the controversial actions in the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh rounds, as well as their potential impact on the official scorecards.
The review determined that the referee failed to count two legitimate knockdowns of Schofield, caused by Bahdi’s punches in the sixth and ninth rounds. All seven international referees unanimously agreed that both instances should have been ruled knockdowns.
Regarding the third round, opinions were divided over a knockdown of Bahdi near the ropes. Four of the seven referees supported the original official’s ruling, leading the Committee to uphold that determination. The Committee also concluded that Schofield’s fall in the eleventh round resulted from a stumble after stepping on his opponent’s foot, rather than from the impact of a legal punch. Therefore, it should not have been scored as a knockdown.
The Committee also reviewed the judges’ scorecards and conducted a revised scoring exercise, awarding the sixth and ninth rounds to Bahdi as 10-8 rounds in recognition of the knockdowns that were not called during the fight.
However, even after these adjustments, two of the three original scorecards still had Schofield winning, while the third resulted in a draw. An additional evaluation by an independent panel of judges also failed to establish a majority victory for Bahdi. Although some judges maintained Schofield as the winner and one favored the Canadian, the majority scored the bout a draw.
Consequently, the organization upheld Floyd Schofield’s unanimous decision victory, confirming his status as WBA lightweight champion, and denied the request for an immediate rematch submitted by MVP on behalf of Bahdi.
As part of the resolution, the findings regarding the referee’s performance will be referred to the appropriate WBA authorities for administrative review and consideration of any measures deemed appropriate concerning his performance and future assignments.
As for Valenzuela, the WBA ruled Schofield must now fulfill his first mandatory title defense and Valenzuela, a former junuor welterweight title holder, is the mandatory challenger.
The representatives of Schofield and Valenzuela will have a thirty-day period to reach an agreement, extending through December 11th. If an agreement is not reached within the negotiation period, or either party expresses its unwillingness to negotiate or participate in the mandatory bout, the Championships Committee reserved the right to call for a purse bid.
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WBA tells Lopez: fight Catterall or give up title |
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The WBA has issued its decision regarding the request for reconsideration submitted by WBA welterweight super champion Teofimo Lopez, reaffirming that Lopez must face WBA regular champion Jack Catterall (pictured) next. Lopez was seeking to get an exception to the WBA mandatory defense rule so that he could enter into a unification bout vs. WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. Lopez now has three choices: fight Catterall next, vacate the WBA title and fight Garcia for the WBC title only (assuming Garcia is willing), or negotiate a step-aside deal with Catterall, although Catterall has said in no uncertain terms he would not make such an agreement.
In a resolution issued on Wednesday, November 11th, the WBA requested that representatives of Lopez and Catterall resume negotiations and submit, within ten days, an agreement that would allow the mandatory bout to take place on a date acceptable to both parties. The WBA said the boxers "may also propose an alternative solution to resolve the differences between them" -- in other words, a step-aside agreement. If no agreement is submitted within that period, or if either party decides not to participate in the negotiations, either side may request a purse bid.
According to the WBA:"The situation stems from the resolution issued on May 20, 2026, when the WBA elevated Rolando Romero to WBA super champion status and approved a bout for the vacant WBA [regular] championship between Shakhram Giyasov, who was ranked #1 at the time, and Jack Catterall, then ranked #6. That resolution stipulated that Romero would have to face the winner of the bout within 180 days. Catterall defeated Giyasov on May 23rd to capture the WBA [regular] championship. Subsequently, on August 22nd, Teofimo Lopez defeated Romero in a voluntary title defense and became the WBA super champion. Following that result, the American inherited the obligations previously established for the title, including the mandatory defense against Catterall."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 23, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA welterweight super champion Teófimo López (pictured) and Jack Catterall, the WBA regular welterweight champion.[Editor's note: Lopez has been rumored to be negotiating a unification fight vs. his WBC counterpart, Ryan Garcia. Lopez remains free to vacate the WBA title and challenge Garcia for the WBC version].The WBA decision stems from the conditions established by the WBA Championship Committee when Rolando “Rolly” Romero was elevated to WBA super champion. At that time, it was determined that the winner of the WBA regular title bout between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero, who would be permitted to make one optional defense during that period. On August 22nd, Teófimo López defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA super champion (and a three-division champion as well). The WBA has now confirmed that López has assumed the champion's obligations previously established by the Championship Committee. As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between López and Catterall.
SEPT. 22, 2026: Jack Catterall wants to face Teofimo Lopez next, and he saved a receipt to prove his entitlement to do so. Catterall (pictured) became the WBA interim welterweight champion in May when he defeated Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt. In July, as then-WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero was preparing to defend against Teofimo Lopez, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza tweeted that Caterall was in line for the next title shot: "Romero vs. Lopez winner must box Catterall in their next fight." Lopez went on to defeat Romero, but is now talking about unifying vs. WBC champion Ryan Garcia. Catterall is doing everything he can to block Lopez-Garcia until he gets his shot at the full title. This weekend Catterall reposted the July Mendoza tweet, adding, "I expect the WBA and Gilberto Mendoza to stand on business, keep their word and honor what was agreed. Like I say, I don’t ask for favors, just what was agreed and what I deserve"
MAY 23, 2026: Jack Catterall defeated Shakram Giyasov via unanimous twelve-round decision to gain the vacant WBA regular welterweight title in Egypt. It was an emotional win for Catterall, who in 2022 appeared to have defeated Josh Taylor to become world junior welterweight champion, only to get shortchanged on the official scorecards. This time, Catterall (33-2) suffered no surprises when the scores were read. After scoring an early knockdown, Catterall went on to defeat Giyasov by a wide margin: 118-109, 119-108 and 116-111.
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WBA tells Lopez: fight Catterall or give up title
The WBA has issued its decision regarding the request for reconsideration submitted by WBA welterweight super champion Teofimo Lopez, reaffirming that Lopez must face WBA regular champion Jack Catterall (pictured) next. Lopez was seeking to get an exception to the WBA mandatory defense rule so that he could enter into a unification bout vs. WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. Lopez now has three choices: fight Catterall next, vacate the WBA title and fight Garcia for the WBC title only (assuming Garcia is willing), or negotiate a step-aside deal with Catterall, although Catterall has said in no uncertain terms he would not make such an agreement.
In a resolution issued on Wednesday, November 11th, the WBA requested that representatives of Lopez and Catterall resume negotiations and submit, within ten days, an agreement that would allow the mandatory bout to take place on a date acceptable to both parties. The WBA said the boxers "may also propose an alternative solution to resolve the differences between them" -- in other words, a step-aside agreement. If no agreement is submitted within that period, or if either party decides not to participate in the negotiations, either side may request a purse bid.
According to the WBA:"The situation stems from the resolution issued on May 20, 2026, when the WBA elevated Rolando Romero to WBA super champion status and approved a bout for the vacant WBA [regular] championship between Shakhram Giyasov, who was ranked #1 at the time, and Jack Catterall, then ranked #6. That resolution stipulated that Romero would have to face the winner of the bout within 180 days. Catterall defeated Giyasov on May 23rd to capture the WBA [regular] championship. Subsequently, on August 22nd, Teofimo Lopez defeated Romero in a voluntary title defense and became the WBA super champion. Following that result, the American inherited the obligations previously established for the title, including the mandatory defense against Catterall."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 23, 2026: The WBA Championship Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA welterweight super champion Teófimo López (pictured) and Jack Catterall, the WBA regular welterweight champion.[Editor's note: Lopez has been rumored to be negotiating a unification fight vs. his WBC counterpart, Ryan Garcia. Lopez remains free to vacate the WBA title and challenge Garcia for the WBC version].The WBA decision stems from the conditions established by the WBA Championship Committee when Rolando “Rolly” Romero was elevated to WBA super champion. At that time, it was determined that the winner of the WBA regular title bout between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero, who would be permitted to make one optional defense during that period. On August 22nd, Teófimo López defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA super champion (and a three-division champion as well). The WBA has now confirmed that López has assumed the champion's obligations previously established by the Championship Committee. As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between López and Catterall.
SEPT. 22, 2026: Jack Catterall wants to face Teofimo Lopez next, and he saved a receipt to prove his entitlement to do so. Catterall (pictured) became the WBA interim welterweight champion in May when he defeated Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt. In July, as then-WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero was preparing to defend against Teofimo Lopez, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza tweeted that Caterall was in line for the next title shot: "Romero vs. Lopez winner must box Catterall in their next fight." Lopez went on to defeat Romero, but is now talking about unifying vs. WBC champion Ryan Garcia. Catterall is doing everything he can to block Lopez-Garcia until he gets his shot at the full title. This weekend Catterall reposted the July Mendoza tweet, adding, "I expect the WBA and Gilberto Mendoza to stand on business, keep their word and honor what was agreed. Like I say, I don’t ask for favors, just what was agreed and what I deserve"
MAY 23, 2026: Jack Catterall defeated Shakram Giyasov via unanimous twelve-round decision to gain the vacant WBA regular welterweight title in Egypt. It was an emotional win for Catterall, who in 2022 appeared to have defeated Josh Taylor to become world junior welterweight champion, only to get shortchanged on the official scorecards. This time, Catterall (33-2) suffered no surprises when the scores were read. After scoring an early knockdown, Catterall went on to defeat Giyasov by a wide margin: 118-109, 119-108 and 116-111.
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Carlos Adames: a look back and ahead |
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The fighting pride of Elías Piña, Dominican Republic, Carlos Adames has reached the heady heights of the WBC middleweight championship. Now he is set to embark on the next chapter of his career with Zuffa Boxing as he looks to underscore his legacy. Adames’ career started out in the amateur ranks, where he logged more than 200 wins, including a gold medal in the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships. The young Adames eventually turned professional in 2015 and claimed victory with a unanimous decision victory inside Brooklyn Masonic Temple. After that win, Adames wouldn’t see another scorecard until his 12th fight, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Molina.
Throughout Adames’ pro boxing apprenticeship, he shared the ring with seasoned campaigners, with all of his opponents from his fourth fight on boasting significant experience advantages over him, as well as winning records. But, one by one, Adames defeated them as his record, and reputation, grew. By November 2019, he had picked up regional titles and put himself in line for a world title shot.
His first world title opportunity came against Patrick Teixeira in Las Vegas, where he was edged out by unanimous decision for the WBO interim junior middleweight title after a closely contested battle, with only one point separating the pair on two of the judges’ scorecards. Following that defeat, Adames went back to the drawing board and bounced back with a sixth-round knockout of Brahian Jose Medina, after which he moved up to middleweight. It proved to be the best decision of his career.
Fighting in the 160-pound division, Adames claimed back-to-back victories as he rounded off 2021 with a TKO stoppage of Alexis Salazar Flores and a ten-round majority decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Those wins earned him a crack at the WBC interim middleweight crown, and a third-round knockout of Juan Macias Montiel saw Adames earn [interim] championship honors for the first time in his professional career. He defended that interim belt once, with a ninth-round stoppage of former unified junior middleweight champion Julian Williams in June 2023 before he was eventually elevated to full champion status 11 months later.
His first defense of the crown saw him taken the distance by Terrell Gausha, but Adames was just too good on the night as he dominated the scorecards for a landslide unanimous decision victory. Adames then held onto his title by the slimmest of margins as he battled to a split draw with Hamza Sheeraz in February 2025 in Riyadh, but he returned to his dominant best in his most recent outing in Orlando in March as he dropped Austin “Ammo” Williams in the second round en route to a unanimous decision victory to maintain his firm grip on championship gold.
Following that victory earlier this year, and with a career record of 25-1-1 (18 KOs), Adames announced he had signed with Zuffa Boxing as he gets set to embark on the next chapter of his career. “This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” said Adames upon signing. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
With Adames joining a Zuffa middleweight cohort that includes IBF champion Aaron McKenna and former WBO champ Denzel Bentley, as well contenders Callum Walsh and Shane Mosley Jr., the Zuffa Boxing 160-pound division is loading up with top-tier talent.
And on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Adames will get the chance to showcase his skills in a non-title super-middleweight showcase before his next middleweight championship outing. He’ll take on Wales’ Gerome Warburton, who has championship ambitions of his own following back-to-back wins over England’s Nathan Heaney earlier this year. Victory for Adames opens the door to some mouth-watering matchups in 2027, with the Las Vegas-based champion is determined to prove he’s the cream of the middleweight crop.
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Carlos Adames: a look back and ahead
The fighting pride of Elías Piña, Dominican Republic, Carlos Adames has reached the heady heights of the WBC middleweight championship. Now he is set to embark on the next chapter of his career with Zuffa Boxing as he looks to underscore his legacy. Adames’ career started out in the amateur ranks, where he logged more than 200 wins, including a gold medal in the 2012 Pan American Youth Championships. The young Adames eventually turned professional in 2015 and claimed victory with a unanimous decision victory inside Brooklyn Masonic Temple. After that win, Adames wouldn’t see another scorecard until his 12th fight, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Molina.
Throughout Adames’ pro boxing apprenticeship, he shared the ring with seasoned campaigners, with all of his opponents from his fourth fight on boasting significant experience advantages over him, as well as winning records. But, one by one, Adames defeated them as his record, and reputation, grew. By November 2019, he had picked up regional titles and put himself in line for a world title shot.
His first world title opportunity came against Patrick Teixeira in Las Vegas, where he was edged out by unanimous decision for the WBO interim junior middleweight title after a closely contested battle, with only one point separating the pair on two of the judges’ scorecards. Following that defeat, Adames went back to the drawing board and bounced back with a sixth-round knockout of Brahian Jose Medina, after which he moved up to middleweight. It proved to be the best decision of his career.
Fighting in the 160-pound division, Adames claimed back-to-back victories as he rounded off 2021 with a TKO stoppage of Alexis Salazar Flores and a ten-round majority decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Those wins earned him a crack at the WBC interim middleweight crown, and a third-round knockout of Juan Macias Montiel saw Adames earn [interim] championship honors for the first time in his professional career. He defended that interim belt once, with a ninth-round stoppage of former unified junior middleweight champion Julian Williams in June 2023 before he was eventually elevated to full champion status 11 months later.
His first defense of the crown saw him taken the distance by Terrell Gausha, but Adames was just too good on the night as he dominated the scorecards for a landslide unanimous decision victory. Adames then held onto his title by the slimmest of margins as he battled to a split draw with Hamza Sheeraz in February 2025 in Riyadh, but he returned to his dominant best in his most recent outing in Orlando in March as he dropped Austin “Ammo” Williams in the second round en route to a unanimous decision victory to maintain his firm grip on championship gold.
Following that victory earlier this year, and with a career record of 25-1-1 (18 KOs), Adames announced he had signed with Zuffa Boxing as he gets set to embark on the next chapter of his career. “This is a new chapter in my career, and I’m here to make history. Zuffa Boxing is building something special, and I want to be part of it,” said Adames upon signing. “I’m ready to face the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage. The best of ‘Caballo Bronco’ is yet to come.”
With Adames joining a Zuffa middleweight cohort that includes IBF champion Aaron McKenna and former WBO champ Denzel Bentley, as well contenders Callum Walsh and Shane Mosley Jr., the Zuffa Boxing 160-pound division is loading up with top-tier talent.
And on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Adames will get the chance to showcase his skills in a non-title super-middleweight showcase before his next middleweight championship outing. He’ll take on Wales’ Gerome Warburton, who has championship ambitions of his own following back-to-back wins over England’s Nathan Heaney earlier this year. Victory for Adames opens the door to some mouth-watering matchups in 2027, with the Las Vegas-based champion is determined to prove he’s the cream of the middleweight crop.
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Heavyweight bouts added to Fury vs. Joshua show: Bakole vs. Adebayo and Vanhouter vs. Essomba |
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The heavyweight division will be busy in December. The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card no consists of four heavyweight bouts. Streaming live globally on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 11 in Cardiff, Wales' Principality Stadium, the show has two newly announced bouts. One is Martin Bakole (21-2-1), who returns from a 2025 draw to face Solomon Adebayo (15-0) of Nigeria. This will be Adebayo's first fight outside of Africa. The other newly announced fight is Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs. Michael Essomba. Vanhouter (14-0) just fought last weekend and is being pushed aggressively by Zuffa Boxing. The Belgian-based Essomba (11-2) is comingoff a points loss to Angelo Morejon.
The chief support will see Deontay Wilder (45-4-1), who possesses one of the most powerful right hands boxing has ever seen, against undefeated cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (31-0), who will be making his heavyweight debut.
The card will be headlined by the all-British battle between two tremendously popular ex-champs: Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) vs. Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs).
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Heavyweight bouts added to Fury vs. Joshua show: Bakole vs. Adebayo and Vanhouter vs. Essomba
The heavyweight division will be busy in December. The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card no consists of four heavyweight bouts. Streaming live globally on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 11 in Cardiff, Wales' Principality Stadium, the show has two newly announced bouts. One is Martin Bakole (21-2-1), who returns from a 2025 draw to face Solomon Adebayo (15-0) of Nigeria. This will be Adebayo's first fight outside of Africa. The other newly announced fight is Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs. Michael Essomba. Vanhouter (14-0) just fought last weekend and is being pushed aggressively by Zuffa Boxing. The Belgian-based Essomba (11-2) is comingoff a points loss to Angelo Morejon.
The chief support will see Deontay Wilder (45-4-1), who possesses one of the most powerful right hands boxing has ever seen, against undefeated cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (31-0), who will be making his heavyweight debut.
The card will be headlined by the all-British battle between two tremendously popular ex-champs: Tyson Fury (36-2-1, 25 KOs) vs. Anthony Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs).
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Friday is fight day in Atlantic City |
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Friday, November 13th is fight day at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Local junior middleweight Justin "Mr. AC" Figueroa (14-0, 11 KOs) headlines the seven-bout card against Luis Caraballo Ramos (8-10-1, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico, in a rematch of their March fight that ended in a no contest. In the heavyweight co-feature, George Arias of the Bronx (19-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Joe Jones (16-15-2, 10 KOs) of Virginia over eight rounds. Arias' lone pro loss came in 2023 and he is looking for an explosive return to push back toward the top of the division.
Junior lightweight Iman Lee (15-0-1, 8 KOs) of Yonkers, NY, a WBC Grand Prix veteran, makes his Atlantic City debut against Dannis Aguero Arias (20-6).
John "Body Shot" Leonardo (13-1-1, 6 KOs) of Manalapan Township, NJ faces Kevin "El Gallo" Nunez (6-4, 3 KOs) of Puerto Rico over eight rounds at 122 pounds. Leonardo, trained by his father Donald, is coming off a hard-fought March decision over Edgar Joe Cortes.
In a true club fight, JJ Alvarez takes on New York's Larry Fryers at 144 pounds. A current and a former trainer at Mendez Boxing, these two guys know each other's game and agreed to settle it in the ring. That is how great club fights get made.
Brooklyn's Koby Khalil Williams (8-1, 6 KOs) faces Italy's Salvatore Di Stefano over six rounds at 135 pounds.
Julio Sanchez III, a product of the Pleasantville rec center, meets Skyler Bray over six rounds.
"Everybody on this card is a free agent, and every one of them is looking to make moves in 2027," said promoter Larry Goldberg. "This is blood and guts boxing the way it was done in this city twenty years ago. Come out Friday night and support it."
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster
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Friday is fight day in Atlantic City
Friday, November 13th is fight day at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Local junior middleweight Justin "Mr. AC" Figueroa (14-0, 11 KOs) headlines the seven-bout card against Luis Caraballo Ramos (8-10-1, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico, in a rematch of their March fight that ended in a no contest. In the heavyweight co-feature, George Arias of the Bronx (19-1-1, 7 KOs) meets Joe Jones (16-15-2, 10 KOs) of Virginia over eight rounds. Arias' lone pro loss came in 2023 and he is looking for an explosive return to push back toward the top of the division.
Junior lightweight Iman Lee (15-0-1, 8 KOs) of Yonkers, NY, a WBC Grand Prix veteran, makes his Atlantic City debut against Dannis Aguero Arias (20-6).
John "Body Shot" Leonardo (13-1-1, 6 KOs) of Manalapan Township, NJ faces Kevin "El Gallo" Nunez (6-4, 3 KOs) of Puerto Rico over eight rounds at 122 pounds. Leonardo, trained by his father Donald, is coming off a hard-fought March decision over Edgar Joe Cortes.
In a true club fight, JJ Alvarez takes on New York's Larry Fryers at 144 pounds. A current and a former trainer at Mendez Boxing, these two guys know each other's game and agreed to settle it in the ring. That is how great club fights get made.
Brooklyn's Koby Khalil Williams (8-1, 6 KOs) faces Italy's Salvatore Di Stefano over six rounds at 135 pounds.
Julio Sanchez III, a product of the Pleasantville rec center, meets Skyler Bray over six rounds.
"Everybody on this card is a free agent, and every one of them is looking to make moves in 2027," said promoter Larry Goldberg. "This is blood and guts boxing the way it was done in this city twenty years ago. Come out Friday night and support it."
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster
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Walker hosts Gonzalez in South Dakota on Friday |
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South Dakota will host a welterweight battle on Friday, November 13th as local man Deonte Walker (23-1) squares off against Arnold Gonzalez (18-2) of New York. Walker's only loss came in a four rounder back in 2022. He will look to make the most of his combination speed and footwork. He typically uses his jab to create openings in his opponent’s guard before unleashing quick flurries of punches from mid-range. His success will depend on avoiding being trapped in the corners and resisting the temptation to engage in premature toe-to-toe exchanges against a formidable puncher.
In the opposite corner stands Gonzalez, coming off a decision loss in July against Emiliano Moreno. Gonzalez is a rugged fighter whose approach revolves around relentless pressure and powerful hooks. He will look to cut off the ring from the opening bell, close the distance, and work the body to gradually take away Walker’s mobility as the fight progresses.
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Walker hosts Gonzalez in South Dakota on Friday
South Dakota will host a welterweight battle on Friday, November 13th as local man Deonte Walker (23-1) squares off against Arnold Gonzalez (18-2) of New York. Walker's only loss came in a four rounder back in 2022. He will look to make the most of his combination speed and footwork. He typically uses his jab to create openings in his opponent’s guard before unleashing quick flurries of punches from mid-range. His success will depend on avoiding being trapped in the corners and resisting the temptation to engage in premature toe-to-toe exchanges against a formidable puncher.
In the opposite corner stands Gonzalez, coming off a decision loss in July against Emiliano Moreno. Gonzalez is a rugged fighter whose approach revolves around relentless pressure and powerful hooks. He will look to cut off the ring from the opening bell, close the distance, and work the body to gradually take away Walker’s mobility as the fight progresses.
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Tony Yoka to face Jarrell Miller in Ghana |
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Matchroom Boxing returns to Ghana this Christmas for ‘The Showdown II’ with a blockbuster Heavyweight showdown as Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller takes on former Olympic champion Tony Yoka (pictured) at The Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre, on Sunday, December 20th – live worldwide on DAZN. Promoted alongside Legacy Rise Sports, in association with BXG and Queensberry Promotions, the event marks Matchroom’s second venture to the African continent as it heads back to the vibrant capital of Accra.
Also on the show, junior middleweight Odel Kamara continues his professional journey on the undercard in Ghana, where he has roots from his mother. The Liverpool fighter, age 22, started life in the paid ranks last month with a third-round stoppage victory over Thodoris Ritzakis. A seven-time National Amateur Champion, Kamara will now look to build on his exciting start and gain further experience on the international stage.
And fresh from his emphatic knockout victory on debut in Sheffield last month, rising North-East cruiserweight Divine Omojor joins Kamara on the card, alongside an exciting contingent of homegrown talent.
Ghanaian light heavyweights Jonathan Tetteh (12-0, 11 KOs) and Elvis Ahorgah (15-4, 13 KOs) will collide on the show.
Also scheduled are Ghana’s unbeaten lightweight contender Samuel Takyi (9-0, 9 KOs) -- a 2021 Olympic medal winner- and super flyweight hopeful Theo Allotey (15-0, 11 KOs). Plus, undefeated Dutch lightweight Jursly Vargas returns to Accra, where he stopped Isaac Dowuona back in April, as he bids to extend his flawless resumé.
All eyes, of course, will be on a compelling Heavyweight clash between hard-hitting American Miller and France’s 2016 Olympic Champion Yoka. Enjoying a run of form in 2026, with back-to-back victories over Lenier Pero and Kingsley Ibeh, 37-year-old Miller sits atop the WBA heavyweight rankings and is firmly in contention for a shot at reigning holder Murat Gassiev next.
Standing in the Brooklyn bulldozer’s way on December 20th is a formidable opponent in the shape of ‘The Artist’ Yoka. The 34-year-old Paris native (15-3, 12 KOs), who is represented by Queensberry Promotions, has won his last four fights, three inside the distance, and will be determined to upset the odds in Accra. Yoka is no stranger to fighting on the continent, having secured an impressive first-round stoppage of Germany’s Patrick Korte in Nigeria in his last outing a year ago.
It promises to be a December to remember in boxing’s blue-riband division, with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn confident that Miller and Yoka will deliver a festive spectacle for fight fans around the world. “What a way to end the year. This is a serious fight and one that will cap an incredible month of Heavyweight boxing,” said Hearn. "With AJ versus Fury to look forward to the weekend before, alongside David Adeleye and Leo Atang both in action the following night in Monte-Carlo, we are closing the year in style with the heavy hitters – and the main event in Ghana will not disappoint. Jarrell Miller is ranked #1 in the [WBA], and a win over a tough, former Olympic Champion in Tony Yoka will undoubtedly set him up for some major nights ahead in 2027. It will be an absolute war. We are proud to return to Ghana with a brilliant card which is absolutely stacked from top to bottom, which includes another exciting glimpse of Odel Kamara and Divine Omojor.”
Ghana, of course, boasts a proud and storied boxing heritage, having produced generations of exceptional fighters, including the legendary former two-weight World Champion, Azumah Nelson.
And Legacy Rise Sports Chief Executive Officer, Sharaf Mahama, added: “This is a blockbuster heavyweight clash, complemented by an exciting next-generation undercard that showcases the depth of boxing talent Ghana has to offer.
“We are delighted to welcome Matchroom Boxing back to Ghana for what promises to be another spectacular night of boxing. Miller versus Yoka is a huge Heavyweight contest, and we are proud to bring a fight of this calibre to Accra. The atmosphere and appetite for boxing in Ghana are incredible, and we want to continue showcasing that passion to the world.
“Ghana has a proud boxing heritage, built by legends such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and D.K Poison. At Legacy Rise Sports, we want to build on that legacy and help establish Ghana as a major hub for international boxing, attracting world-class fighters and events to Africa.
“We look forward to putting together another blockbuster on DAZN alongside our partners at Matchroom Boxing and BXG and giving Ghanaian, and worldwide, fans a night to remember.”
Further announcements regarding the undercard and ticket information will be made shortly.
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Tony Yoka to face Jarrell Miller in Ghana
Matchroom Boxing returns to Ghana this Christmas for ‘The Showdown II’ with a blockbuster Heavyweight showdown as Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller takes on former Olympic champion Tony Yoka (pictured) at The Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre, on Sunday, December 20th – live worldwide on DAZN. Promoted alongside Legacy Rise Sports, in association with BXG and Queensberry Promotions, the event marks Matchroom’s second venture to the African continent as it heads back to the vibrant capital of Accra.
Also on the show, junior middleweight Odel Kamara continues his professional journey on the undercard in Ghana, where he has roots from his mother. The Liverpool fighter, age 22, started life in the paid ranks last month with a third-round stoppage victory over Thodoris Ritzakis. A seven-time National Amateur Champion, Kamara will now look to build on his exciting start and gain further experience on the international stage.
And fresh from his emphatic knockout victory on debut in Sheffield last month, rising North-East cruiserweight Divine Omojor joins Kamara on the card, alongside an exciting contingent of homegrown talent.
Ghanaian light heavyweights Jonathan Tetteh (12-0, 11 KOs) and Elvis Ahorgah (15-4, 13 KOs) will collide on the show.
Also scheduled are Ghana’s unbeaten lightweight contender Samuel Takyi (9-0, 9 KOs) -- a 2021 Olympic medal winner- and super flyweight hopeful Theo Allotey (15-0, 11 KOs). Plus, undefeated Dutch lightweight Jursly Vargas returns to Accra, where he stopped Isaac Dowuona back in April, as he bids to extend his flawless resumé.
All eyes, of course, will be on a compelling Heavyweight clash between hard-hitting American Miller and France’s 2016 Olympic Champion Yoka. Enjoying a run of form in 2026, with back-to-back victories over Lenier Pero and Kingsley Ibeh, 37-year-old Miller sits atop the WBA heavyweight rankings and is firmly in contention for a shot at reigning holder Murat Gassiev next.
Standing in the Brooklyn bulldozer’s way on December 20th is a formidable opponent in the shape of ‘The Artist’ Yoka. The 34-year-old Paris native (15-3, 12 KOs), who is represented by Queensberry Promotions, has won his last four fights, three inside the distance, and will be determined to upset the odds in Accra. Yoka is no stranger to fighting on the continent, having secured an impressive first-round stoppage of Germany’s Patrick Korte in Nigeria in his last outing a year ago.
It promises to be a December to remember in boxing’s blue-riband division, with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn confident that Miller and Yoka will deliver a festive spectacle for fight fans around the world. “What a way to end the year. This is a serious fight and one that will cap an incredible month of Heavyweight boxing,” said Hearn. "With AJ versus Fury to look forward to the weekend before, alongside David Adeleye and Leo Atang both in action the following night in Monte-Carlo, we are closing the year in style with the heavy hitters – and the main event in Ghana will not disappoint. Jarrell Miller is ranked #1 in the [WBA], and a win over a tough, former Olympic Champion in Tony Yoka will undoubtedly set him up for some major nights ahead in 2027. It will be an absolute war. We are proud to return to Ghana with a brilliant card which is absolutely stacked from top to bottom, which includes another exciting glimpse of Odel Kamara and Divine Omojor.”
Ghana, of course, boasts a proud and storied boxing heritage, having produced generations of exceptional fighters, including the legendary former two-weight World Champion, Azumah Nelson.
And Legacy Rise Sports Chief Executive Officer, Sharaf Mahama, added: “This is a blockbuster heavyweight clash, complemented by an exciting next-generation undercard that showcases the depth of boxing talent Ghana has to offer.
“We are delighted to welcome Matchroom Boxing back to Ghana for what promises to be another spectacular night of boxing. Miller versus Yoka is a huge Heavyweight contest, and we are proud to bring a fight of this calibre to Accra. The atmosphere and appetite for boxing in Ghana are incredible, and we want to continue showcasing that passion to the world.
“Ghana has a proud boxing heritage, built by legends such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and D.K Poison. At Legacy Rise Sports, we want to build on that legacy and help establish Ghana as a major hub for international boxing, attracting world-class fighters and events to Africa.
“We look forward to putting together another blockbuster on DAZN alongside our partners at Matchroom Boxing and BXG and giving Ghanaian, and worldwide, fans a night to remember.”
Further announcements regarding the undercard and ticket information will be made shortly.
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Haney: "I'm levels above Paro" |
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Bay Area native and WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney is ready to bring another championship night to his native home. Haney will face IBF king Liam Paro in a world title unification showdown Saturday, Dec. 19th at Chase Center in San Francisco. The two met face-to-face for the first time Tuesday in San Francisco at the official kickoff press conference. Haney (33-0, 15 KOs), a three-division world champion, returns to the building where he dominated Regis Prograis in December 2023 to capture a title in his second weight class. Paro (28-1, 16 KOs), a two-division champion, also fought on that card, stopping Montana Love. In the ten-round welterweight co-feature, former champion Brian Norman Jr. (29-1, 23 KOs) takes on Abel Ramos (29-6-3, 22 KOs). Haney-Paro, Norman-Ramos and two additional fights will be streamed LIVE on DAZN PPV beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This is what Haney and Paro had to say at Tuesday’s kickoff press conference:
Devin Haney
"It feels good to be back. I'm super excited. It's been a long layoff. We tried to make numerous fights happen, but Allah is the perfect planner. Liam Paro is the opponent, so I look forward to it."
"Like I said, I'm levels above him. I'm levels above those guys that he's been in the ring with, that he's beaten, that he's lost to. And I must show him on December 19 that Devin Haney is a special fighter. Like I told Brian Norman Jr., like I'm telling him, I am a special fighter, and I will show the world on December 19th."
"Liam Paro is somebody who I shared numerous rounds with in sparring. We know the things that Liam Paro has said, and I must make him pay for that. We know that he has said things about Richardson Hitchins and Ryan Garcia, and I must show him that I'm a different animal. Under those lights, I'm a different fighter, and I must show him that it's levels."
Liam Paro
“I’m used to being the underdog, and there’s less pressure on me, but this is as big as it gets. I know the challenge ahead of us, and I’m keen to share the ring with Devin. We’ve shared it in the gym, but this is a fight that’s for all the cookies. The winner of this fight will be the king of the welterweight division. I believe these are the two best fighters here.
“Haney is good. I’ll give Devin his cookies. He’s where he is for a reason. He’s a multiple-division world champion. You’ve got to give him respect. But sparring’s sparring. It’s four years since then. I’ve won two world titles. I’ve fought elite fighters since then. I’m ready to come in and shock the world again. I tend to rain on parades, so I’m ready to go.”
“I just believe we've got the tools to get it done if I follow the game plan. I'm familiar with him, but four years is a long time {since we sparred}. And if the opportunity's there {to stop him}, I'm going to try to close the show. We don't get paid overtime in this game, so if the opportunity's there, I'll close the show. You saw me do it last time here at Chase Center. We'll just have to wait and see. That's it.”
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Promoted by Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions, in association with No Limit Boxing and TGB Promotions, tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 13th, at noon PT via Ticketmaster.com. Additional undercard information will be announced shortly.
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Haney: "I'm levels above Paro"
Bay Area native and WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney is ready to bring another championship night to his native home. Haney will face IBF king Liam Paro in a world title unification showdown Saturday, Dec. 19th at Chase Center in San Francisco. The two met face-to-face for the first time Tuesday in San Francisco at the official kickoff press conference. Haney (33-0, 15 KOs), a three-division world champion, returns to the building where he dominated Regis Prograis in December 2023 to capture a title in his second weight class. Paro (28-1, 16 KOs), a two-division champion, also fought on that card, stopping Montana Love. In the ten-round welterweight co-feature, former champion Brian Norman Jr. (29-1, 23 KOs) takes on Abel Ramos (29-6-3, 22 KOs). Haney-Paro, Norman-Ramos and two additional fights will be streamed LIVE on DAZN PPV beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This is what Haney and Paro had to say at Tuesday’s kickoff press conference:
Devin Haney
"It feels good to be back. I'm super excited. It's been a long layoff. We tried to make numerous fights happen, but Allah is the perfect planner. Liam Paro is the opponent, so I look forward to it."
"Like I said, I'm levels above him. I'm levels above those guys that he's been in the ring with, that he's beaten, that he's lost to. And I must show him on December 19 that Devin Haney is a special fighter. Like I told Brian Norman Jr., like I'm telling him, I am a special fighter, and I will show the world on December 19th."
"Liam Paro is somebody who I shared numerous rounds with in sparring. We know the things that Liam Paro has said, and I must make him pay for that. We know that he has said things about Richardson Hitchins and Ryan Garcia, and I must show him that I'm a different animal. Under those lights, I'm a different fighter, and I must show him that it's levels."
Liam Paro
“I’m used to being the underdog, and there’s less pressure on me, but this is as big as it gets. I know the challenge ahead of us, and I’m keen to share the ring with Devin. We’ve shared it in the gym, but this is a fight that’s for all the cookies. The winner of this fight will be the king of the welterweight division. I believe these are the two best fighters here.
“Haney is good. I’ll give Devin his cookies. He’s where he is for a reason. He’s a multiple-division world champion. You’ve got to give him respect. But sparring’s sparring. It’s four years since then. I’ve won two world titles. I’ve fought elite fighters since then. I’m ready to come in and shock the world again. I tend to rain on parades, so I’m ready to go.”
“I just believe we've got the tools to get it done if I follow the game plan. I'm familiar with him, but four years is a long time {since we sparred}. And if the opportunity's there {to stop him}, I'm going to try to close the show. We don't get paid overtime in this game, so if the opportunity's there, I'll close the show. You saw me do it last time here at Chase Center. We'll just have to wait and see. That's it.”
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Promoted by Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions, in association with No Limit Boxing and TGB Promotions, tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 13th, at noon PT via Ticketmaster.com. Additional undercard information will be announced shortly.
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AWE network to air South African fight |
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A Wealth of Entertainment network (Awe), announced that on Saturday, November 21st it will broadcast live the IBO bantamweight title from Kempton Park, South Africa featuring Charlton Malajika (9-1-1) versus Landile Ngxeke (17-2-1). The vacant IBO title fight starts at noon Eastern time. Malajika is coming off a draw decision against Bundefeatred David Mwale of Zambia. Mwale was lucky to walk away from the bout still undefeated. Ngxeke turned pro in June 2018 and holds a solid 17-2-1 record. Yet Ngxeke came up short against IBF champion Jose Salas Reyes in December 2025. Ngxeke did earn a win over Jonas Matheus in a March 2026 comeback bout, but Matheus isn’t a world-class boxer, sporting a 16-9-1 record. "We’re thrilled to bring another world title fight featuring two talented boxers to AWE viewers," stated Charles Herring, president of AWE. “These two rising world-class fighters haven’t been in the same ring before and it’s time to determine who is the world champ. Both boxers have much to prove. We expect an all-out brawl for the vacant IBO bantamweight title.”
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AWE network to air South African fight
A Wealth of Entertainment network (Awe), announced that on Saturday, November 21st it will broadcast live the IBO bantamweight title from Kempton Park, South Africa featuring Charlton Malajika (9-1-1) versus Landile Ngxeke (17-2-1). The vacant IBO title fight starts at noon Eastern time. Malajika is coming off a draw decision against Bundefeatred David Mwale of Zambia. Mwale was lucky to walk away from the bout still undefeated. Ngxeke turned pro in June 2018 and holds a solid 17-2-1 record. Yet Ngxeke came up short against IBF champion Jose Salas Reyes in December 2025. Ngxeke did earn a win over Jonas Matheus in a March 2026 comeback bout, but Matheus isn’t a world-class boxer, sporting a 16-9-1 record. "We’re thrilled to bring another world title fight featuring two talented boxers to AWE viewers," stated Charles Herring, president of AWE. “These two rising world-class fighters haven’t been in the same ring before and it’s time to determine who is the world champ. Both boxers have much to prove. We expect an all-out brawl for the vacant IBO bantamweight title.”
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All-women's show set for Nov. 20th in Houston |
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BiYu Promotions, led by CEO Bobby Harrison, announced an all-women's professional boxing event scheduled for Friday, November 20th at BiYu Arena in Houston that will stream live worldwide on CombatVisionTV. Headlining will be local hero Jewry Rodriguez (1-0), who will face Chantal Sumrall (3-4-2) in a scheduled six-round bantamweight matchup... Among the featured fighters will be former champion Yuliahn Luna Avila (29-5-1, 5 KOs) from Durango, Mexico, who is scheduled to compete in an eight-round super bantamweight contest against Thalia Joseline Limon (6-2, 4 KOs), from Eagle Pass, Texas. Luna has won two straight since a 2025 loss to Skye Nicolson... In the co-feature, Hawaiian super bantamweight Azariah Cottrell (1-0, 1 KO) will compete in a six-round bout against Erika Abarca (3-10) from Michoacan, Mexico. For tickets please visist www.biyupromotions.com
Another match-up will feature Southern California's junior welterweight Stephanie Simon (6-0, 1 KO) putting her undefeated record on the line against Susana Bolanos Lopez (3-1) from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in a scheduled six-round contest...
The undercard will also feature Issabel Vasquez (2-0) from Orlando, Florida who will compete in a four-round super flyweight bout against Yadira Alonso (2-1, 2 KOs), from Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico...
Hometown flyweight Jennifer Nicole Morales (3-3, 3 KOs) is booked for a four rounder against Karen Moreno (1-3, 1 KO), from Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico...
In junior lightweight action, Houston's Nathalia Dinis (1-2) will square off against Leanne Calderon (2-4-1, 1 KO) from Kyle, TX, in a scheduled four-round bout...
Lightweight Samantha Ginithan (1-0-1, 1 KO) will take on Brittney Cloudy, who will be making her professional debut..
Rounding out the announced lineup, Shanecqua Paisley Davis (3-2) will face professional debutant Nicole Porter in a four-round lightweight matchup.
The event will provide a platform for emerging talent to gain valuable experience, build their professional resumes, and showcase their abilities in front of boxing fans. Under the leadership of Bobby Harrison, BiYu Promotions continues to strengthen its presence in Houston by staging consistent events and creating meaningful opportunities for fighters at various stages of their careers. “BiYu Promotions is the home for the next generation of female boxing superstars,” said Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions. “With Apex Empress, we aren’t just putting on fights, we’re building the future of the sport. When you have elite talent like Stephanie Simon alongside hungry young, up and coming prodigies like Jewry Rodriguez and Azariah Cottrell on the same card, you’re looking at the future champions of women's boxing right here in our ring.”
“Apex Empress” reflects the promotion's commitment to helping female athletes pursue their goals while bringing exciting professional boxing to the Houston community. All bouts are scheduled for two-minute rounds. The fight card is subject to change. Additional information regarding remaining opponents and broadcast details will be announced as the event approaches. Fans can look forward to an exciting night of women's professional boxing when “Apex Empress” takes center stage at BiYu Arena in Houston, Texas, on Friday, November 20, 2026.
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All-women's show set for Nov. 20th in Houston
BiYu Promotions, led by CEO Bobby Harrison, announced an all-women's professional boxing event scheduled for Friday, November 20th at BiYu Arena in Houston that will stream live worldwide on CombatVisionTV. Headlining will be local hero Jewry Rodriguez (1-0), who will face Chantal Sumrall (3-4-2) in a scheduled six-round bantamweight matchup... Among the featured fighters will be former champion Yuliahn Luna Avila (29-5-1, 5 KOs) from Durango, Mexico, who is scheduled to compete in an eight-round super bantamweight contest against Thalia Joseline Limon (6-2, 4 KOs), from Eagle Pass, Texas. Luna has won two straight since a 2025 loss to Skye Nicolson... In the co-feature, Hawaiian super bantamweight Azariah Cottrell (1-0, 1 KO) will compete in a six-round bout against Erika Abarca (3-10) from Michoacan, Mexico. For tickets please visist www.biyupromotions.com
Another match-up will feature Southern California's junior welterweight Stephanie Simon (6-0, 1 KO) putting her undefeated record on the line against Susana Bolanos Lopez (3-1) from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in a scheduled six-round contest...
The undercard will also feature Issabel Vasquez (2-0) from Orlando, Florida who will compete in a four-round super flyweight bout against Yadira Alonso (2-1, 2 KOs), from Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico...
Hometown flyweight Jennifer Nicole Morales (3-3, 3 KOs) is booked for a four rounder against Karen Moreno (1-3, 1 KO), from Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico...
In junior lightweight action, Houston's Nathalia Dinis (1-2) will square off against Leanne Calderon (2-4-1, 1 KO) from Kyle, TX, in a scheduled four-round bout...
Lightweight Samantha Ginithan (1-0-1, 1 KO) will take on Brittney Cloudy, who will be making her professional debut..
Rounding out the announced lineup, Shanecqua Paisley Davis (3-2) will face professional debutant Nicole Porter in a four-round lightweight matchup.
The event will provide a platform for emerging talent to gain valuable experience, build their professional resumes, and showcase their abilities in front of boxing fans. Under the leadership of Bobby Harrison, BiYu Promotions continues to strengthen its presence in Houston by staging consistent events and creating meaningful opportunities for fighters at various stages of their careers. “BiYu Promotions is the home for the next generation of female boxing superstars,” said Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions. “With Apex Empress, we aren’t just putting on fights, we’re building the future of the sport. When you have elite talent like Stephanie Simon alongside hungry young, up and coming prodigies like Jewry Rodriguez and Azariah Cottrell on the same card, you’re looking at the future champions of women's boxing right here in our ring.”
“Apex Empress” reflects the promotion's commitment to helping female athletes pursue their goals while bringing exciting professional boxing to the Houston community. All bouts are scheduled for two-minute rounds. The fight card is subject to change. Additional information regarding remaining opponents and broadcast details will be announced as the event approaches. Fans can look forward to an exciting night of women's professional boxing when “Apex Empress” takes center stage at BiYu Arena in Houston, Texas, on Friday, November 20, 2026.
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Kabayel undercard reveal |
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London cruiserweight Aloys Jr will return to the ring in Dusseldorf on Saturday, November 26th on the undercard of Agit Kabayel defending his WBC heavyweight title against Nelson Hysa, live on DAZN. ‘The Animal’ will get the chance to showcase his talents at the 66,000 capacity Merkur Spiel Arena, home of Fortuna Dusseldorf, which has a fully retractable roof and is one of the most advanced stadiums in Europe. The 23-year old will go up against a gatekeeper, Germany's Artur Mann, who resides in Hannover and will enjoy the local support. Aloys Jr (12-1, 9 KOs) was supposed to have taken on Mike Perez in a step-up test last time out at the end of August, but the Cuban-Irishman withdrew due to injury and Aloys remained on the card against Sherif Musah, who he defeated over six rounds. Mann (23-6, 14KOs) was stopped by the undefeated heavyweight Artem Suslenkov last time out in April and also campaigned at cruiserweight in 2025, but could not overcome ex-light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
The heavyweight theme of the card is maintained by Germany’s Kevin Saszik (11-0, 5KOs) facing his compatriot Patrick Korte (24-6-1, 20KOs) over eight rounds. There is also a six-round attraction between German pair Daniel Baer (15-2-1, 14KOs) and Arman Khudoyan (9-0, 3KOs). Munich heavyweight Granit Shala (18-2, 7KOs) will also feature in ten-round action.
Australian Olympian Charlie Senior (5-0, 2KOs) will take on James Chereji (22-3, 10KOs) over six rounds at junior lightweight, the same weight where Queensberry’s Swiss recruit Arbnor Jashari (10-0, 3KOs) will fight over eight rounds on the card, following on from his winning London debut in August over Numan Hussain.
In middleweight action, German Serkay Comart (10-0, 8KOs) is matched with Willi Knorpp (9-0, 6KOs), also hailing from Germany. Serbia’s Gleb Bakshi (7-0, 5KOs) goes up against Germany’s Serhat Parlak (8-1, 3KOs). Both fights are over the ten-round distance.
At super middleweight, there is another all-German match-up between Simon Zachenhuber (29-2, 18KOs) and Kamer Maloku (22-4, 18KOs) over ten rounds. Zachenhuber was defeated by Hamzah Sheeraz in a world title challenge back in July.
Fighting over six rounds are Germany's Ayman Oudriss (5-0, 3KOs) and Antonio Fechner (8-3, 2KOs). In four-round action lightweight is Ozan Karadogan (4-0, 1KO) against Max Schultz (5-0, 1KO) from Billericay, along with Illias Beniamlih (4-0, 3KOs) fighting at light heavyweight.
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Kabayel undercard reveal
London cruiserweight Aloys Jr will return to the ring in Dusseldorf on Saturday, November 26th on the undercard of Agit Kabayel defending his WBC heavyweight title against Nelson Hysa, live on DAZN. ‘The Animal’ will get the chance to showcase his talents at the 66,000 capacity Merkur Spiel Arena, home of Fortuna Dusseldorf, which has a fully retractable roof and is one of the most advanced stadiums in Europe. The 23-year old will go up against a gatekeeper, Germany's Artur Mann, who resides in Hannover and will enjoy the local support. Aloys Jr (12-1, 9 KOs) was supposed to have taken on Mike Perez in a step-up test last time out at the end of August, but the Cuban-Irishman withdrew due to injury and Aloys remained on the card against Sherif Musah, who he defeated over six rounds. Mann (23-6, 14KOs) was stopped by the undefeated heavyweight Artem Suslenkov last time out in April and also campaigned at cruiserweight in 2025, but could not overcome ex-light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
The heavyweight theme of the card is maintained by Germany’s Kevin Saszik (11-0, 5KOs) facing his compatriot Patrick Korte (24-6-1, 20KOs) over eight rounds. There is also a six-round attraction between German pair Daniel Baer (15-2-1, 14KOs) and Arman Khudoyan (9-0, 3KOs). Munich heavyweight Granit Shala (18-2, 7KOs) will also feature in ten-round action.
Australian Olympian Charlie Senior (5-0, 2KOs) will take on James Chereji (22-3, 10KOs) over six rounds at junior lightweight, the same weight where Queensberry’s Swiss recruit Arbnor Jashari (10-0, 3KOs) will fight over eight rounds on the card, following on from his winning London debut in August over Numan Hussain.
In middleweight action, German Serkay Comart (10-0, 8KOs) is matched with Willi Knorpp (9-0, 6KOs), also hailing from Germany. Serbia’s Gleb Bakshi (7-0, 5KOs) goes up against Germany’s Serhat Parlak (8-1, 3KOs). Both fights are over the ten-round distance.
At super middleweight, there is another all-German match-up between Simon Zachenhuber (29-2, 18KOs) and Kamer Maloku (22-4, 18KOs) over ten rounds. Zachenhuber was defeated by Hamzah Sheeraz in a world title challenge back in July.
Fighting over six rounds are Germany's Ayman Oudriss (5-0, 3KOs) and Antonio Fechner (8-3, 2KOs). In four-round action lightweight is Ozan Karadogan (4-0, 1KO) against Max Schultz (5-0, 1KO) from Billericay, along with Illias Beniamlih (4-0, 3KOs) fighting at light heavyweight.
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Benavidez: "Me being undisputed is inevitable" |
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WBA / WBO cruiserweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez showed off his skills in his hometown of Phoenix on Saturday at an open to the public media workout before he faces WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak in a unification clash on Saturday, December 5th headlining a PBC pay-per-view event available on DAZN through Prime Video from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. One of boxing’s pound-for-pound best and most exciting champions, Benavidez’s Arizona homecoming event will see the 29-year-old look to capture a third cruiserweight world championship against the bruising WBC champion Cieslak. The showdown will mark Benavidez’s first fight back in Arizona since a 2022 destruction of David Lemieux. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and available through Ticketmaster.com.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) made his cruiserweight debut in style this past Cinco de Mayo Weekend, dominating then champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on his way to a sixth-round stoppage. The victory followed up a 2025 campaign that saw him best rival and then-unbeaten David Morrell Jr. by unanimous decision to add the WBA light heavyweight championship to the WBC title he’d earned in 2024 against former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk Here is what Benavidez had to say at the media workout that took place at the Gila River Resorts and Casino at Vee Quiva on Saturday:
“The is ‘Monstro’s’ world. I have arrived, and I’m not going anywhere. Greatness isn’t given, it’s taken. And I’m gonna take my greatness.
“I’m really grateful for the people of Arizona. Having a Phoenix-native getting into the ring here in a three-belt unification is historic. I’m happy to be representing Phoenix just like I always do no matter where I am.
“My mindset and my focus is the same for every fight. I’m attacking every training camp with ferocity and viciousness. Because that’s what I want to show in the fight. I want to take these fighters apart and make a statement to everybody. I’m not playing with anyone.
“I got two belts in my first fight at cruiserweight and now I’m going for a third. Me being undisputed is inevitable. I’m going to make my way to the top of the pound-for-pound list very soon. I will be number one.
“The past three years, because I’ve been facing top opposition, I’ve been able to sharpen up my style and my skills. I’m working a lot on combinations, defense and body shots, but particularly the jab. The jab opens doors, but it closes doors as well.
“I’m always the kind of fighter who has plans A, B and C. So if he wants to complicate things in the first couple of rounds, then I have plans to stop whatever it is that he’s doing well.
“The biggest challenge with Cieslak is that he’s coming into this fight defending his title for the first time. Every fighter has that motivation after winning the title that you really don’t wanna let it go. He’s gonna come in strong, but I don’t run away from any competition.
“This workout is a way for me to give back to the community and show love to the people here. It’s something fun that we don’t do every day. I’m thrilled we were able to make this happen for the people.”
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Benavidez: "Me being undisputed is inevitable"
WBA / WBO cruiserweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez showed off his skills in his hometown of Phoenix on Saturday at an open to the public media workout before he faces WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak in a unification clash on Saturday, December 5th headlining a PBC pay-per-view event available on DAZN through Prime Video from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. One of boxing’s pound-for-pound best and most exciting champions, Benavidez’s Arizona homecoming event will see the 29-year-old look to capture a third cruiserweight world championship against the bruising WBC champion Cieslak. The showdown will mark Benavidez’s first fight back in Arizona since a 2022 destruction of David Lemieux. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and available through Ticketmaster.com.
Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) made his cruiserweight debut in style this past Cinco de Mayo Weekend, dominating then champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on his way to a sixth-round stoppage. The victory followed up a 2025 campaign that saw him best rival and then-unbeaten David Morrell Jr. by unanimous decision to add the WBA light heavyweight championship to the WBC title he’d earned in 2024 against former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk Here is what Benavidez had to say at the media workout that took place at the Gila River Resorts and Casino at Vee Quiva on Saturday:
“The is ‘Monstro’s’ world. I have arrived, and I’m not going anywhere. Greatness isn’t given, it’s taken. And I’m gonna take my greatness.
“I’m really grateful for the people of Arizona. Having a Phoenix-native getting into the ring here in a three-belt unification is historic. I’m happy to be representing Phoenix just like I always do no matter where I am.
“My mindset and my focus is the same for every fight. I’m attacking every training camp with ferocity and viciousness. Because that’s what I want to show in the fight. I want to take these fighters apart and make a statement to everybody. I’m not playing with anyone.
“I got two belts in my first fight at cruiserweight and now I’m going for a third. Me being undisputed is inevitable. I’m going to make my way to the top of the pound-for-pound list very soon. I will be number one.
“The past three years, because I’ve been facing top opposition, I’ve been able to sharpen up my style and my skills. I’m working a lot on combinations, defense and body shots, but particularly the jab. The jab opens doors, but it closes doors as well.
“I’m always the kind of fighter who has plans A, B and C. So if he wants to complicate things in the first couple of rounds, then I have plans to stop whatever it is that he’s doing well.
“The biggest challenge with Cieslak is that he’s coming into this fight defending his title for the first time. Every fighter has that motivation after winning the title that you really don’t wanna let it go. He’s gonna come in strong, but I don’t run away from any competition.
“This workout is a way for me to give back to the community and show love to the people here. It’s something fun that we don’t do every day. I’m thrilled we were able to make this happen for the people.”
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Lerena snaps two-fight losing streak |
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Kevin Lerena W10 Scott Forrest ... South Africa’s Kevin Lerena got back in the win column with a unanimous decision victory over Scotland’s Scott Forrest on Saturday, November 7th at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. After ten rounds, the judges returned scores of 97-92 (twice) and 98-91, all in favor of the former bridgerweight champion. Now 32-4, Lerena was coming off back-to-back losses to Lawrence Okolie and Ryad Merhy. Lerena used his considerable experience and southpaw stance to create openings against an opponent who remained competitive and withstood his best attacks. In the ninth round, the South African dropped Forrest with a right hook, but the Scotsman rose to his feet and made it to the final bell. The bout headlined “Knockout Chaos 3: The Return” and marked a successful return to cruiserweight for Lerena following campaigns at heavyweight and bridgerweight. His prior campaign at 200 pounds included the IBO crierweight title.
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Lerena snaps two-fight losing streak
Kevin Lerena W10 Scott Forrest ... South Africa’s Kevin Lerena got back in the win column with a unanimous decision victory over Scotland’s Scott Forrest on Saturday, November 7th at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. After ten rounds, the judges returned scores of 97-92 (twice) and 98-91, all in favor of the former bridgerweight champion. Now 32-4, Lerena was coming off back-to-back losses to Lawrence Okolie and Ryad Merhy. Lerena used his considerable experience and southpaw stance to create openings against an opponent who remained competitive and withstood his best attacks. In the ninth round, the South African dropped Forrest with a right hook, but the Scotsman rose to his feet and made it to the final bell. The bout headlined “Knockout Chaos 3: The Return” and marked a successful return to cruiserweight for Lerena following campaigns at heavyweight and bridgerweight. His prior campaign at 200 pounds included the IBO crierweight title.
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Welcome to Riley vs. Coupe fight week |
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Viddal Riley is set to make the first defense of his European cruiserweight title on Saturday night, live on DAZN. He will be facing undefeated Frenchman Seydi Coupe, and the fight is set to be held at the OVO Arena in London. Both men have records of 14-0 but Riley is the heavy favorite to retain his title with odds according to DAZN favoring the champ at 1/12. Coupe, priced at 11/2 to produce an upset, has ended three of his last five fights within the scheduled distance. DAZN's coverage will begin at 2pm ET / 11am PT / 7pm GMT. Here are the featured bouts for Saturday's show:
Viddal Riley vs. Seydi Coupe for Riley's European cruiserweight title;
Zelfa Barrett vs. Gavin Gwynne, lightweights;
Yaser Al Ghena vs. Ben Marksby, junior welterweights;
Dan Toward vs. Jak Corrie, junior middleweights; and
Tom Welland vs. Jack Dillingham, featherweights.
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Welcome to Riley vs. Coupe fight week
Viddal Riley is set to make the first defense of his European cruiserweight title on Saturday night, live on DAZN. He will be facing undefeated Frenchman Seydi Coupe, and the fight is set to be held at the OVO Arena in London. Both men have records of 14-0 but Riley is the heavy favorite to retain his title with odds according to DAZN favoring the champ at 1/12. Coupe, priced at 11/2 to produce an upset, has ended three of his last five fights within the scheduled distance. DAZN's coverage will begin at 2pm ET / 11am PT / 7pm GMT. Here are the featured bouts for Saturday's show:
Viddal Riley vs. Seydi Coupe for Riley's European cruiserweight title;
Zelfa Barrett vs. Gavin Gwynne, lightweights;
Yaser Al Ghena vs. Ben Marksby, junior welterweights;
Dan Toward vs. Jak Corrie, junior middleweights; and
Tom Welland vs. Jack Dillingham, featherweights.
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Pitufo Diaz to face Alan Chaves at IBF / WBO convention |
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Lightweight Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz will face Alan Chaves at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Thursday December 10th, live worldwide on DAZN as part of Matchroom's Project Series. The event will coincide with the first WBO / IBF unified convention taking place at Caribe Royale that week. It’s a critical clash for three-time title challenger Diaz (30-6, 19 KOs), who needs a victory to prove that he still belongs at the sport's top level. As for Chaves (22-1, 19 KOs), he's looking to get back to winning ways after defeat in his last outing in New Jersey in September. In the ten-round co-feature, Angel Barrientes (15-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas will square off against Nicaragua's Alex Vallecillo (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
Back to the main event, Diaz said, “every fight is an opportunity to prove that I still belong among the best in the world, and this fight with Alan Chaves means I must perform at my absolute best,” said Diaz. “I've been through the highs and lows of this sport, and every experience has made me stronger, wiser, and hungrier than ever. I know Chaves is a dangerous fighter with a lot of power, but I've faced adversity before, and I've never backed down from a challenge. I fight for my family, my people, and everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey. On December 10, it's another chance to show the world that my story is far from over, and I'm ready to give the fans a performance they'll never forget.”
“He’s experienced, he’s dangerous, and that’s exactly the challenge I need right now,” said Chaves. “My last fight taught me a lot. Now it’s on me to show how much I’ve grown, and what I’m made of.”
As for the co-feature, Barrientes said, “the time is now for me to show the world all the hard work I’ve been putting in to get ready for this fight. My hunger to win these belts will not be denied. A victory against Vallecillo will get me closer to a world tile shot, and that is my ultimate goal.”
Valecillo replied, “I have the power and the will to win this fight. Barrientes is in trouble and he knows it. I’m bringing these belts back home to Nicaragua.”
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Florida fight fans will also see undefeated Roberto Gomez (9-0, 3 KOs) of Dade City take on Jeremy Adorno (11-1, 6 KOs) of Kissimmee in a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight contest. With both fighters representing Central Florida, the matchup adds an exciting local rivalry to the event.
Junior middleweight Quincey Williams (7-0, 6 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will compete in an eight-round bout against Purto Rico's Eric Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs).
Orlando's Brandon Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) will look to build on his successful professional debut in a four-round super bantamweight bout against Martel Washpun (4-0, 1 KO), from Baytown, Texas.
Cuban middleweight Pedro Veitia (8-0-1, 8 KOs) will also be featured in a scheduled six-round bout against Willie Jones (10-3, 7 KOs), from North Carolina.
Welterweight Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KOs) of Norfolk, Virginia, is also scheduled to compete in a ten-round contest, while his younger brother, junior middleweight Keon Davis (5-0, 3 KOs), will see action in a scheduled six-round bout, as will Orlando lightweight Julio Solis (11-0, 8 KOs), with all three fighters to have opponents announced soon.
“The IBF’s commitment to the sport extends beyond recognizing champions. It also means recognizing the promise of developing fighters and supporting opportunities for them to grow. Working alongside the WBO, we want this series to give emerging talent a platform to be seen, tested, and recognized as they pursue their ambitions. Championship titles represent dedication and achievement at every stage of a boxer’s career. By investing in prospects and strengthening the opportunities available through regional championships, we are helping develop the fighters, and the sport, of tomorrow.” - Daryl Peoples, International Boxing Federation, Inc. (IBF)
“I am delighted that the latest Project Series event is a big part of the first unified convention between the WBO and IBF and is another great night of boxing on what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “The first editions of the Project Series have been fantastic and done exactly what they were meant to do; showcase young talents and provide real excitement - and this show on December 10 at Caribe Royale will deliver that once again, with a make-or-break main event with the careers of Pitufo and Alan on the line, plus a host of young rising stars in 50-50 showdowns.”
“On behalf of Caribe Royale Resort and Boxlab Promotions, I’m proud to welcome the WBO and IBF to Orlando for their historic first-ever unified convention. We’re excited to host guests from around the world and help make this event a tremendous success. We’re also looking forward to our Prospect Series - Special Edition on December 10, featuring established fighters, rising stars and multiple WBO and IBF title bouts in both men’s and women’s boxing. We thank both organizations for their support and look forward to delivering an unforgettable night of boxing for fans and visitors alike. Don’t miss this stacked card! - Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions
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Pitufo Diaz to face Alan Chaves at IBF / WBO convention
Lightweight Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz will face Alan Chaves at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Thursday December 10th, live worldwide on DAZN as part of Matchroom's Project Series. The event will coincide with the first WBO / IBF unified convention taking place at Caribe Royale that week. It’s a critical clash for three-time title challenger Diaz (30-6, 19 KOs), who needs a victory to prove that he still belongs at the sport's top level. As for Chaves (22-1, 19 KOs), he's looking to get back to winning ways after defeat in his last outing in New Jersey in September. In the ten-round co-feature, Angel Barrientes (15-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas will square off against Nicaragua's Alex Vallecillo (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
Back to the main event, Diaz said, “every fight is an opportunity to prove that I still belong among the best in the world, and this fight with Alan Chaves means I must perform at my absolute best,” said Diaz. “I've been through the highs and lows of this sport, and every experience has made me stronger, wiser, and hungrier than ever. I know Chaves is a dangerous fighter with a lot of power, but I've faced adversity before, and I've never backed down from a challenge. I fight for my family, my people, and everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey. On December 10, it's another chance to show the world that my story is far from over, and I'm ready to give the fans a performance they'll never forget.”
“He’s experienced, he’s dangerous, and that’s exactly the challenge I need right now,” said Chaves. “My last fight taught me a lot. Now it’s on me to show how much I’ve grown, and what I’m made of.”
As for the co-feature, Barrientes said, “the time is now for me to show the world all the hard work I’ve been putting in to get ready for this fight. My hunger to win these belts will not be denied. A victory against Vallecillo will get me closer to a world tile shot, and that is my ultimate goal.”
Valecillo replied, “I have the power and the will to win this fight. Barrientes is in trouble and he knows it. I’m bringing these belts back home to Nicaragua.”
ADDITIONAL BOUTS
Florida fight fans will also see undefeated Roberto Gomez (9-0, 3 KOs) of Dade City take on Jeremy Adorno (11-1, 6 KOs) of Kissimmee in a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight contest. With both fighters representing Central Florida, the matchup adds an exciting local rivalry to the event.
Junior middleweight Quincey Williams (7-0, 6 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will compete in an eight-round bout against Purto Rico's Eric Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs).
Orlando's Brandon Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) will look to build on his successful professional debut in a four-round super bantamweight bout against Martel Washpun (4-0, 1 KO), from Baytown, Texas.
Cuban middleweight Pedro Veitia (8-0-1, 8 KOs) will also be featured in a scheduled six-round bout against Willie Jones (10-3, 7 KOs), from North Carolina.
Welterweight Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KOs) of Norfolk, Virginia, is also scheduled to compete in a ten-round contest, while his younger brother, junior middleweight Keon Davis (5-0, 3 KOs), will see action in a scheduled six-round bout, as will Orlando lightweight Julio Solis (11-0, 8 KOs), with all three fighters to have opponents announced soon.
“The IBF’s commitment to the sport extends beyond recognizing champions. It also means recognizing the promise of developing fighters and supporting opportunities for them to grow. Working alongside the WBO, we want this series to give emerging talent a platform to be seen, tested, and recognized as they pursue their ambitions. Championship titles represent dedication and achievement at every stage of a boxer’s career. By investing in prospects and strengthening the opportunities available through regional championships, we are helping develop the fighters, and the sport, of tomorrow.” - Daryl Peoples, International Boxing Federation, Inc. (IBF)
“I am delighted that the latest Project Series event is a big part of the first unified convention between the WBO and IBF and is another great night of boxing on what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “The first editions of the Project Series have been fantastic and done exactly what they were meant to do; showcase young talents and provide real excitement - and this show on December 10 at Caribe Royale will deliver that once again, with a make-or-break main event with the careers of Pitufo and Alan on the line, plus a host of young rising stars in 50-50 showdowns.”
“On behalf of Caribe Royale Resort and Boxlab Promotions, I’m proud to welcome the WBO and IBF to Orlando for their historic first-ever unified convention. We’re excited to host guests from around the world and help make this event a tremendous success. We’re also looking forward to our Prospect Series - Special Edition on December 10, featuring established fighters, rising stars and multiple WBO and IBF title bouts in both men’s and women’s boxing. We thank both organizations for their support and look forward to delivering an unforgettable night of boxing for fans and visitors alike. Don’t miss this stacked card! - Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions
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Abraham Perez continues his flyweight ascent |
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Abraham Pérez W12 Yankiel Rivera... Fighting in front of his hometown fans in Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexic, Abraham “Super” Pérez successfully defended his WBA interim flyweight title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rican challenger Yankiel “El Doctor” Rivera. The interim champion’s dominance throughout the twelve-round contest was reflected emphatically on the official scorecards, with the judges turning in scores of 120-107 and 118-109 (twice) in favor of Pérez. The WBA flyweight champion is Sergio Mendoza, who recently defeated Ricardo Sandoval for both the WBA and WBC 112-pound titles. Now 16-0, Pérez established control from the opening bell with sharp footwork and a consistent jab, preventing Rivera from settling into a rhythm and putting together his power combinations. Rivera (8-2-1) tried to apply pressure on the inside and cut off the ring, but repeatedly ran into Pérez’s quick counterpunching, as the champion punished his advances with body hooks and uppercuts whenever Rivera attempted to force exchanges. As the fight progressed, the physical toll began to slow Rivera’s attacks, while Pérez remained composed and fresh, controlling the challenger’s entries, finishing rounds with a higher punch output, and confidently taking command of the championship rounds.
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Abraham Perez continues his flyweight ascent
Abraham Pérez W12 Yankiel Rivera... Fighting in front of his hometown fans in Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexic, Abraham “Super” Pérez successfully defended his WBA interim flyweight title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rican challenger Yankiel “El Doctor” Rivera. The interim champion’s dominance throughout the twelve-round contest was reflected emphatically on the official scorecards, with the judges turning in scores of 120-107 and 118-109 (twice) in favor of Pérez. The WBA flyweight champion is Sergio Mendoza, who recently defeated Ricardo Sandoval for both the WBA and WBC 112-pound titles. Now 16-0, Pérez established control from the opening bell with sharp footwork and a consistent jab, preventing Rivera from settling into a rhythm and putting together his power combinations. Rivera (8-2-1) tried to apply pressure on the inside and cut off the ring, but repeatedly ran into Pérez’s quick counterpunching, as the champion punished his advances with body hooks and uppercuts whenever Rivera attempted to force exchanges. As the fight progressed, the physical toll began to slow Rivera’s attacks, while Pérez remained composed and fresh, controlling the challenger’s entries, finishing rounds with a higher punch output, and confidently taking command of the championship rounds.
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MVP inks junior welterweight Albina Moldazhanova |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of big-punching Russian standout Albina “The Lion” Moldazhanova (6-0, 6 KOs), a decorated amateur champion and one of the most promising rising talents in women’s boxing. Moldazhanova’s signing follows her win over Kirstie Bavington (10-6-2) at MVPW-07 on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Competing at 140 pounds, the 25-year old stopped Bavington just 44 seconds into the fourth round, extending her perfect professional record to six wins, all by knockout. Hailing from Demyanka, a small settlement in Siberia, Moldazhanova developed her boxing skills far from the sport’s traditional international spotlight before moving to Tyumen and earning selection to Russia’s national boxing team. She compiled an accomplished amateur career, capturing Russian Youth, Russian national and European Youth championship titles, along with a silver medal at the European Championships. In 2025, she added a World Championships medal to her résumé before making the transition to the professional ranks.
Moldazhanova's relentless power was on full display on August 21st when she delivered a first-round body-shot knockout of previously undefeated Sheila Liesegang just 1:21 into the opening round. Her latest performance at MVPW-07 further demonstrated her potential to emerge as a major contender in the women’s super lightweight division at 140 lbs.
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, Founders of MVP, said: “Albina ‘The Lion’ Moldazhanova is a special talent with the kind of explosive power that can change a fight in an instant. She’s come a long way from a small town in Siberia to the international stage, and her journey is just getting started. Six fights, six knockouts speaks for itself, but what makes Albina especially exciting is the contrast between her infectious personality outside the ring and the relentless aggression she brings inside it. She’s charismatic, entertaining and knows how to put on a show. Her performances on our cards have already demonstrated why she’s a fighter fans should be paying attention to. We see tremendous upside in Albina and are excited to officially welcome her to MVP as we work toward establishing her as a major force in the 140-pound division.”
Albina Moldazhanova said: “I come from a small village in Siberia called Demyanka, and boxing has taken me further than I ever could have imagined. From moving to Tyumen to pursue my dreams, to representing my country on the international stage, every step of my journey has taught me that anything is possible with hard work, determination and belief in yourself. Now, with six professional fights and six knockouts, I’m ready for the next chapter of my career. Signing with MVP is an incredible opportunity to showcase my skills on the biggest stages in boxing, continue my knockout streak and show the world the strength of the Siberian spirit. I want to become undisputed world champion and inspire others to believe that the impossible is possible. I’m grateful to MVP and SmartLab Boxing Promotions for believing in me and supporting my journey. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of.”
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MVP inks junior welterweight Albina Moldazhanova
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of big-punching Russian standout Albina “The Lion” Moldazhanova (6-0, 6 KOs), a decorated amateur champion and one of the most promising rising talents in women’s boxing. Moldazhanova’s signing follows her win over Kirstie Bavington (10-6-2) at MVPW-07 on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. Competing at 140 pounds, the 25-year old stopped Bavington just 44 seconds into the fourth round, extending her perfect professional record to six wins, all by knockout. Hailing from Demyanka, a small settlement in Siberia, Moldazhanova developed her boxing skills far from the sport’s traditional international spotlight before moving to Tyumen and earning selection to Russia’s national boxing team. She compiled an accomplished amateur career, capturing Russian Youth, Russian national and European Youth championship titles, along with a silver medal at the European Championships. In 2025, she added a World Championships medal to her résumé before making the transition to the professional ranks.
Moldazhanova's relentless power was on full display on August 21st when she delivered a first-round body-shot knockout of previously undefeated Sheila Liesegang just 1:21 into the opening round. Her latest performance at MVPW-07 further demonstrated her potential to emerge as a major contender in the women’s super lightweight division at 140 lbs.
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, Founders of MVP, said: “Albina ‘The Lion’ Moldazhanova is a special talent with the kind of explosive power that can change a fight in an instant. She’s come a long way from a small town in Siberia to the international stage, and her journey is just getting started. Six fights, six knockouts speaks for itself, but what makes Albina especially exciting is the contrast between her infectious personality outside the ring and the relentless aggression she brings inside it. She’s charismatic, entertaining and knows how to put on a show. Her performances on our cards have already demonstrated why she’s a fighter fans should be paying attention to. We see tremendous upside in Albina and are excited to officially welcome her to MVP as we work toward establishing her as a major force in the 140-pound division.”
Albina Moldazhanova said: “I come from a small village in Siberia called Demyanka, and boxing has taken me further than I ever could have imagined. From moving to Tyumen to pursue my dreams, to representing my country on the international stage, every step of my journey has taught me that anything is possible with hard work, determination and belief in yourself. Now, with six professional fights and six knockouts, I’m ready for the next chapter of my career. Signing with MVP is an incredible opportunity to showcase my skills on the biggest stages in boxing, continue my knockout streak and show the world the strength of the Siberian spirit. I want to become undisputed world champion and inspire others to believe that the impossible is possible. I’m grateful to MVP and SmartLab Boxing Promotions for believing in me and supporting my journey. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of.”
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BKFC results from Glasgow |
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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made its Scottish premiere with BKFC 96 on Saturday at the sold-out OVO Hydro in Glasgow. With combat sports legend/BKFC Partner Conor McGregor front and center, undefeated local light heavyweight (185 pounds) Sean “The Butcher” Weir took just 101 seconds to improve to 4-0 at the expense of Leigh “The Boom” Cohoon. Wishaw sent Cohoon to the canvas three times en route to the first-round TKO victory. Cohoon, who hails from Manchester, England, is now 4-2. “I want the 185-title and I want it right now,” Weir said to the uproarious approval of his hometown crowd in his post-fight interview.
At 175 pounds (which BKFC refers to as middleweight) Danny “The Bastard” Christie stopped former mixed martial arts (MMA) standout Stevie “Braveheart” Ray in the second round. Christie floored Ray twice before their fight was called to a halt with just one second left in the second stanza. Christie, who hails from Carlisle, England, is now 6-3. The Kirkcaldy, Scotland product Ray, an eleven-time UFC vet, was making his BKFC premiere. Christie was asked in his post-fight interview. “That’s up to Mr. Feldman and Mr. McGregor,” he replied. “I just want to go over and hug my kids. I’ve got five kids and I love all of you. I’m a grandad now. Let’s (expletive) go!”
Former World Wrestling Entertainment star Gzim Selmani climbed to 2-0 with a hard-fought decision against Reece “The Giant Slayer” Heer in heavyweight action. Selmani, known as “Rezar” during his professional wrestling days, recorded a pair of knockdowns in the fight, leading all three judges to score the contest 50-43 in his favor. The Blackpool, England fighter Heer was making his BKFC debut. “I’m on my way to the most prestigious championship in combat sports — the BKFC world heavyweight title,” Semani yelled in his post-fight interview. “This is just the start. I’ll take out all of you (expletives) one by one.”
Dundee, Scotland’s Scott “Boom Boom” Malone shined in his BKFC debut, overcoming a pair of knockdowns to edge out Kieron Sewell for the decision victory in the sudden-death overtime round of their back-and-forth bantamweight battle. All three judges agreed on the 10-9 verdict for the winner Malone, who logged one knockdown on the night. Sewell, who represents Carlisle, England, is now 1-2.
Glasgow’s Barry “The Pitbull” Boyle earned his first victory by knocking out Kaseem Saleem in the second round of their heavyweight clash. Boyle, now 1-1, floored Saleem twice before the fight was stopped 44 seconds into the second round. The Dumfries, Scotland product Saleem is now 1-3.
Northumberland, England fighter KJ Metcalfe cruised to 3-0 by stopping Doalty “Roadhouse” Torrance in the second round of their welterweight matchup. Metcalfe recorded a pair of knockdowns before the fight was stopped 74 seconds into the second round. Torrance, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, is now 1-1.
Middlesbrough, England’s Cory “El Chapo” Chapman needed just 40 seconds to surge to 3-0 with a one-punch knockout over Lewis “Dynamite” Dixon in the bantamweight division. Chapman, who hails from Carlisle, England, is now 1-1.
Wishaw, Scotland featherweight Dan “The Man” Morel climbed to 3-0 with a come-from-behind stoppage victory over Owen “Bam Bam” Webster. Morel picked himself up off the canvas and notched five knockdowns of his own en route to the TKO finish at 1:17 of the fourth round. Webster, who represents Rochdale, England, is now 0-2.
Edinburgh’s Lewis “The Leith Warrior” Knox climbed to 6-2 with a fourth-round TKO at the expense of Tommy “Chaos” Carus in the featherweight division. Knox logged three knockdowns before Carus’ corner called a stop to the fight at 1:27 of the penultimate round. Carus, who represents Liverpool, is now 0-2.
Ayrshire, Scotland’s Rhys “Crazy Horse” Pagan smashed his way to 2-0 by taking out Danny “The Destroyer” Moir in the opening round of their light-heavyweight matchup. Pagan previously fought for a World Boxing Organization European championship in his gloved boxing career. The Scarborough, England fighter Moir is now 8-3-1.
Carlisle, England’s Charlie “The Hitman” Thomson climbed to 5-1 in his bare knuckle fighting career with a fourth-round TKO over Ian “Jock” Mulroy in middleweight action. Thomson picked himself up off the canvas and floored Mulroy six times before the fight was stopped at 1:26 of Round 4. Mulroy, who hails from Inverness, Scotland, was making his BKFC debut.
BKFC 96 Results
Sean Weir def. Leigh Cohoon via TKO in Round 1 (1:41);
Danny Christie def. Stevie Ray via TKO in Round 2 (1:59) (performance of the night;
Gzim Selmani def. Reece Heer via unanimous decision (50-43 on three scorecards);
Scott Malone def. Kieron Sewell via unanimous decision after overtime round (Fight of the Night);
Barry Boyle def. Kaseem Saleem via KO in Round 2 (0:44);
KJ Metcalfe def. Doalty Torrance via TKO in Round 2 (1:14);
Cory Chapman def. Lewis Dixon via KO in Round 1 (0:40) (KO of the night);
Dan Morel def. Owen Webster via TKO in Round 4 (1:17);
Lewis Knox def. Tommy Carus via TKO in Round 4 (1:27);
Rhys Pagan def. Danny Moir via TKO in Round 1 (1:22); and
Charlie Thomson def. Ian Mulroy via TKO in Round 4 (1:26).
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BKFC results from Glasgow
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made its Scottish premiere with BKFC 96 on Saturday at the sold-out OVO Hydro in Glasgow. With combat sports legend/BKFC Partner Conor McGregor front and center, undefeated local light heavyweight (185 pounds) Sean “The Butcher” Weir took just 101 seconds to improve to 4-0 at the expense of Leigh “The Boom” Cohoon. Wishaw sent Cohoon to the canvas three times en route to the first-round TKO victory. Cohoon, who hails from Manchester, England, is now 4-2. “I want the 185-title and I want it right now,” Weir said to the uproarious approval of his hometown crowd in his post-fight interview.
At 175 pounds (which BKFC refers to as middleweight) Danny “The Bastard” Christie stopped former mixed martial arts (MMA) standout Stevie “Braveheart” Ray in the second round. Christie floored Ray twice before their fight was called to a halt with just one second left in the second stanza. Christie, who hails from Carlisle, England, is now 6-3. The Kirkcaldy, Scotland product Ray, an eleven-time UFC vet, was making his BKFC premiere. Christie was asked in his post-fight interview. “That’s up to Mr. Feldman and Mr. McGregor,” he replied. “I just want to go over and hug my kids. I’ve got five kids and I love all of you. I’m a grandad now. Let’s (expletive) go!”
Former World Wrestling Entertainment star Gzim Selmani climbed to 2-0 with a hard-fought decision against Reece “The Giant Slayer” Heer in heavyweight action. Selmani, known as “Rezar” during his professional wrestling days, recorded a pair of knockdowns in the fight, leading all three judges to score the contest 50-43 in his favor. The Blackpool, England fighter Heer was making his BKFC debut. “I’m on my way to the most prestigious championship in combat sports — the BKFC world heavyweight title,” Semani yelled in his post-fight interview. “This is just the start. I’ll take out all of you (expletives) one by one.”
Dundee, Scotland’s Scott “Boom Boom” Malone shined in his BKFC debut, overcoming a pair of knockdowns to edge out Kieron Sewell for the decision victory in the sudden-death overtime round of their back-and-forth bantamweight battle. All three judges agreed on the 10-9 verdict for the winner Malone, who logged one knockdown on the night. Sewell, who represents Carlisle, England, is now 1-2.
Glasgow’s Barry “The Pitbull” Boyle earned his first victory by knocking out Kaseem Saleem in the second round of their heavyweight clash. Boyle, now 1-1, floored Saleem twice before the fight was stopped 44 seconds into the second round. The Dumfries, Scotland product Saleem is now 1-3.
Northumberland, England fighter KJ Metcalfe cruised to 3-0 by stopping Doalty “Roadhouse” Torrance in the second round of their welterweight matchup. Metcalfe recorded a pair of knockdowns before the fight was stopped 74 seconds into the second round. Torrance, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, is now 1-1.
Middlesbrough, England’s Cory “El Chapo” Chapman needed just 40 seconds to surge to 3-0 with a one-punch knockout over Lewis “Dynamite” Dixon in the bantamweight division. Chapman, who hails from Carlisle, England, is now 1-1.
Wishaw, Scotland featherweight Dan “The Man” Morel climbed to 3-0 with a come-from-behind stoppage victory over Owen “Bam Bam” Webster. Morel picked himself up off the canvas and notched five knockdowns of his own en route to the TKO finish at 1:17 of the fourth round. Webster, who represents Rochdale, England, is now 0-2.
Edinburgh’s Lewis “The Leith Warrior” Knox climbed to 6-2 with a fourth-round TKO at the expense of Tommy “Chaos” Carus in the featherweight division. Knox logged three knockdowns before Carus’ corner called a stop to the fight at 1:27 of the penultimate round. Carus, who represents Liverpool, is now 0-2.
Ayrshire, Scotland’s Rhys “Crazy Horse” Pagan smashed his way to 2-0 by taking out Danny “The Destroyer” Moir in the opening round of their light-heavyweight matchup. Pagan previously fought for a World Boxing Organization European championship in his gloved boxing career. The Scarborough, England fighter Moir is now 8-3-1.
Carlisle, England’s Charlie “The Hitman” Thomson climbed to 5-1 in his bare knuckle fighting career with a fourth-round TKO over Ian “Jock” Mulroy in middleweight action. Thomson picked himself up off the canvas and floored Mulroy six times before the fight was stopped at 1:26 of Round 4. Mulroy, who hails from Inverness, Scotland, was making his BKFC debut.
BKFC 96 Results
Sean Weir def. Leigh Cohoon via TKO in Round 1 (1:41);
Danny Christie def. Stevie Ray via TKO in Round 2 (1:59) (performance of the night;
Gzim Selmani def. Reece Heer via unanimous decision (50-43 on three scorecards);
Scott Malone def. Kieron Sewell via unanimous decision after overtime round (Fight of the Night);
Barry Boyle def. Kaseem Saleem via KO in Round 2 (0:44);
KJ Metcalfe def. Doalty Torrance via TKO in Round 2 (1:14);
Cory Chapman def. Lewis Dixon via KO in Round 1 (0:40) (KO of the night);
Dan Morel def. Owen Webster via TKO in Round 4 (1:17);
Lewis Knox def. Tommy Carus via TKO in Round 4 (1:27);
Rhys Pagan def. Danny Moir via TKO in Round 1 (1:22); and
Charlie Thomson def. Ian Mulroy via TKO in Round 4 (1:26).
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Shields makes Cameron a seven-figure offer |
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World middleweight (and heavyweight) champion Claressa Shields and her promoter Dmitriy Salita made a large offer to world junior middleweight champion Chantelle Cameron and Cameron's promoter Most Valuable Promotions, but a deal was not reached, and it appears from tweets issued by MVP's Nakisa Bidarian that Cameron has moved on. Here is the chain of tweets showing how it fell apart, starting from latest to earliest: Salita: "A personal grudge and a demand for an apology are getting in the way of a life-changing opportunity and a seven-figure payday for your fighter, Chantelle Cameron, who has made it clear she wants the fight. Which should matter more? Is that fighter first, or is a personal agenda getting in the way of what’s best for the fighter and, ultimately, women’s boxing?" Bidarian [on video]: "They don't understand the bigger picture... they should be doing anything they can to get Chantelle to accept the fight. They put out that they offered her $1.1 million dollars, but the last time the #1 and #2 pound-for-pound fought, they walked away with over ten million dollars. But we're not making the offer because you haven't apologized or shown the respect to rest of the women in the sport boxing. So you make us the offer... Chantelle wants the fight." Salita: "By taking these negotiations public, you showed that you were looking for a way to say no, not a way to make this fight. If you genuinely wanted to make the fight, the negotiations would have stayed private and constructive. Since you chose to make them public, I’m putting the facts on the record: We offered $1.1 million, plus an escalating percentage of ticket sales from the first dollar. Claressa has consistently generated seven-figure gates, and that percentage would have added significant revenue to total compensation. MVP insisted on a $25,000 liquidated-damages payment each time Claressa made a statement they viewed as negative toward Jake Paul or MVP. We would not agree to terms that put a price on a fighter’s speech. We did agree to a standard, mutual non-disparagement clause. We agreed to neutral judges and industry-standard accommodations for a fight of this magnitude. There are always granular details to work through. In more than 30 years as a fighter and promoter, I’ve never seen a million-dollar fight defined by a per diem disagreement. As we say in boxing, there are a million ways to say no and one way to say yes. We are fighter-first and fan-first. We have a responsibility to the fighters, whose careers are finite, and to the fans to make the biggest fights possible. We have always wanted Claressa vs. Chantelle, and we remain ready to work with MVP to make it happen. Taking negotiations public does not move us closer to the ring. We’re ready to return to the table and get this fight done." Bidarian: "MVP has demonstrated we will make the biggest fights and put the wishes of our fighters first. We worked with Eddie Hearn even when he was suing Jake Paul. We worked with Misfits whose CEO is Jake Paul’s longest running feud. And we agreed for a guaranteed deal for Chantelle Cameron to fight Claressa Shields on the basis of no involvement from MVP, because it was a great opportunity for our fighter and exciting for the fans. Unfortunately, we are not dealing with professional people. That guaranteed pay for our fighter was then reneged on by them and reduced by 27%. Moreover, the offer was below market rates on per diems, security, etc. which was ridiculous given this is the #1 vs #2 fight. It felt like we were agreeing to a low-budget production, which is not how we present our athletes. Most importantly the offer was not more than our fighter has made in previous fights; it was consistent with her previous biggest fights. We gave them one last opportunity to go back to their original offer 5 days ago. They passed. We have moved on. Next time do not put an offer on the table and then change your mind. One day I hope Claressa gets the right advisors around her, apologizes for attacking our fighter in an event where she was our guest, and truly reaches her potential. She has achieved a lot but it can be so much more."
Salita: "We all want to make this fight, and I believe it’s our shared responsibility—to you, the fighters, and the fans—to get it done. You and Claressa are at the peak of your careers and ranked #1 and #2 pound for pound. We have no problem with the two of you getting on a call or sitting down together to make this fight happen."
Bidarian: "The ship has sailed. The train has left the station. The plane has left the gate."
Cameron: "The fight with Claressa is about legacy and taking on the biggest challenges. There have been some changes during negotiations that made this fight not move forward at this time, but my position is clear: I will fight Claressa. It’s a matter of when. Not if."
Shields: "You know the $$$ offer. Me and my team made sure we came with a bag, neutral judges, refs, even playing ground. If you want this fight let’s make it happen!"
Cameron: "Happily would step in and fight the best of the best, this is why I box, to challenge myself against a greatest. If the teams can make this happen, let’s rumble. What an honor to make history again."
Shields: "Claressa Shields (P4P #1) vs. Chantelle Cameron (P4P #2) is the fight to make! What is the hold up! 160 [pound] champion vs 154 champion! We have made a huge offer to the champ and [her promoter] Most Valuable Promotions! And she also accepts and wants the fight for 2027 first quarter."
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Shields makes Cameron a seven-figure offer
World middleweight (and heavyweight) champion Claressa Shields and her promoter Dmitriy Salita made a large offer to world junior middleweight champion Chantelle Cameron and Cameron's promoter Most Valuable Promotions, but a deal was not reached, and it appears from tweets issued by MVP's Nakisa Bidarian that Cameron has moved on. Here is the chain of tweets showing how it fell apart, starting from latest to earliest: Salita: "A personal grudge and a demand for an apology are getting in the way of a life-changing opportunity and a seven-figure payday for your fighter, Chantelle Cameron, who has made it clear she wants the fight. Which should matter more? Is that fighter first, or is a personal agenda getting in the way of what’s best for the fighter and, ultimately, women’s boxing?" Bidarian [on video]: "They don't understand the bigger picture... they should be doing anything they can to get Chantelle to accept the fight. They put out that they offered her $1.1 million dollars, but the last time the #1 and #2 pound-for-pound fought, they walked away with over ten million dollars. But we're not making the offer because you haven't apologized or shown the respect to rest of the women in the sport boxing. So you make us the offer... Chantelle wants the fight." Salita: "By taking these negotiations public, you showed that you were looking for a way to say no, not a way to make this fight. If you genuinely wanted to make the fight, the negotiations would have stayed private and constructive. Since you chose to make them public, I’m putting the facts on the record: We offered $1.1 million, plus an escalating percentage of ticket sales from the first dollar. Claressa has consistently generated seven-figure gates, and that percentage would have added significant revenue to total compensation. MVP insisted on a $25,000 liquidated-damages payment each time Claressa made a statement they viewed as negative toward Jake Paul or MVP. We would not agree to terms that put a price on a fighter’s speech. We did agree to a standard, mutual non-disparagement clause. We agreed to neutral judges and industry-standard accommodations for a fight of this magnitude. There are always granular details to work through. In more than 30 years as a fighter and promoter, I’ve never seen a million-dollar fight defined by a per diem disagreement. As we say in boxing, there are a million ways to say no and one way to say yes. We are fighter-first and fan-first. We have a responsibility to the fighters, whose careers are finite, and to the fans to make the biggest fights possible. We have always wanted Claressa vs. Chantelle, and we remain ready to work with MVP to make it happen. Taking negotiations public does not move us closer to the ring. We’re ready to return to the table and get this fight done." Bidarian: "MVP has demonstrated we will make the biggest fights and put the wishes of our fighters first. We worked with Eddie Hearn even when he was suing Jake Paul. We worked with Misfits whose CEO is Jake Paul’s longest running feud. And we agreed for a guaranteed deal for Chantelle Cameron to fight Claressa Shields on the basis of no involvement from MVP, because it was a great opportunity for our fighter and exciting for the fans. Unfortunately, we are not dealing with professional people. That guaranteed pay for our fighter was then reneged on by them and reduced by 27%. Moreover, the offer was below market rates on per diems, security, etc. which was ridiculous given this is the #1 vs #2 fight. It felt like we were agreeing to a low-budget production, which is not how we present our athletes. Most importantly the offer was not more than our fighter has made in previous fights; it was consistent with her previous biggest fights. We gave them one last opportunity to go back to their original offer 5 days ago. They passed. We have moved on. Next time do not put an offer on the table and then change your mind. One day I hope Claressa gets the right advisors around her, apologizes for attacking our fighter in an event where she was our guest, and truly reaches her potential. She has achieved a lot but it can be so much more."
Salita: "We all want to make this fight, and I believe it’s our shared responsibility—to you, the fighters, and the fans—to get it done. You and Claressa are at the peak of your careers and ranked #1 and #2 pound for pound. We have no problem with the two of you getting on a call or sitting down together to make this fight happen."
Bidarian: "The ship has sailed. The train has left the station. The plane has left the gate."
Cameron: "The fight with Claressa is about legacy and taking on the biggest challenges. There have been some changes during negotiations that made this fight not move forward at this time, but my position is clear: I will fight Claressa. It’s a matter of when. Not if."
Shields: "You know the $$$ offer. Me and my team made sure we came with a bag, neutral judges, refs, even playing ground. If you want this fight let’s make it happen!"
Cameron: "Happily would step in and fight the best of the best, this is why I box, to challenge myself against a greatest. If the teams can make this happen, let’s rumble. What an honor to make history again."
Shields: "Claressa Shields (P4P #1) vs. Chantelle Cameron (P4P #2) is the fight to make! What is the hold up! 160 [pound] champion vs 154 champion! We have made a huge offer to the champ and [her promoter] Most Valuable Promotions! And she also accepts and wants the fight for 2027 first quarter."
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Baumgarnder conquers Turhan for IBF lightweight title |
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Alycia Baumgardner W10 Elif Turhan ... Alycia Baumgardner is now a two-division champion. Fighting in Arlington, Texas in an ESPN-televised main event, Baumgardner shut out Elif Turhan to capture Turhan's IBF lightweight bout. All three scorecards read 100-90. Now 19-1, Baumgardner controlled the distance from the opening bell with her jab and straight punches. She had Turhan (14-1) hurt late in the third before the action was halted when the ten-second clapper was mistaken for the bell. Turhan had her best moments with hooks and uppercuts in the fifth and ninth, but Baumgardner kept beating her to the punch and swept all three cards. Baumgardner is the world champion at junior lightweight, still holding three of the four major belts in that division. The other two lightweight champions, Caroline Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs) and Stephanie Han (13-0, 3 KOs), will clash in a three-belt unification showdown on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027.
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Baumgarnder conquers Turhan for IBF lightweight title
Alycia Baumgardner W10 Elif Turhan ... Alycia Baumgardner is now a two-division champion. Fighting in Arlington, Texas in an ESPN-televised main event, Baumgardner shut out Elif Turhan to capture Turhan's IBF lightweight bout. All three scorecards read 100-90. Now 19-1, Baumgardner controlled the distance from the opening bell with her jab and straight punches. She had Turhan (14-1) hurt late in the third before the action was halted when the ten-second clapper was mistaken for the bell. Turhan had her best moments with hooks and uppercuts in the fifth and ninth, but Baumgardner kept beating her to the punch and swept all three cards. Baumgardner is the world champion at junior lightweight, still holding three of the four major belts in that division. The other two lightweight champions, Caroline Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs) and Stephanie Han (13-0, 3 KOs), will clash in a three-belt unification showdown on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027.
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Trump was joking about offering Dana White a job |
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UPDATE: On Sunday, President Donald Trump told repoprters, "I was only kidding" about offering the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC.
NOV. 7, 2026 In a Truth Social post, United States president Donald Trump offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC. Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States. I have requested that he bring with him assistants, even though some are not from our Country, of Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. We need these people [all MMA fighters] to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
At the Zuffa Boxing press conference in London, White acknowledged the offer, saying: "I'm flying to Washington D.C. right now. I'm going to meet with him, we have a meeting on Monday. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that."
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Trump was joking about offering Dana White a job
UPDATE: On Sunday, President Donald Trump told repoprters, "I was only kidding" about offering the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC.
NOV. 7, 2026 In a Truth Social post, United States president Donald Trump offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC. Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States. I have requested that he bring with him assistants, even though some are not from our Country, of Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. We need these people [all MMA fighters] to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
At the Zuffa Boxing press conference in London, White acknowledged the offer, saying: "I'm flying to Washington D.C. right now. I'm going to meet with him, we have a meeting on Monday. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that."
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Nicolson and Ali win 122-pound title fights |
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Skye Nicolson W10 Miyo Yoshida... Skye Nicolson (pictured) used her size and reach advantages against former two-division champion Miyo Yoshida en route to a wide unanimous decision win. Nicolson retained here WBC super bantamweight title via scores of 98-92, 100-90 and 99-91. Nicolson boxed from range and kept circling while Yoshida pressed forward looking for overhands. Yoshida had her moments in close, landing rights in the clinches of the sixth and eighth rounds, but Nicolson kept answering with straight rights and lefts. Nicolson saved her best for last, landing uppercuts and a three-punch combination in the tenth to keep the.
Ramla Ali W10 Mikiah Kreps ... With the vacant WBO and IBF 122-pound titles at stake, Ramla Ali defeated Mikiah Kreps via split decision. Official scores were 97-92, 91-98 and 96-93. UPDATE: Former promoter Lou DiBella wrote, "there should be an investigation of that fight. Mikiah Kreps won that fight and it wasn't close. Stevie Wonder could see that. Boxing can't get out of its own way. I am appalled at that decision."
Kreps pressed forward from the opening bell, but Ali found her openings early, working a cut on Kreps in the second and dropping her with a left hand in the third. Kreps took over the middle and late rounds with nonstop combinations to the head and body, while Ali was warned twice for holding. Ali answered with big rights in a wild tenth and held on to two of the three cards. The two titles had been vacated by Ellie Scotney.
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Nicolson and Ali win 122-pound title fights
Skye Nicolson W10 Miyo Yoshida... Skye Nicolson (pictured) used her size and reach advantages against former two-division champion Miyo Yoshida en route to a wide unanimous decision win. Nicolson retained here WBC super bantamweight title via scores of 98-92, 100-90 and 99-91. Nicolson boxed from range and kept circling while Yoshida pressed forward looking for overhands. Yoshida had her moments in close, landing rights in the clinches of the sixth and eighth rounds, but Nicolson kept answering with straight rights and lefts. Nicolson saved her best for last, landing uppercuts and a three-punch combination in the tenth to keep the.
Ramla Ali W10 Mikiah Kreps ... With the vacant WBO and IBF 122-pound titles at stake, Ramla Ali defeated Mikiah Kreps via split decision. Official scores were 97-92, 91-98 and 96-93. UPDATE: Former promoter Lou DiBella wrote, "there should be an investigation of that fight. Mikiah Kreps won that fight and it wasn't close. Stevie Wonder could see that. Boxing can't get out of its own way. I am appalled at that decision."
Kreps pressed forward from the opening bell, but Ali found her openings early, working a cut on Kreps in the second and dropping her with a left hand in the third. Kreps took over the middle and late rounds with nonstop combinations to the head and body, while Ali was warned twice for holding. Ali answered with big rights in a wild tenth and held on to two of the three cards. The two titles had been vacated by Ellie Scotney.
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Age 45, Garcia becomes unified champion |
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Irma Garcia W10 Nataly Delgado... The 45 year-old Irma Garcia became a unified super flyweight champion by defeating Nataly Delgado via unanimous decision on Most Valuable Promotions' ESPN show. The win combined Delgado's WBA title with the IBF version Garcia already owned All three judges scored the fight 97-92. Both women traded right hands and body shots through the early rounds, with Delgado (21-8-2) busy downstairs and Garcia answering with straight lefts. Garcia (27-5-1) hurt Delgado with a counter late in the fifth and dropped her with a left hand in the sixth, a knockdown Delgado protested as a trip. Delgado kept coming with right hands and body work, but Garcia’s left landed cleaner down the stretch and shook her again in the tenth. Garcia is a two-division champ, having previously held a bantamweight title.
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Age 45, Garcia becomes unified champion
Irma Garcia W10 Nataly Delgado... The 45 year-old Irma Garcia became a unified super flyweight champion by defeating Nataly Delgado via unanimous decision on Most Valuable Promotions' ESPN show. The win combined Delgado's WBA title with the IBF version Garcia already owned All three judges scored the fight 97-92. Both women traded right hands and body shots through the early rounds, with Delgado (21-8-2) busy downstairs and Garcia answering with straight lefts. Garcia (27-5-1) hurt Delgado with a counter late in the fifth and dropped her with a left hand in the sixth, a knockdown Delgado protested as a trip. Delgado kept coming with right hands and body work, but Garcia’s left landed cleaner down the stretch and shook her again in the tenth. Garcia is a two-division champ, having previously held a bantamweight title.
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MVP undercard results from Arlington, TX |
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Brittany Sims W10 Shera Mae Patricio... In Arlington, Texas, Brittany Sims and Shera Mae Patricio fought to a split draw. The scores were an irreconcilable 90-100, 97-93 and 95-95). According to MVP, it was close and busy from the opening bell, with both women trading in the center and Patricio pressing with fast combinations to the body. Sims answered with uppercuts and right hands on the inside, and a hematoma grew over Patricio’s left eye from the fourth, partly from head clashes. Patricio rallied in the eighth and ninth, Sims landed the heavier right hands late, and the judges saw three completely different fights. The WBA's regular bantamweight title remains vacant; Dina Thorslund remaining the undisputed world champion.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In the junior welterweight division, Albina Moldazhanova of Russia (6-0 with 6 KOs) stopped Kirstie Bavington in the fourth round. Moldazhanova hurt Bavington (10-7-2) with a left hand in the first round and spent the next two working her body, landing heavy left hands every time Bavington tried to come forward. Bavington held on and had moments with her jab and right hands in the third. Early in the fourth a combination capped by a left put her down, and although she beat the count the referee waved it off at 0:44.
In a minor upset, Nayeli Rodriguez of Texas edged Philadelphia's Natalie Dove via split decision. Two judges favored Rodriguez five rounds to three, overruling one judge who had it five to three the other way. Dove had the better of the early rounds, working behind the jab and digging to the body through the first three. Rodriguez grew into the fight from the fourth, answering with combinations upstairs and down, and the middle rounds were close and busy. She finished stronger in the sixth and eighth with quick combinations, and two of the three judges had her ahead.
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MVP undercard results from Arlington, TX
Brittany Sims W10 Shera Mae Patricio... In Arlington, Texas, Brittany Sims and Shera Mae Patricio fought to a split draw. The scores were an irreconcilable 90-100, 97-93 and 95-95). According to MVP, it was close and busy from the opening bell, with both women trading in the center and Patricio pressing with fast combinations to the body. Sims answered with uppercuts and right hands on the inside, and a hematoma grew over Patricio’s left eye from the fourth, partly from head clashes. Patricio rallied in the eighth and ninth, Sims landed the heavier right hands late, and the judges saw three completely different fights. The WBA's regular bantamweight title remains vacant; Dina Thorslund remaining the undisputed world champion.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In the junior welterweight division, Albina Moldazhanova of Russia (6-0 with 6 KOs) stopped Kirstie Bavington in the fourth round. Moldazhanova hurt Bavington (10-7-2) with a left hand in the first round and spent the next two working her body, landing heavy left hands every time Bavington tried to come forward. Bavington held on and had moments with her jab and right hands in the third. Early in the fourth a combination capped by a left put her down, and although she beat the count the referee waved it off at 0:44.
In a minor upset, Nayeli Rodriguez of Texas edged Philadelphia's Natalie Dove via split decision. Two judges favored Rodriguez five rounds to three, overruling one judge who had it five to three the other way. Dove had the better of the early rounds, working behind the jab and digging to the body through the first three. Rodriguez grew into the fight from the fourth, answering with combinations upstairs and down, and the middle rounds were close and busy. She finished stronger in the sixth and eighth with quick combinations, and two of the three judges had her ahead.
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New champion alert: Hutchinson gains title at 175 |
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Willy Hutchinson W12 Joshua Buatsi... Willy Hutchinson was crowned WBC light heavyweight champion on Saturday night at AO Arena in Manchester, England, and live on DAZN. Hutchinson won the vacant titke by defeating Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision in their rematch. Judges scored it 117-112 and 115-113 (twice). Buatsi (21-4 including the Wolrd Series of Boxing)had won their first encounter back in 2024. Though his activity slowed late, 'The Hutch Train' ran express for most of the fight, setting the tone with his jab, hooks wrapped around the guard and slick movement out of harm's way. His output was crisp, clean and effective, while Buatsi fell flat in the biggest opportunity of his career after defeating Hutchinson by split decision back in September 2024. Buatsi looked sluggish over large stretches of the fight, increasing his urgency in the 11th round when it was too little, too late. Hutchinson won the title vacated by David Benavidez in a move up to cruiserweight.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Jack Rafferty imposes his will on Hovhannes Martirosyan with a unanimous decision at welterweight;
Light heavyweight Brad Rea obliteratd Ezra Taylor via second-round TKO; and
Gully Powar defeats Zak Miller by technical unanimous decision (doctor's stoppage) in featherweight decision.
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New champion alert: Hutchinson gains title at 175
Willy Hutchinson W12 Joshua Buatsi... Willy Hutchinson was crowned WBC light heavyweight champion on Saturday night at AO Arena in Manchester, England, and live on DAZN. Hutchinson won the vacant titke by defeating Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision in their rematch. Judges scored it 117-112 and 115-113 (twice). Buatsi (21-4 including the Wolrd Series of Boxing)had won their first encounter back in 2024. Though his activity slowed late, 'The Hutch Train' ran express for most of the fight, setting the tone with his jab, hooks wrapped around the guard and slick movement out of harm's way. His output was crisp, clean and effective, while Buatsi fell flat in the biggest opportunity of his career after defeating Hutchinson by split decision back in September 2024. Buatsi looked sluggish over large stretches of the fight, increasing his urgency in the 11th round when it was too little, too late. Hutchinson won the title vacated by David Benavidez in a move up to cruiserweight.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Jack Rafferty imposes his will on Hovhannes Martirosyan with a unanimous decision at welterweight;
Light heavyweight Brad Rea obliteratd Ezra Taylor via second-round TKO; and
Gully Powar defeats Zak Miller by technical unanimous decision (doctor's stoppage) in featherweight decision.
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Chev Clarke stops Chris Billam-Smith |
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Chev Clarke TKO7 Chris Billam-Smith... The Zuffa Boxing 12 main event at Copper Box Arena in London saw a career-changing victory for Chev “C4” Clarke, who rang up a stunning seventh-round TKO of ex-cruiserweight champ Chris Billam-Smith. After six rounds, the fight was even on two official scorecards. Then in round sevem, Clarke sent “CBS” to the canvas twice – the only times Billam-Smith had been dropped in his career – as he claimed the biggest victory of his professional career. The bout started off with both men landing heavy shots early, with Billam-Smith pushing forward, ripping heavy shots to the body, while Clarke looked to counter upstairs with heavy punches over the top. It set the scene for a tough, gritty encounter that eventually saw Clarke close the show with his fight-altering punch power.
Throughout the contest, Clarke looked to have the faster hands, but Billam-Smith’s relentless forward pressure and heavier punches, particularly to the body, ensured he kept on scoring from round to round. However, the first warning shot came early in the fifth round, as a huge shot from Clarke early in the round forced Billam-Smith to hold on. That power would show itself again two rounds later in round seven, and it proved decisive as a massive right hand from Clarke sent Billam-Smith to the canvas for the first time in his career. “CBS” took an eight-count, but looked far from steady after returning to his feet. Then another barrage of shots sent Billam-Smith spinning into the ropes, and down to the mat again. Billam-Smith battled back to his feet again, but the end was near, and Clarke poured on the pressure to hurt his man again and force the referee to step in and wave off the contest at the 1:24 mark.
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Chev Clarke stops Chris Billam-Smith
Chev Clarke TKO7 Chris Billam-Smith... The Zuffa Boxing 12 main event at Copper Box Arena in London saw a career-changing victory for Chev “C4” Clarke, who rang up a stunning seventh-round TKO of ex-cruiserweight champ Chris Billam-Smith. After six rounds, the fight was even on two official scorecards. Then in round sevem, Clarke sent “CBS” to the canvas twice – the only times Billam-Smith had been dropped in his career – as he claimed the biggest victory of his professional career. The bout started off with both men landing heavy shots early, with Billam-Smith pushing forward, ripping heavy shots to the body, while Clarke looked to counter upstairs with heavy punches over the top. It set the scene for a tough, gritty encounter that eventually saw Clarke close the show with his fight-altering punch power.
Throughout the contest, Clarke looked to have the faster hands, but Billam-Smith’s relentless forward pressure and heavier punches, particularly to the body, ensured he kept on scoring from round to round. However, the first warning shot came early in the fifth round, as a huge shot from Clarke early in the round forced Billam-Smith to hold on. That power would show itself again two rounds later in round seven, and it proved decisive as a massive right hand from Clarke sent Billam-Smith to the canvas for the first time in his career. “CBS” took an eight-count, but looked far from steady after returning to his feet. Then another barrage of shots sent Billam-Smith spinning into the ropes, and down to the mat again. Billam-Smith battled back to his feet again, but the end was near, and Clarke poured on the pressure to hurt his man again and force the referee to step in and wave off the contest at the 1:24 mark.
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Dana White offered press secretary position in the Trump administration [Is Trump trolling???] |
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![Dana White offered press secretary position in the Trump administration [Is Trump trolling???]](/Images/Fighters/White. Dana. Zuffa FINAL639166264844995463.jpeg "Dana White offered press secretary position in the Trump administration [Is Trump trolling???]")
UPDATE: On Sunday, President Trump told repoprters, "I was only kidding" about offering the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC.
In a Truth Social post, United States president Donald Trump offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC. Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States. I have requested that he bring with him assistants, even though some are not from our Country, of Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. We need these people [all MMA fighters] to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
At the Zuffa Boxing press conference in London, White acknowledged the offer, saying: "I'm flying to Washington D.C. right now. I'm going to meet with him, we have a meeting on Monday. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that."
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Dana White offered press secretary position in the Trump administration [Is Trump trolling???]
UPDATE: On Sunday, President Trump told repoprters, "I was only kidding" about offering the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC.
In a Truth Social post, United States president Donald Trump offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, who runs Zuffa Boxing and the UFC. Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States. I have requested that he bring with him assistants, even though some are not from our Country, of Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. We need these people [all MMA fighters] to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
At the Zuffa Boxing press conference in London, White acknowledged the offer, saying: "I'm flying to Washington D.C. right now. I'm going to meet with him, we have a meeting on Monday. I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that."
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Ex-champ Bentley edges Mosley |
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In the Zuffa co-feature in London, recently stripped WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley came close to finishing Shane Mosley Jr, but eventually had to dig deep to turn back his opponent’s late charge. Bentley claimed a unanimous decision victory over ten competitive rounds. Bentley made the breakthrough in round two when a swift lead right hand found its mark and snapped back Mosley’s head. Then, in the next exchange, the Englishman decked Mosley with another rapid-fire right hand that forced the American to take a count for the first time in his career. Bentley put his foot on the gas in an attempt to finish the fight, but despite landing several big shots, Mosley managed to survive the onslaught before coming back strongly at the end of the round.
Despite being dropped and close to finished in round two, Mosley took the fight to Bentley and pushed the pace through the middle portion of the fight, while Bentley seemed content to drop his output, stay defensively tight, and look to connect with clean, explosive shots. By the sixth round, Bentley’s corner was starting to get concerned with their man, and delivered a clear instruction to pick up the pace, as Mosley continued to box more smoothly and score more consistently. Then, in the seventh, with Mosely seemingly cruising, Bentley came alive late in the round and connected with big shots, including a superb left uppercut that spun the American’s chin in the closing seconds.
As the fight entered round nine, Mosley seemed to sense that the decision win he predicted during fight week was within reach, and he kept the pressure on, looking to outwork Bentley. But the Englishman switched back and forth between stances and landed the heavier, cleaner shots off the back foot. And, after a closely contested final three minutes, the judges were called into action to determine the victor, with Bentley picking up the decision win with scores of 96-94, 96-93, 95-94.
With a hard-earned win in the bank, Bentley turned his attention to the future, as he made clear his desire to fight for championship gold once again. But then he teased a possible all-British fight with Conor Benn, who was an interested spectator at ringside. “The Destroyer’s” reaction suggested making that matchup would be very easy indeed.
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Ex-champ Bentley edges Mosley
In the Zuffa co-feature in London, recently stripped WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley came close to finishing Shane Mosley Jr, but eventually had to dig deep to turn back his opponent’s late charge. Bentley claimed a unanimous decision victory over ten competitive rounds. Bentley made the breakthrough in round two when a swift lead right hand found its mark and snapped back Mosley’s head. Then, in the next exchange, the Englishman decked Mosley with another rapid-fire right hand that forced the American to take a count for the first time in his career. Bentley put his foot on the gas in an attempt to finish the fight, but despite landing several big shots, Mosley managed to survive the onslaught before coming back strongly at the end of the round.
Despite being dropped and close to finished in round two, Mosley took the fight to Bentley and pushed the pace through the middle portion of the fight, while Bentley seemed content to drop his output, stay defensively tight, and look to connect with clean, explosive shots. By the sixth round, Bentley’s corner was starting to get concerned with their man, and delivered a clear instruction to pick up the pace, as Mosley continued to box more smoothly and score more consistently. Then, in the seventh, with Mosely seemingly cruising, Bentley came alive late in the round and connected with big shots, including a superb left uppercut that spun the American’s chin in the closing seconds.
As the fight entered round nine, Mosley seemed to sense that the decision win he predicted during fight week was within reach, and he kept the pressure on, looking to outwork Bentley. But the Englishman switched back and forth between stances and landed the heavier, cleaner shots off the back foot. And, after a closely contested final three minutes, the judges were called into action to determine the victor, with Bentley picking up the decision win with scores of 96-94, 96-93, 95-94.
With a hard-earned win in the bank, Bentley turned his attention to the future, as he made clear his desire to fight for championship gold once again. But then he teased a possible all-British fight with Conor Benn, who was an interested spectator at ringside. “The Destroyer’s” reaction suggested making that matchup would be very easy indeed.
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Zuffa undercard results |
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Da’Mazion Vanhouter KO1 Ivan Balaz... American heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter continued his rise with a first-round demolition of former Czech heavyweight champion Ivan Balaz. Balaz, whose only career defeat came via fourth-round knockout to Johnny Fisher last December, came out looking to use his size to bully Vanhouter, but the 21-year old was in no mood to be pushed around. The American’s hand-speed advantage was there for all to see as he landed big, powerful shots on Balaz early while working behind a high guard to avoid being caught by one of the Czech’s clubbing counters. Vanhouter then switched targets from head to body and ripped a left to the liver that sent the six-foot-five Balaz down to one knee. The big Czech just about beat the count, but Vanhouter immediately pounced on him and sent him back to one knee after a heavy right to the body forced Balaz to fold up again. The referee delivered another eight-count, and with plenty of time left in the round, Vanhouter closed in, threw some big punches upstairs to bring Balaz’s elbows up, then buried another right to the body to put him down for a third and final time as the referee waved off the bout at the 2:04 mark. Now with his career standing at 14-0, with 11 knockouts, and 10 in the first round, Vanhouter is eyeing bigger opportunities. And with Dana White stating that he might find space for “Mazi” on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff, that opportunity could potentially come sooner, rather than later.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Undefeated Scottish middleweight Sam “Tricky” Hickey added another stoppage win to his record with a fifth-round finish of Belgium’s Amaury Massenaux. Faced with a mobile, scrappy opponent, Hickey bided his time and gauged his opponent’s timing and range through the first three rounds. Hickey found his mark in the fourth round with some solid counter shots and nasty shots to the body. Then, in the fifth, he had Massenaux in trouble early with some nasty shots to the midsection, though rather than administer a count when the Belgian took a knee, the referee instead gave Hickey a warning for pushing his opponent’s head down. Hickey made amends moments later as he landed more big shots that forced Massenaux to one knee once again. This time it counted as a legitimate knockdown as the Belgian received an eight-count. Hickey saw his moment and loaded up with heavy shots to the chin and body that sent Massenaux to one knee for the third time, and convinced the referee to step in and end the contest. Massenaux protested the swiftness of the stoppage, and he may have had a point, but at that point in the fight it was all Hickey, and a stoppage seemed inevitable. The stoppage gave Hickey his third straight win, and third finish, under the Zuffa Boxing banner as he improved his record to 7-0 with a mature, composed display.
England’s Kayla Allen continued her winning start to life in the pro ranks with a hard-earned decision victory over hard-hitting German Julia Igel in their six-round junior welterweight matchup. Both women loaded up and swung for the fences in a breathless opening round as they looked to impose their will on the other. In the end, it was Igel who had to take the first backward step of the fight, with Allen’s pace proving too hot to handle through the first round. In the final two rounds, Allen loaded up again and bloodied up Igel, whose face was starting to wear the damage of the English fighter’s relentless pressure. But Igel stayed in the pocket and continued to fire back with strong punches as she pushed Allen all the way to the final bell. After six rounds banked, and countless punches thrown, Allen got the nod from the scoring referee, whose scorecard read 58-56 to take her career record to 2-0. Igel’s output dropped significantly in round 2, but what she threw was heavy, and with intent to end the fight as she tried to ration her energy. It forced Allen to take some big shots, but she continued to pour forward, throwing punches in bunches, all the way to the bell. That pattern continued through the third round, but unsurprisingly, the pace dropped a little in the fourth, with Allen dropping her output and being more selective with her shots. It gave Igel the chance to up her own output, and it produced the closest round of the fight, which could have been scored either way after a closely contested two minutes.
In the main card opener, Lucas “Lights Out” Roehrig’s third straight stoppage victory improved his perfect professional record to 10-0, as he banked valuable rounds before putting away the durable Scottish cruiserweight champion Connal McDonald in the seventh. A protege of former super-middleweight world champion George Groves, Roehrig showed superior hand speed early as he settled into his work. But a couple of well-timed counters from McDonald served as a warning to the undefeated prospect not to get too confident, too early. Indeed, as the bout progressed through the first three rounds, McDonald proved to be a tricky proposition as he took the best of Roehrig’s shots without ever looking flustered, and came back with some decent shots of his own. With Roehrig holding the aces in terms of speed and conditioning, it meant the undefeated Englishman had to control his pace, power, and energy, and he did just that as he gradually worked over his opponent, then finished the job in the seventh round. with a relentless barrage of hooks forcing McDonald to his knees and convincing the referee to wave the fight off, rather than administer a count. It put the exclamation point on a valuable learning fight for Roehrig, who set his sights on bigger fights, with the 23-year-old name-checking former world champion Andrew Tabiti as someone he’d love to test himself against as he looks to make the next developmental leap in his promising career.
Undefeated light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov followed up his Knockout of the Year-worthy finish of Ahmed El Biali at Zuffa Boxing 3 with another highlight-reel finish as he stopped British veteran Zach Parker with a show-stopping body shot in the fourth round. Things didn’t start ideally for Dzambekov, who had to endure a tricky first three rounds as he was forced to deal with a host of body shots from Parker, who appeared to be targeting the Austrian’s midsection. But that all changed in the fourth round, when Dzambekov dipped his hips and connected with a crushing left hand to the body that folded up Parker and sent him to the canvas for the ten-count. The 28-year-old improved his perfect professional record to 15-0.
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Zuffa undercard results
Da’Mazion Vanhouter KO1 Ivan Balaz... American heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter continued his rise with a first-round demolition of former Czech heavyweight champion Ivan Balaz. Balaz, whose only career defeat came via fourth-round knockout to Johnny Fisher last December, came out looking to use his size to bully Vanhouter, but the 21-year old was in no mood to be pushed around. The American’s hand-speed advantage was there for all to see as he landed big, powerful shots on Balaz early while working behind a high guard to avoid being caught by one of the Czech’s clubbing counters. Vanhouter then switched targets from head to body and ripped a left to the liver that sent the six-foot-five Balaz down to one knee. The big Czech just about beat the count, but Vanhouter immediately pounced on him and sent him back to one knee after a heavy right to the body forced Balaz to fold up again. The referee delivered another eight-count, and with plenty of time left in the round, Vanhouter closed in, threw some big punches upstairs to bring Balaz’s elbows up, then buried another right to the body to put him down for a third and final time as the referee waved off the bout at the 2:04 mark. Now with his career standing at 14-0, with 11 knockouts, and 10 in the first round, Vanhouter is eyeing bigger opportunities. And with Dana White stating that he might find space for “Mazi” on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff, that opportunity could potentially come sooner, rather than later.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Undefeated Scottish middleweight Sam “Tricky” Hickey added another stoppage win to his record with a fifth-round finish of Belgium’s Amaury Massenaux. Faced with a mobile, scrappy opponent, Hickey bided his time and gauged his opponent’s timing and range through the first three rounds. Hickey found his mark in the fourth round with some solid counter shots and nasty shots to the body. Then, in the fifth, he had Massenaux in trouble early with some nasty shots to the midsection, though rather than administer a count when the Belgian took a knee, the referee instead gave Hickey a warning for pushing his opponent’s head down. Hickey made amends moments later as he landed more big shots that forced Massenaux to one knee once again. This time it counted as a legitimate knockdown as the Belgian received an eight-count. Hickey saw his moment and loaded up with heavy shots to the chin and body that sent Massenaux to one knee for the third time, and convinced the referee to step in and end the contest. Massenaux protested the swiftness of the stoppage, and he may have had a point, but at that point in the fight it was all Hickey, and a stoppage seemed inevitable. The stoppage gave Hickey his third straight win, and third finish, under the Zuffa Boxing banner as he improved his record to 7-0 with a mature, composed display.
England’s Kayla Allen continued her winning start to life in the pro ranks with a hard-earned decision victory over hard-hitting German Julia Igel in their six-round junior welterweight matchup. Both women loaded up and swung for the fences in a breathless opening round as they looked to impose their will on the other. In the end, it was Igel who had to take the first backward step of the fight, with Allen’s pace proving too hot to handle through the first round. In the final two rounds, Allen loaded up again and bloodied up Igel, whose face was starting to wear the damage of the English fighter’s relentless pressure. But Igel stayed in the pocket and continued to fire back with strong punches as she pushed Allen all the way to the final bell. After six rounds banked, and countless punches thrown, Allen got the nod from the scoring referee, whose scorecard read 58-56 to take her career record to 2-0. Igel’s output dropped significantly in round 2, but what she threw was heavy, and with intent to end the fight as she tried to ration her energy. It forced Allen to take some big shots, but she continued to pour forward, throwing punches in bunches, all the way to the bell. That pattern continued through the third round, but unsurprisingly, the pace dropped a little in the fourth, with Allen dropping her output and being more selective with her shots. It gave Igel the chance to up her own output, and it produced the closest round of the fight, which could have been scored either way after a closely contested two minutes.
In the main card opener, Lucas “Lights Out” Roehrig’s third straight stoppage victory improved his perfect professional record to 10-0, as he banked valuable rounds before putting away the durable Scottish cruiserweight champion Connal McDonald in the seventh. A protege of former super-middleweight world champion George Groves, Roehrig showed superior hand speed early as he settled into his work. But a couple of well-timed counters from McDonald served as a warning to the undefeated prospect not to get too confident, too early. Indeed, as the bout progressed through the first three rounds, McDonald proved to be a tricky proposition as he took the best of Roehrig’s shots without ever looking flustered, and came back with some decent shots of his own. With Roehrig holding the aces in terms of speed and conditioning, it meant the undefeated Englishman had to control his pace, power, and energy, and he did just that as he gradually worked over his opponent, then finished the job in the seventh round. with a relentless barrage of hooks forcing McDonald to his knees and convincing the referee to wave the fight off, rather than administer a count. It put the exclamation point on a valuable learning fight for Roehrig, who set his sights on bigger fights, with the 23-year-old name-checking former world champion Andrew Tabiti as someone he’d love to test himself against as he looks to make the next developmental leap in his promising career.
Undefeated light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov followed up his Knockout of the Year-worthy finish of Ahmed El Biali at Zuffa Boxing 3 with another highlight-reel finish as he stopped British veteran Zach Parker with a show-stopping body shot in the fourth round. Things didn’t start ideally for Dzambekov, who had to endure a tricky first three rounds as he was forced to deal with a host of body shots from Parker, who appeared to be targeting the Austrian’s midsection. But that all changed in the fourth round, when Dzambekov dipped his hips and connected with a crushing left hand to the body that folded up Parker and sent him to the canvas for the ten-count. The 28-year-old improved his perfect professional record to 15-0.
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Paro headed to San Fran for Tuesday press conference |
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On Tuesday at 4 PM ET/ 1 PM PT, Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions will host a press conference in San Francisco to formally announce the welterweight title unification showdown between Liam Paro (pictured) and Devin Haney. The presser will stream live on DAZN’s and Top Rank YouTube channels. In attendance will be three-division and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, his father and trainer, Bill Haney, two-division and current IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro, CEO of No Limit Boxing George Rose, Top Rank President Todd duBoef and DAZN Head of Boxing for North America Britton Hardin.
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Paro headed to San Fran for Tuesday press conference
On Tuesday at 4 PM ET/ 1 PM PT, Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions will host a press conference in San Francisco to formally announce the welterweight title unification showdown between Liam Paro (pictured) and Devin Haney. The presser will stream live on DAZN’s and Top Rank YouTube channels. In attendance will be three-division and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, his father and trainer, Bill Haney, two-division and current IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro, CEO of No Limit Boxing George Rose, Top Rank President Todd duBoef and DAZN Head of Boxing for North America Britton Hardin.
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Tank Davis settles up with his accuser |
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Amid rumors that Gervonta "Tank" Davis is planning a comeback fight, USA Today is reporting that the former two-division champion has settled a civil lawsuit in which a Florida woman accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Terms of the settlement were not revealed but the lawsuit was dropped. Davis is listed as undefeated, but very questionable officiating elevated what should have been a loss into a draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025. After that, Davis' life turned chaotic, with various legal charges, primarily the Florida one he just settled, and diva-like behavior costing Davis a lucrative exhibition fight against social influencer-turned-cruiserweight Jake Paul. Davis has not fought since the Roach draw. PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 28, 2026: According to a report from TMZ, an arrest warrant has been issued in the state of Maryland for disgraced boxing star Gervonta "Tank" Davis. A Baltimore native who spends a lot of time in Florida (where the majority of his current legal troubles arose), Davis **allegedly** was involved in a strip club altercation in Miami in October of last year, which resulted in serious charges being brought against him. Davis is accused of attacking one of his girlfriends, with some grainy security video appearing to corrobotate at least some of the charges. Davis was already on probation in Maryland for a 2020 hit-and-run incident, and last month, a Maryland judge apparently decided the Miami incident constituted a violation of Davis' terms of probation, and as a result, the Maryland warrant was issued. Davis is still listed as the WBA lightweight champion, but his boxing career has gone off a cliff for now, with a very lucrative exhibition bout against Jake Paul getting cancelled last year due to Davis' bad behavior.
MAY 25, 2026: The WBA Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis and WBA #1 contender, Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23rd, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22nd. Under WBA Championship Rule C.10 — Title Defense Periods — champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date the championship was obtained. In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue. One explanation for Davis' inactivity is his troubling legal situation. See below:
JAN 29, 2026: On Wednesday evening, TMZ broke the news that WBA lightweight champion was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida on domestic violence charges. Davis was taken into police custody about two weeks after officials put out a warrant for his arrest. It is expected that Davis will be bailed out of jail shortly. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis came to Rossel at her place of work, a VIP lounge. Next, Davis allegedly grabbed and dragged her through a stairway, through the kitchen and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed. During the incident, Davis allegedly forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
JAN 17, 2026: Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced.
NOV 4, 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life. Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years.
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Tank Davis settles up with his accuser
Amid rumors that Gervonta "Tank" Davis is planning a comeback fight, USA Today is reporting that the former two-division champion has settled a civil lawsuit in which a Florida woman accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Terms of the settlement were not revealed but the lawsuit was dropped. Davis is listed as undefeated, but very questionable officiating elevated what should have been a loss into a draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025. After that, Davis' life turned chaotic, with various legal charges, primarily the Florida one he just settled, and diva-like behavior costing Davis a lucrative exhibition fight against social influencer-turned-cruiserweight Jake Paul. Davis has not fought since the Roach draw. PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MAY 28, 2026: According to a report from TMZ, an arrest warrant has been issued in the state of Maryland for disgraced boxing star Gervonta "Tank" Davis. A Baltimore native who spends a lot of time in Florida (where the majority of his current legal troubles arose), Davis **allegedly** was involved in a strip club altercation in Miami in October of last year, which resulted in serious charges being brought against him. Davis is accused of attacking one of his girlfriends, with some grainy security video appearing to corrobotate at least some of the charges. Davis was already on probation in Maryland for a 2020 hit-and-run incident, and last month, a Maryland judge apparently decided the Miami incident constituted a violation of Davis' terms of probation, and as a result, the Maryland warrant was issued. Davis is still listed as the WBA lightweight champion, but his boxing career has gone off a cliff for now, with a very lucrative exhibition bout against Jake Paul getting cancelled last year due to Davis' bad behavior.
MAY 25, 2026: The WBA Championships Committee has officially ordered the mandatory lightweight title bout between reigning champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis and WBA #1 contender, Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning organization sent formal notification to both camps this Saturday, May 23rd, granting the parties a 30-day negotiation period that will expire on June 22nd. Under WBA Championship Rule C.10 — Title Defense Periods — champions in all divisions outside of heavyweight are required to defend their titles every nine months from the date the championship was obtained. In Davis’ case, his last appearance came on March 1, 2025, when he retained the title via majority draw against Lamont Roach, leaving the mandatory defense significantly overdue. One explanation for Davis' inactivity is his troubling legal situation. See below:
JAN 29, 2026: On Wednesday evening, TMZ broke the news that WBA lightweight champion was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida on domestic violence charges. Davis was taken into police custody about two weeks after officials put out a warrant for his arrest. It is expected that Davis will be bailed out of jail shortly. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis came to Rossel at her place of work, a VIP lounge. Next, Davis allegedly grabbed and dragged her through a stairway, through the kitchen and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed. During the incident, Davis allegedly forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
JAN 17, 2026: Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced.
NOV 4, 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life. Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years.
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Zuffa Boxing 12: fight-by-fight preview |
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In Zuffa Boxing's main event tonight (Nov. 7th), former amateur adversaries Chris Billam-Smith (pictured) and Chev Clarke renew their rivalries at the sharp end of Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight division. Billam-Smith, a former champion, and Clarke both featured on the explosive Zuffa Boxing 7 card in Bournemouth with both men claiming dramatic seventh-round stoppage victories. In the main event, Billam-Smith battled toe-to-toe with the relentless Ryan Rozicki en route to a seventh-round corner-stoppage TKO victory in an instant classic. That fight followed hot on the heels of Clarke’s remarkable come-from-behind victory over Jack Massey as he got off the canvas twice to eventually stop his rival in the seventh round. With both men now off and running in Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight division, the pair will now face off in a rematch of their meeting a decade ago, when Clarke edged a decision over Billam-Smith in the final of the National Championships. Back then, they were two of British boxing’s most talented amateur prospects. Now, 10 years removed from that meeting, the pair will meet again as two of the world’s top cruiserweight operators.
The co-feature sees two world-class middleweights face off, as recently stripped WBO champion Denzel Bentley looks to make a statement against Shane Mosley Jr, who is also eyeing a shot at world honors. Bentley claimed a sanctioning body interim championship last time out with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra,got elevated to full champ but was stripped of his belt ahead of this weekend’s bout with Mosley, who stopped Serhii Bohachuk in a stellar showing back in May. Both middleweights have a point to prove. Bentley wants to show that he should still be carrying a championship belt, while Mosley wants to prove he deserves to challenge for one.
One of the real success stories of Zuffa Boxing’s short history so far, American heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter wants to bring American success back to the heavyweight division, and the rising prospect gets his latest runout in London this weekend. “Mazi” takes on Slovakian heavyweight Ivan Balaz, whose only career defeat came against Johnny Fisher back in 2025. This will be Balaz’s first Zuffa Boxing appearance, and with Vanhouter receiving rave reviews for his performances so far inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, the 30-year-old will look to claim the tenth win of his professional career. Vanhouter, meanwhile, will bid to take his perfect professional career to 14-0 with another impressive victory. With finishes of Julian Gomez and Raphael Murphy at Zuffa Boxing 2 and 6, respectively, Vanhouter then took on Raphael Akpejiori, and claimed the 10th knockout victory of his career on the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn undercard. Now Vanhouter lands in the UK looking
After registering a pair of impressive knockout finishes, Sam “Tricky” Hickey returns for his third Zuffa Boxing assignment as he bids to extend his perfect professional record to 7-0. The Dundee native faces a change of opponent as he gets set to face Belgium’s Amaury Massenaux, who arrives in London having picked up three wins from his last four outings. It’s a big opportunity for Massenaux to upset the applecard by defeating one of the UK’s undefeated rising stars, while for Hickey, it’s a chance to showcase his skills on UK soil as he looks to continue his rise up Zuffa Boxing’s 160-pound division.
London’s own Kayla Allen wowed the Copper Box last time out as she made history twice – by being the first female fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing, then becoming the first to register a victory in the Zuffa Boxing ring – to cap a dream debut in the pro ranks. Thanks to her finish of Edina Kiss on her debut, the former GB amateur standout now has a stoppage win under her belt, and she returns to the Copper Box for another home game, as she takes on a super lightweight matchup against Germany’s Julia Igel, who has finished each of her last four wins by knockout, and has never been stopped herself. It’s a step up in competition for Allen, who will look to show her development as she steps through the Zuffa Boxing ropes for her sophomore appearance. And with Allen only living a short distance from the Copper Box, you can bet there will be plenty of her friends and family in the stands when she makes her walk on Saturday night.
The main card kicks off with eight rounds of cruiserweight action, with undefeated Englishman Lucas “Lights Out” Roehrig taking on Scotland’s Connal McDonald. Both men will be making their Zuffa Boxing debuts, and both head into the fight in fine form. Roehrig is 7-0, with his last two wins coming via knockout, while McDonald arrives having won five of his last six, with his most recent outing seeing him capture the Scottish Area cruiserweight title. Now the 30-year-old from Kirkinner, Scotland makes the trip south to face local boy Roehrig in a fight that could catapult the winner to bigger matchups in Zuffa Boxing’s growing π– and talent stacked – cruiserweight division.
Undefeated light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov made a big impression on his Zuffa Boxing debut back in February, and the 28-year-old returns for his second ZB appearance as he takes on English vet Zach Parker in a big matchup over ten rounds in the 175-pound division. Dzambekov was one of the standout performers at Zuffa Boxing 3 when he stunned Ahmed El Biali in the second round to earn a Performance of the Night bonus at Meta APEX, and now the 14-0 prospect gets to test his mettle against 26-2 Parker, who heads into his Zuffa Boxing debut looking to bounce back after being edged out via majority decision by Joshua Buatsi last time out.
The preliminary card will see two new faces look to make a big impression as they step into the Zuffa Boxing ring for the first time. Hailing from Brentwood, Essex, Vinnie Kemp goes by the nickname of “The King of Violence” and he’ll be keen to show exactly why that moniker is well deserved when he makes his professional debut against Buckinghamshire’s Liam McElhinney. Both men are chasing their first wins in the professional ranks, and will look to kickstart their respective careers when they go head to head in a four-round middleweight showcase.
Kicking off the night is a featherweight scrap between Masood Abdullah and Adan Palma, as two solid prospects with decent records go head to head in the opening bout of the evening. Former Commonwealth champion Abdulah is making his Zuffa Boxing debut, and is determined to deliver a big performance to kickstart a run in the ZB featherweight division. But he’s facing a man who has already established himself inside the Zuffa Boxing ring. Palma has crossed the pond to compete in his second Zuffa Boxing contest as he chases his first victory under the ZB banner. Palmer went the distance with Pablo Rubio Jr in a thrilling contest at Zuffa Boxing 4 that earned both men Fight of the Night bonuses. Now he has jetted across the world to take on hometown fighter Abdulah in a bout that looks set to produce an action-packed start to the evening.
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Zuffa Boxing 12: fight-by-fight preview
In Zuffa Boxing's main event tonight (Nov. 7th), former amateur adversaries Chris Billam-Smith (pictured) and Chev Clarke renew their rivalries at the sharp end of Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight division. Billam-Smith, a former champion, and Clarke both featured on the explosive Zuffa Boxing 7 card in Bournemouth with both men claiming dramatic seventh-round stoppage victories. In the main event, Billam-Smith battled toe-to-toe with the relentless Ryan Rozicki en route to a seventh-round corner-stoppage TKO victory in an instant classic. That fight followed hot on the heels of Clarke’s remarkable come-from-behind victory over Jack Massey as he got off the canvas twice to eventually stop his rival in the seventh round. With both men now off and running in Zuffa Boxing’s cruiserweight division, the pair will now face off in a rematch of their meeting a decade ago, when Clarke edged a decision over Billam-Smith in the final of the National Championships. Back then, they were two of British boxing’s most talented amateur prospects. Now, 10 years removed from that meeting, the pair will meet again as two of the world’s top cruiserweight operators.
The co-feature sees two world-class middleweights face off, as recently stripped WBO champion Denzel Bentley looks to make a statement against Shane Mosley Jr, who is also eyeing a shot at world honors. Bentley claimed a sanctioning body interim championship last time out with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra,got elevated to full champ but was stripped of his belt ahead of this weekend’s bout with Mosley, who stopped Serhii Bohachuk in a stellar showing back in May. Both middleweights have a point to prove. Bentley wants to show that he should still be carrying a championship belt, while Mosley wants to prove he deserves to challenge for one.
One of the real success stories of Zuffa Boxing’s short history so far, American heavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter wants to bring American success back to the heavyweight division, and the rising prospect gets his latest runout in London this weekend. “Mazi” takes on Slovakian heavyweight Ivan Balaz, whose only career defeat came against Johnny Fisher back in 2025. This will be Balaz’s first Zuffa Boxing appearance, and with Vanhouter receiving rave reviews for his performances so far inside the Zuffa Boxing ring, the 30-year-old will look to claim the tenth win of his professional career. Vanhouter, meanwhile, will bid to take his perfect professional career to 14-0 with another impressive victory. With finishes of Julian Gomez and Raphael Murphy at Zuffa Boxing 2 and 6, respectively, Vanhouter then took on Raphael Akpejiori, and claimed the 10th knockout victory of his career on the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn undercard. Now Vanhouter lands in the UK looking
After registering a pair of impressive knockout finishes, Sam “Tricky” Hickey returns for his third Zuffa Boxing assignment as he bids to extend his perfect professional record to 7-0. The Dundee native faces a change of opponent as he gets set to face Belgium’s Amaury Massenaux, who arrives in London having picked up three wins from his last four outings. It’s a big opportunity for Massenaux to upset the applecard by defeating one of the UK’s undefeated rising stars, while for Hickey, it’s a chance to showcase his skills on UK soil as he looks to continue his rise up Zuffa Boxing’s 160-pound division.
London’s own Kayla Allen wowed the Copper Box last time out as she made history twice – by being the first female fighter to sign with Zuffa Boxing, then becoming the first to register a victory in the Zuffa Boxing ring – to cap a dream debut in the pro ranks. Thanks to her finish of Edina Kiss on her debut, the former GB amateur standout now has a stoppage win under her belt, and she returns to the Copper Box for another home game, as she takes on a super lightweight matchup against Germany’s Julia Igel, who has finished each of her last four wins by knockout, and has never been stopped herself. It’s a step up in competition for Allen, who will look to show her development as she steps through the Zuffa Boxing ropes for her sophomore appearance. And with Allen only living a short distance from the Copper Box, you can bet there will be plenty of her friends and family in the stands when she makes her walk on Saturday night.
The main card kicks off with eight rounds of cruiserweight action, with undefeated Englishman Lucas “Lights Out” Roehrig taking on Scotland’s Connal McDonald. Both men will be making their Zuffa Boxing debuts, and both head into the fight in fine form. Roehrig is 7-0, with his last two wins coming via knockout, while McDonald arrives having won five of his last six, with his most recent outing seeing him capture the Scottish Area cruiserweight title. Now the 30-year-old from Kirkinner, Scotland makes the trip south to face local boy Roehrig in a fight that could catapult the winner to bigger matchups in Zuffa Boxing’s growing π– and talent stacked – cruiserweight division.
Undefeated light heavyweight Umar Dzambekov made a big impression on his Zuffa Boxing debut back in February, and the 28-year-old returns for his second ZB appearance as he takes on English vet Zach Parker in a big matchup over ten rounds in the 175-pound division. Dzambekov was one of the standout performers at Zuffa Boxing 3 when he stunned Ahmed El Biali in the second round to earn a Performance of the Night bonus at Meta APEX, and now the 14-0 prospect gets to test his mettle against 26-2 Parker, who heads into his Zuffa Boxing debut looking to bounce back after being edged out via majority decision by Joshua Buatsi last time out.
The preliminary card will see two new faces look to make a big impression as they step into the Zuffa Boxing ring for the first time. Hailing from Brentwood, Essex, Vinnie Kemp goes by the nickname of “The King of Violence” and he’ll be keen to show exactly why that moniker is well deserved when he makes his professional debut against Buckinghamshire’s Liam McElhinney. Both men are chasing their first wins in the professional ranks, and will look to kickstart their respective careers when they go head to head in a four-round middleweight showcase.
Kicking off the night is a featherweight scrap between Masood Abdullah and Adan Palma, as two solid prospects with decent records go head to head in the opening bout of the evening. Former Commonwealth champion Abdulah is making his Zuffa Boxing debut, and is determined to deliver a big performance to kickstart a run in the ZB featherweight division. But he’s facing a man who has already established himself inside the Zuffa Boxing ring. Palma has crossed the pond to compete in his second Zuffa Boxing contest as he chases his first victory under the ZB banner. Palmer went the distance with Pablo Rubio Jr in a thrilling contest at Zuffa Boxing 4 that earned both men Fight of the Night bonuses. Now he has jetted across the world to take on hometown fighter Abdulah in a bout that looks set to produce an action-packed start to the evening.
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Weigh-in report from Massachusetts |
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The weights are in at Encore, where CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions present Boston Harbor Fight Night 3 on Saturday featuring a junior middleweight showdown between New Hampshire's Jaydell Pazmino (10-0, 8 KOs) and England's Graham Tirrell (10-3, 2 KOs). The action takes place beginning at 7:30pm at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts. Limited Tickets remain, purchase yours now on at CES Fights. Tickets will also be sold at the venue on fight night. Here are the boxers' weights:
Jaydell Pazmino 151.5 pounds vs. Graham Tirrell 152 – Jr. Middleweights;
Leonardo Ladeira 175 vs. Russ Kimber 174 – Light Heavyweights;
Pablo Costa 190 vs. Barrett Hanlon 185 – Crusierweights;
Michael Fontanez 160 vs. Alfred Raymond 158 – Middleweights;
Patrick Pierre 175 vs. Mohammad Alyzouri 174 – Light Heavyweights;
Jefferson Almeida 157.5 vs. Rakim Johnson 160 – Middleweights;
Stone Finau 251.5 vs. Kevin Nagle 317 – Heavyweights; and
Daine Smikle 160 vs. Daniel Sostre 156.5 – Middleweights.
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Weigh-in report from Massachusetts
The weights are in at Encore, where CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions present Boston Harbor Fight Night 3 on Saturday featuring a junior middleweight showdown between New Hampshire's Jaydell Pazmino (10-0, 8 KOs) and England's Graham Tirrell (10-3, 2 KOs). The action takes place beginning at 7:30pm at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts. Limited Tickets remain, purchase yours now on at CES Fights. Tickets will also be sold at the venue on fight night. Here are the boxers' weights:
Jaydell Pazmino 151.5 pounds vs. Graham Tirrell 152 – Jr. Middleweights;
Leonardo Ladeira 175 vs. Russ Kimber 174 – Light Heavyweights;
Pablo Costa 190 vs. Barrett Hanlon 185 – Crusierweights;
Michael Fontanez 160 vs. Alfred Raymond 158 – Middleweights;
Patrick Pierre 175 vs. Mohammad Alyzouri 174 – Light Heavyweights;
Jefferson Almeida 157.5 vs. Rakim Johnson 160 – Middleweights;
Stone Finau 251.5 vs. Kevin Nagle 317 – Heavyweights; and
Daine Smikle 160 vs. Daniel Sostre 156.5 – Middleweights.
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A few words with Omar Juarez |
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All-action junior welterweight Omar “El Relampago” Juarez plans to take unbeaten Emiliano “El General” Vargas into “deep water” in their ten-round bout that will be a part of the next PBC pay-per-view event, scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The bout is part of a five-fight pay-per-view lineup headlined by undefeated WBA / WBO cruiserweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez in a unification clash against WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and available through Ticketmaster.com. The 27 year-old Juarez (21-2, 8 KOs) is currently riding a seven-fight winning streak that dates back to 2024. Now under the helm of top trainer Bob Santos, Juarez’s current run includes a four-win 2025 campaign that featured a dominant decision over Omar Rosario. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism. Here is what Juarez had to say about facing Vargas, training camp in Las Vegas and more:
On what kind of fight fans can expect and what a win does for his career:
“It’s gonna be an exciting fight. Both of us are in there to prove something. I’m coming to hurt him and I’m coming to win. I have no doubt in my mind that I’m gonna win. I think he’s overlooking me and underestimating me. He thinks I’m a typical Mexican pressure fighter. But the fans are gonna see me break Vargas down and take him to deep water. This is a great win to have on my resume and get me closer to a world title shot. My team is managing my career perfectly, so I know that winning this will get me a big opportunity next.”
On his assessment of Emiliano Vargas:
“He sparred my brother, but that was many years ago. From what I’ve seen, he’s a fighter who reacts. He’s a fast-twitch type of guy. He reacts off of your reaction. But the guys he’s fought are very flat-footed. They’re telegraphing everything and you can see what they’re gonna do. He’s gonna try to do that with me, but I’m gonna be two or three steps ahead of him. Vargas hasn’t fought anybody who’s gonna take it to him like I will. It’s gonna be exciting once he sees that I’m not a normal fighter.”
On tapping Bob Santos as his lead trainer:
“Bob has been my manager since the beginning of my career, but has also been my little brother Sebastian’s trainer from his pro debut. That’s where I started to see that there are levels to this when it comes to guidance from the corner. When it came down to my tougher fights, I realized I needed to get better. I’m a hard worker, but I also realized with Bob that I needed to work intelligently. I was doing a lot wrong. The change was the best thing I could have done for my career.
“I don’t think it’s that he added anything, but he gave me more peace of mind that I’m a really good fighter who can adapt to anything. I’ve been flowing in these sparring sessions with big name fighters. I had been stressing in my head too much in my past fights and I wasn’t letting my movement be fluid. When I watch those fights I realize that I was too far into my own head. Bob helped me re-wire my brain so that I can say that I know who I am, I just have to go out and perform.
On what he learned from losses earlier in his career:
“When you get signed and you’re winning, there’s obviously a big crowd around you hyping you up. It’s the same story that every fighter goes through, and I went through it. People started doubting me and stopped believing in me. That kind of showed me who’s really with me. But the losses never bothered me. I’m doing this for myself and my family. I’m a competitor. I look for the grind. Sacrificing my time out here in Las Vegas is gonna pay off in the end.”
On what it means to fight on a David Benavidez undercard:
“This is a stacked card and it’s the perfect opportunity to shine and get this win, because everybody is gonna be tuning in. The card from top to bottom is filled with a bunch of hungry lions. We’re all coming to steal the show.”
On his message to his fans in Brownsville, Texas:
“They’ve always supported me since the beginning of my career and I represent them everywhere I go. I represent the special needs community everywhere I go as
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A few words with Omar Juarez
All-action junior welterweight Omar “El Relampago” Juarez plans to take unbeaten Emiliano “El General” Vargas into “deep water” in their ten-round bout that will be a part of the next PBC pay-per-view event, scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The bout is part of a five-fight pay-per-view lineup headlined by undefeated WBA / WBO cruiserweight champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez in a unification clash against WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and available through Ticketmaster.com. The 27 year-old Juarez (21-2, 8 KOs) is currently riding a seven-fight winning streak that dates back to 2024. Now under the helm of top trainer Bob Santos, Juarez’s current run includes a four-win 2025 campaign that featured a dominant decision over Omar Rosario. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism. Here is what Juarez had to say about facing Vargas, training camp in Las Vegas and more:
On what kind of fight fans can expect and what a win does for his career:
“It’s gonna be an exciting fight. Both of us are in there to prove something. I’m coming to hurt him and I’m coming to win. I have no doubt in my mind that I’m gonna win. I think he’s overlooking me and underestimating me. He thinks I’m a typical Mexican pressure fighter. But the fans are gonna see me break Vargas down and take him to deep water. This is a great win to have on my resume and get me closer to a world title shot. My team is managing my career perfectly, so I know that winning this will get me a big opportunity next.”
On his assessment of Emiliano Vargas:
“He sparred my brother, but that was many years ago. From what I’ve seen, he’s a fighter who reacts. He’s a fast-twitch type of guy. He reacts off of your reaction. But the guys he’s fought are very flat-footed. They’re telegraphing everything and you can see what they’re gonna do. He’s gonna try to do that with me, but I’m gonna be two or three steps ahead of him. Vargas hasn’t fought anybody who’s gonna take it to him like I will. It’s gonna be exciting once he sees that I’m not a normal fighter.”
On tapping Bob Santos as his lead trainer:
“Bob has been my manager since the beginning of my career, but has also been my little brother Sebastian’s trainer from his pro debut. That’s where I started to see that there are levels to this when it comes to guidance from the corner. When it came down to my tougher fights, I realized I needed to get better. I’m a hard worker, but I also realized with Bob that I needed to work intelligently. I was doing a lot wrong. The change was the best thing I could have done for my career.
“I don’t think it’s that he added anything, but he gave me more peace of mind that I’m a really good fighter who can adapt to anything. I’ve been flowing in these sparring sessions with big name fighters. I had been stressing in my head too much in my past fights and I wasn’t letting my movement be fluid. When I watch those fights I realize that I was too far into my own head. Bob helped me re-wire my brain so that I can say that I know who I am, I just have to go out and perform.
On what he learned from losses earlier in his career:
“When you get signed and you’re winning, there’s obviously a big crowd around you hyping you up. It’s the same story that every fighter goes through, and I went through it. People started doubting me and stopped believing in me. That kind of showed me who’s really with me. But the losses never bothered me. I’m doing this for myself and my family. I’m a competitor. I look for the grind. Sacrificing my time out here in Las Vegas is gonna pay off in the end.”
On what it means to fight on a David Benavidez undercard:
“This is a stacked card and it’s the perfect opportunity to shine and get this win, because everybody is gonna be tuning in. The card from top to bottom is filled with a bunch of hungry lions. We’re all coming to steal the show.”
On his message to his fans in Brownsville, Texas:
“They’ve always supported me since the beginning of my career and I represent them everywhere I go. I represent the special needs community everywhere I go as
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Kayla Allen back for more in the Copper Box |
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In September, Zuffa Boxing's Kayla Allen made her pro debut at the Copper Box Arena and stopped Edina Kiss on her stool at the end of the second round. It meant that Allen, already the first female signed to Zuffa Boxing, also became the first female to claim a victory inside the Zuffa Boxing ring. “It was a good experience,” said Allen ahead of her next outing on November 7th. Allen will take on Germany’s Julia Igel, a Swiss-based fighter with a 5-2 record that includes knockouts in each of her last four victories. “It's always good to get the first one out of the way, and it's just about building momentum now. I’m back out again on Saturday night, six weeks apart, so yeah, it’ll be good to get along with a set of fans and start building this ball, and keep rolling, and looking forward to next year and getting the ball rolling even further.”
Allen continued, “I don’t really get nervous, so for me, it was just more like adrenaline, waiting to get in there and just show everybody what I've been working on in the gym, and yeah, just make my family and my team proud,” she said. “That's ultimately is what the ring walk’s about. You start visualizing what you're going to do in the ring, and that's how I felt. I just feel confident. And I’ll feel confident Saturday night, as well. There’s no pressure. It's a privilege to have any sort of like hype around you. Like I say, pressure is a privilege for me, and that's how I get through all my hard times… So, the ring walk and the whole fight, the whole build-up, it all leads to one moment, and I'll be creating history for myself and creating a lot of wealth for my family. That's what ultimately will happen.”
A winning debut is always a special moment for any young professional fighter, and Allen’s first victory was no different, with those who have been with her throughout her journey all elated to see her succeed, and excited for what’s to come. “Yeah, they were buzzing,” grinned Allen. “They were like, ‘When's the next one?’ I was like, ‘Guess what? It's coming soon!’ … I was like, ‘Listen, I'll be out regularly,’ because when I'm getting people out early, and I'm giving people value for money, people want to buy tickets.
“I don't have to sell too much. People know what I'm about. I'm an honest person. I'm black and white, as easy as they come, you know? Support me, and I'll give the same back to my community and my family, and that's what it's all about. It’s boxing, at the end of the day.”
Clearly, Allen is far more focused on her own performance than her opponent’s past fights. When we asked Allen what she knew about her opponent, her answer was short and sweet. “My opponent? She's got two legs, two arms, and a head,” she said. “She's southpaw, she's from Germany, and she’s getting knocked out! That's what I know about her.”
For Zuffa Boxing’s female trailblazer, it’s the start of a journey that she hopes will open the doors for more young female fighters to follow in her footsteps. “It's amazing, isn't it? You can't ever take that away from me. As I said, a one-of-one. You can't ever take away someone who's unique and sets a precedent for other female young young athletes coming through. You can't ever take that away from me, and you know it's going to be an amazing journey, and it’s just the start.”
And on November 7th, just a couple of days after the UK’s annual celebration of Bonfire Night, where fireworks light up the night sky, Allen plans to light up the Copper Box with some pugilistic pyrotechnics of her own. “[It’ll be] fireworks again,” she stated. “It's gonna be a confident, great performance again. Just tune in Saturday night, and you'll see.”
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Kayla Allen back for more in the Copper Box
In September, Zuffa Boxing's Kayla Allen made her pro debut at the Copper Box Arena and stopped Edina Kiss on her stool at the end of the second round. It meant that Allen, already the first female signed to Zuffa Boxing, also became the first female to claim a victory inside the Zuffa Boxing ring. “It was a good experience,” said Allen ahead of her next outing on November 7th. Allen will take on Germany’s Julia Igel, a Swiss-based fighter with a 5-2 record that includes knockouts in each of her last four victories. “It's always good to get the first one out of the way, and it's just about building momentum now. I’m back out again on Saturday night, six weeks apart, so yeah, it’ll be good to get along with a set of fans and start building this ball, and keep rolling, and looking forward to next year and getting the ball rolling even further.”
Allen continued, “I don’t really get nervous, so for me, it was just more like adrenaline, waiting to get in there and just show everybody what I've been working on in the gym, and yeah, just make my family and my team proud,” she said. “That's ultimately is what the ring walk’s about. You start visualizing what you're going to do in the ring, and that's how I felt. I just feel confident. And I’ll feel confident Saturday night, as well. There’s no pressure. It's a privilege to have any sort of like hype around you. Like I say, pressure is a privilege for me, and that's how I get through all my hard times… So, the ring walk and the whole fight, the whole build-up, it all leads to one moment, and I'll be creating history for myself and creating a lot of wealth for my family. That's what ultimately will happen.”
A winning debut is always a special moment for any young professional fighter, and Allen’s first victory was no different, with those who have been with her throughout her journey all elated to see her succeed, and excited for what’s to come. “Yeah, they were buzzing,” grinned Allen. “They were like, ‘When's the next one?’ I was like, ‘Guess what? It's coming soon!’ … I was like, ‘Listen, I'll be out regularly,’ because when I'm getting people out early, and I'm giving people value for money, people want to buy tickets.
“I don't have to sell too much. People know what I'm about. I'm an honest person. I'm black and white, as easy as they come, you know? Support me, and I'll give the same back to my community and my family, and that's what it's all about. It’s boxing, at the end of the day.”
Clearly, Allen is far more focused on her own performance than her opponent’s past fights. When we asked Allen what she knew about her opponent, her answer was short and sweet. “My opponent? She's got two legs, two arms, and a head,” she said. “She's southpaw, she's from Germany, and she’s getting knocked out! That's what I know about her.”
For Zuffa Boxing’s female trailblazer, it’s the start of a journey that she hopes will open the doors for more young female fighters to follow in her footsteps. “It's amazing, isn't it? You can't ever take that away from me. As I said, a one-of-one. You can't ever take away someone who's unique and sets a precedent for other female young young athletes coming through. You can't ever take that away from me, and you know it's going to be an amazing journey, and it’s just the start.”
And on November 7th, just a couple of days after the UK’s annual celebration of Bonfire Night, where fireworks light up the night sky, Allen plans to light up the Copper Box with some pugilistic pyrotechnics of her own. “[It’ll be] fireworks again,” she stated. “It's gonna be a confident, great performance again. Just tune in Saturday night, and you'll see.”
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Weigh-in report from Bournemouth |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Zuffa Boxing 12 in Bounremouth, England, scheduled for Saturday on Paramount+ and Sky Sports:
Chris Billam-Smith, 199.5 pounds -vs.- Chev Clarke, 198.8 (cruiserweights, ten rounds);
Denzel Bentley, 160 -vs.- Shane Mosley Jr., 160 (middleweights, ten rounds);
Da'Mazion Vanhouter, 230.6 -vs.- Ivan Balaz, 244.8 (heavyweights, eight rounds);
Sam Hickey, 161.4 -vs.- Amaury Massenaux, 160.6 (middleweights, eight rounds);
Kayla Allen, 142.5 -vs.- Julia Igel, 142.4 (junior welterweights, six rounds); and
Lucas Roehrig, 199.7 -vs.- Connal McDonald, 199.8 (cruiserweights, eight rounds).
Zach Parker, 174.9 -vs.- Umar Dzambekov, 174.8 (light heavyweights, ten rounds);
Vinnie Kemp, 156.2 -vs.- Liam McElhinney, 155.3 (middleweights, four rounds); and
Masood Abdullah, 125.4 -vs.- Adan Palma, 124.8 (featherweights, eight rounds).
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Weigh-in report from Bournemouth
Here are the boxers' weights for Zuffa Boxing 12 in Bounremouth, England, scheduled for Saturday on Paramount+ and Sky Sports:
Chris Billam-Smith, 199.5 pounds -vs.- Chev Clarke, 198.8 (cruiserweights, ten rounds);
Denzel Bentley, 160 -vs.- Shane Mosley Jr., 160 (middleweights, ten rounds);
Da'Mazion Vanhouter, 230.6 -vs.- Ivan Balaz, 244.8 (heavyweights, eight rounds);
Sam Hickey, 161.4 -vs.- Amaury Massenaux, 160.6 (middleweights, eight rounds);
Kayla Allen, 142.5 -vs.- Julia Igel, 142.4 (junior welterweights, six rounds); and
Lucas Roehrig, 199.7 -vs.- Connal McDonald, 199.8 (cruiserweights, eight rounds).
Zach Parker, 174.9 -vs.- Umar Dzambekov, 174.8 (light heavyweights, ten rounds);
Vinnie Kemp, 156.2 -vs.- Liam McElhinney, 155.3 (middleweights, four rounds); and
Masood Abdullah, 125.4 -vs.- Adan Palma, 124.8 (featherweights, eight rounds).
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MVP books Caroline Dubois vs. Stephanie Han unification for 2027 |
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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that undefeated champions Caroline Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs) and Stephanie Han (13-0, 3 KOs) will clash in a lightweight unification showdown on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. With the WBO, WBC and WBA world titles on the line, the bout will headline a night of championship boxing as Han prepares for the biggest fight of her career in front of her hometown fans. Dubois vs. Han will air live on Sky Sports in UK prime time. Public sale of tickets begins Thursday, December 3rd at 10 a.m. MT on Ticketmaster.com. Dubois vs. Han will mark MVPW-09, with details on MVPW-08 to be announced shortly.
The announcement comes as the two champions head to Arlington, Texas, for their first face-to-face meeting as special guests at fight week of MVPW-07, which is set for on Sunday, November 8th. The IBF women's lightweight champion is Elif Nur Turhan who faces junior lightweight champion Alycia Bumgardner on MVPW-07.
Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs), the unified WBC / WBO lightweight champion is one of the most accomplished young talents in women’s boxing. Fighting out of London, the southpaw known as “Sweet Caroline” enjoyed a decorated amateur career that included gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics, four European Youth Championships and representing Great Britain at the 2021 Olympics. Turning pro in 2022, Dubois captured the WBC title before unifying the WBC and WBO championships with a victory over Terri Harper in April 2026. She most recently defended her titles against Amelia Moore in August and now looks to add the WBA championship to her collection in the biggest unification fight of her professional career.
Dubois said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and I can’t wait to go into Stephanie Han’s hometown and add another world title to my collection. I respect what she’s accomplished, but I’m coming to El Paso to take her title and show everyone why I’m the best lightweight in the world. These are the kinds of fights I’ve been working toward my entire career. I want all the belts, I want the biggest fights, and I want to prove myself against the best. On Saturday, February 20, I’m coming to make a statement and take another step toward becoming undisputed. A big thank you to MVP and Sky for making this fight happen and continuing to give women’s boxing the platform it deserves.”
Han (13-0, 3 KOs), the WBA lightweight champion, is an El Paso native, devoted mother of two, veteran of the El Paso Police Department and a former beauty pageant competitor whose remarkable journey has made her a compelling figure in women’s boxing. Known as “The Enforcer,” Han captured the vacant WBA lightweight world title with a first-round knockout of Hannah Terlep in February 2025 and has since defended her belt three times, including back-to-back victories over boxing legend Holly Holm. Most recently, Han defeated Holm in front of her hometown fans in El Paso on May 30th. She will now face the biggest challenge of her career at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center, with an opportunity to unify three major world titles.
Han said: “This fight is a dream come true! Finally, I have the opportunity to unify titles in my division and get one step closer to becoming the undisputed queen of the lightweight division! To be able to fight at home at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is incredibly special, and I’m grateful to MVP for their support to make this happen. I invite all of El Paso to come out and support on Saturday, February 20 and witness this moment.”
Nakisa Bidarian, MVP's CEO, said: “Caroline Dubois and Stephanie Han are two undefeated world champions at the top of one of the deepest and most competitive divisions in boxing. Stephanie’s story is remarkable. She’s a police officer, a mother, a former beauty queen and a world champion who has become a source of pride for El Paso. Caroline has established herself as one of the most talented young champions in the sport, and bringing these two women together with three major world titles on the line is a huge moment for MVP and women’s boxing. El Paso has shown up for its hometown hero time and time again, so we owed it to this city to bring one of the biggest fights in boxing to GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center on Saturday, February 20th, live in UK prime time on Sky Sports.”
Additional details, including the full fight card and further event information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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MVP books Caroline Dubois vs. Stephanie Han unification for 2027
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that undefeated champions Caroline Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs) and Stephanie Han (13-0, 3 KOs) will clash in a lightweight unification showdown on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas. With the WBO, WBC and WBA world titles on the line, the bout will headline a night of championship boxing as Han prepares for the biggest fight of her career in front of her hometown fans. Dubois vs. Han will air live on Sky Sports in UK prime time. Public sale of tickets begins Thursday, December 3rd at 10 a.m. MT on Ticketmaster.com. Dubois vs. Han will mark MVPW-09, with details on MVPW-08 to be announced shortly.
The announcement comes as the two champions head to Arlington, Texas, for their first face-to-face meeting as special guests at fight week of MVPW-07, which is set for on Sunday, November 8th. The IBF women's lightweight champion is Elif Nur Turhan who faces junior lightweight champion Alycia Bumgardner on MVPW-07.
Dubois (14-0-1, 5 KOs), the unified WBC / WBO lightweight champion is one of the most accomplished young talents in women’s boxing. Fighting out of London, the southpaw known as “Sweet Caroline” enjoyed a decorated amateur career that included gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics, four European Youth Championships and representing Great Britain at the 2021 Olympics. Turning pro in 2022, Dubois captured the WBC title before unifying the WBC and WBO championships with a victory over Terri Harper in April 2026. She most recently defended her titles against Amelia Moore in August and now looks to add the WBA championship to her collection in the biggest unification fight of her professional career.
Dubois said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and I can’t wait to go into Stephanie Han’s hometown and add another world title to my collection. I respect what she’s accomplished, but I’m coming to El Paso to take her title and show everyone why I’m the best lightweight in the world. These are the kinds of fights I’ve been working toward my entire career. I want all the belts, I want the biggest fights, and I want to prove myself against the best. On Saturday, February 20, I’m coming to make a statement and take another step toward becoming undisputed. A big thank you to MVP and Sky for making this fight happen and continuing to give women’s boxing the platform it deserves.”
Han (13-0, 3 KOs), the WBA lightweight champion, is an El Paso native, devoted mother of two, veteran of the El Paso Police Department and a former beauty pageant competitor whose remarkable journey has made her a compelling figure in women’s boxing. Known as “The Enforcer,” Han captured the vacant WBA lightweight world title with a first-round knockout of Hannah Terlep in February 2025 and has since defended her belt three times, including back-to-back victories over boxing legend Holly Holm. Most recently, Han defeated Holm in front of her hometown fans in El Paso on May 30th. She will now face the biggest challenge of her career at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center, with an opportunity to unify three major world titles.
Han said: “This fight is a dream come true! Finally, I have the opportunity to unify titles in my division and get one step closer to becoming the undisputed queen of the lightweight division! To be able to fight at home at GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is incredibly special, and I’m grateful to MVP for their support to make this happen. I invite all of El Paso to come out and support on Saturday, February 20 and witness this moment.”
Nakisa Bidarian, MVP's CEO, said: “Caroline Dubois and Stephanie Han are two undefeated world champions at the top of one of the deepest and most competitive divisions in boxing. Stephanie’s story is remarkable. She’s a police officer, a mother, a former beauty queen and a world champion who has become a source of pride for El Paso. Caroline has established herself as one of the most talented young champions in the sport, and bringing these two women together with three major world titles on the line is a huge moment for MVP and women’s boxing. El Paso has shown up for its hometown hero time and time again, so we owed it to this city to bring one of the biggest fights in boxing to GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center on Saturday, February 20th, live in UK prime time on Sky Sports.”
Additional details, including the full fight card and further event information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Heavyweight Vanhouter is growing up quickly |
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Da'Mazion Vanhouter shares the same birthday, January 17th, as Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight of all time. Ali accomplished that goal in his lifetime, and while those are enormous shoes to fill, it’s the fuel that drives the 21-year old fighting out of Saint Petersburg, FL. To that end, he’s off to a promising start. Undefeated across 13 professional fights, Vanhouter is the only fighters with three stoppages on Zuffa Boxing shows. He began with a third-round TKO over Julian Gomez back in February, followed by a first-round TKO of Raphael Murphy in May. His most recent was a first-round KO of Raphael Akpejiori on the undercard of the Garcia vs Benn mega-event in September. That brought his KO streak to seven consecutive fights and ten total for his career. He sat down to discuss his bout vs Ivan Balaz (9-1) at Zuffa Boxing 12 on November 7th in London.
Sitting across from him, it’s nearly impossible to imagine this is the same guy who fought his first few pro fights at 155 pounds, starting back in 2022. For the Akpejiori bout, he hit the scale at 231.5. Massive gains of lean muscle like that have, of course, meant countless hours dedicated to strength and conditioning, and maybe a few for video games. “The morning before left, I worked out, and then I played the game from 10 in the morning to 11 at night,” he admitted a little sheepishly. “I didn’t do anything else.”
There are plenty of games he enjoys but names the latest MLB game as a huge culprit of occupying his non-gym hours. But games are just a luxury for after the hay is in the barn, as it is for Saturday’s showdown at Copper Box Arena. His focus is squarely on the task in front of him, and his opponents rarely ever rent space in his head. “I know (Balaz) fought Johnny Fisher and that he has a good record,” he said, as if these are the only things he needs to know. Vanhouter largely stays out of the discussions of what the arc of his opponents should look like. “I don’t focus on that,” he said. “I just focus on who they give me. They worry about that stuff. Just tell me who I’m fighting.”
When asked how he has improved, Vanhouter responded, "my mentality and my patience,” Vanhouter said. “My first Zuffa Boxing fight, I was very nervous; more anxious because of what was going on. I just mellowed out. Got more patient.”
This much is evident even as you speak to Vanhouter. Although soft-spoken and visibly shy, he’s much more relaxed doing media and interviews than he was just a few short months earlier, so it stands to reason that comfort extends to other areas of his profession. “Just fighting more,” he said. “Just being in front of people.”
The nerves, to hear him tell it, all exist outside of the opening bell. “I feel more nervous before the fight, like training up for the fight,” he said. “When I’m in the ring, there ain’t nothing else I can do but do what I love, and that’s hurt ‘em.”
While Vanhouter has an imposing physique, he often finds himself on the wrong end of the height and reach advantage — not that it has mattered. “It’s easy; they’re all a lot slower,” he said, smiling. “All I’ve got to do is use my feet. Everybody’s just slow to me.” Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, as his hero used to say.
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Heavyweight Vanhouter is growing up quickly
Da'Mazion Vanhouter shares the same birthday, January 17th, as Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight of all time. Ali accomplished that goal in his lifetime, and while those are enormous shoes to fill, it’s the fuel that drives the 21-year old fighting out of Saint Petersburg, FL. To that end, he’s off to a promising start. Undefeated across 13 professional fights, Vanhouter is the only fighters with three stoppages on Zuffa Boxing shows. He began with a third-round TKO over Julian Gomez back in February, followed by a first-round TKO of Raphael Murphy in May. His most recent was a first-round KO of Raphael Akpejiori on the undercard of the Garcia vs Benn mega-event in September. That brought his KO streak to seven consecutive fights and ten total for his career. He sat down to discuss his bout vs Ivan Balaz (9-1) at Zuffa Boxing 12 on November 7th in London.
Sitting across from him, it’s nearly impossible to imagine this is the same guy who fought his first few pro fights at 155 pounds, starting back in 2022. For the Akpejiori bout, he hit the scale at 231.5. Massive gains of lean muscle like that have, of course, meant countless hours dedicated to strength and conditioning, and maybe a few for video games. “The morning before left, I worked out, and then I played the game from 10 in the morning to 11 at night,” he admitted a little sheepishly. “I didn’t do anything else.”
There are plenty of games he enjoys but names the latest MLB game as a huge culprit of occupying his non-gym hours. But games are just a luxury for after the hay is in the barn, as it is for Saturday’s showdown at Copper Box Arena. His focus is squarely on the task in front of him, and his opponents rarely ever rent space in his head. “I know (Balaz) fought Johnny Fisher and that he has a good record,” he said, as if these are the only things he needs to know. Vanhouter largely stays out of the discussions of what the arc of his opponents should look like. “I don’t focus on that,” he said. “I just focus on who they give me. They worry about that stuff. Just tell me who I’m fighting.”
When asked how he has improved, Vanhouter responded, "my mentality and my patience,” Vanhouter said. “My first Zuffa Boxing fight, I was very nervous; more anxious because of what was going on. I just mellowed out. Got more patient.”
This much is evident even as you speak to Vanhouter. Although soft-spoken and visibly shy, he’s much more relaxed doing media and interviews than he was just a few short months earlier, so it stands to reason that comfort extends to other areas of his profession. “Just fighting more,” he said. “Just being in front of people.”
The nerves, to hear him tell it, all exist outside of the opening bell. “I feel more nervous before the fight, like training up for the fight,” he said. “When I’m in the ring, there ain’t nothing else I can do but do what I love, and that’s hurt ‘em.”
While Vanhouter has an imposing physique, he often finds himself on the wrong end of the height and reach advantage — not that it has mattered. “It’s easy; they’re all a lot slower,” he said, smiling. “All I’ve got to do is use my feet. Everybody’s just slow to me.” Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, as his hero used to say.
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New champion alert: WBO elevates Ryusei Matsumoto |
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With Oscar Collazo vacating his WBO title, the WBO has now officially elevated Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan to WBO minimumweight world champion. Matsumoto (9-0) got elevated because he has been the WBO's interim champion since September when he defeated Russell Acosta Silveira. Meanwhile, Collazo remains the WBA champion in this 105-pound weight class, although he previously had a 112-pound fight scheduled before getting injured.
The WBO Championship Committee has received formal notice from Miguel Cotto Promotions that Oscar Collazo has relinquished his WBO 105-pound championship. Accordingly, the WBO canceled a scheduled purse bid for a fight between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan. Matsumoto is expected to be immediately elevated to full WBO minimumweight champion status in accordance with WBO Rule. Collazo remains the WBA minimumweight champion. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri commented on social media, "The doors will always be open for Oscar Collazo. All the best to Team Collazo going forward."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV. 3, 2026: The WBO Championship Committee has received formal notice from Miguel Cotto Promotions that Oscar Collazo has relinquished his WBO 105-pound championship. Accordingly, the WBO canceled a scheduled purse bid for a fight between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan. Matsumoto is expected to be immediately elevated to full WBO minimumweight champion status in accordance with WBO Rule. Collazo remains the WBA minimumweight champion. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri commented on social media, "The doors will always be open for Oscar Collazo. All the best to Team Collazo going forward."
OCT. 20, 2026: With Oscar Collazo's flyweight title shot called off due to his injury, he must now decide whether he wants to return to minimumweight. Collazo holds both the WBO and WBA titles at minimumweight (105 pounds).The WBO World Championships Committee has formally ordered negotiations between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto (9-0) of Japan to fulfill the mandatory championship obligation and promptly terminate the interim championship status. Matsumoto becam einterim champion last month by defeating Russell Acosta Sivleira in a battle of unbeatens. Representatives of Collazo and Matsumto have fifteen days to reach an agreement. Should negotiations prove unsuccessful, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings.
SEPT 19, 2026: Puerto Rico's Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo, who holds two of the four world titles at miniumweight has withdrawn from his scheduled flyweight title challenge due to a rib injury sustained in training camp. Collazo was scheduled to move up two weight classes to challenge another two-belt champion, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval, on October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. According to Collazo's promoter, Golden Boy, the show will proceed with undefeated lightweights Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) meeting in the main event for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions said additional details concerning the October 10th undercard will be announced once confirmed.
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New champion alert: WBO elevates Ryusei Matsumoto
With Oscar Collazo vacating his WBO title, the WBO has now officially elevated Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan to WBO minimumweight world champion. Matsumoto (9-0) got elevated because he has been the WBO's interim champion since September when he defeated Russell Acosta Silveira. Meanwhile, Collazo remains the WBA champion in this 105-pound weight class, although he previously had a 112-pound fight scheduled before getting injured.
The WBO Championship Committee has received formal notice from Miguel Cotto Promotions that Oscar Collazo has relinquished his WBO 105-pound championship. Accordingly, the WBO canceled a scheduled purse bid for a fight between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan. Matsumoto is expected to be immediately elevated to full WBO minimumweight champion status in accordance with WBO Rule. Collazo remains the WBA minimumweight champion. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri commented on social media, "The doors will always be open for Oscar Collazo. All the best to Team Collazo going forward."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV. 3, 2026: The WBO Championship Committee has received formal notice from Miguel Cotto Promotions that Oscar Collazo has relinquished his WBO 105-pound championship. Accordingly, the WBO canceled a scheduled purse bid for a fight between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan. Matsumoto is expected to be immediately elevated to full WBO minimumweight champion status in accordance with WBO Rule. Collazo remains the WBA minimumweight champion. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri commented on social media, "The doors will always be open for Oscar Collazo. All the best to Team Collazo going forward."
OCT. 20, 2026: With Oscar Collazo's flyweight title shot called off due to his injury, he must now decide whether he wants to return to minimumweight. Collazo holds both the WBO and WBA titles at minimumweight (105 pounds).The WBO World Championships Committee has formally ordered negotiations between Collazo and WBO interim champion Ryusei Matsumoto (9-0) of Japan to fulfill the mandatory championship obligation and promptly terminate the interim championship status. Matsumoto becam einterim champion last month by defeating Russell Acosta Sivleira in a battle of unbeatens. Representatives of Collazo and Matsumto have fifteen days to reach an agreement. Should negotiations prove unsuccessful, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings.
SEPT 19, 2026: Puerto Rico's Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo, who holds two of the four world titles at miniumweight has withdrawn from his scheduled flyweight title challenge due to a rib injury sustained in training camp. Collazo was scheduled to move up two weight classes to challenge another two-belt champion, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval, on October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. According to Collazo's promoter, Golden Boy, the show will proceed with undefeated lightweights Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield III (19-0, 13 KOs) and “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (20-0, 15 KOs) meeting in the main event for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Golden Boy and Most Valuable Promotions said additional details concerning the October 10th undercard will be announced once confirmed.
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