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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
MVP signs reigning champ Mizuki Hiruta |
|
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the signing of undefeated Mizuki “Mimi” Hiruta (11-0, 2 KOs) of Japan, the reigning WBO super flyweight world champion and one of the most accomplished pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing. The signing brings one of Japan’s premier combat sports talents to MVP’s rapidly expanding global roster of world champions and further strengthens the company’s position as the leading force in women’s boxing. Hiruta already boasts seven successful title defenses and The Ring’s 2025 Female Fighter of the Year honors.
A former Japan Self-Defense Forces elite athlete, Hiruta built an accomplished amateur career before turning professional in 2021 and capturing the WBO world title in just her fourth professional fight. A precise, high-volume southpaw style and resilience, she made history with a 63-second stoppage in her first title defense, among the fastest world title finishes ever recorded in Japan. After establishing herself in Southern California under renowned trainer Manny Robles, Hiruta enjoyed a standout 2025 with four title defenses before most recently retaining her titles with a unanimous decision victory beneath the Pyramids of Giza in May 2026. A four-time consecutive Japan Female Fighter of the Year, Hiruta now joins MVP.
Her signing marks another significant step in MVP’s international expansion and its mission to bring the world’s most talented female fighters to the biggest stages in boxing. Through MVP’s global promotional platform and media partnerships, Hiruta will pursue marquee championship opportunities while building her profile with audiences across Japan, the United States and around the world.
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, MVP Founders, said: “Japan has some of the best boxers in the world and Mizuki Hiruta has everything it takes to become a global superstar. She’s undefeated, a world champion with seven successful title defenses, a four-time Japanese Female Fighter of the Year and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Her journey from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to the top of women’s boxing is remarkable. Inside the ring, she’s an exceptional boxer. Outside the ring, she has the confidence, charisma and authenticity to transcend the sport. Mizuki is exactly the type of athlete we want at MVP, and we’re going to give her the platform and opportunities to become one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing. We look forward to her making her MVP debut and delivering an MVP event in Japan in the future.”
Hiruta said: “I want to thank Most Valuable Promotions from the bottom of my heart for this incredible opportunity! I’m so excited to chase my dreams with MVP! I’ll turn all this gratitude into strength, keep working hard, and never lose my smile or forget who I am. I want to make everyone who supports me happy and bring smiles to as many people as possible. I want to be a one-of-a-kind superstar."
|
|
|
|
MVP signs reigning champ Mizuki Hiruta
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the signing of undefeated Mizuki “Mimi” Hiruta (11-0, 2 KOs) of Japan, the reigning WBO super flyweight world champion and one of the most accomplished pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing. The signing brings one of Japan’s premier combat sports talents to MVP’s rapidly expanding global roster of world champions and further strengthens the company’s position as the leading force in women’s boxing. Hiruta already boasts seven successful title defenses and The Ring’s 2025 Female Fighter of the Year honors.
A former Japan Self-Defense Forces elite athlete, Hiruta built an accomplished amateur career before turning professional in 2021 and capturing the WBO world title in just her fourth professional fight. A precise, high-volume southpaw style and resilience, she made history with a 63-second stoppage in her first title defense, among the fastest world title finishes ever recorded in Japan. After establishing herself in Southern California under renowned trainer Manny Robles, Hiruta enjoyed a standout 2025 with four title defenses before most recently retaining her titles with a unanimous decision victory beneath the Pyramids of Giza in May 2026. A four-time consecutive Japan Female Fighter of the Year, Hiruta now joins MVP.
Her signing marks another significant step in MVP’s international expansion and its mission to bring the world’s most talented female fighters to the biggest stages in boxing. Through MVP’s global promotional platform and media partnerships, Hiruta will pursue marquee championship opportunities while building her profile with audiences across Japan, the United States and around the world.
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, MVP Founders, said: “Japan has some of the best boxers in the world and Mizuki Hiruta has everything it takes to become a global superstar. She’s undefeated, a world champion with seven successful title defenses, a four-time Japanese Female Fighter of the Year and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Her journey from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to the top of women’s boxing is remarkable. Inside the ring, she’s an exceptional boxer. Outside the ring, she has the confidence, charisma and authenticity to transcend the sport. Mizuki is exactly the type of athlete we want at MVP, and we’re going to give her the platform and opportunities to become one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing. We look forward to her making her MVP debut and delivering an MVP event in Japan in the future.”
Hiruta said: “I want to thank Most Valuable Promotions from the bottom of my heart for this incredible opportunity! I’m so excited to chase my dreams with MVP! I’ll turn all this gratitude into strength, keep working hard, and never lose my smile or forget who I am. I want to make everyone who supports me happy and bring smiles to as many people as possible. I want to be a one-of-a-kind superstar."
|
Haney to unify vs. Paro |
|
Three-division champion and current WBO welterweight king Devin Haney (pictured) will face two-division champion and current IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro in a unification showdown Saturday, Dec. 19th, at Chase Center in San Francisco. In the ten-round welterweight co-feature, former champion Brian Norman Jr. takes on Abel Ramos. 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. Promoted by Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions, in association with No Limit Boxing and TGB Promotions, ticket information will be announced shortly.
Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) stopped Zaur Abdullaev in four rounds to win the interim lightweight title in 2019 and was elevated to world champion later that year. After four defenses, he traveled to Australia twice in 2022 to beat George Kambosos Jr., first to claim the undisputed crown and then to defend it. Haney outpointed Vasiliy Lomachenko in May 2023 before moving up to 140 pounds that December, where he dominated Regis Prograis to become a two-division champion. His April 2024 decision loss to Ryan Garcia was later overturned and the bout ruled a no contest. Haney returned in May 2025 to outpoint Jose Ramirez. That November, he dropped Brian Norman Jr. en route to a unanimous decision to capture the WBO welterweight title. In his second appearance at Chase Center, he’ll look to unify titles in a second weight class.
Haney said, “My resume speaks for itself. I’ve never been afraid to go into a champion’s backyard and put my record on the line. I went to Australia, took George Kambosos’ belts, and became undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Now I’m bringing another Australian world champion, Liam Paro, into my backyard. This time, I plan to take his belt and become a unified welterweight world champion right here at home.
“Oakland is where my story started, and the Bay Area has always been part of who I am. The Valkyries just brought a championship to Chase Center, and on December 19, I plan to keep that championship energy going. I made history in Australia. Now it’s time to make history at home.”
Paro (28-1, 16 KOs) traveled to Puerto Rico in June 2024 and outpointed Subriel Matias to capture the super lightweight world title. The Mackay, Australia, native returned to Puerto Rico that December and lost the belt by split decision to Richardson Hitchins in his first defense. Paro moved up to welterweight the following year, stopping Jonathan Navarro after five rounds and outpointing unbeaten David Papot. In June, he handed Lewis Crocker his first defeat, earning a unanimous decision in Brisbane to become a two-division world champion.
Paro said, “Three years ago, I was on the undercard at Chase Center the night Devin fought Regis Prograis. I said back then that Haney versus Paro rolls off the tongue. Now it’s here. Champion versus champion, two belts on the line, in his backyard.
“I’ve never taken the easy road. I went to Puerto Rico and took the title off Matias in front of his own people. Devin’s a great fighter and I respect that. But I’ve been the underdog plenty of times and I’ve made history before. December 19, I’m coming to unify the division and make more history.”
“Look, this is the fight we've been chasing since the day Liam won that IBF belt,” said No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose. “Plenty of champions sit on their titles and wait for an easy defence. That's never been Liam Paro and it's never been No Limit. We put his name in front of every champion in the division and said come and get it. Devin Haney has answered, and full credit to him for that.
“I'll say it straight. Devin Haney is the best welterweight in the world right now. Undefeated, three-division world champion, fighting in his hometown. That's exactly why Liam wants him. You don't become the best by going around the best. You go straight through them, and that's what we're heading to America to do.”
Norman (29-1, 23 KOs) broke through in May 2024, knocking out unbeaten Giovani Santillan in 10 rounds to capture the interim welterweight world title. Elevated to full champion later that year, the Atlanta native made two emphatic defenses in 2025, stopping Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki before the Haney loss. He returned in May and dispatched Josh Wagner in two rounds.
Ramos (29-6-3, 22 KOs), a Mexican American raised in Casa Grande, Arizona, made his mark in September 2020 when he dropped a split decision to Yordenis Ugas in his first bid for a world title. His second shot came in November 2024, when he traded knockdowns with Mario Barrios en route to a split draw. In February, Ramos rallied to upset previously unbeaten Tahmir Smalls by split decision.
Norman said, “I don't fear the moment. I embrace it. Every setback has sharpened me, every sacrifice has shaped me, and every round has taught me something. I don't need to be perfect. I need to be present, disciplined, and calculated. The goal isn't just to win a fight. It's to bring the best version of myself into that ring and leave no doubt about who I am. December 19, I’ll be my best self.”
Ramos said, “I’m super excited for this opportunity. Brian Norman Jr. always comes to fight, and with my action-packed style, I know this is going to be a fan-friendly fight for everyone at the Chase Center and watching on DAZN. This will be my first time in San Francisco, and I can’t wait to put on a show for the boxing fans to close out the year.”
“The historically prestigious welterweight division is heating up, and it all starts on December 19th in San Francisco when Devin Haney and Liam Paro unify their titles,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “It is a pleasure to be reunited with Team Haney after orchestrating his successful bid for the undisputed lightweight championship in 2022. Paro is no stranger to winning on the road, having broken the hearts of Puerto Rican fans when he upset Subriel Matias for his super lightweight crown. This is a terrific matchup with massive stakes.”
“We are excited to partner with Top Rank, TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and DAZN to deliver another major night of championship boxing,” said Bill Haney, Devin's father and manager. “At Devin Haney Promotions, our commitment is to bring meaningful, high-level fights to the sport, and December 19th represents exactly that. Devin Haney and Liam Paro are two reigning world champions competing in one of the hottest divisions in boxing. This is a championship unification, with the WBO and IBF welterweight titles at stake and the winner taking another step toward becoming undisputed. We made championship history at Chase Center at 140 pounds. Now we’re returning at 147 for another opportunity to make history, looking to build on that success and deliver a memorable night of world-class boxing for the Bay Area.”
“Devin Haney aka Deebo's homecoming sets the stage for a blockbuster welterweight unification showdown in San Francisco,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “With Liam Paro looking to make his own statement, and Brian Norman Jr. facing battle-tested former world title challenger Abel Ramos, this card brings together elite talent, compelling rivalries and high stakes.”
|
|
|
|
Haney to unify vs. Paro
Three-division champion and current WBO welterweight king Devin Haney (pictured) will face two-division champion and current IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro in a unification showdown Saturday, Dec. 19th, at Chase Center in San Francisco. In the ten-round welterweight co-feature, former champion Brian Norman Jr. takes on Abel Ramos. 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. Promoted by Top Rank and Devin Haney Promotions, in association with No Limit Boxing and TGB Promotions, ticket information will be announced shortly.
Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) stopped Zaur Abdullaev in four rounds to win the interim lightweight title in 2019 and was elevated to world champion later that year. After four defenses, he traveled to Australia twice in 2022 to beat George Kambosos Jr., first to claim the undisputed crown and then to defend it. Haney outpointed Vasiliy Lomachenko in May 2023 before moving up to 140 pounds that December, where he dominated Regis Prograis to become a two-division champion. His April 2024 decision loss to Ryan Garcia was later overturned and the bout ruled a no contest. Haney returned in May 2025 to outpoint Jose Ramirez. That November, he dropped Brian Norman Jr. en route to a unanimous decision to capture the WBO welterweight title. In his second appearance at Chase Center, he’ll look to unify titles in a second weight class.
Haney said, “My resume speaks for itself. I’ve never been afraid to go into a champion’s backyard and put my record on the line. I went to Australia, took George Kambosos’ belts, and became undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Now I’m bringing another Australian world champion, Liam Paro, into my backyard. This time, I plan to take his belt and become a unified welterweight world champion right here at home.
“Oakland is where my story started, and the Bay Area has always been part of who I am. The Valkyries just brought a championship to Chase Center, and on December 19, I plan to keep that championship energy going. I made history in Australia. Now it’s time to make history at home.”
Paro (28-1, 16 KOs) traveled to Puerto Rico in June 2024 and outpointed Subriel Matias to capture the super lightweight world title. The Mackay, Australia, native returned to Puerto Rico that December and lost the belt by split decision to Richardson Hitchins in his first defense. Paro moved up to welterweight the following year, stopping Jonathan Navarro after five rounds and outpointing unbeaten David Papot. In June, he handed Lewis Crocker his first defeat, earning a unanimous decision in Brisbane to become a two-division world champion.
Paro said, “Three years ago, I was on the undercard at Chase Center the night Devin fought Regis Prograis. I said back then that Haney versus Paro rolls off the tongue. Now it’s here. Champion versus champion, two belts on the line, in his backyard.
“I’ve never taken the easy road. I went to Puerto Rico and took the title off Matias in front of his own people. Devin’s a great fighter and I respect that. But I’ve been the underdog plenty of times and I’ve made history before. December 19, I’m coming to unify the division and make more history.”
“Look, this is the fight we've been chasing since the day Liam won that IBF belt,” said No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose. “Plenty of champions sit on their titles and wait for an easy defence. That's never been Liam Paro and it's never been No Limit. We put his name in front of every champion in the division and said come and get it. Devin Haney has answered, and full credit to him for that.
“I'll say it straight. Devin Haney is the best welterweight in the world right now. Undefeated, three-division world champion, fighting in his hometown. That's exactly why Liam wants him. You don't become the best by going around the best. You go straight through them, and that's what we're heading to America to do.”
Norman (29-1, 23 KOs) broke through in May 2024, knocking out unbeaten Giovani Santillan in 10 rounds to capture the interim welterweight world title. Elevated to full champion later that year, the Atlanta native made two emphatic defenses in 2025, stopping Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki before the Haney loss. He returned in May and dispatched Josh Wagner in two rounds.
Ramos (29-6-3, 22 KOs), a Mexican American raised in Casa Grande, Arizona, made his mark in September 2020 when he dropped a split decision to Yordenis Ugas in his first bid for a world title. His second shot came in November 2024, when he traded knockdowns with Mario Barrios en route to a split draw. In February, Ramos rallied to upset previously unbeaten Tahmir Smalls by split decision.
Norman said, “I don't fear the moment. I embrace it. Every setback has sharpened me, every sacrifice has shaped me, and every round has taught me something. I don't need to be perfect. I need to be present, disciplined, and calculated. The goal isn't just to win a fight. It's to bring the best version of myself into that ring and leave no doubt about who I am. December 19, I’ll be my best self.”
Ramos said, “I’m super excited for this opportunity. Brian Norman Jr. always comes to fight, and with my action-packed style, I know this is going to be a fan-friendly fight for everyone at the Chase Center and watching on DAZN. This will be my first time in San Francisco, and I can’t wait to put on a show for the boxing fans to close out the year.”
“The historically prestigious welterweight division is heating up, and it all starts on December 19th in San Francisco when Devin Haney and Liam Paro unify their titles,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “It is a pleasure to be reunited with Team Haney after orchestrating his successful bid for the undisputed lightweight championship in 2022. Paro is no stranger to winning on the road, having broken the hearts of Puerto Rican fans when he upset Subriel Matias for his super lightweight crown. This is a terrific matchup with massive stakes.”
“We are excited to partner with Top Rank, TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and DAZN to deliver another major night of championship boxing,” said Bill Haney, Devin's father and manager. “At Devin Haney Promotions, our commitment is to bring meaningful, high-level fights to the sport, and December 19th represents exactly that. Devin Haney and Liam Paro are two reigning world champions competing in one of the hottest divisions in boxing. This is a championship unification, with the WBO and IBF welterweight titles at stake and the winner taking another step toward becoming undisputed. We made championship history at Chase Center at 140 pounds. Now we’re returning at 147 for another opportunity to make history, looking to build on that success and deliver a memorable night of world-class boxing for the Bay Area.”
“Devin Haney aka Deebo's homecoming sets the stage for a blockbuster welterweight unification showdown in San Francisco,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “With Liam Paro looking to make his own statement, and Brian Norman Jr. facing battle-tested former world title challenger Abel Ramos, this card brings together elite talent, compelling rivalries and high stakes.”
|
Serrano vs. Falzon presser quotes |
|
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) hosted the kickoff press conference for Amanda Serrano's farewell fight vs. Skye Falzon, taking place Saturday, January 9, 2027, live on DAZN from Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The event will mark the final professional fight of seven-division champion Serrano (50-4-1, 32 KOs), who will defend her unified WBO and WBA featherweight world titles against Australia’s Falzon (12-2, 7 KOs) over twelve three-minute rounds. Hosted by Pepe Calderón and joined by MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian, Serrano and Falzon came face-to-face. Here is what they had to say:
Amanda Serrano
On retiring: “You know when it’s time. I enjoyed it every time I fought, every time I get to go into that ring, I enjoy it. But I think it’s time.”
To her fans: “You guys helped me get to where I’m at right now, and this is our story. Not just my story, not just my journey. It’s our journey. So, I would love for you guys to come and celebrate this night with us. It’s going to be a beautiful event.”
On fighting in Puerto Rico: “Well, it means everything. I always knew that my last fight, my last step, would be here in Puerto Rico.”
On fighting for Puerto Rico and celebrating her journey: “You guys have been with me from the very beginning, supporting me, loving me, and I’ve been fighting for you guys. I bring my flag with me. It’s in my heart, and I’m always with you, and I fight for you, and I just want you guys to celebrate my long journey. It’s going to be a great night, January 9th.”
On whether she will be trying to break Christy Martin’s KO record of 32 KOs: “If the knockout comes, it comes. I’m going to enjoy every second of the last time I go into that ring.”
On how she wants to be remembered: “I want people to remember me as a game changer and that I gave it my all in the ring. Every time I fall, every time I train, I just left everything in the ring.”
On fighting for her fans: “I hope you will see that come January 9th, I fight for you guys. I fight to make you guys excited to continue to see me fight.”
On Falzon’s confidence that she will beat Serrano: “I love that she’s going to come in shape, and she’s going to try to take my titles away. These titles are going to stay here first and foremost. I love it, and just for her to go out with that mindset, knowing that when I do beat her, I’m beating the best Skye Falzon.”
On what she will miss about boxing: “I’m going to miss you guys screaming my name, cheering for me. I think that’s going to be the hardest part: not being able to walk into an arena and have people cheer for me and me performing for you guys.”
On preparing for January 9th: “I think we’re just working day by day, just practicing, being strong, and just going out there and working hard so we can enjoy January 9th.”
On her message to young people wanting to achieve their dreams: “I thought my dreams were big, and I’ve accomplished my dreams. I accomplished my goals. Just believe in yourself. That’s all you have to do.”
Skye Falzon
On getting the opportunity to fight Serrano: “Look, to be honest, I never thought that I’d get a call-up to fight Amanda Serrano. I watch her. I’m a fan of hers. She is the best, and that’s just the way it is. To get a call-up to fight her was a dream come true. I actually cried about it. It’s been amazing. The opportunity is something I’m going to grab hold of, and I just can’t wait.”
On wanting to defeat Serrano: “I’m not here just to take part in Amanda’s history. I’m here to try to write my own. I wouldn’t be a fighter if I didn’t believe I could win.”
On preparing to face Serrano in front of her Puerto Rican supporters: “I’ve got a great team, and I have a great technical coach. All I got to do is listen and execute what he tells me to do.”
On fighting twelve three-minute rounds: “I expected Amanda to want to fight 12 three-minute rounds. I know that she’s trying to change the women’s sport to be the men’s rules.”
On whether she will be trying to earn a KO: “I’m just here to win. If a knockout comes, it comes. But at the end of the day, winning is the most important thing for me to do.”
Nakisa Bidarian
On Serrano’s impact on MVP and women’s boxing: “Back when MVP was just an idea and a promise to put fighters first, Amanda was the first athlete to believe in me and my partner Jake Paul. She entrusted us with her career, and she convinced us to go all in on women’s boxing.”
On Serrano’s career since joining MVP: “Since she’s met us, she’s added more belts. She’s become the first and only male or female undisputed champion in the history of Puerto Rico. She’s fought for equality and choice for women in the sport of boxing, including giving up her WBC belt to take a stand for three-minute rounds. She’s used her platform to push the next generation of male and female Puerto Rican boxers. Amanda’s dedication and sacrifice, her love for the sport of boxing, and her desire to make this island proud, coupled with the leadership of her trainer, her coach, her brother-in-law, her manager, Jordan Maldonado, and the inspiration of her world champion sister, Cindy Serrano, have resulted in a Hall of Fame career that is approaching 18 years. On Saturday, January 9th, from right here in San Juan, a few miles down at the Choli, live on DAZN, globally the home of boxing, we get to see it for one more time.”
On the importance of Serrano’s last fight: “Amanda Serrano to me is numero uno. You do not want to miss this event.”
|
|
|
|
Serrano vs. Falzon presser quotes
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) hosted the kickoff press conference for Amanda Serrano's farewell fight vs. Skye Falzon, taking place Saturday, January 9, 2027, live on DAZN from Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The event will mark the final professional fight of seven-division champion Serrano (50-4-1, 32 KOs), who will defend her unified WBO and WBA featherweight world titles against Australia’s Falzon (12-2, 7 KOs) over twelve three-minute rounds. Hosted by Pepe Calderón and joined by MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian, Serrano and Falzon came face-to-face. Here is what they had to say:
Amanda Serrano
On retiring: “You know when it’s time. I enjoyed it every time I fought, every time I get to go into that ring, I enjoy it. But I think it’s time.”
To her fans: “You guys helped me get to where I’m at right now, and this is our story. Not just my story, not just my journey. It’s our journey. So, I would love for you guys to come and celebrate this night with us. It’s going to be a beautiful event.”
On fighting in Puerto Rico: “Well, it means everything. I always knew that my last fight, my last step, would be here in Puerto Rico.”
On fighting for Puerto Rico and celebrating her journey: “You guys have been with me from the very beginning, supporting me, loving me, and I’ve been fighting for you guys. I bring my flag with me. It’s in my heart, and I’m always with you, and I fight for you, and I just want you guys to celebrate my long journey. It’s going to be a great night, January 9th.”
On whether she will be trying to break Christy Martin’s KO record of 32 KOs: “If the knockout comes, it comes. I’m going to enjoy every second of the last time I go into that ring.”
On how she wants to be remembered: “I want people to remember me as a game changer and that I gave it my all in the ring. Every time I fall, every time I train, I just left everything in the ring.”
On fighting for her fans: “I hope you will see that come January 9th, I fight for you guys. I fight to make you guys excited to continue to see me fight.”
On Falzon’s confidence that she will beat Serrano: “I love that she’s going to come in shape, and she’s going to try to take my titles away. These titles are going to stay here first and foremost. I love it, and just for her to go out with that mindset, knowing that when I do beat her, I’m beating the best Skye Falzon.”
On what she will miss about boxing: “I’m going to miss you guys screaming my name, cheering for me. I think that’s going to be the hardest part: not being able to walk into an arena and have people cheer for me and me performing for you guys.”
On preparing for January 9th: “I think we’re just working day by day, just practicing, being strong, and just going out there and working hard so we can enjoy January 9th.”
On her message to young people wanting to achieve their dreams: “I thought my dreams were big, and I’ve accomplished my dreams. I accomplished my goals. Just believe in yourself. That’s all you have to do.”
Skye Falzon
On getting the opportunity to fight Serrano: “Look, to be honest, I never thought that I’d get a call-up to fight Amanda Serrano. I watch her. I’m a fan of hers. She is the best, and that’s just the way it is. To get a call-up to fight her was a dream come true. I actually cried about it. It’s been amazing. The opportunity is something I’m going to grab hold of, and I just can’t wait.”
On wanting to defeat Serrano: “I’m not here just to take part in Amanda’s history. I’m here to try to write my own. I wouldn’t be a fighter if I didn’t believe I could win.”
On preparing to face Serrano in front of her Puerto Rican supporters: “I’ve got a great team, and I have a great technical coach. All I got to do is listen and execute what he tells me to do.”
On fighting twelve three-minute rounds: “I expected Amanda to want to fight 12 three-minute rounds. I know that she’s trying to change the women’s sport to be the men’s rules.”
On whether she will be trying to earn a KO: “I’m just here to win. If a knockout comes, it comes. But at the end of the day, winning is the most important thing for me to do.”
Nakisa Bidarian
On Serrano’s impact on MVP and women’s boxing: “Back when MVP was just an idea and a promise to put fighters first, Amanda was the first athlete to believe in me and my partner Jake Paul. She entrusted us with her career, and she convinced us to go all in on women’s boxing.”
On Serrano’s career since joining MVP: “Since she’s met us, she’s added more belts. She’s become the first and only male or female undisputed champion in the history of Puerto Rico. She’s fought for equality and choice for women in the sport of boxing, including giving up her WBC belt to take a stand for three-minute rounds. She’s used her platform to push the next generation of male and female Puerto Rican boxers. Amanda’s dedication and sacrifice, her love for the sport of boxing, and her desire to make this island proud, coupled with the leadership of her trainer, her coach, her brother-in-law, her manager, Jordan Maldonado, and the inspiration of her world champion sister, Cindy Serrano, have resulted in a Hall of Fame career that is approaching 18 years. On Saturday, January 9th, from right here in San Juan, a few miles down at the Choli, live on DAZN, globally the home of boxing, we get to see it for one more time.”
On the importance of Serrano’s last fight: “Amanda Serrano to me is numero uno. You do not want to miss this event.”
|
Hasanboy Dusmatov added to Istanbul show |
|
Two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan will face Roderick Bautista of the Philippines in Istanbul, Türkiye, on December 4th, adding a pro bout to the final day of the inaugural IBA President’s Cup. The ten-round bout will be contested at 52.2 kilograms (115 pounds). Dusmatov, who won Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, is one of Uzbekistan’s most accomplished boxers. Including the World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts, Dusmatov has apro record of 23-0, much of it in the 105 and 108 pound weight divisions. His opponent, Bautista is 10-0 and will represent the Philippines in a contest that offers the opportunity to claim an IBA title.
The championship bout will form part of the closing program of the first IBA President’s Cup, which will take place from November 27th to December 4th. The tournament marks the launch of IBA Elite, a new international competition platform designed to bring amateur and professional boxers together within a unified sporting pathway. With a total prize fund of $3 million, the President’s Cup will feature 12 men’s weight categories, with champions receiving $100,000, silver medallists $50,000 and bronze medallists $25,000.
The competition will also open a new IBA world ranking cycle, with results contributing to qualification for future editions of the President’s Cup and the IBA championships.
|
|
|
|
Hasanboy Dusmatov added to Istanbul show
Two-time Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan will face Roderick Bautista of the Philippines in Istanbul, Türkiye, on December 4th, adding a pro bout to the final day of the inaugural IBA President’s Cup. The ten-round bout will be contested at 52.2 kilograms (115 pounds). Dusmatov, who won Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, is one of Uzbekistan’s most accomplished boxers. Including the World Series of Boxing and IBA pro bouts, Dusmatov has apro record of 23-0, much of it in the 105 and 108 pound weight divisions. His opponent, Bautista is 10-0 and will represent the Philippines in a contest that offers the opportunity to claim an IBA title.
The championship bout will form part of the closing program of the first IBA President’s Cup, which will take place from November 27th to December 4th. The tournament marks the launch of IBA Elite, a new international competition platform designed to bring amateur and professional boxers together within a unified sporting pathway. With a total prize fund of $3 million, the President’s Cup will feature 12 men’s weight categories, with champions receiving $100,000, silver medallists $50,000 and bronze medallists $25,000.
The competition will also open a new IBA world ranking cycle, with results contributing to qualification for future editions of the President’s Cup and the IBA championships.
|
Tomorrow's Patricio vs. Sims: secondary belt at stake |
|
Hawaii's Shera Mae Patricio (10-0) and Pennsylvania-based Brittany Sims (10-3) will step into the ring this Saturday at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas with the WBA regular bantamweight title on the line in a match-up that promises to reshape the division’s pecking order. Dina Thorslund remains the undisputed world champion. Patricio-Sims is part of the big MVP show that will be shown on ESPN.
Patricio enters the bout undefeated, bringing formidable punching power and relentless pressure to the table. The Hawaiian fighter will look to dictate the action from the center of the ring, relying on her heavy hands to put together explosive combinations to the chin while applying constant pressure to prevent her opponent from getting comfortable at long range. Her key will be cutting off the ring effectively and targeting the body with punishing shots from the opening bell.
Standing across from her will be Sims, a fighter known for her athleticism, crisp footwork, and high punch output. Sims understands the challenge ahead and is expected to rely on a strategy built around constant movement, using her left jab to disrupt Patricio’s advances and stepping laterally to make her opponent pay for missing at mid-range.
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow's Patricio vs. Sims: secondary belt at stake
Hawaii's Shera Mae Patricio (10-0) and Pennsylvania-based Brittany Sims (10-3) will step into the ring this Saturday at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas with the WBA regular bantamweight title on the line in a match-up that promises to reshape the division’s pecking order. Dina Thorslund remains the undisputed world champion. Patricio-Sims is part of the big MVP show that will be shown on ESPN.
Patricio enters the bout undefeated, bringing formidable punching power and relentless pressure to the table. The Hawaiian fighter will look to dictate the action from the center of the ring, relying on her heavy hands to put together explosive combinations to the chin while applying constant pressure to prevent her opponent from getting comfortable at long range. Her key will be cutting off the ring effectively and targeting the body with punishing shots from the opening bell.
Standing across from her will be Sims, a fighter known for her athleticism, crisp footwork, and high punch output. Sims understands the challenge ahead and is expected to rely on a strategy built around constant movement, using her left jab to disrupt Patricio’s advances and stepping laterally to make her opponent pay for missing at mid-range.
|
Clarke steps up to face ex-champ CBS |
|
Still on a high from his epic comeback victory on his Zuffa Boxing debut, cruiserweight Chev Clarke is ready to step into the main event spotlight on Saturday. Clarke (12-2, 9 KOs) returns to action in the headline bout at Zuffa Boxing 12, where he takes on old adversary Chris ("CBS") Billam-Smith in a pivotal clash in the cruiserweight division. It’s a chance to follow up on his big win at Zuffa Boxing 07 in Bournemouth, where he got off the canvas twice to take over the fight before eventually stopping Jack Massey. The win was a memorable one, but the abiding memory for Clarke was the reaction of the fans in the stands at Bournemouth International Centre, who went through the full gamut of emotions as Clarke battled through adversity before eventually getting a huge come-from-behind win. “My biggest takeaway was the crowd and the atmosphere,” he said.“The reaction to it was my biggest takeaway. In the fight, in terms of coming back from adversity – I’ve been doing that since I was like a baby, so nothing new learned there about myself. But to see people's reaction to what can happen when things don't go your way, and then a full-circle moment. That was pretty cool.”
Now Clarke has a date with the man he defeated in the elite national finals to win an ABA title in the UK during his amateur days. “What I remember most about that one is all the people that traveled to Liverpool to come and support me,” he said. “Of course, the fight was really good. A really good fight. Again, there was a lot of adversity for that because, really and truly Chev Clarke wasn't supposed to be in the final, or anywhere close to the final. But I have a habit of being a pain in the arse… So yeah, it was a good, good moment in my time, and that moment seemed to handily change the trajectory of my life. Because then I went on to represent Team GB, and what people don't seem to speak about was that Chris had the opportunity to try out for Team GB. He tried out at the same time I tried out. I wasn't just given it. He tried out, and there was the last three of us. It was me, Chris, and a kid called Scott Forrest. Me and Scott Forrest made it, and he didn't. So it wasn't a thing of like, ‘Oh, Chev won the national championships and then got given a golden spoon to go to the Olympics.’ No, I earned it”
Despite getting the victory over Billam-Smith back then, Clarke admits that fight is unlikely to have much influence in how their rematch will go, with both men now vastly different competitors to the young hungry prospects who met in the amateur ranks. He's obviously still got some remnants of the defeat in his system, but I think we're different human beings now,” Clarke said. “He's a dad. He's been a former world champion. I became the best [amateur] heavyweight that Great Britain's ever had. Olympics, and weirdly, we're back here now. So, you know, it's just horses for courses, and it's a full-circle moment.”
Their rematch at Zuffa Boxing 12 is a meeting that’s ten years in the making, and one that Clarke knew would come around one day. Now it has arrived, he’s ready to deliver and produce another winning performance against a world-class opponent.
“From turning professional, it was always a case of when, not if,” he admitted. “The cruiserweight division, especially in the UK, is not very big, so it was just a matter of time. And when I was here, and it's a headline – Zuffa [Boxing] 12, November 7th, it's gonna be a spectacle. Sky Sports, Paramount, come on!”
Clarke is here to win for himself, and to push himself towards even bigger fights down the line. And while he wants to face the biggest and the best, he said he isn’t going to throw sweeping statements out there for his rivals to latch onto. Instead, he’s just going to do his job, and let his performance speak for itself. “I ain’t got a message for anybody in my weight class. Just watch the show, man,” he smiled. “Talk is cheap, isn't it? That's why people use free wi-fi. So me, I just handle my business, and you get to see the show.”
|
|
|
|
Clarke steps up to face ex-champ CBS
Still on a high from his epic comeback victory on his Zuffa Boxing debut, cruiserweight Chev Clarke is ready to step into the main event spotlight on Saturday. Clarke (12-2, 9 KOs) returns to action in the headline bout at Zuffa Boxing 12, where he takes on old adversary Chris ("CBS") Billam-Smith in a pivotal clash in the cruiserweight division. It’s a chance to follow up on his big win at Zuffa Boxing 07 in Bournemouth, where he got off the canvas twice to take over the fight before eventually stopping Jack Massey. The win was a memorable one, but the abiding memory for Clarke was the reaction of the fans in the stands at Bournemouth International Centre, who went through the full gamut of emotions as Clarke battled through adversity before eventually getting a huge come-from-behind win. “My biggest takeaway was the crowd and the atmosphere,” he said.“The reaction to it was my biggest takeaway. In the fight, in terms of coming back from adversity – I’ve been doing that since I was like a baby, so nothing new learned there about myself. But to see people's reaction to what can happen when things don't go your way, and then a full-circle moment. That was pretty cool.”
Now Clarke has a date with the man he defeated in the elite national finals to win an ABA title in the UK during his amateur days. “What I remember most about that one is all the people that traveled to Liverpool to come and support me,” he said. “Of course, the fight was really good. A really good fight. Again, there was a lot of adversity for that because, really and truly Chev Clarke wasn't supposed to be in the final, or anywhere close to the final. But I have a habit of being a pain in the arse… So yeah, it was a good, good moment in my time, and that moment seemed to handily change the trajectory of my life. Because then I went on to represent Team GB, and what people don't seem to speak about was that Chris had the opportunity to try out for Team GB. He tried out at the same time I tried out. I wasn't just given it. He tried out, and there was the last three of us. It was me, Chris, and a kid called Scott Forrest. Me and Scott Forrest made it, and he didn't. So it wasn't a thing of like, ‘Oh, Chev won the national championships and then got given a golden spoon to go to the Olympics.’ No, I earned it”
Despite getting the victory over Billam-Smith back then, Clarke admits that fight is unlikely to have much influence in how their rematch will go, with both men now vastly different competitors to the young hungry prospects who met in the amateur ranks. He's obviously still got some remnants of the defeat in his system, but I think we're different human beings now,” Clarke said. “He's a dad. He's been a former world champion. I became the best [amateur] heavyweight that Great Britain's ever had. Olympics, and weirdly, we're back here now. So, you know, it's just horses for courses, and it's a full-circle moment.”
Their rematch at Zuffa Boxing 12 is a meeting that’s ten years in the making, and one that Clarke knew would come around one day. Now it has arrived, he’s ready to deliver and produce another winning performance against a world-class opponent.
“From turning professional, it was always a case of when, not if,” he admitted. “The cruiserweight division, especially in the UK, is not very big, so it was just a matter of time. And when I was here, and it's a headline – Zuffa [Boxing] 12, November 7th, it's gonna be a spectacle. Sky Sports, Paramount, come on!”
Clarke is here to win for himself, and to push himself towards even bigger fights down the line. And while he wants to face the biggest and the best, he said he isn’t going to throw sweeping statements out there for his rivals to latch onto. Instead, he’s just going to do his job, and let his performance speak for itself. “I ain’t got a message for anybody in my weight class. Just watch the show, man,” he smiled. “Talk is cheap, isn't it? That's why people use free wi-fi. So me, I just handle my business, and you get to see the show.”
|
Pazmino set for first main event on Saturday |
|
Every morning on his way to work, Jaydell Pazmino drives past Encore Boston Harbor in Everett Massachusetts. The 25 year-old electrician used to imagine what it would be like to headline there. On Saturday, November 7th, he will find out. Pazmino (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on England’s Graham "Tyson" Tirrell (10-3, 2 KOs) in the six-round welterweight main event on a show presented by CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions. Tickets are available at CESFights.com. "This will be my third fight there, but this time I’m in the main event," said Pazmino from his training camp at Thrive Boxing in Londonberry, New Hampshire. "I’m so excited."
In each of his first two appearances at the venue, the Sandown, NH resident gave fans a look at a different side of his game. Last November, Pazmino knocked out veteran Daniel Sostre with a left hook to the body in the second round. This past August, Pazmino outboxed slick Alfred Raymond over six rounds to win a unanimous decision. "I’m an aggressive fighter. I can fight inside or outside, box or brawl," says a confident Pazmino. "I’m known for my aggressiveness, but in the Raymond fight I wanted to show that I can really box."
"That’s the kind of progress you want to see in a young fighter," observed CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "Jaydell gave the fans at Encore a big knockout against Sostre, then came back and showed against Raymond that he could control a fight for six rounds. He's earned this chance to headline, and I’m looking forward to seeing him take that next step in front of his fans."
Signed by CES Boxing in 2025, Pazmino has registered four wins in less than two years, with two coming by knockout. While Pazmino has impressed fans with his blend of speed and power, he admits that he was not at his best through some of those bouts. "To be honest, some of my performances were impacted by a shoulder injury I've had for a while," explained Pazmino. "I've had two surgeries to fix it, and I finally feel like myself again."
Pazmino will need to be in top condition to defeat Tirrell, a 40 year-old Brit who fought lost to Michael Osumah at middleweight last November in Denver. The Hertfordshire native turned pro in 2013 and won his first ten bouts before suffering his first defeat. Moving down to welterweight for this opportunity, Tirrell enters the fight on Saturday night with a chance to hand Pazmino his first defeat at the same 10-0 mark that Tirrell once held.
But can Tirrell turn Pazmino's dream into a nightmare? "He's a tough fighter with a good record, but I'm laser-focused on this fight," says Pazmino, who sparred with CES stablemate 'Speedy' Rashidi Ellis to prepare for this bout. "This is the fight where I put it all together - I want to show my ring smarts and my power, leaving no doubt that I'm the welterweight prospect to watch in New England."
|
|
|
|
Pazmino set for first main event on Saturday
Every morning on his way to work, Jaydell Pazmino drives past Encore Boston Harbor in Everett Massachusetts. The 25 year-old electrician used to imagine what it would be like to headline there. On Saturday, November 7th, he will find out. Pazmino (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on England’s Graham "Tyson" Tirrell (10-3, 2 KOs) in the six-round welterweight main event on a show presented by CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions. Tickets are available at CESFights.com. "This will be my third fight there, but this time I’m in the main event," said Pazmino from his training camp at Thrive Boxing in Londonberry, New Hampshire. "I’m so excited."
In each of his first two appearances at the venue, the Sandown, NH resident gave fans a look at a different side of his game. Last November, Pazmino knocked out veteran Daniel Sostre with a left hook to the body in the second round. This past August, Pazmino outboxed slick Alfred Raymond over six rounds to win a unanimous decision. "I’m an aggressive fighter. I can fight inside or outside, box or brawl," says a confident Pazmino. "I’m known for my aggressiveness, but in the Raymond fight I wanted to show that I can really box."
"That’s the kind of progress you want to see in a young fighter," observed CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. "Jaydell gave the fans at Encore a big knockout against Sostre, then came back and showed against Raymond that he could control a fight for six rounds. He's earned this chance to headline, and I’m looking forward to seeing him take that next step in front of his fans."
Signed by CES Boxing in 2025, Pazmino has registered four wins in less than two years, with two coming by knockout. While Pazmino has impressed fans with his blend of speed and power, he admits that he was not at his best through some of those bouts. "To be honest, some of my performances were impacted by a shoulder injury I've had for a while," explained Pazmino. "I've had two surgeries to fix it, and I finally feel like myself again."
Pazmino will need to be in top condition to defeat Tirrell, a 40 year-old Brit who fought lost to Michael Osumah at middleweight last November in Denver. The Hertfordshire native turned pro in 2013 and won his first ten bouts before suffering his first defeat. Moving down to welterweight for this opportunity, Tirrell enters the fight on Saturday night with a chance to hand Pazmino his first defeat at the same 10-0 mark that Tirrell once held.
But can Tirrell turn Pazmino's dream into a nightmare? "He's a tough fighter with a good record, but I'm laser-focused on this fight," says Pazmino, who sparred with CES stablemate 'Speedy' Rashidi Ellis to prepare for this bout. "This is the fight where I put it all together - I want to show my ring smarts and my power, leaving no doubt that I'm the welterweight prospect to watch in New England."
|
Lomachenko back with Top Rank; eyes 2027 return |
|
Vasiliy Lomachenko is back and will have his next bout in early 2027 according to Top Rank. The three-division champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist has ended his retirement and entered a multi-year co-promotional agreement with Top Rank through his newly formed Loma Power Promotions. Lomachenko was a 135 pounder when he announced his retirement in June 2025 but now plans to return to the 130-pound division to pursue the biggest fights in that division.
Top Rank has promoted the Ukrainian throughout his professional career, which began in 2013. “Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted, and I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. There’s tremendous talent at super featherweight, and we’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights.”
Lomachenko said, “God works in mysterious ways. I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey. “Special respect and gratitude to Egis [Klimas, Lomachenko's long-time manager] who, despite my firm belief that my boxing career was over, never stopped believing that we would step into the ring again. He put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to get us back in the race.”
Klimas said, “I’m so happy Vasiliy has decided to return to the ring. He still has unfinished business and a dream that means so much to him: becoming the undisputed champion. I’ve never stopped believing in him, and I’m proud to stand beside him as he gives to that dream everything he has, and I strongly believe his comeback will bring tremendous joy to his team and, most of all, to his fans.”
Lomachenko (24-3 including the World Series of Boxing) won titles at featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight, claiming the latter with a May 2018 stoppage over Jorge Linares. His rise through the divisions established him as one of sport’s top pound-for-pound talents. Before entering the paid ranks, he compiled a 396-1 amateur record and won gold medals at two World Championships, in addition to his Olympic achievements.
After an unsuccessful bid for the undisputed 135-pound crown against Devin Haney in May 2023, Lomachenko stopped George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024 to capture the IBF title before retiring as champion the following year.
|
|
|
|
Lomachenko back with Top Rank; eyes 2027 return
Vasiliy Lomachenko is back and will have his next bout in early 2027 according to Top Rank. The three-division champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist has ended his retirement and entered a multi-year co-promotional agreement with Top Rank through his newly formed Loma Power Promotions. Lomachenko was a 135 pounder when he announced his retirement in June 2025 but now plans to return to the 130-pound division to pursue the biggest fights in that division.
Top Rank has promoted the Ukrainian throughout his professional career, which began in 2013. “Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted, and I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. There’s tremendous talent at super featherweight, and we’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights.”
Lomachenko said, “God works in mysterious ways. I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey. “Special respect and gratitude to Egis [Klimas, Lomachenko's long-time manager] who, despite my firm belief that my boxing career was over, never stopped believing that we would step into the ring again. He put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to get us back in the race.”
Klimas said, “I’m so happy Vasiliy has decided to return to the ring. He still has unfinished business and a dream that means so much to him: becoming the undisputed champion. I’ve never stopped believing in him, and I’m proud to stand beside him as he gives to that dream everything he has, and I strongly believe his comeback will bring tremendous joy to his team and, most of all, to his fans.”
Lomachenko (24-3 including the World Series of Boxing) won titles at featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight, claiming the latter with a May 2018 stoppage over Jorge Linares. His rise through the divisions established him as one of sport’s top pound-for-pound talents. Before entering the paid ranks, he compiled a 396-1 amateur record and won gold medals at two World Championships, in addition to his Olympic achievements.
After an unsuccessful bid for the undisputed 135-pound crown against Devin Haney in May 2023, Lomachenko stopped George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024 to capture the IBF title before retiring as champion the following year.
|
Triller at risk of $6.1M judgment |
|
A federal magistrate judge in Florida has recommended that boxing promoter Triller pay about $6.16 million to Epic Sports and Entertainment, Inc. in a dispute arising from unpaid obligations connected to a 2022 boxing event and promises of future fights for two boxers. The two boxers were not identified in the ruling but were likely heavyweight Kubrat Pulev and his brother, cruiserweight Tervel Pulev. In a 25-page report issued November 2nd, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe recommended entering a default judgment against Triller Hold Co LLC and Triller Fight Club, LLC, jointly and severally, for $6,162,965.64. The ruling is not binding yet, as it is only a recommendation that remains subject to review by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The dispute dates to May 2022, when Triller promoted a boxing event in California. According to the lawsuit, Triller owed approximately $1 million following the event. Rather than immediately pursuing litigation, Epic entered into a settlement agreement with the companies in July 2022.
Under that agreement, Triller was required to pay $1.1 million in installments and arrange two additional bouts by February 2023. One fighter was promised a Triad Combat appearance, while the other was to receive a tune-up fight paying at least $150,000. Triller made an initial $100,000 payment but failed to make the remaining $1 million payment by the contractual deadline. According to the complaint, Triller representatives subsequently issued two checks totaling $1 million knowing the account contained insufficient funds. The checks bounced, although Triller ultimately made the payment on August 19, 2022, nineteen days late.
Neither of the promised future fights materialized. Epic also alleged that Triller had already decided to abandon the combat sports business before entering into the settlement agreement and therefore never intended to fulfill its promises concerning future bouts.
In March 2026, Judge Cannon granted partial summary judgment in Epic's favor, awarding $1.7 million for breach of contract, including $400,000 in liquidated damages, $1.25 million relating to the canceled fight opportunities and $50,000 in contractual legal fees. Triller's attorneys subsequently withdrew from the case, and the companies failed to retain replacement counsel despite a court order to do so. A default was entered in June. In his latest recommendation, Judge McCabe concluded that Epic had sufficiently established a fraudulent inducement claim based on Triller's alleged promises to arrange fights despite having already decided to exit the business.
The judge recommended an additional $2.2 million in consequential damages, relying on testimony from boxing industry expert David Berlin concerning lost promotional and marketing opportunities for the two fighters. Epic requested $10 million in punitive damages, but McCabe recommended $1 million, finding that amount sufficient for punishment and deterrence given the economic nature of the harm. The recommended judgment also includes approximately $1.12 million in prejudgment interest, $142,000 in attorneys' fees and $2,034 in costs.
McCabe rejected Epic's separate negligent misrepresentation claim and its attempt to treat the bounced checks as an independent fraud claim. Triller has seven days to object to the recommendation.
|
|
|
|
Triller at risk of $6.1M judgment
A federal magistrate judge in Florida has recommended that boxing promoter Triller pay about $6.16 million to Epic Sports and Entertainment, Inc. in a dispute arising from unpaid obligations connected to a 2022 boxing event and promises of future fights for two boxers. The two boxers were not identified in the ruling but were likely heavyweight Kubrat Pulev and his brother, cruiserweight Tervel Pulev. In a 25-page report issued November 2nd, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ryon M. McCabe recommended entering a default judgment against Triller Hold Co LLC and Triller Fight Club, LLC, jointly and severally, for $6,162,965.64. The ruling is not binding yet, as it is only a recommendation that remains subject to review by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. The dispute dates to May 2022, when Triller promoted a boxing event in California. According to the lawsuit, Triller owed approximately $1 million following the event. Rather than immediately pursuing litigation, Epic entered into a settlement agreement with the companies in July 2022.
Under that agreement, Triller was required to pay $1.1 million in installments and arrange two additional bouts by February 2023. One fighter was promised a Triad Combat appearance, while the other was to receive a tune-up fight paying at least $150,000. Triller made an initial $100,000 payment but failed to make the remaining $1 million payment by the contractual deadline. According to the complaint, Triller representatives subsequently issued two checks totaling $1 million knowing the account contained insufficient funds. The checks bounced, although Triller ultimately made the payment on August 19, 2022, nineteen days late.
Neither of the promised future fights materialized. Epic also alleged that Triller had already decided to abandon the combat sports business before entering into the settlement agreement and therefore never intended to fulfill its promises concerning future bouts.
In March 2026, Judge Cannon granted partial summary judgment in Epic's favor, awarding $1.7 million for breach of contract, including $400,000 in liquidated damages, $1.25 million relating to the canceled fight opportunities and $50,000 in contractual legal fees. Triller's attorneys subsequently withdrew from the case, and the companies failed to retain replacement counsel despite a court order to do so. A default was entered in June. In his latest recommendation, Judge McCabe concluded that Epic had sufficiently established a fraudulent inducement claim based on Triller's alleged promises to arrange fights despite having already decided to exit the business.
The judge recommended an additional $2.2 million in consequential damages, relying on testimony from boxing industry expert David Berlin concerning lost promotional and marketing opportunities for the two fighters. Epic requested $10 million in punitive damages, but McCabe recommended $1 million, finding that amount sufficient for punishment and deterrence given the economic nature of the harm. The recommended judgment also includes approximately $1.12 million in prejudgment interest, $142,000 in attorneys' fees and $2,034 in costs.
McCabe rejected Epic's separate negligent misrepresentation claim and its attempt to treat the bounced checks as an independent fraud claim. Triller has seven days to object to the recommendation.
|
Big opportunity for Mosley in hostile territory |
|
|
Shane Mosley Jr. made a good impression in his Zuffa Boxing debut. Now he wants to dethrone a former world champion to push himself towards a championship belt of his own. Matched against former interim junior middleweight champion Serhii Bohachuk in May, Mosley showcased his full arsenal as he handled the Ukrainian’s high-pressure game, then dismantled him with crisp, accurate boxing en route to a sixth-round TKO stoppage. It was a world-class performance, and one that immediately thrust him into championship conversations in Zuffa Boxing’s middleweight division. “Oh man, it was incredible,” he admitted. “Obviously, it was a great win for me, a good feather in my cap, and I'm excited for this next one… I remember my family just being so proud. I remember everybody being so, so happy that I got the victory, and it was just incredible.”
Now Mosley faces England’s Denzel Bentley in a matchup he initially thought could be for the WBO version of the middleweight world title. However, the sanctioning body’s decision to strip Bentley of the title means there will be no belt on the line when they face off on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in London. “Technically speaking, this is a title fight, right?” he said. “Yes, he's not on paper a champion, but he was the WBO middleweight champion, and he got stripped before our fight… I still view him as a champion. Zuffa wanted me to fight a champion. I'm here. Everybody was willing. Just the sanctioning bodies, unfortunately, don't have it as a championship fight. So, with that being said, this to me is a championship fight. I think he's a great opponent. He's obviously worthy of being a champion, and I think it's going to be a good fight.”
Bentley may have reached the middleweight summit to become a champion, but in terms of tangible physical advantages, they sit with Mosley, who stands two inches taller and, significantly with a five-inch edge in reach.
Mosley plans to put those advantages to good use, though when it came to specific tactics, he wisely chose to keep his cards close to his chest. “We definitely have been working on some stuff in the gym,” he hinted. “That's why I want everybody to come out and watch me put on a great performance on fight night.”
Mosley will be fighting in enemy territory against London’s Bentley, but he said he wasn’t convinced there would be a major issue with crowd support going to his opponent. He even recounted an incident during fight week where he was spotted in the street by some British boxing fans. “I'm not sure, but everybody's been pleasant,” he said. “I feel like, for the most part, people are respectful, and I think that's going to carry on in the fight. But we'll see… The UK's been great. Actually, I’ve been stopped by random people, like ‘[Are you] Shane Mosley Jr?’ And they're not involved with Zuffa Boxing or anything like that. They're just random fans, and it's strange for me. I didn't know that my reach was this far, so it's cool.”
Victory over Bentley will only see that reach grow, as he looks to cement himself as a bona fide championship-level fighter, and send himself into 2027 with real momentum. “There's a lot of great opportunities out there,” he explained. “Champions – Zuffa has two of them – and there's other opportunities that we can also do outside of that, so there's a lot of great things. I believe that 2027 is going to be a great year for me.”
|
|
|
|
Big opportunity for Mosley in hostile territory
Shane Mosley Jr. made a good impression in his Zuffa Boxing debut. Now he wants to dethrone a former world champion to push himself towards a championship belt of his own. Matched against former interim junior middleweight champion Serhii Bohachuk in May, Mosley showcased his full arsenal as he handled the Ukrainian’s high-pressure game, then dismantled him with crisp, accurate boxing en route to a sixth-round TKO stoppage. It was a world-class performance, and one that immediately thrust him into championship conversations in Zuffa Boxing’s middleweight division. “Oh man, it was incredible,” he admitted. “Obviously, it was a great win for me, a good feather in my cap, and I'm excited for this next one… I remember my family just being so proud. I remember everybody being so, so happy that I got the victory, and it was just incredible.”
Now Mosley faces England’s Denzel Bentley in a matchup he initially thought could be for the WBO version of the middleweight world title. However, the sanctioning body’s decision to strip Bentley of the title means there will be no belt on the line when they face off on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in London. “Technically speaking, this is a title fight, right?” he said. “Yes, he's not on paper a champion, but he was the WBO middleweight champion, and he got stripped before our fight… I still view him as a champion. Zuffa wanted me to fight a champion. I'm here. Everybody was willing. Just the sanctioning bodies, unfortunately, don't have it as a championship fight. So, with that being said, this to me is a championship fight. I think he's a great opponent. He's obviously worthy of being a champion, and I think it's going to be a good fight.”
Bentley may have reached the middleweight summit to become a champion, but in terms of tangible physical advantages, they sit with Mosley, who stands two inches taller and, significantly with a five-inch edge in reach.
Mosley plans to put those advantages to good use, though when it came to specific tactics, he wisely chose to keep his cards close to his chest. “We definitely have been working on some stuff in the gym,” he hinted. “That's why I want everybody to come out and watch me put on a great performance on fight night.”
Mosley will be fighting in enemy territory against London’s Bentley, but he said he wasn’t convinced there would be a major issue with crowd support going to his opponent. He even recounted an incident during fight week where he was spotted in the street by some British boxing fans. “I'm not sure, but everybody's been pleasant,” he said. “I feel like, for the most part, people are respectful, and I think that's going to carry on in the fight. But we'll see… The UK's been great. Actually, I’ve been stopped by random people, like ‘[Are you] Shane Mosley Jr?’ And they're not involved with Zuffa Boxing or anything like that. They're just random fans, and it's strange for me. I didn't know that my reach was this far, so it's cool.”
Victory over Bentley will only see that reach grow, as he looks to cement himself as a bona fide championship-level fighter, and send himself into 2027 with real momentum. “There's a lot of great opportunities out there,” he explained. “Champions – Zuffa has two of them – and there's other opportunities that we can also do outside of that, so there's a lot of great things. I believe that 2027 is going to be a great year for me.”
|
WBO orders Hernandez vs. Zerafa |
|
Having stripped Denzel Bentley of its middleweight championship, the WBO has ordered negotiations between Yoenli Hernandez and Michael Zerafa for a fight to determine the vacant championship. In a November 3rd letter, WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas directed promoters Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to begin negotiations for the 160-pound title bout. The parties have twenty days to reach an agreement, with a deadline of November 23rd. If no agreement is reached, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings, with a minimum bid of $200,000. Either promoter may request an immediate purse bid before the negotiation period expires. The decision to involve WBO #4 ranked Zerafa means that #2 ranked Vito Mielnicki likely passed on the world title opportunity. WBO #3 Tim Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. Zerafa is 35-5 overall, and 4-0 with a no contest since losing to Lara in 2024.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV. 4, 2026: In the matter of Denzel Bentley, the WBO issued the following ruling: (1) Bentley's recognition as WBO middleweight champion has been withdrawn, effective immediately; (2) the WBO middleweight championship was declared vacant; and (3) there will be no automatic elevation of mandatory contender Yoenli Hernández to full champion status. Presumably, the WBO will require Hernandez to fight the leading available contender from the WBO rankings to determine the next champion. The current WBO rankings have Hernandez at #1, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. at #2, Tim Tszyu at #3 and Michael Zerafa at #4 and Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. With Hernandez a definite yes throughout this entire WBO process, it appears that the vacant title fight will fall to Hernandez vs. Zerafa. Bentley, who recently signed with Zuffa boxing, and has a fight scheduled this weekend vs. Shane Mosley Jr., but he retains the right to appeal the WBO's ruling.
OCT. 23, 2026: WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced that the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee has denied Denzel Bentley’s appeal and required Bentley, as the WBO middleweight champion to make his next fight a mandatory title defense against Yoenli Hernández. "Bentley MUST fight Hernandez NEXT," wrote Olivieri. This presents a big problem for Bentley who is already booked to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on a November 7th Zuffa show in London. The WBO required both Bentley and Hernandez to confirm their participation in the mandatory bout within 24 hours. Unless Bentley has an escape clause the Mosley bout, it appears he will be stripped of his middleweight title by the WBO.
OCT. 5, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced on social media that WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will face Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7th at Copper Box Arena in London. Bentley has also signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Zuffa. The big question still to be resolved is whether Bentley's WBO world title will be at stake vs. Mosley or will he be stripped for failure to make his WBO mandatory title defense. Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) was ordered by the WBO to defend against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, and Warriors Boxing won a purse bid for the bout last week. Bentley, however, is attempting to move forward with Mosley while retaining his title. "Most importantly I am still currently the WBO middleweight champion," Bentley told Sky Sports News. "I know everything that's gone on online and all the rumours [that he could be stripped of belt]. My team has put in an appeal, that appeal has gone through. We are hoping that we can get through this appeal and we get to defend this WBO title against a game, ranked opponent too."
Mosley (23-5, 13 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Serhii Bohachuk. The 35 year-old son of Hall of Famer Shane Mosley has won six of his last seven bouts, with the lone defeat coming against Jesus Alejandro Ramos last December. He also owns a 2024 decision victory over former champion Daniel Jacobs. Bentley won the interim WBO title with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra in April and was subsequently elevated to full champion as Zhanibek Alimkhnauly dealt with PED issues and decided to move up in weight. Bentley, a 31 year-old Londoner, previously challenged Alimkhanuly in 2022, losing a competitive unanimous decision.
SEPT. 30, 2026: On Tuesday, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. The WBO has has now received written confirmation from Herndanez that he accepts the terms and conditions of the purse bid and is ready, willing, and honored to proceed with the opportunity to challenge Bentley for the WBO middleweight championship. The WBO said it is still awaiting written confirmation from Bentley and his team that they will move ahead with the fight. (Failure to do so would mean he is vacating the title, but Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna).
SEPT. 29. 2026: In a purse bid held online from WBO headquarters in Puerto Rico, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. Warriors, who promotes Hernandez, bid $200,000, which was the minimum bid. Warriors was able to win the auction proceeding for this low amount because Bentley's promoter, Queensberry, did not submit a bid. Warriors' proposed dates for the fight are December 12th or 19th with potential sites declared to be Phoenix, Orlando or Las Vegas. It will now be up to the boxers to sign the bout contracts once Warriors provides them. In the last WBO purse bid, Hamzah Sheeraz went thorugh the purse bid process but vacated his super middleweight title rather then sign for the amount yielded by the purse bid process. Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna, so it is possible he will vacate the WBO title rather than accpet this fight. Under WBO regulations, the winning bid in this case results in expected purses of $160,000 for Bentley and $40,000 for Hernandez (but it is possible Warriors and Hernandez have a private agreement for a different amount to Hernandez).
SEPT 23, 2026: The WBO World Championship Committee has scheduled a purse bid for the WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley to make a mandatory defense againsy Yoenli Hernandez. The purse bid is scheduled for September 29th, with the parties free to reach a deal before then. However, it was not clear whether Bentley would take the fight, as he was believed to be in negotiations for a unification fight with Aaron McKenna, the IBF champion. If Bentley refuses to fight Hernandez, he would be stripped by the WBO but could still pursue an IBF challenge vs. McKenna.
SEPT. 5, 2026: The WBO has ordered negotiations for a world title fight between its middleweight title holder, Denzel Bentley, and mandatory contender Yoenlis Hernandez. The news is a blow to 160-pound unification, as Bentley was in discussions to unify with IBF champion Aaron McKenna by year's end. The WBO's decision means that Bentley would likely be stripped if he elected to fight McKenna over Hernandez. The news broke through a September 2nd letter to representatives of both fighters from the WBO World Championship Committee. The letter ordered the parties to begin negotiations for the mandatory championship contest and gave them 20 days to reach an agreement. But the WBO also directed both sides to confirm in writing within the first ten days that they are ready, willing and available to proceed with the bout. If Bentley and Hernandez (should Bentley agree to make the mandatory) are unable to reach an agreement, the fight can proceed to a purse bid. The WBO established a minimum bid of $200,000 and said either party may request the commencement of purse-bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation period. Bentley is represented by manager Martin Bowers, while Hernandez is represented by promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing.
SEPT. 3, 2026: According to WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO received a formal communication from Team Yoenli Hernandez requesting enforcement of the mandatory title defense rule against WBO middleweight Champion Denzel Bentley. Olivieri stated, "the WBO World Championship Committee will convene immediately to review the matter and issue its determination in accordance with the applicable WBO Regulations. Bentley was elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. Hernandez is a Cuban middleweight who last week secured a majority decision victory over Francisco Daniel Veron. Hernandez's offensive bursts proved to be the difference in that bout. While one judge scored it a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs.
JULY 22, 2026: [Cynics will say this is an "e-mail championship" but] the WBO World Championship Committee has officially elevated Denzel Bentley to WBO world middleweight champion following Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. The IBF title remains vacant, with a new champion expected to be crowned on August 8th at the 3Arena in a bout between Ireland's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha.
FEB. 23, 2026: In a very disappointing ruling for those who want to punish drug cheats in boxing, the WBO has ruled that its middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, can keep his title despite testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. Instead of striping the boxer, as was expected, the WBO imposed a one-year suspension and a series of conditions that stop short of stripping Alimkhnauly of the championship. The decision follows positive “A” and “B” sample tests collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in November 2025, which forced Alimkhanuly out of a scheduled unification bout against Erislandy Lara in December. Although not a party to this ruling, the IBF is just as culpable, as it also continues to recognize Alimhanuly as its world middleweight champion. A WBO interim title fight between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra was ordered to keep the division active during his suspension.
In a lengthy written decision issued by its World Championship Committee, the WBO confirmed that the tests were conducted by recognized anti-doping authorities and verified by a WADA-accredited laboratory, leaving no dispute about the presence of the prohibited substance. Under the organization’s rules, the case fell under a “strict liability” standard, meaning intent or explanation was irrelevant once a positive test was confirmed. Despite that framework, the WBO declined to impose its most severe sanction — vacating Alimkhanuly's title — and instead opted for what it described as a “proportionate” response.
The ruling suspends Alimkhanuly for one year, retroactive to December 2nd, the date of official notification of the adverse test. He is also required to submit to year-round random drug testing under a WADA-certified program at his own expense, complete an anti-doping education course, and provide certified test results directly to the WBO. When the suspension ends, he will not be allowed a tune-up fight; his first bout must be against either the WBO interim champion or the organization’s mandatory challenger.
The WBO framed the outcome as balanced and fair. Others will see it differently — as a decision that does not meaningfully penalize a fighter who failed a drug test, and does little to deter future violations at the highest level of the sport.
So what is the end result? Alimkhanuly remains recognized as a two-belt champion, retains his title status, and faces no financial penalty. The suspension is time-limited, a year in name but effectively only ten months, and the conditions imposed largely amount to monitoring and compliance requirements rather than punitive measures. For a confirmed doping violation that canceled a major unification bout and disrupted the middleweight division, the consequences are relatively light.
The committee justified its approach by citing Alimkhanuly’s status as a first-time offender and the absence of prior anti-doping violations. It emphasized proportionality and the legal and commercial interests tied to championship recognition. In effect, the WBO treated the case as a regulatory issue to be managed rather than a breach warranting the strongest available punishment. For critics, that distinction matters. A positive test for a banned substance typically carries the expectation of severe sporting consequences, especially for a reigning world champion. By allowing Alimkhanuly to keep his title and return after a defined suspension, the ruling sends a message that a confirmed drug violation does not necessarily lead to the loss of a championship. It should be noted that Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, which is clearly banned in international competitions but is legally available for purchase in Kazakhstan, Russia and a few other countries.
DEC. 5, 2025: After a positive test for the banned substance meldonium, the WBO World Championship Committee has issued a “show cause notice” to WBO / IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The notice stated, "It has been formally reported that on December 2nd, the WBO received an official communication from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) concerning an alleged anti-doping violation arising from the testing protocol enforced by said agency in preparation for the scheduled WBO/IBF unified middleweight championships contest against [WBA champion] Erislandy Lara to be held in San Antonio, Texas on December 6th.According to the notice, the “A” Sample of [Alimkhanuly's] urine specimen, collected on November 15th, in Porter Ranch, California, allegedly returned an adverse analytical finding for a banned substance at an estimated concentration greater than the minimum reported threshold.
Unlike the WBC, which lately has been giving virtually no penalties to boxers who test positive for banned substances [Conor Benn and Subriel Matias come to mind], WBO policy is that "in the event any WBO champion tests positive for any banned substances, the WBO doesn’t need to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. It is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their body."
Alimkhanuly was directed by the WBO to show cause within ten days of issuance of this notice, stating why disciplinary action should not be imposed pursuant to the applicable sections in the governing WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests and all relevant WBO policies; including but not limited to: a) declaring the WBO middleweight championship “vacant”; b) withdrawing WBO world champion status from Alimkhanuly; c) banning him from all WBO world and/or regional championship contests; d) suspending him sion from al WBO world and/or regional championship contests; and e) issuing any other rulings necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies and intent of the WBO.
Alimkhanuly's response may include supporting documentation, statements, legal submissions, or any other relevant materials he wishes the WBO to consider. Failure to respond within the prescribed period may result in disciplinary action being taken without further notice and/or hearing, including but not limited to the vacating of your WBO Championship title, effective immediately.
DEC. 3, 2025: WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his title against hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez as part of a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video this Saturday, December 6th from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lara was originally scheduled to face unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who was pulled from the fight after failing a VADA anti-doping test. The Lara vs. Gonzalez fight will follow the pay-per-view opener between Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and Shane Mosley Jr. for the WBC interim middleweight title beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view is headlined by former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on reigning WBA 130-pound champion Lamont Roach for the WBC interim title at 140 pounds. The showdown between two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and WBC 130-pound champion O’Shaquie Foster will now serve as the co-feature. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
DEC. 2, 2025: Janibek Alimkhanuly, the two-belt middleweight champion, has tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance just days before a scheduled unification fight against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara. Journalist Dan Rafael reported that the substance was meldonium, which is commonly used in Russia. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, holds the WBO and IBF titles. He reacted to this development by tweeting, "I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest." Alimkhanuly vs. Lara, which was scheduled for this Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, Texas. The WBO acknowledged the positive test as follows: "The WBO has confirmed an adverse analytical finding for WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly from VADA testing ahead of his scheduled bout vs. Erislandy Lara. An internal investigation is now underway, and a show cause notice will be issued. No further comments will be made until the process is complete.
OCT. 16, 2025: The WBO has ordered a purse bid for a WBO middleweight elimination bout between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra. Bentley is from England and holds the British and European titles. At 21-3, he's won three straight since a 2023 loss to Nathan Heaney. Bentley also has a loss against reigning WBO / IBF champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The little-known Saveedra is from Venezuela and boasts a 17-1-1 pro record that includes wins over Isaac Hardman and Mikkel Nielsen and a draw with unbeaten Cesar Mateo Tapia.
|
|
|
|
WBO orders Hernandez vs. Zerafa
Having stripped Denzel Bentley of its middleweight championship, the WBO has ordered negotiations between Yoenli Hernandez and Michael Zerafa for a fight to determine the vacant championship. In a November 3rd letter, WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista Salas directed promoters Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to begin negotiations for the 160-pound title bout. The parties have twenty days to reach an agreement, with a deadline of November 23rd. If no agreement is reached, the WBO will order purse bid proceedings, with a minimum bid of $200,000. Either promoter may request an immediate purse bid before the negotiation period expires. The decision to involve WBO #4 ranked Zerafa means that #2 ranked Vito Mielnicki likely passed on the world title opportunity. WBO #3 Tim Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. Zerafa is 35-5 overall, and 4-0 with a no contest since losing to Lara in 2024.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV. 4, 2026: In the matter of Denzel Bentley, the WBO issued the following ruling: (1) Bentley's recognition as WBO middleweight champion has been withdrawn, effective immediately; (2) the WBO middleweight championship was declared vacant; and (3) there will be no automatic elevation of mandatory contender Yoenli Hernández to full champion status. Presumably, the WBO will require Hernandez to fight the leading available contender from the WBO rankings to determine the next champion. The current WBO rankings have Hernandez at #1, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. at #2, Tim Tszyu at #3 and Michael Zerafa at #4 and Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. With Hernandez a definite yes throughout this entire WBO process, it appears that the vacant title fight will fall to Hernandez vs. Zerafa. Bentley, who recently signed with Zuffa boxing, and has a fight scheduled this weekend vs. Shane Mosley Jr., but he retains the right to appeal the WBO's ruling.
OCT. 23, 2026: WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced that the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee has denied Denzel Bentley’s appeal and required Bentley, as the WBO middleweight champion to make his next fight a mandatory title defense against Yoenli Hernández. "Bentley MUST fight Hernandez NEXT," wrote Olivieri. This presents a big problem for Bentley who is already booked to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on a November 7th Zuffa show in London. The WBO required both Bentley and Hernandez to confirm their participation in the mandatory bout within 24 hours. Unless Bentley has an escape clause the Mosley bout, it appears he will be stripped of his middleweight title by the WBO.
OCT. 5, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced on social media that WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will face Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7th at Copper Box Arena in London. Bentley has also signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Zuffa. The big question still to be resolved is whether Bentley's WBO world title will be at stake vs. Mosley or will he be stripped for failure to make his WBO mandatory title defense. Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) was ordered by the WBO to defend against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, and Warriors Boxing won a purse bid for the bout last week. Bentley, however, is attempting to move forward with Mosley while retaining his title. "Most importantly I am still currently the WBO middleweight champion," Bentley told Sky Sports News. "I know everything that's gone on online and all the rumours [that he could be stripped of belt]. My team has put in an appeal, that appeal has gone through. We are hoping that we can get through this appeal and we get to defend this WBO title against a game, ranked opponent too."
Mosley (23-5, 13 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Serhii Bohachuk. The 35 year-old son of Hall of Famer Shane Mosley has won six of his last seven bouts, with the lone defeat coming against Jesus Alejandro Ramos last December. He also owns a 2024 decision victory over former champion Daniel Jacobs. Bentley won the interim WBO title with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra in April and was subsequently elevated to full champion as Zhanibek Alimkhnauly dealt with PED issues and decided to move up in weight. Bentley, a 31 year-old Londoner, previously challenged Alimkhanuly in 2022, losing a competitive unanimous decision.
SEPT. 30, 2026: On Tuesday, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. The WBO has has now received written confirmation from Herndanez that he accepts the terms and conditions of the purse bid and is ready, willing, and honored to proceed with the opportunity to challenge Bentley for the WBO middleweight championship. The WBO said it is still awaiting written confirmation from Bentley and his team that they will move ahead with the fight. (Failure to do so would mean he is vacating the title, but Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna).
SEPT. 29. 2026: In a purse bid held online from WBO headquarters in Puerto Rico, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. Warriors, who promotes Hernandez, bid $200,000, which was the minimum bid. Warriors was able to win the auction proceeding for this low amount because Bentley's promoter, Queensberry, did not submit a bid. Warriors' proposed dates for the fight are December 12th or 19th with potential sites declared to be Phoenix, Orlando or Las Vegas. It will now be up to the boxers to sign the bout contracts once Warriors provides them. In the last WBO purse bid, Hamzah Sheeraz went thorugh the purse bid process but vacated his super middleweight title rather then sign for the amount yielded by the purse bid process. Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna, so it is possible he will vacate the WBO title rather than accpet this fight. Under WBO regulations, the winning bid in this case results in expected purses of $160,000 for Bentley and $40,000 for Hernandez (but it is possible Warriors and Hernandez have a private agreement for a different amount to Hernandez).
SEPT 23, 2026: The WBO World Championship Committee has scheduled a purse bid for the WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley to make a mandatory defense againsy Yoenli Hernandez. The purse bid is scheduled for September 29th, with the parties free to reach a deal before then. However, it was not clear whether Bentley would take the fight, as he was believed to be in negotiations for a unification fight with Aaron McKenna, the IBF champion. If Bentley refuses to fight Hernandez, he would be stripped by the WBO but could still pursue an IBF challenge vs. McKenna.
SEPT. 5, 2026: The WBO has ordered negotiations for a world title fight between its middleweight title holder, Denzel Bentley, and mandatory contender Yoenlis Hernandez. The news is a blow to 160-pound unification, as Bentley was in discussions to unify with IBF champion Aaron McKenna by year's end. The WBO's decision means that Bentley would likely be stripped if he elected to fight McKenna over Hernandez. The news broke through a September 2nd letter to representatives of both fighters from the WBO World Championship Committee. The letter ordered the parties to begin negotiations for the mandatory championship contest and gave them 20 days to reach an agreement. But the WBO also directed both sides to confirm in writing within the first ten days that they are ready, willing and available to proceed with the bout. If Bentley and Hernandez (should Bentley agree to make the mandatory) are unable to reach an agreement, the fight can proceed to a purse bid. The WBO established a minimum bid of $200,000 and said either party may request the commencement of purse-bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation period. Bentley is represented by manager Martin Bowers, while Hernandez is represented by promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing.
SEPT. 3, 2026: According to WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO received a formal communication from Team Yoenli Hernandez requesting enforcement of the mandatory title defense rule against WBO middleweight Champion Denzel Bentley. Olivieri stated, "the WBO World Championship Committee will convene immediately to review the matter and issue its determination in accordance with the applicable WBO Regulations. Bentley was elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. Hernandez is a Cuban middleweight who last week secured a majority decision victory over Francisco Daniel Veron. Hernandez's offensive bursts proved to be the difference in that bout. While one judge scored it a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs.
JULY 22, 2026: [Cynics will say this is an "e-mail championship" but] the WBO World Championship Committee has officially elevated Denzel Bentley to WBO world middleweight champion following Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. The IBF title remains vacant, with a new champion expected to be crowned on August 8th at the 3Arena in a bout between Ireland's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha.
FEB. 23, 2026: In a very disappointing ruling for those who want to punish drug cheats in boxing, the WBO has ruled that its middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, can keep his title despite testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. Instead of striping the boxer, as was expected, the WBO imposed a one-year suspension and a series of conditions that stop short of stripping Alimkhnauly of the championship. The decision follows positive “A” and “B” sample tests collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in November 2025, which forced Alimkhanuly out of a scheduled unification bout against Erislandy Lara in December. Although not a party to this ruling, the IBF is just as culpable, as it also continues to recognize Alimhanuly as its world middleweight champion. A WBO interim title fight between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra was ordered to keep the division active during his suspension.
In a lengthy written decision issued by its World Championship Committee, the WBO confirmed that the tests were conducted by recognized anti-doping authorities and verified by a WADA-accredited laboratory, leaving no dispute about the presence of the prohibited substance. Under the organization’s rules, the case fell under a “strict liability” standard, meaning intent or explanation was irrelevant once a positive test was confirmed. Despite that framework, the WBO declined to impose its most severe sanction — vacating Alimkhanuly's title — and instead opted for what it described as a “proportionate” response.
The ruling suspends Alimkhanuly for one year, retroactive to December 2nd, the date of official notification of the adverse test. He is also required to submit to year-round random drug testing under a WADA-certified program at his own expense, complete an anti-doping education course, and provide certified test results directly to the WBO. When the suspension ends, he will not be allowed a tune-up fight; his first bout must be against either the WBO interim champion or the organization’s mandatory challenger.
The WBO framed the outcome as balanced and fair. Others will see it differently — as a decision that does not meaningfully penalize a fighter who failed a drug test, and does little to deter future violations at the highest level of the sport.
So what is the end result? Alimkhanuly remains recognized as a two-belt champion, retains his title status, and faces no financial penalty. The suspension is time-limited, a year in name but effectively only ten months, and the conditions imposed largely amount to monitoring and compliance requirements rather than punitive measures. For a confirmed doping violation that canceled a major unification bout and disrupted the middleweight division, the consequences are relatively light.
The committee justified its approach by citing Alimkhanuly’s status as a first-time offender and the absence of prior anti-doping violations. It emphasized proportionality and the legal and commercial interests tied to championship recognition. In effect, the WBO treated the case as a regulatory issue to be managed rather than a breach warranting the strongest available punishment. For critics, that distinction matters. A positive test for a banned substance typically carries the expectation of severe sporting consequences, especially for a reigning world champion. By allowing Alimkhanuly to keep his title and return after a defined suspension, the ruling sends a message that a confirmed drug violation does not necessarily lead to the loss of a championship. It should be noted that Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, which is clearly banned in international competitions but is legally available for purchase in Kazakhstan, Russia and a few other countries.
DEC. 5, 2025: After a positive test for the banned substance meldonium, the WBO World Championship Committee has issued a “show cause notice” to WBO / IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The notice stated, "It has been formally reported that on December 2nd, the WBO received an official communication from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) concerning an alleged anti-doping violation arising from the testing protocol enforced by said agency in preparation for the scheduled WBO/IBF unified middleweight championships contest against [WBA champion] Erislandy Lara to be held in San Antonio, Texas on December 6th.According to the notice, the “A” Sample of [Alimkhanuly's] urine specimen, collected on November 15th, in Porter Ranch, California, allegedly returned an adverse analytical finding for a banned substance at an estimated concentration greater than the minimum reported threshold.
Unlike the WBC, which lately has been giving virtually no penalties to boxers who test positive for banned substances [Conor Benn and Subriel Matias come to mind], WBO policy is that "in the event any WBO champion tests positive for any banned substances, the WBO doesn’t need to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. It is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their body."
Alimkhanuly was directed by the WBO to show cause within ten days of issuance of this notice, stating why disciplinary action should not be imposed pursuant to the applicable sections in the governing WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests and all relevant WBO policies; including but not limited to: a) declaring the WBO middleweight championship “vacant”; b) withdrawing WBO world champion status from Alimkhanuly; c) banning him from all WBO world and/or regional championship contests; d) suspending him sion from al WBO world and/or regional championship contests; and e) issuing any other rulings necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies and intent of the WBO.
Alimkhanuly's response may include supporting documentation, statements, legal submissions, or any other relevant materials he wishes the WBO to consider. Failure to respond within the prescribed period may result in disciplinary action being taken without further notice and/or hearing, including but not limited to the vacating of your WBO Championship title, effective immediately.
DEC. 3, 2025: WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his title against hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez as part of a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video this Saturday, December 6th from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lara was originally scheduled to face unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who was pulled from the fight after failing a VADA anti-doping test. The Lara vs. Gonzalez fight will follow the pay-per-view opener between Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and Shane Mosley Jr. for the WBC interim middleweight title beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view is headlined by former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on reigning WBA 130-pound champion Lamont Roach for the WBC interim title at 140 pounds. The showdown between two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and WBC 130-pound champion O’Shaquie Foster will now serve as the co-feature. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
DEC. 2, 2025: Janibek Alimkhanuly, the two-belt middleweight champion, has tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance just days before a scheduled unification fight against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara. Journalist Dan Rafael reported that the substance was meldonium, which is commonly used in Russia. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, holds the WBO and IBF titles. He reacted to this development by tweeting, "I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest." Alimkhanuly vs. Lara, which was scheduled for this Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, Texas. The WBO acknowledged the positive test as follows: "The WBO has confirmed an adverse analytical finding for WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly from VADA testing ahead of his scheduled bout vs. Erislandy Lara. An internal investigation is now underway, and a show cause notice will be issued. No further comments will be made until the process is complete.
OCT. 16, 2025: The WBO has ordered a purse bid for a WBO middleweight elimination bout between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra. Bentley is from England and holds the British and European titles. At 21-3, he's won three straight since a 2023 loss to Nathan Heaney. Bentley also has a loss against reigning WBO / IBF champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The little-known Saveedra is from Venezuela and boasts a 17-1-1 pro record that includes wins over Isaac Hardman and Mikkel Nielsen and a draw with unbeaten Cesar Mateo Tapia.
|
Zak Chelli signs with Zuffa |
|
|
British light heavyweight Zak Chelli, the fighting schoolteacher from Fulham, London, has signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing. Chelli, age 28, joins Zuffa’s 175-pound roster riding a wave of momentum. In May, he authored a big upset, overcoming an early deficit to knock out David Morrell in the tenth round. Chelli’s Zuffa Boxing debut will be announced shortly.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. Zuffa is looking for fighters that they believe in, and I’m proud to be in that category,” Chelli said. “I’m thrilled that my fights will once again be shown on Sky Sports. I’ve fought on Sky many times, and they’ve always treated me well. I want to make the fights that the fans want to see. I’m ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I’ve proven that throughout my career.”
Chelli (17-3-1, 9 KOs) turned pro as a super middleweight in 2017, capturing English, British and Commonwealth honors before moving up to light heavyweight last year. He won the English title in his first fight at 175 pounds before accepting the fight with the heavily favored Morrell on two weeks’ notice.
Chelli, who works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, stunned the boxing world with his KO, hurting Morrell in the ninth round before finishing the fight with a right hand with 36 seconds remaining in the tenth.
|
|
|
|
Zak Chelli signs with Zuffa
British light heavyweight Zak Chelli, the fighting schoolteacher from Fulham, London, has signed a multi-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing. Chelli, age 28, joins Zuffa’s 175-pound roster riding a wave of momentum. In May, he authored a big upset, overcoming an early deficit to knock out David Morrell in the tenth round. Chelli’s Zuffa Boxing debut will be announced shortly.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. Zuffa is looking for fighters that they believe in, and I’m proud to be in that category,” Chelli said. “I’m thrilled that my fights will once again be shown on Sky Sports. I’ve fought on Sky many times, and they’ve always treated me well. I want to make the fights that the fans want to see. I’m ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. I’ve proven that throughout my career.”
Chelli (17-3-1, 9 KOs) turned pro as a super middleweight in 2017, capturing English, British and Commonwealth honors before moving up to light heavyweight last year. He won the English title in his first fight at 175 pounds before accepting the fight with the heavily favored Morrell on two weeks’ notice.
Chelli, who works as a supply teacher at a secondary school in Surrey, stunned the boxing world with his KO, hurting Morrell in the ninth round before finishing the fight with a right hand with 36 seconds remaining in the tenth.
|
Elizondo bids for 4-0 this weekend |
|
Let’s Get It On Promotions' junior lightweight Miguel “Tito” Elizondo makes the fourth ring appearance of his inaugural year as a professional when he travels to Klamath Falls, Oregon to take on Gary Anderson Jr. (0-1) in a four-round bout at the John Hancock Arena this coming Saturday night (November 7th). Elizondo (3-0, 1 KO) of Carson City, Nevada turned pro just after his 19th birthday back in March and scored his first professional stoppage before his home crowd in nearby Reno , Nevada last time out. Taking on his third consecutive previously unbeaten opponent, Elizondo let his combinations go and forced the hand of the referee, stopping the more experienced Smathy Silva Gonzalez (5-0-1, 4 KOs) in the fourth round of their August showdown.
“I wanted to get a KO on my books and doing it against somebody experienced like that and a guy that’s been in there and who has been around, it meant the world to me,” explains Elizondo. “It felt good. I was talking about it and telling everybody about it. It just felt good to get it. You could see my reaction. I was super hyped.”
Elizondo had been on the radar of Reno, Nevada-based fight promotion Let’s Get It On Promotions, headed by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane, as he progressed in his amateur career and claimed national titles. With just three fights under his belt, Elizondo has lived up to the promise of his amateur credentials thus far.
“Tito is one of the most talented fighters we’ve seen come out of Northern Nevada in recent memory,” says Tommy Lane. “His first three fights have been against tough, skilled opponents, and he’s risen to the occasion each time. Those are the kinds of performances that build a reputation and get the boxing world’s attention. To keep that momentum, he has to deliver every time he steps into the ring. There’s little room for a setback, and his next fight carries those same high stakes.”
Just getting going into his professional run after a stellar amateur career, Elizondo has also solidified his belief in himself and his abilities inside the squared circle.
“I’ve learned that what I have been telling myself and what I have been thinking is true,” explains the Carson City product. “That I am great and I am cut from a different cloth and that is something that I went out there to try and prove in my last fight and that is something that I learned about myself. I think I have learned a lot already, but I feel there is more to learn.”
Trained by his grandfather Jose Elizondo Sr., “Tito” comes from an extensive fighting family. His cousin Christian Avalos is active in the lightweight division, while uncles Diego and Jose “Chuy” Elizondo turned professional after successful amateur careers as well.
Tito and Elizondo Sr. recently took a short trip to boxing’s capital, Las Vegas, to get some top flight sparring at some of the city’s most noteworthy gyms in advance of bout number four this Saturday night. “I’ve been wanting to get out of town and get some sparring elsewhere since the beginning of this year, so it was good,” explains Elizondo, who sparred the likes of Angelo Pena, unbeaten Aidan Garcia and veteran Jaylan Phillips. “I got to spar some top guys and see what level I am on and where I need to be. It was a great trip and I made the most out of it. It was my first time visiting the Salas Boxing Academy and the Mayweather Gym. What really inspired me was the sparring and getting in the ring with some experienced guys.”
Elizondo will be well prepared when he steps in with Anderson this Saturday in Klamath Falls.
“My grandpa and I looked him over,” says the southpaw “Tito” off his orthodox opponent. “I saw a little clip of his first fight. We saw that he likes to lean back on the ropes and try and catch you coming in with his right hand. I think I have an advantage fighting as a southpaw versus an orthodox because I can move to my right to get away from their back hand, but either way, I have sparred plenty of southpaws and orthodox, so I am ready for whatever comes.”
The young 130 poundert has made two ringwalks before his vocal fanbase near home in Reno but Saturday will mark the second time Elizondo will ply his trade on road in his first year as a professional fighter. The chance to win over a whole new set of fans in Klamath Falls has “The Capital Kid” excited for the ring of the bell. “It is a great opportunity to build my name and get myself out there and for people to get to know me,” says Elizondo. “I haven’t been to Oregon in a while, so it will be nice to go and be over there. It is cool to see all these different places. It gives me an opportunity to travel and see different things.”
The former national amateur champion looks to wrap up his first calendar year as a professional in style on Saturday night. “It has been everything I dreamed of and everything I have been waiting for,” says Elizondo of his seven-plus month long pro experience. “It is hard to have these training camps, back-to-back. It can be a little difficult, but it will all be worth it in the end.”
First bell is at 7pm at the John Hancock Arena at the Klamath County Event Center 3531 S. 6th Street Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Matthew Phillips’ Arena Wars Fighting Series, are still available and can be purchased at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, the Epicenter, Dollars Candy Shack, Faded Rey’s, Summit 4100 or online at Aftontickets.com
|
|
|
|
Elizondo bids for 4-0 this weekend
Let’s Get It On Promotions' junior lightweight Miguel “Tito” Elizondo makes the fourth ring appearance of his inaugural year as a professional when he travels to Klamath Falls, Oregon to take on Gary Anderson Jr. (0-1) in a four-round bout at the John Hancock Arena this coming Saturday night (November 7th). Elizondo (3-0, 1 KO) of Carson City, Nevada turned pro just after his 19th birthday back in March and scored his first professional stoppage before his home crowd in nearby Reno , Nevada last time out. Taking on his third consecutive previously unbeaten opponent, Elizondo let his combinations go and forced the hand of the referee, stopping the more experienced Smathy Silva Gonzalez (5-0-1, 4 KOs) in the fourth round of their August showdown.
“I wanted to get a KO on my books and doing it against somebody experienced like that and a guy that’s been in there and who has been around, it meant the world to me,” explains Elizondo. “It felt good. I was talking about it and telling everybody about it. It just felt good to get it. You could see my reaction. I was super hyped.”
Elizondo had been on the radar of Reno, Nevada-based fight promotion Let’s Get It On Promotions, headed by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane, as he progressed in his amateur career and claimed national titles. With just three fights under his belt, Elizondo has lived up to the promise of his amateur credentials thus far.
“Tito is one of the most talented fighters we’ve seen come out of Northern Nevada in recent memory,” says Tommy Lane. “His first three fights have been against tough, skilled opponents, and he’s risen to the occasion each time. Those are the kinds of performances that build a reputation and get the boxing world’s attention. To keep that momentum, he has to deliver every time he steps into the ring. There’s little room for a setback, and his next fight carries those same high stakes.”
Just getting going into his professional run after a stellar amateur career, Elizondo has also solidified his belief in himself and his abilities inside the squared circle.
“I’ve learned that what I have been telling myself and what I have been thinking is true,” explains the Carson City product. “That I am great and I am cut from a different cloth and that is something that I went out there to try and prove in my last fight and that is something that I learned about myself. I think I have learned a lot already, but I feel there is more to learn.”
Trained by his grandfather Jose Elizondo Sr., “Tito” comes from an extensive fighting family. His cousin Christian Avalos is active in the lightweight division, while uncles Diego and Jose “Chuy” Elizondo turned professional after successful amateur careers as well.
Tito and Elizondo Sr. recently took a short trip to boxing’s capital, Las Vegas, to get some top flight sparring at some of the city’s most noteworthy gyms in advance of bout number four this Saturday night. “I’ve been wanting to get out of town and get some sparring elsewhere since the beginning of this year, so it was good,” explains Elizondo, who sparred the likes of Angelo Pena, unbeaten Aidan Garcia and veteran Jaylan Phillips. “I got to spar some top guys and see what level I am on and where I need to be. It was a great trip and I made the most out of it. It was my first time visiting the Salas Boxing Academy and the Mayweather Gym. What really inspired me was the sparring and getting in the ring with some experienced guys.”
Elizondo will be well prepared when he steps in with Anderson this Saturday in Klamath Falls.
“My grandpa and I looked him over,” says the southpaw “Tito” off his orthodox opponent. “I saw a little clip of his first fight. We saw that he likes to lean back on the ropes and try and catch you coming in with his right hand. I think I have an advantage fighting as a southpaw versus an orthodox because I can move to my right to get away from their back hand, but either way, I have sparred plenty of southpaws and orthodox, so I am ready for whatever comes.”
The young 130 poundert has made two ringwalks before his vocal fanbase near home in Reno but Saturday will mark the second time Elizondo will ply his trade on road in his first year as a professional fighter. The chance to win over a whole new set of fans in Klamath Falls has “The Capital Kid” excited for the ring of the bell. “It is a great opportunity to build my name and get myself out there and for people to get to know me,” says Elizondo. “I haven’t been to Oregon in a while, so it will be nice to go and be over there. It is cool to see all these different places. It gives me an opportunity to travel and see different things.”
The former national amateur champion looks to wrap up his first calendar year as a professional in style on Saturday night. “It has been everything I dreamed of and everything I have been waiting for,” says Elizondo of his seven-plus month long pro experience. “It is hard to have these training camps, back-to-back. It can be a little difficult, but it will all be worth it in the end.”
First bell is at 7pm at the John Hancock Arena at the Klamath County Event Center 3531 S. 6th Street Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Matthew Phillips’ Arena Wars Fighting Series, are still available and can be purchased at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, the Epicenter, Dollars Candy Shack, Faded Rey’s, Summit 4100 or online at Aftontickets.com
|
Opetaia will face Wilder on Dec. 11th |
|
The heavyweight division is bracing for the arrival of cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (31-0). He'll battle ex-heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder (45-4-1), owner of one of the most powerful right hands in boxing, on the Netflix card headlined by Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. The fight night streams live globally on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 11th from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Wilder was one of the most feared punchers in heavyweight history. Opetaia (pictured) enters the fight unbeaten and widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Together, they bring a clash of power and precision to a historic night of boxing.
Wilder is an American heavyweight from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games. He held the WBC heavyweight world title from 2015 to 2020, dominating as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. He also faced Tyson Fury in a three-fight rivalry between 2018 and 2021. [Since then he has lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang but defeated Derek Chisora].
Opetaia is an undefeated Australian cruiserweight and a 2012 Olympian at age 16. He won the IBF cruiserweight world title in 2022. He ha sbeen frustrated by boxing politics in attempts to unify the cruiserweight championship but is regarded as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters. Now, he moves up to heavyweight.
|
|
|
|
Opetaia will face Wilder on Dec. 11th
The heavyweight division is bracing for the arrival of cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (31-0). He'll battle ex-heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder (45-4-1), owner of one of the most powerful right hands in boxing, on the Netflix card headlined by Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. The fight night streams live globally on Netflix on Friday, Dec. 11th from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Wilder was one of the most feared punchers in heavyweight history. Opetaia (pictured) enters the fight unbeaten and widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Together, they bring a clash of power and precision to a historic night of boxing.
Wilder is an American heavyweight from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games. He held the WBC heavyweight world title from 2015 to 2020, dominating as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. He also faced Tyson Fury in a three-fight rivalry between 2018 and 2021. [Since then he has lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang but defeated Derek Chisora].
Opetaia is an undefeated Australian cruiserweight and a 2012 Olympian at age 16. He won the IBF cruiserweight world title in 2022. He ha sbeen frustrated by boxing politics in attempts to unify the cruiserweight championship but is regarded as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters. Now, he moves up to heavyweight.
|
Lara to defend vs. Tszyu in Australia |
|
WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will take on former junior middleweight title holder Tim Tszyu on Saturday, December 12th (U.S. date and time) headlining action streaming live on DAZN from Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Cuba’s sharpshooter Lara will become the latest star to travel down under to challenge the power-punching Tszyu in Tszyu's home country. Lara is looking to make his fifth defense of his title against the hometown hero, who can cement his own status as an Australian legend by becoming a two-division champion. The lineup will also include the return of former undisputed 154-pound king Jermell Charlo battling the hard-hitting Brock Jarvis in the ten-round middleweight co-feature, with the action beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. In a third featured bout, Elnur Samedov defends his WBA regular title at 130 pounds against Australia's Liam Wilson. [Samedov was apparently promoted from interim to regular champion by the WBA, with Anthony Cacace remaining above Saemdov in the WBA hierarchy]. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, and TGB Promotions.
“Saturday, December 12th will see one of the biggest middleweight fights in years as the long-reigning world champion Lara defends his title against the popular action fighter and former champion Tszyu live on DAZN, with the winner emerging as the clear fighter to beat at 160 pounds,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With Jermell Charlo making his long-awaited return in the co-main event, plus a toss-up 130-pound title fight between Elnur Samedov and Liam Wilson, and December 12 promises more drama live on DAZN.”
“This is the biggest and best fight card in Australia, full stop,” said George Rose, CEO, No Limit Boxing. “A reigning world champion, a former undisputed world champion and two world titles, in a stadium on the Gold Coast. Nothing else comes close. Tim Tszyu wanted the best middleweight in the world and we got him. Jermell Charlo, a former undisputed world champion, is finally making his return and he’s coming to Australia. Liam Wilson gets his redemption shot at a world title on home soil. Every fight on this card matters.”
“Lara vs. Tszyu is a high-stakes world title showdown, with Tim Tszyu looking to make history on home soil,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “With 18 years in professional boxing, Erislandy Lara’s longevity and continued dominance are a testament to his remarkable career, adding even more significance to this title clash. With Jermell Charlo making his highly anticipated return, this is a stacked card from top to bottom. We’re proud to partner with PBC to bring another must-watch night of boxing to fans worldwide on DAZN.”
Both former champions at 154 pounds who’ve now made their way to middleweight, WBA champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will welcome Australia’s Tim Tszyu to his first 160-pound world title shot as each hope to score a signature victory in this twelve-round showdown. Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) has been dominant in his run at 160, showing off his ability to go toe-to-toe and end a fight with one punch, after establishing himself as one of boxing’s best technical fighters throughout the first part of his career. He most recently defended his title against Johan Gonzalez in December after previously delivering one of the best performances of his career as he stopped the durable former two-division world champion Danny Garcia in September 2024. He captured his WBA title with a first-round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021, before KO’ing Gary O’Sullivan and Michael Zerafa. Prior to his middleweight exploits, Lara was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a 2018 title unification match that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled former 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. He faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Álvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position, and I’m blessed to have more opportunities like this to be a world champion and defend my title,” said Lara. “Traveling to Australia to fight Tszyu is something I’m really looking forward to. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring, especially fighting in front of his home fans. But I’ve been in big fights my whole career and I know what it takes to win at this level. I’m grateful to be able to showcase my skills on DAZN in front of boxing fans all around the world, and I’m going to Australia with one goal…to defend my title, put on a great performance and give the fans a fight they’ll remember for a long time.”
The 31-year-old Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) will enter this fight off three consecutive victories, including a July triumph over former pound-for-pound great Errol Spence Jr. that saw Tszyu emerge from their clash with a unanimous decision victory. Tszyu’s winning streak has come after two memorable battles against WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora. Tszyu entered the first Fundora fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.
“This is what I live for. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him,” said Tszyu. “Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters. This fight is about legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has produced. Becoming a two-weight world champion is the one thing he never did. That is what I am chasing, and it drives me every single day. Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I stopped Jeff Horn and defended my world title in Queensland stadiums and crowds and I can’t wait to feel that again. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara on the Gold Coast.”
|
|
|
|
Lara to defend vs. Tszyu in Australia
WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will take on former junior middleweight title holder Tim Tszyu on Saturday, December 12th (U.S. date and time) headlining action streaming live on DAZN from Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Cuba’s sharpshooter Lara will become the latest star to travel down under to challenge the power-punching Tszyu in Tszyu's home country. Lara is looking to make his fifth defense of his title against the hometown hero, who can cement his own status as an Australian legend by becoming a two-division champion. The lineup will also include the return of former undisputed 154-pound king Jermell Charlo battling the hard-hitting Brock Jarvis in the ten-round middleweight co-feature, with the action beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. In a third featured bout, Elnur Samedov defends his WBA regular title at 130 pounds against Australia's Liam Wilson. [Samedov was apparently promoted from interim to regular champion by the WBA, with Anthony Cacace remaining above Saemdov in the WBA hierarchy]. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, and TGB Promotions.
“Saturday, December 12th will see one of the biggest middleweight fights in years as the long-reigning world champion Lara defends his title against the popular action fighter and former champion Tszyu live on DAZN, with the winner emerging as the clear fighter to beat at 160 pounds,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With Jermell Charlo making his long-awaited return in the co-main event, plus a toss-up 130-pound title fight between Elnur Samedov and Liam Wilson, and December 12 promises more drama live on DAZN.”
“This is the biggest and best fight card in Australia, full stop,” said George Rose, CEO, No Limit Boxing. “A reigning world champion, a former undisputed world champion and two world titles, in a stadium on the Gold Coast. Nothing else comes close. Tim Tszyu wanted the best middleweight in the world and we got him. Jermell Charlo, a former undisputed world champion, is finally making his return and he’s coming to Australia. Liam Wilson gets his redemption shot at a world title on home soil. Every fight on this card matters.”
“Lara vs. Tszyu is a high-stakes world title showdown, with Tim Tszyu looking to make history on home soil,” said Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN. “With 18 years in professional boxing, Erislandy Lara’s longevity and continued dominance are a testament to his remarkable career, adding even more significance to this title clash. With Jermell Charlo making his highly anticipated return, this is a stacked card from top to bottom. We’re proud to partner with PBC to bring another must-watch night of boxing to fans worldwide on DAZN.”
Both former champions at 154 pounds who’ve now made their way to middleweight, WBA champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will welcome Australia’s Tim Tszyu to his first 160-pound world title shot as each hope to score a signature victory in this twelve-round showdown. Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) has been dominant in his run at 160, showing off his ability to go toe-to-toe and end a fight with one punch, after establishing himself as one of boxing’s best technical fighters throughout the first part of his career. He most recently defended his title against Johan Gonzalez in December after previously delivering one of the best performances of his career as he stopped the durable former two-division world champion Danny Garcia in September 2024. He captured his WBA title with a first-round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021, before KO’ing Gary O’Sullivan and Michael Zerafa. Prior to his middleweight exploits, Lara was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a 2018 title unification match that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled former 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. He faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Álvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position, and I’m blessed to have more opportunities like this to be a world champion and defend my title,” said Lara. “Traveling to Australia to fight Tszyu is something I’m really looking forward to. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring, especially fighting in front of his home fans. But I’ve been in big fights my whole career and I know what it takes to win at this level. I’m grateful to be able to showcase my skills on DAZN in front of boxing fans all around the world, and I’m going to Australia with one goal…to defend my title, put on a great performance and give the fans a fight they’ll remember for a long time.”
The 31-year-old Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) will enter this fight off three consecutive victories, including a July triumph over former pound-for-pound great Errol Spence Jr. that saw Tszyu emerge from their clash with a unanimous decision victory. Tszyu’s winning streak has come after two memorable battles against WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora. Tszyu entered the first Fundora fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.
“This is what I live for. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him,” said Tszyu. “Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters. This fight is about legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has produced. Becoming a two-weight world champion is the one thing he never did. That is what I am chasing, and it drives me every single day. Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I stopped Jeff Horn and defended my world title in Queensland stadiums and crowds and I can’t wait to feel that again. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara on the Gold Coast.”
|
Jermell Charlo back for first time since 2023 |
|
On Saturday, December 12th (U.S. date and time) at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast Australia, former undisputed world 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo will return to the ring for the first time since September 2023 as he looks to make a run at becoming a two-division champion. Jermell will kick off his comeback against the Australia's Brock Jarvis in a ten-round middleweight co-feature presented by PBC and streamed on DAZN. The main event that night has Erislandy Lara defending his WBA middleweight title against Kostya Tszyu.
Houston’s Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) unified super welterweight titles in emphatic fashion in May 2022, knocking out Brian Castaño in round 10 of their rematch, after they fought to a draw in a July 2021 slugfest. Charlo became a unified champion in September 2020, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an eleventh-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. Charlo won his first world title by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016, following up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, and winning a decision over former champion Austin Trout. Charlo’s most recent action saw him come up short against then undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez in their September 2023 showdown.
"I’ve heard all the talk, and now it’s time to remind everybody why Jermell Charlo is still him," said Charlo. "I appreciate Brock Jarvis stepping up, because a lot of these so-called top guys got cold feet. They use my name for clout but get quiet when it’s time to sign on that dotted line. I’m willing to fight on a co-main event all the way in Australia because that’s how hungry I am. I’ve got so much in me and I wasn’t going to let this year end without giving my fans what they’ve been waiting for. On December 12, I’m going to show everybody why I’m the most dangerous fighter from 154 to 160 pounds. I’m coming to take what’s mine. Lions Only!"
The 28-year-old Jarvis (23-2, 21 KOs) has risen up the rankings in his native Australia ever since turning pro in 2015 as a teenager. He’s shown tremendous power throughout his time in the pro ranks, with a 15-fight KO streak following his pro debut and a current run that’s seen him earn stoppages in each of his last six victories. His only defeats have come at the highest level, as he dropped a March 2025 showdown against former unified champion Keith Thurman and an October 2022 challenge of current welterweight world champion Liam Paro. Fighting out of Marrickville, New South Wales, Jarvis most recently bounced back from the loss to Thurman to stop the previously unbeaten Sam Beck in four rounds in August 2025.
“This is the fight I have waited my whole career for,” said Jarvis. “A former undisputed world champion, in a stadium, at home in Australia. It does not get bigger than this. Charlo thinks he’s coming to Australia to restart his career. I’m here to ruin his comeback.”
|
|
|
|
Jermell Charlo back for first time since 2023
On Saturday, December 12th (U.S. date and time) at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast Australia, former undisputed world 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo will return to the ring for the first time since September 2023 as he looks to make a run at becoming a two-division champion. Jermell will kick off his comeback against the Australia's Brock Jarvis in a ten-round middleweight co-feature presented by PBC and streamed on DAZN. The main event that night has Erislandy Lara defending his WBA middleweight title against Kostya Tszyu.
Houston’s Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) unified super welterweight titles in emphatic fashion in May 2022, knocking out Brian Castaño in round 10 of their rematch, after they fought to a draw in a July 2021 slugfest. Charlo became a unified champion in September 2020, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an eleventh-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. Charlo won his first world title by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016, following up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, and winning a decision over former champion Austin Trout. Charlo’s most recent action saw him come up short against then undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez in their September 2023 showdown.
"I’ve heard all the talk, and now it’s time to remind everybody why Jermell Charlo is still him," said Charlo. "I appreciate Brock Jarvis stepping up, because a lot of these so-called top guys got cold feet. They use my name for clout but get quiet when it’s time to sign on that dotted line. I’m willing to fight on a co-main event all the way in Australia because that’s how hungry I am. I’ve got so much in me and I wasn’t going to let this year end without giving my fans what they’ve been waiting for. On December 12, I’m going to show everybody why I’m the most dangerous fighter from 154 to 160 pounds. I’m coming to take what’s mine. Lions Only!"
The 28-year-old Jarvis (23-2, 21 KOs) has risen up the rankings in his native Australia ever since turning pro in 2015 as a teenager. He’s shown tremendous power throughout his time in the pro ranks, with a 15-fight KO streak following his pro debut and a current run that’s seen him earn stoppages in each of his last six victories. His only defeats have come at the highest level, as he dropped a March 2025 showdown against former unified champion Keith Thurman and an October 2022 challenge of current welterweight world champion Liam Paro. Fighting out of Marrickville, New South Wales, Jarvis most recently bounced back from the loss to Thurman to stop the previously unbeaten Sam Beck in four rounds in August 2025.
“This is the fight I have waited my whole career for,” said Jarvis. “A former undisputed world champion, in a stadium, at home in Australia. It does not get bigger than this. Charlo thinks he’s coming to Australia to restart his career. I’m here to ruin his comeback.”
|
WBO strips Denzel Bentley |
|
In the matter of Denzel Bentley, the WBO issued the following ruling: (1) Bentley's recognition as WBO middleweight champion has been withdrawn, effective immediately; (2) the WBO middleweight championship was declared vacant; and (3) there will be no automatic elevation of mandatory contender Yoenli Hernández to full champion status. Presumably, the WBO will require Hernandez to fight the leading available contender from the WBO rankings to determine the next champion. The current WBO rankings have Hernandez at #1, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. at #2, Tim Tszyu at #3 and Michael Zerafa at #4 and Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. With Hernandez a definite yes throughout this entire WBO process, it appears that the vacant title fight will fall to Hernandez vs. Zerafa. Bentley, who recently signed with Zuffa boxing, and has a fight scheduled this weekend vs. Shane Mosley Jr., but he retains the right to appeal the WBO's ruling.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 23, 2026: WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced that the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee has denied Denzel Bentley’s appeal and required Bentley, as the WBO middleweight champion to make his next fight a mandatory title defense against Yoenli Hernández. "Bentley MUST fight Hernandez NEXT," wrote Olivieri. This presents a big problem for Bentley who is already booked to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on a November 7th Zuffa show in London. The WBO required both Bentley and Hernandez to confirm their participation in the mandatory bout within 24 hours. Unless Bentley has an escape clause the Mosley bout, it appears he will be stripped of his middleweight title by the WBO.
OCT. 5, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced on social media that WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will face Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7th at Copper Box Arena in London. Bentley has also signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Zuffa. The big question still to be resolved is whether Bentley's WBO world title will be at stake vs. Mosley or will he be stripped for failure to make his WBO mandatory title defense. Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) was ordered by the WBO to defend against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, and Warriors Boxing won a purse bid for the bout last week. Bentley, however, is attempting to move forward with Mosley while retaining his title. "Most importantly I am still currently the WBO middleweight champion," Bentley told Sky Sports News. "I know everything that's gone on online and all the rumours [that he could be stripped of belt]. My team has put in an appeal, that appeal has gone through. We are hoping that we can get through this appeal and we get to defend this WBO title against a game, ranked opponent too."
Mosley (23-5, 13 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Serhii Bohachuk. The 35 year-old son of Hall of Famer Shane Mosley has won six of his last seven bouts, with the lone defeat coming against Jesus Alejandro Ramos last December. He also owns a 2024 decision victory over former champion Daniel Jacobs. Bentley won the interim WBO title with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra in April and was subsequently elevated to full champion as Zhanibek Alimkhnauly dealt with PED issues and decided to move up in weight. Bentley, a 31 year-old Londoner, previously challenged Alimkhanuly in 2022, losing a competitive unanimous decision.
SEPT. 30, 2026: On Tuesday, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. The WBO has has now received written confirmation from Herndanez that he accepts the terms and conditions of the purse bid and is ready, willing, and honored to proceed with the opportunity to challenge Bentley for the WBO middleweight championship. The WBO said it is still awaiting written confirmation from Bentley and his team that they will move ahead with the fight. (Failure to do so would mean he is vacating the title, but Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna).
SEPT. 29. 2026: In a purse bid held online from WBO headquarters in Puerto Rico, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. Warriors, who promotes Hernandez, bid $200,000, which was the minimum bid. Warriors was able to win the auction proceeding for this low amount because Bentley's promoter, Queensberry, did not submit a bid. Warriors' proposed dates for the fight are December 12th or 19th with potential sites declared to be Phoenix, Orlando or Las Vegas. It will now be up to the boxers to sign the bout contracts once Warriors provides them. In the last WBO purse bid, Hamzah Sheeraz went thorugh the purse bid process but vacated his super middleweight title rather then sign for the amount yielded by the purse bid process. Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna, so it is possible he will vacate the WBO title rather than accpet this fight. Under WBO regulations, the winning bid in this case results in expected purses of $160,000 for Bentley and $40,000 for Hernandez (but it is possible Warriors and Hernandez have a private agreement for a different amount to Hernandez).
SEPT 23, 2026: The WBO World Championship Committee has scheduled a purse bid for the WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley to make a mandatory defense againsy Yoenli Hernandez. The purse bid is scheduled for September 29th, with the parties free to reach a deal before then. However, it was not clear whether Bentley would take the fight, as he was believed to be in negotiations for a unification fight with Aaron McKenna, the IBF champion. If Bentley refuses to fight Hernandez, he would be stripped by the WBO but could still pursue an IBF challenge vs. McKenna.
SEPT. 5, 2026: The WBO has ordered negotiations for a world title fight between its middleweight title holder, Denzel Bentley, and mandatory contender Yoenlis Hernandez. The news is a blow to 160-pound unification, as Bentley was in discussions to unify with IBF champion Aaron McKenna by year's end. The WBO's decision means that Bentley would likely be stripped if he elected to fight McKenna over Hernandez. The news broke through a September 2nd letter to representatives of both fighters from the WBO World Championship Committee. The letter ordered the parties to begin negotiations for the mandatory championship contest and gave them 20 days to reach an agreement. But the WBO also directed both sides to confirm in writing within the first ten days that they are ready, willing and available to proceed with the bout. If Bentley and Hernandez (should Bentley agree to make the mandatory) are unable to reach an agreement, the fight can proceed to a purse bid. The WBO established a minimum bid of $200,000 and said either party may request the commencement of purse-bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation period. Bentley is represented by manager Martin Bowers, while Hernandez is represented by promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing.
SEPT. 3, 2026: According to WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO received a formal communication from Team Yoenli Hernandez requesting enforcement of the mandatory title defense rule against WBO middleweight Champion Denzel Bentley. Olivieri stated, "the WBO World Championship Committee will convene immediately to review the matter and issue its determination in accordance with the applicable WBO Regulations. Bentley was elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. Hernandez is a Cuban middleweight who last week secured a majority decision victory over Francisco Daniel Veron. Hernandez's offensive bursts proved to be the difference in that bout. While one judge scored it a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs.
JULY 22, 2026: [Cynics will say this is an "e-mail championship" but] the WBO World Championship Committee has officially elevated Denzel Bentley to WBO world middleweight champion following Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. The IBF title remains vacant, with a new champion expected to be crowned on August 8th at the 3Arena in a bout between Ireland's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha.
FEB. 23, 2026: In a very disappointing ruling for those who want to punish drug cheats in boxing, the WBO has ruled that its middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, can keep his title despite testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. Instead of striping the boxer, as was expected, the WBO imposed a one-year suspension and a series of conditions that stop short of stripping Alimkhnauly of the championship. The decision follows positive “A” and “B” sample tests collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in November 2025, which forced Alimkhanuly out of a scheduled unification bout against Erislandy Lara in December. Although not a party to this ruling, the IBF is just as culpable, as it also continues to recognize Alimhanuly as its world middleweight champion. A WBO interim title fight between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra was ordered to keep the division active during his suspension.
In a lengthy written decision issued by its World Championship Committee, the WBO confirmed that the tests were conducted by recognized anti-doping authorities and verified by a WADA-accredited laboratory, leaving no dispute about the presence of the prohibited substance. Under the organization’s rules, the case fell under a “strict liability” standard, meaning intent or explanation was irrelevant once a positive test was confirmed. Despite that framework, the WBO declined to impose its most severe sanction — vacating Alimkhanuly's title — and instead opted for what it described as a “proportionate” response.
The ruling suspends Alimkhanuly for one year, retroactive to December 2nd, the date of official notification of the adverse test. He is also required to submit to year-round random drug testing under a WADA-certified program at his own expense, complete an anti-doping education course, and provide certified test results directly to the WBO. When the suspension ends, he will not be allowed a tune-up fight; his first bout must be against either the WBO interim champion or the organization’s mandatory challenger.
The WBO framed the outcome as balanced and fair. Others will see it differently — as a decision that does not meaningfully penalize a fighter who failed a drug test, and does little to deter future violations at the highest level of the sport.
So what is the end result? Alimkhanuly remains recognized as a two-belt champion, retains his title status, and faces no financial penalty. The suspension is time-limited, a year in name but effectively only ten months, and the conditions imposed largely amount to monitoring and compliance requirements rather than punitive measures. For a confirmed doping violation that canceled a major unification bout and disrupted the middleweight division, the consequences are relatively light.
The committee justified its approach by citing Alimkhanuly’s status as a first-time offender and the absence of prior anti-doping violations. It emphasized proportionality and the legal and commercial interests tied to championship recognition. In effect, the WBO treated the case as a regulatory issue to be managed rather than a breach warranting the strongest available punishment. For critics, that distinction matters. A positive test for a banned substance typically carries the expectation of severe sporting consequences, especially for a reigning world champion. By allowing Alimkhanuly to keep his title and return after a defined suspension, the ruling sends a message that a confirmed drug violation does not necessarily lead to the loss of a championship. It should be noted that Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, which is clearly banned in international competitions but is legally available for purchase in Kazakhstan, Russia and a few other countries.
DEC. 5, 2025: After a positive test for the banned substance meldonium, the WBO World Championship Committee has issued a “show cause notice” to WBO / IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The notice stated, "It has been formally reported that on December 2nd, the WBO received an official communication from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) concerning an alleged anti-doping violation arising from the testing protocol enforced by said agency in preparation for the scheduled WBO/IBF unified middleweight championships contest against [WBA champion] Erislandy Lara to be held in San Antonio, Texas on December 6th.According to the notice, the “A” Sample of [Alimkhanuly's] urine specimen, collected on November 15th, in Porter Ranch, California, allegedly returned an adverse analytical finding for a banned substance at an estimated concentration greater than the minimum reported threshold.
Unlike the WBC, which lately has been giving virtually no penalties to boxers who test positive for banned substances [Conor Benn and Subriel Matias come to mind], WBO policy is that "in the event any WBO champion tests positive for any banned substances, the WBO doesn’t need to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. It is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their body."
Alimkhanuly was directed by the WBO to show cause within ten days of issuance of this notice, stating why disciplinary action should not be imposed pursuant to the applicable sections in the governing WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests and all relevant WBO policies; including but not limited to: a) declaring the WBO middleweight championship “vacant”; b) withdrawing WBO world champion status from Alimkhanuly; c) banning him from all WBO world and/or regional championship contests; d) suspending him sion from al WBO world and/or regional championship contests; and e) issuing any other rulings necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies and intent of the WBO.
Alimkhanuly's response may include supporting documentation, statements, legal submissions, or any other relevant materials he wishes the WBO to consider. Failure to respond within the prescribed period may result in disciplinary action being taken without further notice and/or hearing, including but not limited to the vacating of your WBO Championship title, effective immediately.
DEC. 3, 2025: WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his title against hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez as part of a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video this Saturday, December 6th from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lara was originally scheduled to face unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who was pulled from the fight after failing a VADA anti-doping test. The Lara vs. Gonzalez fight will follow the pay-per-view opener between Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and Shane Mosley Jr. for the WBC interim middleweight title beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view is headlined by former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on reigning WBA 130-pound champion Lamont Roach for the WBC interim title at 140 pounds. The showdown between two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and WBC 130-pound champion O’Shaquie Foster will now serve as the co-feature. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
DEC. 2, 2025: Janibek Alimkhanuly, the two-belt middleweight champion, has tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance just days before a scheduled unification fight against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara. Journalist Dan Rafael reported that the substance was meldonium, which is commonly used in Russia. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, holds the WBO and IBF titles. He reacted to this development by tweeting, "I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest." Alimkhanuly vs. Lara, which was scheduled for this Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, Texas. The WBO acknowledged the positive test as follows: "The WBO has confirmed an adverse analytical finding for WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly from VADA testing ahead of his scheduled bout vs. Erislandy Lara. An internal investigation is now underway, and a show cause notice will be issued. No further comments will be made until the process is complete.
OCT. 16, 2025: The WBO has ordered a purse bid for a WBO middleweight elimination bout between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra. Bentley is from England and holds the British and European titles. At 21-3, he's won three straight since a 2023 loss to Nathan Heaney. Bentley also has a loss against reigning WBO / IBF champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The little-known Saveedra is from Venezuela and boasts a 17-1-1 pro record that includes wins over Isaac Hardman and Mikkel Nielsen and a draw with unbeaten Cesar Mateo Tapia.
|
|
|
|
WBO strips Denzel Bentley
In the matter of Denzel Bentley, the WBO issued the following ruling: (1) Bentley's recognition as WBO middleweight champion has been withdrawn, effective immediately; (2) the WBO middleweight championship was declared vacant; and (3) there will be no automatic elevation of mandatory contender Yoenli Hernández to full champion status. Presumably, the WBO will require Hernandez to fight the leading available contender from the WBO rankings to determine the next champion. The current WBO rankings have Hernandez at #1, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. at #2, Tim Tszyu at #3 and Michael Zerafa at #4 and Tszyu just announced he will be fighting WBA champion Erislandy Lara next, so he is unavailable. With Hernandez a definite yes throughout this entire WBO process, it appears that the vacant title fight will fall to Hernandez vs. Zerafa. Bentley, who recently signed with Zuffa boxing, and has a fight scheduled this weekend vs. Shane Mosley Jr., but he retains the right to appeal the WBO's ruling.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
OCT. 23, 2026: WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced that the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee has denied Denzel Bentley’s appeal and required Bentley, as the WBO middleweight champion to make his next fight a mandatory title defense against Yoenli Hernández. "Bentley MUST fight Hernandez NEXT," wrote Olivieri. This presents a big problem for Bentley who is already booked to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on a November 7th Zuffa show in London. The WBO required both Bentley and Hernandez to confirm their participation in the mandatory bout within 24 hours. Unless Bentley has an escape clause the Mosley bout, it appears he will be stripped of his middleweight title by the WBO.
OCT. 5, 2026: Zuffa Boxing announced on social media that WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will face Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7th at Copper Box Arena in London. Bentley has also signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with Zuffa. The big question still to be resolved is whether Bentley's WBO world title will be at stake vs. Mosley or will he be stripped for failure to make his WBO mandatory title defense. Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) was ordered by the WBO to defend against mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, and Warriors Boxing won a purse bid for the bout last week. Bentley, however, is attempting to move forward with Mosley while retaining his title. "Most importantly I am still currently the WBO middleweight champion," Bentley told Sky Sports News. "I know everything that's gone on online and all the rumours [that he could be stripped of belt]. My team has put in an appeal, that appeal has gone through. We are hoping that we can get through this appeal and we get to defend this WBO title against a game, ranked opponent too."
Mosley (23-5, 13 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Serhii Bohachuk. The 35 year-old son of Hall of Famer Shane Mosley has won six of his last seven bouts, with the lone defeat coming against Jesus Alejandro Ramos last December. He also owns a 2024 decision victory over former champion Daniel Jacobs. Bentley won the interim WBO title with a seventh-round stoppage of Endry Saavedra in April and was subsequently elevated to full champion as Zhanibek Alimkhnauly dealt with PED issues and decided to move up in weight. Bentley, a 31 year-old Londoner, previously challenged Alimkhanuly in 2022, losing a competitive unanimous decision.
SEPT. 30, 2026: On Tuesday, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. The WBO has has now received written confirmation from Herndanez that he accepts the terms and conditions of the purse bid and is ready, willing, and honored to proceed with the opportunity to challenge Bentley for the WBO middleweight championship. The WBO said it is still awaiting written confirmation from Bentley and his team that they will move ahead with the fight. (Failure to do so would mean he is vacating the title, but Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna).
SEPT. 29. 2026: In a purse bid held online from WBO headquarters in Puerto Rico, Warriors Boxing Promotions won the right to promote a WBO middleweight championship defense by Denzel Bentley against mandatory contender Yoenli Hernandez. Warriors, who promotes Hernandez, bid $200,000, which was the minimum bid. Warriors was able to win the auction proceeding for this low amount because Bentley's promoter, Queensberry, did not submit a bid. Warriors' proposed dates for the fight are December 12th or 19th with potential sites declared to be Phoenix, Orlando or Las Vegas. It will now be up to the boxers to sign the bout contracts once Warriors provides them. In the last WBO purse bid, Hamzah Sheeraz went thorugh the purse bid process but vacated his super middleweight title rather then sign for the amount yielded by the purse bid process. Bentley has been linked to a potential fight with IBF champion Aaron McKenna, so it is possible he will vacate the WBO title rather than accpet this fight. Under WBO regulations, the winning bid in this case results in expected purses of $160,000 for Bentley and $40,000 for Hernandez (but it is possible Warriors and Hernandez have a private agreement for a different amount to Hernandez).
SEPT 23, 2026: The WBO World Championship Committee has scheduled a purse bid for the WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley to make a mandatory defense againsy Yoenli Hernandez. The purse bid is scheduled for September 29th, with the parties free to reach a deal before then. However, it was not clear whether Bentley would take the fight, as he was believed to be in negotiations for a unification fight with Aaron McKenna, the IBF champion. If Bentley refuses to fight Hernandez, he would be stripped by the WBO but could still pursue an IBF challenge vs. McKenna.
SEPT. 5, 2026: The WBO has ordered negotiations for a world title fight between its middleweight title holder, Denzel Bentley, and mandatory contender Yoenlis Hernandez. The news is a blow to 160-pound unification, as Bentley was in discussions to unify with IBF champion Aaron McKenna by year's end. The WBO's decision means that Bentley would likely be stripped if he elected to fight McKenna over Hernandez. The news broke through a September 2nd letter to representatives of both fighters from the WBO World Championship Committee. The letter ordered the parties to begin negotiations for the mandatory championship contest and gave them 20 days to reach an agreement. But the WBO also directed both sides to confirm in writing within the first ten days that they are ready, willing and available to proceed with the bout. If Bentley and Hernandez (should Bentley agree to make the mandatory) are unable to reach an agreement, the fight can proceed to a purse bid. The WBO established a minimum bid of $200,000 and said either party may request the commencement of purse-bid proceedings at any time during the negotiation period. Bentley is represented by manager Martin Bowers, while Hernandez is represented by promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing.
SEPT. 3, 2026: According to WBO president Gustavo Olivieri, the WBO received a formal communication from Team Yoenli Hernandez requesting enforcement of the mandatory title defense rule against WBO middleweight Champion Denzel Bentley. Olivieri stated, "the WBO World Championship Committee will convene immediately to review the matter and issue its determination in accordance with the applicable WBO Regulations. Bentley was elevated to WBO middleweight champion after Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. Hernandez is a Cuban middleweight who last week secured a majority decision victory over Francisco Daniel Veron. Hernandez's offensive bursts proved to be the difference in that bout. While one judge scored it a 95-95 draw, the remaining two widely favored Hernandez with lopsided tallies of 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Hernandez improved to 11-0 with 9 KOs.
JULY 22, 2026: [Cynics will say this is an "e-mail championship" but] the WBO World Championship Committee has officially elevated Denzel Bentley to WBO world middleweight champion following Zhanibek Alimkhanuly’s voluntary relinquishment of the title. Bentley, from the United Kingdom, has a pro record of 22-3-1. He won the vacant WBO interim belt by stopping little-known Endry Saavedra in April. Alimkhanuly, who also held the IBF title, tested positive for banned, performance enhancing substances, but unlike the IBF, the WBO did not immediately strip Alimkhanuly. The IBF title remains vacant, with a new champion expected to be crowned on August 8th at the 3Arena in a bout between Ireland's Aaron McKenna and Italy's Etinosa Oliha.
FEB. 23, 2026: In a very disappointing ruling for those who want to punish drug cheats in boxing, the WBO has ruled that its middleweight champion, Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, can keep his title despite testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. Instead of striping the boxer, as was expected, the WBO imposed a one-year suspension and a series of conditions that stop short of stripping Alimkhnauly of the championship. The decision follows positive “A” and “B” sample tests collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in November 2025, which forced Alimkhanuly out of a scheduled unification bout against Erislandy Lara in December. Although not a party to this ruling, the IBF is just as culpable, as it also continues to recognize Alimhanuly as its world middleweight champion. A WBO interim title fight between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra was ordered to keep the division active during his suspension.
In a lengthy written decision issued by its World Championship Committee, the WBO confirmed that the tests were conducted by recognized anti-doping authorities and verified by a WADA-accredited laboratory, leaving no dispute about the presence of the prohibited substance. Under the organization’s rules, the case fell under a “strict liability” standard, meaning intent or explanation was irrelevant once a positive test was confirmed. Despite that framework, the WBO declined to impose its most severe sanction — vacating Alimkhanuly's title — and instead opted for what it described as a “proportionate” response.
The ruling suspends Alimkhanuly for one year, retroactive to December 2nd, the date of official notification of the adverse test. He is also required to submit to year-round random drug testing under a WADA-certified program at his own expense, complete an anti-doping education course, and provide certified test results directly to the WBO. When the suspension ends, he will not be allowed a tune-up fight; his first bout must be against either the WBO interim champion or the organization’s mandatory challenger.
The WBO framed the outcome as balanced and fair. Others will see it differently — as a decision that does not meaningfully penalize a fighter who failed a drug test, and does little to deter future violations at the highest level of the sport.
So what is the end result? Alimkhanuly remains recognized as a two-belt champion, retains his title status, and faces no financial penalty. The suspension is time-limited, a year in name but effectively only ten months, and the conditions imposed largely amount to monitoring and compliance requirements rather than punitive measures. For a confirmed doping violation that canceled a major unification bout and disrupted the middleweight division, the consequences are relatively light.
The committee justified its approach by citing Alimkhanuly’s status as a first-time offender and the absence of prior anti-doping violations. It emphasized proportionality and the legal and commercial interests tied to championship recognition. In effect, the WBO treated the case as a regulatory issue to be managed rather than a breach warranting the strongest available punishment. For critics, that distinction matters. A positive test for a banned substance typically carries the expectation of severe sporting consequences, especially for a reigning world champion. By allowing Alimkhanuly to keep his title and return after a defined suspension, the ruling sends a message that a confirmed drug violation does not necessarily lead to the loss of a championship. It should be noted that Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, which is clearly banned in international competitions but is legally available for purchase in Kazakhstan, Russia and a few other countries.
DEC. 5, 2025: After a positive test for the banned substance meldonium, the WBO World Championship Committee has issued a “show cause notice” to WBO / IBF middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The notice stated, "It has been formally reported that on December 2nd, the WBO received an official communication from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) concerning an alleged anti-doping violation arising from the testing protocol enforced by said agency in preparation for the scheduled WBO/IBF unified middleweight championships contest against [WBA champion] Erislandy Lara to be held in San Antonio, Texas on December 6th.According to the notice, the “A” Sample of [Alimkhanuly's] urine specimen, collected on November 15th, in Porter Ranch, California, allegedly returned an adverse analytical finding for a banned substance at an estimated concentration greater than the minimum reported threshold.
Unlike the WBC, which lately has been giving virtually no penalties to boxers who test positive for banned substances [Conor Benn and Subriel Matias come to mind], WBO policy is that "in the event any WBO champion tests positive for any banned substances, the WBO doesn’t need to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. It is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their body. Fighters are fully responsible for any prohibited substances found to be present in their body."
Alimkhanuly was directed by the WBO to show cause within ten days of issuance of this notice, stating why disciplinary action should not be imposed pursuant to the applicable sections in the governing WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests and all relevant WBO policies; including but not limited to: a) declaring the WBO middleweight championship “vacant”; b) withdrawing WBO world champion status from Alimkhanuly; c) banning him from all WBO world and/or regional championship contests; d) suspending him sion from al WBO world and/or regional championship contests; and e) issuing any other rulings necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies and intent of the WBO.
Alimkhanuly's response may include supporting documentation, statements, legal submissions, or any other relevant materials he wishes the WBO to consider. Failure to respond within the prescribed period may result in disciplinary action being taken without further notice and/or hearing, including but not limited to the vacating of your WBO Championship title, effective immediately.
DEC. 3, 2025: WBA middleweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his title against hard-hitting challenger Johan Gonzalez as part of a four-fight PBC pay-per-view event on Prime Video this Saturday, December 6th from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Lara was originally scheduled to face unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who was pulled from the fight after failing a VADA anti-doping test. The Lara vs. Gonzalez fight will follow the pay-per-view opener between Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. and Shane Mosley Jr. for the WBC interim middleweight title beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view is headlined by former 140-pound title holder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on reigning WBA 130-pound champion Lamont Roach for the WBC interim title at 140 pounds. The showdown between two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and WBC 130-pound champion O’Shaquie Foster will now serve as the co-feature. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
DEC. 2, 2025: Janibek Alimkhanuly, the two-belt middleweight champion, has tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance just days before a scheduled unification fight against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara. Journalist Dan Rafael reported that the substance was meldonium, which is commonly used in Russia. Alimkhanuly, from Kazakhstan, holds the WBO and IBF titles. He reacted to this development by tweeting, "I have always supported clean sport you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest." Alimkhanuly vs. Lara, which was scheduled for this Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, Texas. The WBO acknowledged the positive test as follows: "The WBO has confirmed an adverse analytical finding for WBO middleweight champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly from VADA testing ahead of his scheduled bout vs. Erislandy Lara. An internal investigation is now underway, and a show cause notice will be issued. No further comments will be made until the process is complete.
OCT. 16, 2025: The WBO has ordered a purse bid for a WBO middleweight elimination bout between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra. Bentley is from England and holds the British and European titles. At 21-3, he's won three straight since a 2023 loss to Nathan Heaney. Bentley also has a loss against reigning WBO / IBF champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. The little-known Saveedra is from Venezuela and boasts a 17-1-1 pro record that includes wins over Isaac Hardman and Mikkel Nielsen and a draw with unbeaten Cesar Mateo Tapia.
|
Raito Kataoka moving up quickly at light flyweight |
|
|
Raito Kataoka TKO9 Ar Ar Andales... Korakuen Hall in Tokyo served as the venue for an Ohashi Promotions show feturing three Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights. In the clash for the vacant OPBF light flyweight championship, Japan's Raito Kataoka (3-0) became the regional ruler after a strong performance against experienced Filipino contender Ar Ar Andales (19-3-3). Kataoka took control of the contest from the opening bell, showcasing exceptional footwork, sharp jabs, and quick combinations that effectively neutralized his opponent’s attack. At the end of the fifth round, all three judges’ scorecards reflected total dominance in favor of the local fighter at 50-45. Kataoka’s control continued in the second half of the bout thanks to a mix of body and head strikes. In the ninth round, following a brief exchange after an accidental clash of heads, Kataoka unleashed a combination that forced referee Shuji Tereyama to halt the action at 2 minutes and 56 seconds. The bout was officially supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Kazutoshi Yoshida, Koji Tanaka, and Gil Co serving as judges.
Shogo Tanaka TKO8 Sho Nogami... Meanwhile, the flyweight division delivered a dramatic twist in the mandatory championship clash between defending Japanese monarch Sho Nogami and contender Shogo Tanaka. Nogami (8-1) started strong, scoring an early knockdown with a left hook to the body followed by a right hand to the head. Controlling the opening rounds with rhythm and precision, the champion remained ahead on the scorecards after five rounds with identical scores of 48-46. However, Tanaka steadily increased the pressure, closing the distance and landing with greater impact. His perseverance paid off in the eighth round when he floored Nogami with a short right hand before launching a relentless follow-up attack that forced referee Tetsuya Iida to stop the contest at 1 minute and 26 seconds. With this spectacular comeback TKO victory, Tanaka (6-0-1) sealed an unforgettable performance to become the new OPBF flyweight champion. The match was supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Tetsuya Iida refereeing and scorecards rendered by Koji Tanaka, Takeshi Okaniwa, and Katsuhiko Nakamura.
Toshiya Ishii W10 Ryuya Nihei ... Finally, in super bantamweight bout, Japanese titleholder Toshiya Ishii successfully completed the first defense of his regional crown by outpointing countryman Ryuya Nihei via unanimous decision. Ishii set the pace from distance behind accurate jabs, left hooks to the body, and crisp combinations, while Nihei attempted to respond with overhand rights and hooks from unorthodox angles. By the midpoint of the contest, open scoring showed the champion leading on two cards at 50-45, while one judge scored it 48-47 for the challenger. Maintaining relentless pressure down the stretch with body work and sharp one-two combinations, Ishii neutralized Nihei’s brave efforts through the final bell to secure the victory with official scores of 97-93 and 100-90 (twice). The bout was supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Koji Tanaka refereeing and judges Kazutoshi Yoshida, Shuji Tereyama, and Tetsuya Iida scoring the contest.
|
|
|
|
Raito Kataoka moving up quickly at light flyweight
Raito Kataoka TKO9 Ar Ar Andales... Korakuen Hall in Tokyo served as the venue for an Ohashi Promotions show feturing three Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights. In the clash for the vacant OPBF light flyweight championship, Japan's Raito Kataoka (3-0) became the regional ruler after a strong performance against experienced Filipino contender Ar Ar Andales (19-3-3). Kataoka took control of the contest from the opening bell, showcasing exceptional footwork, sharp jabs, and quick combinations that effectively neutralized his opponent’s attack. At the end of the fifth round, all three judges’ scorecards reflected total dominance in favor of the local fighter at 50-45. Kataoka’s control continued in the second half of the bout thanks to a mix of body and head strikes. In the ninth round, following a brief exchange after an accidental clash of heads, Kataoka unleashed a combination that forced referee Shuji Tereyama to halt the action at 2 minutes and 56 seconds. The bout was officially supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Kazutoshi Yoshida, Koji Tanaka, and Gil Co serving as judges.
Shogo Tanaka TKO8 Sho Nogami... Meanwhile, the flyweight division delivered a dramatic twist in the mandatory championship clash between defending Japanese monarch Sho Nogami and contender Shogo Tanaka. Nogami (8-1) started strong, scoring an early knockdown with a left hook to the body followed by a right hand to the head. Controlling the opening rounds with rhythm and precision, the champion remained ahead on the scorecards after five rounds with identical scores of 48-46. However, Tanaka steadily increased the pressure, closing the distance and landing with greater impact. His perseverance paid off in the eighth round when he floored Nogami with a short right hand before launching a relentless follow-up attack that forced referee Tetsuya Iida to stop the contest at 1 minute and 26 seconds. With this spectacular comeback TKO victory, Tanaka (6-0-1) sealed an unforgettable performance to become the new OPBF flyweight champion. The match was supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Tetsuya Iida refereeing and scorecards rendered by Koji Tanaka, Takeshi Okaniwa, and Katsuhiko Nakamura.
Toshiya Ishii W10 Ryuya Nihei ... Finally, in super bantamweight bout, Japanese titleholder Toshiya Ishii successfully completed the first defense of his regional crown by outpointing countryman Ryuya Nihei via unanimous decision. Ishii set the pace from distance behind accurate jabs, left hooks to the body, and crisp combinations, while Nihei attempted to respond with overhand rights and hooks from unorthodox angles. By the midpoint of the contest, open scoring showed the champion leading on two cards at 50-45, while one judge scored it 48-47 for the challenger. Maintaining relentless pressure down the stretch with body work and sharp one-two combinations, Ishii neutralized Nihei’s brave efforts through the final bell to secure the victory with official scores of 97-93 and 100-90 (twice). The bout was supervised by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, with Koji Tanaka refereeing and judges Kazutoshi Yoshida, Shuji Tereyama, and Tetsuya Iida scoring the contest.
|
BKFC in Glasgow this weekend |
|
Bare knuckle fighting comes to Scotland this weekend, with a BKFC show at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday, live on The BKFC App. Light heavyweight (185 pounds) Conor “Da Crook” Cooke will headlined against undefeated Sean “The Butcher” Weir. From Ireland, Cooke boasts a 6-1 record. In the chief support, Danny “The Bastard” Christie returns to action, welcoming one of Scotland’s biggest mixed martial arts stars, UFC veteran Stevie “Braveheart” Ray to BKFC's squared circle. Also on the show, former World Wrestling Entertainment star Gzim “The Albanian Psycho” Selmani — known in wrestling as “Rezar” — looks to smash his way to 2-0 under the BKFC banner at the expense of the battle-tested Reece Heer.
|
|
|
|
BKFC in Glasgow this weekend
Bare knuckle fighting comes to Scotland this weekend, with a BKFC show at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday, live on The BKFC App. Light heavyweight (185 pounds) Conor “Da Crook” Cooke will headlined against undefeated Sean “The Butcher” Weir. From Ireland, Cooke boasts a 6-1 record. In the chief support, Danny “The Bastard” Christie returns to action, welcoming one of Scotland’s biggest mixed martial arts stars, UFC veteran Stevie “Braveheart” Ray to BKFC's squared circle. Also on the show, former World Wrestling Entertainment star Gzim “The Albanian Psycho” Selmani — known in wrestling as “Rezar” — looks to smash his way to 2-0 under the BKFC banner at the expense of the battle-tested Reece Heer.
|
Mayweather announces Floyd vs. Floyd exhibition |
|
Former five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather announced on social media that he will face Australia's Matty Floyd on December 19th in Bangkok. No additional details were provided concerning the rules, scheduled number of rounds or broadcast details, if any. Mayweather also indicated that the exhibition will serve as preparation for a potential showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in February 2027, although any claims of Mayweather vs. Garcia should be taken with a grain of salt. "This is a lil tune up before me and Ryan Garcia lock up Feb. 2027," Mayweather wrote on Instagram. Matty Floyd is credited with a 15-2 record and fights around the light heavyweight division. But after a low-level loss, he has veered off the traditional boxing path, losing a 2025 bare knuckles fight to ex-super middleweight champ James DeGale and then winning a 2026 Misfits crossover exhibition against Anthony Taylor. Mayweather, age 49, retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record following his tenth-round stoppage of UFC star Conor McGregor. Since then, the Hall of Famer is reputed to be in financial difficutlies and has participated in a series of exhibitions against opponents from both inside and outside the boxing world. The December event is being promoted as "Australia vs. The World" and "The Goat vs. The Jedi," referring to the nicknames of Mayweather and Matty Floyd.
|
|
|
|
Mayweather announces Floyd vs. Floyd exhibition
Former five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather announced on social media that he will face Australia's Matty Floyd on December 19th in Bangkok. No additional details were provided concerning the rules, scheduled number of rounds or broadcast details, if any. Mayweather also indicated that the exhibition will serve as preparation for a potential showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia in February 2027, although any claims of Mayweather vs. Garcia should be taken with a grain of salt. "This is a lil tune up before me and Ryan Garcia lock up Feb. 2027," Mayweather wrote on Instagram. Matty Floyd is credited with a 15-2 record and fights around the light heavyweight division. But after a low-level loss, he has veered off the traditional boxing path, losing a 2025 bare knuckles fight to ex-super middleweight champ James DeGale and then winning a 2026 Misfits crossover exhibition against Anthony Taylor. Mayweather, age 49, retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record following his tenth-round stoppage of UFC star Conor McGregor. Since then, the Hall of Famer is reputed to be in financial difficutlies and has participated in a series of exhibitions against opponents from both inside and outside the boxing world. The December event is being promoted as "Australia vs. The World" and "The Goat vs. The Jedi," referring to the nicknames of Mayweather and Matty Floyd.
|
Collazo vacates WBO title; still holds WBA version |
|
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
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.
SEPT. 15, 2026: The flyweight division takes center stage on Saturday, October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago as Mexico’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval puts his WBC / WBA unified championship on the line in against undefeated minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, with the action broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN. Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) enters this fight ain his boxing prime. The Mexican warrior reached the summit last July after traveling to Japan and dethroning Kenshiro Teraji on his home turf. Coming in as the favorite thanks to his natural height, reach, and power advantages at 112 pounds, Sandoval aims to prove he remains the man to beat in the division. It won’t be an easy night, however, as standing in his way is Óscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. The Puerto Rican star, a WBO/WBA champion at 105 pounds, is making a daring jump up two weight classes to etch his name into the history books of boxing. He is moving up in weight after attempts to make a big fight at minimumweght fell through. Collazo relies on his speed, refined technique, and sharp precision to offset Sandoval’s physical strength in what promises to be an action-packed tactical battle full of explosive combinations. Collazo enters the ring with an unbeaten record.
JUNE 22, 2026: Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second-round knockout win over Neider Valdez. Collazo was originally set to defend his two minimumweight world titles against Joey Canoy, but visa issues stopped Canoy from entering the country. The resulted in Valdez being brought in as a replacement with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a big gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out of the fight by his corner in the second round.
|
|
|
|
Collazo vacates WBO title; still holds WBA version
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
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.
SEPT. 15, 2026: The flyweight division takes center stage on Saturday, October 10th at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago as Mexico’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval puts his WBC / WBA unified championship on the line in against undefeated minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, with the action broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN. Sandoval (27-2, 18 KOs) enters this fight ain his boxing prime. The Mexican warrior reached the summit last July after traveling to Japan and dethroning Kenshiro Teraji on his home turf. Coming in as the favorite thanks to his natural height, reach, and power advantages at 112 pounds, Sandoval aims to prove he remains the man to beat in the division. It won’t be an easy night, however, as standing in his way is Óscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. The Puerto Rican star, a WBO/WBA champion at 105 pounds, is making a daring jump up two weight classes to etch his name into the history books of boxing. He is moving up in weight after attempts to make a big fight at minimumweght fell through. Collazo relies on his speed, refined technique, and sharp precision to offset Sandoval’s physical strength in what promises to be an action-packed tactical battle full of explosive combinations. Collazo enters the ring with an unbeaten record.
JUNE 22, 2026: Oscar Collazo made an unplanned move up to flyweight and came away with a second-round knockout win over Neider Valdez. Collazo was originally set to defend his two minimumweight world titles against Joey Canoy, but visa issues stopped Canoy from entering the country. The resulted in Valdez being brought in as a replacement with the fight being held at 112 pounds instead of 105. There was a big gulf in class between the two fighters with Valdez being knocked down three times before he was pulled out of the fight by his corner in the second round.
|
Bormann retains her minimumweight title |
|
Sarah Bormann W10 Chaima Bounouar... In Karlsruhe, Germany, local hero Sarah “Babyface” Bormann successfully defended her WBA 105-pound title, earning a split decision victory over Chaima Bounouar of Spain. The fight lived up to expectations as a closely contested matchup. The official scorecards reflected the judges’ differing views, with scores of 97-92 and 95-94 in favor of Bormann (22-1), while the third judge scored the bout 95-94 for Bounouar, who suffers her first pro defeat after seven wins. Bounouar came out with an aggressive approach, applying pressure and looking to target the German champion’s body with hooks. However, Bormann’s experience and precision proved decisive at key moments. The German used a consistent jab and effective lateral movement to neutralize her challenger’s advances and accumulate valuable points from mid and long range.
|
|
|
|
Bormann retains her minimumweight title
Sarah Bormann W10 Chaima Bounouar... In Karlsruhe, Germany, local hero Sarah “Babyface” Bormann successfully defended her WBA 105-pound title, earning a split decision victory over Chaima Bounouar of Spain. The fight lived up to expectations as a closely contested matchup. The official scorecards reflected the judges’ differing views, with scores of 97-92 and 95-94 in favor of Bormann (22-1), while the third judge scored the bout 95-94 for Bounouar, who suffers her first pro defeat after seven wins. Bounouar came out with an aggressive approach, applying pressure and looking to target the German champion’s body with hooks. However, Bormann’s experience and precision proved decisive at key moments. The German used a consistent jab and effective lateral movement to neutralize her challenger’s advances and accumulate valuable points from mid and long range.
|
Welcome to Buatsi vs. Hutchinson II fight week |
|
|
Two years after their first match-up, Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will fight again, but now the stakes are sky-high, with the vacant WBC light heavyweight belt there for the taking. The setting for this encounter is the AO Arena on Saturday, November 7th, in Manchester, England. The title was vacated by David Benavidez to move up to cruiserweight and fight Michał Cieślak for that WBC title on December 5th. Hutchinson, who is nicknamed “Braveheart” and even more appropriately “The Hutch Train,” is brash and flash, which is the same way he fights, delivering quips such as: “For this one, I’m older, wiser, stronger, and handsomer. I need to put a wrong right, and if I’m right, I’ll smash him to pieces.”
Joshua, who graduated with a degree in management with sports science from St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, is nicknamed “Just Business.” He declares: “With this rematch, something very important is on the line and I’m on board. I will get into the ring for everything, so I’m willing and I’m ready.”
Prior to turning pro in 2017, Hutchinson, from Carstairs in Scotland, won the European Junior Amateur Championship gold medal in 2014. Two years later, he won the Youth World Championships at middleweight. Joshua, who has lived most of his life in London, won a bronze medal at the European Championships in 2016 and another bronze at the Olympics in that same year. He too turned pro in 2017. It’s been a steady and graduated climb to reach this point for him, including a fourth-round KO of Ezequiel Maderna and then defeating Craig Richards via decision in Riyadh, before fighting Joshua Buatsi.
Their first fight on September 21st, 2024, at Wembley Stadium—which Buatsi won by split decision—was a barn burner. Hutchinson glowed while throwing clusters of long-range hooks, while the sturdy and steady Buatsi met the onslaught with crunching body shots that assuredly sank in and took their toll. In round five, an accidental clash of heads left Hutchinson with a gash over his right eye. One round later, a hard right to his head was followed by a power-driver left to his midriff, and down Hutchinson went, badly hurt; but the bell saved him. Typical of the man and his superb condition, plus true grit, he fought back tenaciously.
But in round nine, another yet shorter left to his solar plexus found the exact spot. Hutchinson winced, gasped, and went down in great discomfort, but beat the count and yet again fought back with the fire of desire. In the championship rounds, he gained his second wind, and with it, momentum, while Buatsi seemed to be ebbing rather than flowing, noticeably tiring.
With the two knockdowns and the referee deducting one point from Hutchinson in round seven for a rash, foolish and reckless use of the head, it seemed like a clear win for Buatsi, but it ended up as a split-decision victory for him. In this fight, Hutchinson hadn’t been difficult to hit—clearly, he was too easy a target. But his desire and firepower were evident. Every time the tide turned against him, he surged back with ferocity.
Since that thrilling fight night, Buatsi has lost to ex-super middleweight champion Callum Smith and won a gruelling majority decision over Zach Parker. Hutchinson claims Buatsi has now seen better days and he’s spent. We shall see. Meanwhile, Hutchinson has stopped Mark Jeffers via a seventh-round TKO and won by decision over Ezra Taylor.
Hutchinson is still only twenty-eight with a record of 20-2, 14 KOs, while Buatsi is five years older with a record of 20-1, 14 KOs.
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Buatsi vs. Hutchinson II fight week
Two years after their first match-up, Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will fight again, but now the stakes are sky-high, with the vacant WBC light heavyweight belt there for the taking. The setting for this encounter is the AO Arena on Saturday, November 7th, in Manchester, England. The title was vacated by David Benavidez to move up to cruiserweight and fight Michał Cieślak for that WBC title on December 5th. Hutchinson, who is nicknamed “Braveheart” and even more appropriately “The Hutch Train,” is brash and flash, which is the same way he fights, delivering quips such as: “For this one, I’m older, wiser, stronger, and handsomer. I need to put a wrong right, and if I’m right, I’ll smash him to pieces.”
Joshua, who graduated with a degree in management with sports science from St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, is nicknamed “Just Business.” He declares: “With this rematch, something very important is on the line and I’m on board. I will get into the ring for everything, so I’m willing and I’m ready.”
Prior to turning pro in 2017, Hutchinson, from Carstairs in Scotland, won the European Junior Amateur Championship gold medal in 2014. Two years later, he won the Youth World Championships at middleweight. Joshua, who has lived most of his life in London, won a bronze medal at the European Championships in 2016 and another bronze at the Olympics in that same year. He too turned pro in 2017. It’s been a steady and graduated climb to reach this point for him, including a fourth-round KO of Ezequiel Maderna and then defeating Craig Richards via decision in Riyadh, before fighting Joshua Buatsi.
Their first fight on September 21st, 2024, at Wembley Stadium—which Buatsi won by split decision—was a barn burner. Hutchinson glowed while throwing clusters of long-range hooks, while the sturdy and steady Buatsi met the onslaught with crunching body shots that assuredly sank in and took their toll. In round five, an accidental clash of heads left Hutchinson with a gash over his right eye. One round later, a hard right to his head was followed by a power-driver left to his midriff, and down Hutchinson went, badly hurt; but the bell saved him. Typical of the man and his superb condition, plus true grit, he fought back tenaciously.
But in round nine, another yet shorter left to his solar plexus found the exact spot. Hutchinson winced, gasped, and went down in great discomfort, but beat the count and yet again fought back with the fire of desire. In the championship rounds, he gained his second wind, and with it, momentum, while Buatsi seemed to be ebbing rather than flowing, noticeably tiring.
With the two knockdowns and the referee deducting one point from Hutchinson in round seven for a rash, foolish and reckless use of the head, it seemed like a clear win for Buatsi, but it ended up as a split-decision victory for him. In this fight, Hutchinson hadn’t been difficult to hit—clearly, he was too easy a target. But his desire and firepower were evident. Every time the tide turned against him, he surged back with ferocity.
Since that thrilling fight night, Buatsi has lost to ex-super middleweight champion Callum Smith and won a gruelling majority decision over Zach Parker. Hutchinson claims Buatsi has now seen better days and he’s spent. We shall see. Meanwhile, Hutchinson has stopped Mark Jeffers via a seventh-round TKO and won by decision over Ezra Taylor.
Hutchinson is still only twenty-eight with a record of 20-2, 14 KOs, while Buatsi is five years older with a record of 20-1, 14 KOs.
|
Welcome to Baumgardner vs. Turhan fight week |
|
|
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and ESPN announced the fight week schedule for Sunday's MVPW-07: Turhan vs. Baumgardner in Arlington, Texas featuring five championship bouts. The event is headlined by Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion, the “Golden Turkish Warrior” Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs) vs. unified junior lightweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs), who will step up to 135 pounds in a bid to become a two-division champion. This fight will be a ten rounder, although it will feature three-minute rounds. In the cofeature, Somali-British boxer and activist Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s undefeated Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122 pounds. As part of the buildup, MVP will host three fight week events. Opening the week will be the open workout followed by the press conference and weigh-in, all at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas. All fight week events will be free and open to the public to attend on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets for MVPW-07 are on sale at AXS.com.
On Thursday, November 5, the Open Workout will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature Elif Turhan, Alycia Baumgardner, Ramla Ali, Mikiah Kreps, Skye Nicolson, and various undercard fighters, as well as a surprise open workout from a new, to-be-announced MVP athlete.
On Friday, November 6, the MVPW-07 Press Conference will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature the final war of words between Elif Turhan, Alycia Baumgardner, Ramla Ali, Mikiah Kreps, undercard fighters, and MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian.
On Saturday, November 7, the MVPW-07 Public Weigh-In will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature all fighters and MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian and will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. The weigh-in will stream live on MVP’s YouTube Channel and the ESPN App.
On Sunday, November 8, MVPW-07 streams live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in the US and Sky Sports in the UK from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The preliminary card will air on the ESPN App in the US and will begin at 5:15pm ET / 4:15pm CT, with the main card starting at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in the US. The main card airs at 12:30am GMT on Sky Sports in the UK.
|
|
|
|
Welcome to Baumgardner vs. Turhan fight week
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and ESPN announced the fight week schedule for Sunday's MVPW-07: Turhan vs. Baumgardner in Arlington, Texas featuring five championship bouts. The event is headlined by Turkey’s undefeated IBF lightweight world champion, the “Golden Turkish Warrior” Elif Nur Turhan (14-0, 8 KOs) vs. unified junior lightweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs), who will step up to 135 pounds in a bid to become a two-division champion. This fight will be a ten rounder, although it will feature three-minute rounds. In the cofeature, Somali-British boxer and activist Ramla Ali (11-2, 3 KOs) will face New York’s undefeated Mikiah Kreps (11-0, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight world titles at 122 pounds. As part of the buildup, MVP will host three fight week events. Opening the week will be the open workout followed by the press conference and weigh-in, all at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas. All fight week events will be free and open to the public to attend on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets for MVPW-07 are on sale at AXS.com.
On Thursday, November 5, the Open Workout will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature Elif Turhan, Alycia Baumgardner, Ramla Ali, Mikiah Kreps, Skye Nicolson, and various undercard fighters, as well as a surprise open workout from a new, to-be-announced MVP athlete.
On Friday, November 6, the MVPW-07 Press Conference will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature the final war of words between Elif Turhan, Alycia Baumgardner, Ramla Ali, Mikiah Kreps, undercard fighters, and MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian.
On Saturday, November 7, the MVPW-07 Public Weigh-In will take place at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas starting at 6:00pm CT. The event will feature all fighters and MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian and will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. The weigh-in will stream live on MVP’s YouTube Channel and the ESPN App.
On Sunday, November 8, MVPW-07 streams live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in the US and Sky Sports in the UK from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The preliminary card will air on the ESPN App in the US and will begin at 5:15pm ET / 4:15pm CT, with the main card starting at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in the US. The main card airs at 12:30am GMT on Sky Sports in the UK.
|
New Hampshire's Fontanez working his way back from adversity |
|
|
Michael "The Blessed Southpaw" Fontanez (12-0-1, 8 KOs) spent much of the past year fighting battles that had nothing to do with the opponent across the ring. An injury derailed his plans to headline a show in March. Without a fight on the horizon, financial pressures had him scrambling to make ends meet. Through it all, the unbeaten Nashua, New Hampshire middleweight kept training, determined to get back the momentum he had worked so hard to build. On Saturday, November 7th, Fontanez finally gets that opportunity when he faces Alfred Raymond (6-17-4) at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts. The matchup is part of Boston Harbor Fight Night 3, presented by CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions. Tickets can be purchased now at CESFights.com.
"It’s been a long year, but the light at the end of the tunnel is finally here," said Fontanez. "I’m ready to dominate and put on a show. I want to get back to my fundamentals and show why I’m on that level."
The return comes more than a year after Fontanez battled Esneiker Correa to an eight-round draw in September 2025. Seven months earlier, the southpaw scored the biggest victory of his career, stopping Ray Oliveira Jr. in the sixth round in February 2025.
The Correa fight provided a different kind of milestone. Faced with a late opponent change and a nasty cut during the contest, Fontanez discovered both the depth of his fighting spirit and the importance of sticking to his strengths. "I started off well. I was boxing great," recalled Fontanez. "Then, once I got cut, I thought, ‘I’ve got to knock him out.’ Next thing you know, I’m fighting his fight. That’s something you can only learn through experience."
Fontanez fought through the adversity to preserve his undefeated record, but left knowing that his next performance would require a more disciplined approach. "My heart got tested," said Fontanez. "Everybody knows me as the smiling pretty boy, but they saw that when it comes down to it, I’m willing to bang it out. I’m not afraid to go out on my shield."
Fontanez hoped to put those lessons into practice in March. Instead, a shoulder injury forced him to put his comeback on hold and confront the uncertainty of life away from the ring. "I ended up doing DoorDash and Uber Eats in a sling, just trying to make ends meet while still running in the mornings and training with one arm," said Fontanez. "People don’t know that part. It was humbling. There were times I was sitting in my car almost in tears, thinking, ‘What am I doing? I was supposed to fight in a main event.’"
Rather than allow the setback to demoralize him, Fontanez focused on what he could control. He logged miles on the road, trained around his limitations and began firefighter school with support from sponsor FireMed. He also assembled a new training team, working with lead trainer Gabe Galindo and adding Marc Gargaro at Nonantum Boxing in Newton, Massachusetts. With work, school and training competing for his time, preparation has sometimes meant late-night gym sessions followed by a 4am wake-up call. "You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do," said a resolute Fontanez. "It gives me a mental edge. I might be cranky, but it’s worth it."
Now comes the opportunity to show what that persistence has produced. Standing in his way is Raymond, a 36 year-old Rhode Island veteran whose record tells only part of his story. Raymond has tested a number of New England prospects. His experience and awkward style make him an opponent Fontanez refuses to overlook. "People might judge him by his record, but look at everybody he’s fought. The guy’s a dog," said Fontanez. "This is boxing. One punch changes everything. On any given night, it can be anybody’s night. I have to beat the guy in front of me before I look for bigger fish."
For his first appearance at Encore Boston Harbor, Fontanez intends to pair the toughness he displayed against Correa with the boxing skills that carried him through his first 12 victories. "I want to showcase my skills. I want to fight with my smarts instead of letting my heart take over," said Fontanez. "I’ve already shown that I have heart and that I can fight through adversity. Now it has to be a dominant performance. That’s what I’m expecting from myself."
A victory would put Fontanez in position to pursue the busy 2027 he envisions: four or five fights against increasingly demanding opposition, capping the year with a regional title. For now, however, his focus remains on Raymond and the supporters who have waited more than a year to see him back in action. "Thank you to everyone who shows up and buys a ticket," said Fontanez. "I know it’s not cheap. Life is hard right now, and every dollar you spend supporting me means a lot. I’m grateful, and I can’t thank you enough."
|
|
|
|
New Hampshire's Fontanez working his way back from adversity
Michael "The Blessed Southpaw" Fontanez (12-0-1, 8 KOs) spent much of the past year fighting battles that had nothing to do with the opponent across the ring. An injury derailed his plans to headline a show in March. Without a fight on the horizon, financial pressures had him scrambling to make ends meet. Through it all, the unbeaten Nashua, New Hampshire middleweight kept training, determined to get back the momentum he had worked so hard to build. On Saturday, November 7th, Fontanez finally gets that opportunity when he faces Alfred Raymond (6-17-4) at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts. The matchup is part of Boston Harbor Fight Night 3, presented by CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions. Tickets can be purchased now at CESFights.com.
"It’s been a long year, but the light at the end of the tunnel is finally here," said Fontanez. "I’m ready to dominate and put on a show. I want to get back to my fundamentals and show why I’m on that level."
The return comes more than a year after Fontanez battled Esneiker Correa to an eight-round draw in September 2025. Seven months earlier, the southpaw scored the biggest victory of his career, stopping Ray Oliveira Jr. in the sixth round in February 2025.
The Correa fight provided a different kind of milestone. Faced with a late opponent change and a nasty cut during the contest, Fontanez discovered both the depth of his fighting spirit and the importance of sticking to his strengths. "I started off well. I was boxing great," recalled Fontanez. "Then, once I got cut, I thought, ‘I’ve got to knock him out.’ Next thing you know, I’m fighting his fight. That’s something you can only learn through experience."
Fontanez fought through the adversity to preserve his undefeated record, but left knowing that his next performance would require a more disciplined approach. "My heart got tested," said Fontanez. "Everybody knows me as the smiling pretty boy, but they saw that when it comes down to it, I’m willing to bang it out. I’m not afraid to go out on my shield."
Fontanez hoped to put those lessons into practice in March. Instead, a shoulder injury forced him to put his comeback on hold and confront the uncertainty of life away from the ring. "I ended up doing DoorDash and Uber Eats in a sling, just trying to make ends meet while still running in the mornings and training with one arm," said Fontanez. "People don’t know that part. It was humbling. There were times I was sitting in my car almost in tears, thinking, ‘What am I doing? I was supposed to fight in a main event.’"
Rather than allow the setback to demoralize him, Fontanez focused on what he could control. He logged miles on the road, trained around his limitations and began firefighter school with support from sponsor FireMed. He also assembled a new training team, working with lead trainer Gabe Galindo and adding Marc Gargaro at Nonantum Boxing in Newton, Massachusetts. With work, school and training competing for his time, preparation has sometimes meant late-night gym sessions followed by a 4am wake-up call. "You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do," said a resolute Fontanez. "It gives me a mental edge. I might be cranky, but it’s worth it."
Now comes the opportunity to show what that persistence has produced. Standing in his way is Raymond, a 36 year-old Rhode Island veteran whose record tells only part of his story. Raymond has tested a number of New England prospects. His experience and awkward style make him an opponent Fontanez refuses to overlook. "People might judge him by his record, but look at everybody he’s fought. The guy’s a dog," said Fontanez. "This is boxing. One punch changes everything. On any given night, it can be anybody’s night. I have to beat the guy in front of me before I look for bigger fish."
For his first appearance at Encore Boston Harbor, Fontanez intends to pair the toughness he displayed against Correa with the boxing skills that carried him through his first 12 victories. "I want to showcase my skills. I want to fight with my smarts instead of letting my heart take over," said Fontanez. "I’ve already shown that I have heart and that I can fight through adversity. Now it has to be a dominant performance. That’s what I’m expecting from myself."
A victory would put Fontanez in position to pursue the busy 2027 he envisions: four or five fights against increasingly demanding opposition, capping the year with a regional title. For now, however, his focus remains on Raymond and the supporters who have waited more than a year to see him back in action. "Thank you to everyone who shows up and buys a ticket," said Fontanez. "I know it’s not cheap. Life is hard right now, and every dollar you spend supporting me means a lot. I’m grateful, and I can’t thank you enough."
|
Ortega wins interim belt via home-country majority decision |
|
Eveling Ortega W10 Alma Meraz. ... The Olof Palme Convention Center in Managua, Nicaragua saw Eveling “La Colocha” Ortega (14-5) reach the pinnacle of her career with a majority decision victory over Mexico’s Alma “La Leona” Meraz. The win brought Ortega the WBA interim light flyweight title. (Estefany Alegria Osorio holds the full WBA 108-pound championship]. The judges’ scorecards after ten rounds reflected the competitive nature of the bout. Two officials scored it 97-93 in favor of the hometown fighter, while the third judge had it even at 95-95, sealing Ortega’s victory to the delight of the local crowd. Meraz (12-5-2) looked to impose her aggressive Mexican-style pressure, cutting off the ring and targeting the body with tight hooks. Ortega, however, responded with a more tactical approach. She relied on superior footwork and mobility, countered with quick two- and three-punch combinations to the head, and used her left jab to escape dangerous exchanges whenever the visiting fighter attempted to trap her against the ropes. Down the stretch, fueled by the support of the crowd, Ortega picked up the pace in the center of the ring and traded punches at close quarters, securing the crucial rounds that ultimately swung the scorecards in her favor.
|
|
|
|
Ortega wins interim belt via home-country majority decision
Eveling Ortega W10 Alma Meraz. ... The Olof Palme Convention Center in Managua, Nicaragua saw Eveling “La Colocha” Ortega (14-5) reach the pinnacle of her career with a majority decision victory over Mexico’s Alma “La Leona” Meraz. The win brought Ortega the WBA interim light flyweight title. (Estefany Alegria Osorio holds the full WBA 108-pound championship]. The judges’ scorecards after ten rounds reflected the competitive nature of the bout. Two officials scored it 97-93 in favor of the hometown fighter, while the third judge had it even at 95-95, sealing Ortega’s victory to the delight of the local crowd. Meraz (12-5-2) looked to impose her aggressive Mexican-style pressure, cutting off the ring and targeting the body with tight hooks. Ortega, however, responded with a more tactical approach. She relied on superior footwork and mobility, countered with quick two- and three-punch combinations to the head, and used her left jab to escape dangerous exchanges whenever the visiting fighter attempted to trap her against the ropes. Down the stretch, fueled by the support of the crowd, Ortega picked up the pace in the center of the ring and traded punches at close quarters, securing the crucial rounds that ultimately swung the scorecards in her favor.
|
Jake Paul to box France's Cedric Doumbe |
|
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that cruiserweight Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) will face multi-time kickboxing champion Cédric Doumbé (75-7-1, 45 KOs kickboxing; 6-1, 6 KOs MMA; 1-0 boxing) of France in a boxing showdown on Thursday, December 24th at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Paul vs. Doumbé will be an eight-round bout contested at 200 pounds with ten ounce gloves. An exclusive presale for PFL Dubai ticket purchasers will begin Friday, November 6th at 12 pm GST/9am CET. The kickoff press conferences take place Tuesday, November 10th in Paris and Thursday, November 12th in Dubai. Both kickoff press conferences will be free and open to the public, giving fans in Paris and Dubai the opportunity to see Paul and Doumbé face off ahead of their highly anticipated showdown.
The Christmas Eve matchup marks Paul’s first professional fight in Dubai and pits one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions against one of Europe’s most accomplished and recognizable combat sports stars. A former two-time Glory kickboxing champion and a PFL mixed martial arts contender, Doumbé brings elite striking credentials, championship experience and knockout power into the boxing ring. The matchup unites two athletes who have built their careers on high-profile performances, outspoken personalities and an ability to command attention well beyond their respective sports.
The event is being brought to Dubai through a cooperation agreement between MVP, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), building on the city’s established relationship with PFL and a shared commitment to delivering world-class sporting and entertainment experiences. The partnership reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading international destination for major sporting events and represents another significant milestone in MVP’s global expansion following its merger with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Since making his professional boxing debut in 2020, Paul has become one of the sport’s biggest commercial attractions, headlining record-breaking events and drawing massive global audiences. His November 2024 showdown with Mike Tyson (age 59 at the time) drew 125 million Live+1 viewers globally on Netflix, while his December 2025 event against former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua drew 33 million Live+1 viewers worldwide. Throughout his career, Paul has faced high-profile opponents from across boxing and combat sports, earning victories over former MMA superstars Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz before defeating former boxing world champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in June 2025. His matchup with Doumbé adds another accomplished international combat sports star to that list.
Paul said: “Cédric Douchebag was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in 9 seconds. Well Douchebag, now you get your chance. I’m rusty, my jaw is janky and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing mon ami. This is boxing. Just like Usyk feasted on Rico Verhoeven, I am going to eat you for dinner in Dubai on Christmas Eve and have a Coca-Cola at the arena to celebrate. You like to talk a lot, so let’s see what you have to say in person at the press conferences next week in Paris and Dubai. To the proud people of France, excuse-moi for what I am about to do, but your son has been naughty and he’s going to get punished. To all the fans in Dubai and all of MENA…we are doing this and we are doing it big, like Dubai always does. I’m baaaaaccccccccck.”
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Doumbé is one of Europe’s most recognizable combat sports stars. A former two-time GLORY welterweight world champion with a 75-7-1 kickboxing record and 45 knockouts, Doumbé transitioned to MMA, recording six knockout victories in his first seven professional bouts. His explosive nine-second knockout of Jordan Zebo in his September 2023 PFL Europe debut in Paris cemented his reputation as a sporting attraction in France. Known for his outspoken personality, showmanship and passionate following, Doumbé now returns to professional boxing to face Paul in a high-profile international showdown uniting two of combat sports’ biggest personalities.
Doumbé said: “Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he’s never faced a problem like me. He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24th in Dubai, I’m going to eat ‘El Poulet’ for dinner. Jake loves to talk, and so do I, but after what Joshua did to his jaw, I’m not sure how much talking he has left. I’m going to finish the job Joshua started. Dubai is a special city to me, and on Christmas Eve, I’ll be waving le Tricolore over his unconscious body. France, this one’s for you.”
Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said: “This Christmas Eve, Jake Paul returns to the ring after a year of uncertainty about his jaw and boxing career. Well in typical El Gallo fashion, he’s charging all the way back in and facing a multi-time world kickboxing champion. Cédric Doumbé has been calling to fight Jake Paul for several years and the timing of this matchup makes perfect sense. Both men understand how to command an audience, and both have built careers by delivering when the spotlight is brightest. And nowhere is brighter than Dubai, one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, a global destination that has established itself as a leader in sports, entertainment and hospitality. Having spent my teenage years in Dubai, I am very grateful to be bringing an MVP event of this magnitude to the city I fell in love with as a boy. Thank you to Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for their leadership and partnership in making this event possible.”
Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council was thrilled to have such a high-profile event at a perfect time in Dubai. “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as the world’s preferred destination for sport, bringing together exceptional athletes, leading promoters and fans from across the globe. Our growing calendar of major international events reflects both the city’s rising stature and thirst in global sport and the confidence organisers place in our ability to deliver outstanding experiences. Welcoming Jake Paul’s return to the ring adds another compelling occasion to that calendar. Through our collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Most Valuable Promotions, we look forward to delivering an event that captures global attention and reinforces Dubai’s ambition to shape the future of sport,” His Excellency Belhoul noted.
Dubai has established itself as a premier global destination for major sporting events and live entertainment, attracting world-class athletes, international audiences and fans from around the world. With its iconic skyline, world-renowned hospitality and reputation for hosting major international events, the city provides a fitting stage for Jake Paul’s highly anticipated return.
The event builds on PFL’s established presence in Dubai and the broader Middle East, where the promotion has staged major MMA events and developed relationships with regional partners. Through its previous events, PFL has helped introduce international audiences to combat sports in the UAE, providing a foundation for MVP to further expand its presence in the market. Paul vs. Doumbé represents a new chapter in that relationship, bringing together one of boxing’s biggest global stars and one of PFL’s most recognizable international athletes under the MVP banner.
Paul vs. Doumbé is sponsored by FanDuel, Fansly and Event Tickets Center and comes as MVP continues its global expansion following its merger with PFL, bringing together hundreds of elite athletes from around the world under one promotional banner. The combined organization operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, premium live events, athlete development and global media distribution, with a portfolio of leading combat sports properties and partnerships reaching audiences in more than 170 countries. The Christmas Eve event reflects MVP’s strategy of creating major international sports and entertainment moments by connecting established global audiences across different combat sports disciplines.
|
|
|
|
Jake Paul to box France's Cedric Doumbe
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that cruiserweight Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) will face multi-time kickboxing champion Cédric Doumbé (75-7-1, 45 KOs kickboxing; 6-1, 6 KOs MMA; 1-0 boxing) of France in a boxing showdown on Thursday, December 24th at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Paul vs. Doumbé will be an eight-round bout contested at 200 pounds with ten ounce gloves. An exclusive presale for PFL Dubai ticket purchasers will begin Friday, November 6th at 12 pm GST/9am CET. The kickoff press conferences take place Tuesday, November 10th in Paris and Thursday, November 12th in Dubai. Both kickoff press conferences will be free and open to the public, giving fans in Paris and Dubai the opportunity to see Paul and Doumbé face off ahead of their highly anticipated showdown.
The Christmas Eve matchup marks Paul’s first professional fight in Dubai and pits one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions against one of Europe’s most accomplished and recognizable combat sports stars. A former two-time Glory kickboxing champion and a PFL mixed martial arts contender, Doumbé brings elite striking credentials, championship experience and knockout power into the boxing ring. The matchup unites two athletes who have built their careers on high-profile performances, outspoken personalities and an ability to command attention well beyond their respective sports.
The event is being brought to Dubai through a cooperation agreement between MVP, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), building on the city’s established relationship with PFL and a shared commitment to delivering world-class sporting and entertainment experiences. The partnership reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading international destination for major sporting events and represents another significant milestone in MVP’s global expansion following its merger with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Since making his professional boxing debut in 2020, Paul has become one of the sport’s biggest commercial attractions, headlining record-breaking events and drawing massive global audiences. His November 2024 showdown with Mike Tyson (age 59 at the time) drew 125 million Live+1 viewers globally on Netflix, while his December 2025 event against former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua drew 33 million Live+1 viewers worldwide. Throughout his career, Paul has faced high-profile opponents from across boxing and combat sports, earning victories over former MMA superstars Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz before defeating former boxing world champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in June 2025. His matchup with Doumbé adds another accomplished international combat sports star to that list.
Paul said: “Cédric Douchebag was calling me out two years ago after knocking some dude out in 9 seconds. Well Douchebag, now you get your chance. I’m rusty, my jaw is janky and I don’t have kickboxing world titles like you do. But guess what, this isn’t kickboxing mon ami. This is boxing. Just like Usyk feasted on Rico Verhoeven, I am going to eat you for dinner in Dubai on Christmas Eve and have a Coca-Cola at the arena to celebrate. You like to talk a lot, so let’s see what you have to say in person at the press conferences next week in Paris and Dubai. To the proud people of France, excuse-moi for what I am about to do, but your son has been naughty and he’s going to get punished. To all the fans in Dubai and all of MENA…we are doing this and we are doing it big, like Dubai always does. I’m baaaaaccccccccck.”
Born in Cameroon and raised in France, Doumbé is one of Europe’s most recognizable combat sports stars. A former two-time GLORY welterweight world champion with a 75-7-1 kickboxing record and 45 knockouts, Doumbé transitioned to MMA, recording six knockout victories in his first seven professional bouts. His explosive nine-second knockout of Jordan Zebo in his September 2023 PFL Europe debut in Paris cemented his reputation as a sporting attraction in France. Known for his outspoken personality, showmanship and passionate following, Doumbé now returns to professional boxing to face Paul in a high-profile international showdown uniting two of combat sports’ biggest personalities.
Doumbé said: “Jake Paul calls himself the Problem Child, but he’s never faced a problem like me. He has no idea what a Frenchman is capable of, and on Thursday, December 24th in Dubai, I’m going to eat ‘El Poulet’ for dinner. Jake loves to talk, and so do I, but after what Joshua did to his jaw, I’m not sure how much talking he has left. I’m going to finish the job Joshua started. Dubai is a special city to me, and on Christmas Eve, I’ll be waving le Tricolore over his unconscious body. France, this one’s for you.”
Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said: “This Christmas Eve, Jake Paul returns to the ring after a year of uncertainty about his jaw and boxing career. Well in typical El Gallo fashion, he’s charging all the way back in and facing a multi-time world kickboxing champion. Cédric Doumbé has been calling to fight Jake Paul for several years and the timing of this matchup makes perfect sense. Both men understand how to command an audience, and both have built careers by delivering when the spotlight is brightest. And nowhere is brighter than Dubai, one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, a global destination that has established itself as a leader in sports, entertainment and hospitality. Having spent my teenage years in Dubai, I am very grateful to be bringing an MVP event of this magnitude to the city I fell in love with as a boy. Thank you to Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for their leadership and partnership in making this event possible.”
Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council was thrilled to have such a high-profile event at a perfect time in Dubai. “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as the world’s preferred destination for sport, bringing together exceptional athletes, leading promoters and fans from across the globe. Our growing calendar of major international events reflects both the city’s rising stature and thirst in global sport and the confidence organisers place in our ability to deliver outstanding experiences. Welcoming Jake Paul’s return to the ring adds another compelling occasion to that calendar. Through our collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Most Valuable Promotions, we look forward to delivering an event that captures global attention and reinforces Dubai’s ambition to shape the future of sport,” His Excellency Belhoul noted.
Dubai has established itself as a premier global destination for major sporting events and live entertainment, attracting world-class athletes, international audiences and fans from around the world. With its iconic skyline, world-renowned hospitality and reputation for hosting major international events, the city provides a fitting stage for Jake Paul’s highly anticipated return.
The event builds on PFL’s established presence in Dubai and the broader Middle East, where the promotion has staged major MMA events and developed relationships with regional partners. Through its previous events, PFL has helped introduce international audiences to combat sports in the UAE, providing a foundation for MVP to further expand its presence in the market. Paul vs. Doumbé represents a new chapter in that relationship, bringing together one of boxing’s biggest global stars and one of PFL’s most recognizable international athletes under the MVP banner.
Paul vs. Doumbé is sponsored by FanDuel, Fansly and Event Tickets Center and comes as MVP continues its global expansion following its merger with PFL, bringing together hundreds of elite athletes from around the world under one promotional banner. The combined organization operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, premium live events, athlete development and global media distribution, with a portfolio of leading combat sports properties and partnerships reaching audiences in more than 170 countries. The Christmas Eve event reflects MVP’s strategy of creating major international sports and entertainment moments by connecting established global audiences across different combat sports disciplines.
|
Azim to face Gollaz Valenzuela in eliminator |
|
Great Britain's Adam Azim faces the biggest test of his career when he takes on Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in an IBF junior welterweight eliminator on Friday, December 4th at the Copper Box Arena in London. At just 24 years old, Azim has established himself as one of Brtiain's brightest young stars. This fight follows a third-round stoppage victory over Steve Claggett in May. Standing in his way is the battle-hardened Valenzuela, a dangerous Mexican who is 32-5-1 overall but has split his last four fights. Valenzuela went toe-to-toe with former champion Subriel Matías in March last year before suffering a controversial split-decision defeat to fellow Mexican Lindolfo Delgado in another IBF world title eliminator in November. The 32-year old from Guadalajara is no stranger to fighting on British soil, having defeated Azim’s former stablemate Robbie Davies Jr. in London in February 2021.
Azim vs Valenzuela will be broadcast globally, with DAZN confirmed as the international broadcast partner and the free-to-air broadcast partner for the UK and Ireland set to be announced shortly.
Azim said: “This is the biggest fight of my career. I’ve put in the hard work to get to this position and now it’s time to show everyone what I can do. Valenzuela is a tough, experienced fighter and I’m preparing for the very best version of him. I know what’s at stake and I’m ready to deliver. My dream has always been to become world champion. This is the final test standing between me and that opportunity, and I’m not going to let anything get in my way.”
Gollaz Valenzuela said: “This is a massive opportunity for me. Adam Azim is a talented young fighter with a big future, but he has never faced anyone like me before. I’ve shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and that experience will make the difference on fight night. I know what it takes to compete at this level and I’m ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m coming to London to win. Victory will be coming home to Mexico with me.”
Boxxer Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a huge moment in Adam Azim’s career and a massive opportunity for him to take another step towards becoming world champion. Adam has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world boxing, but this is a serious test. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela is a dangerous, experienced opponent who has competed at the highest level and will be coming to London determined to secure his own world title opportunity. We’ve always believed Adam has the talent to become a superstar of the sport, and now he has the chance to prove he belongs among the very best in the division.”
Fans can look forward to a stacked undercard at the Copper Box Arena, featuring some of British boxing’s most exciting talents looking to make their mark on the sport’s biggest stage.
Francesca Hennessy, one of the brightest young stars in women’s boxing, continues her meteoric rise as she faces France’s unbeaten Johanna Wonyou for the WBC interim bantamweight title.
In a battle of unbeaten welterweights, Elliot Whale and Bobby Faulkner put their perfect records on the line.
Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke returns to action, while unbeaten Hassan Azim, the older brother of headliner Adam Azim, faces undefeated Ruben Torres.
|
|
|
|
Azim to face Gollaz Valenzuela in eliminator
Great Britain's Adam Azim faces the biggest test of his career when he takes on Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in an IBF junior welterweight eliminator on Friday, December 4th at the Copper Box Arena in London. At just 24 years old, Azim has established himself as one of Brtiain's brightest young stars. This fight follows a third-round stoppage victory over Steve Claggett in May. Standing in his way is the battle-hardened Valenzuela, a dangerous Mexican who is 32-5-1 overall but has split his last four fights. Valenzuela went toe-to-toe with former champion Subriel Matías in March last year before suffering a controversial split-decision defeat to fellow Mexican Lindolfo Delgado in another IBF world title eliminator in November. The 32-year old from Guadalajara is no stranger to fighting on British soil, having defeated Azim’s former stablemate Robbie Davies Jr. in London in February 2021.
Azim vs Valenzuela will be broadcast globally, with DAZN confirmed as the international broadcast partner and the free-to-air broadcast partner for the UK and Ireland set to be announced shortly.
Azim said: “This is the biggest fight of my career. I’ve put in the hard work to get to this position and now it’s time to show everyone what I can do. Valenzuela is a tough, experienced fighter and I’m preparing for the very best version of him. I know what’s at stake and I’m ready to deliver. My dream has always been to become world champion. This is the final test standing between me and that opportunity, and I’m not going to let anything get in my way.”
Gollaz Valenzuela said: “This is a massive opportunity for me. Adam Azim is a talented young fighter with a big future, but he has never faced anyone like me before. I’ve shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and that experience will make the difference on fight night. I know what it takes to compete at this level and I’m ready to show everyone what I can do. I’m coming to London to win. Victory will be coming home to Mexico with me.”
Boxxer Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a huge moment in Adam Azim’s career and a massive opportunity for him to take another step towards becoming world champion. Adam has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world boxing, but this is a serious test. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela is a dangerous, experienced opponent who has competed at the highest level and will be coming to London determined to secure his own world title opportunity. We’ve always believed Adam has the talent to become a superstar of the sport, and now he has the chance to prove he belongs among the very best in the division.”
Fans can look forward to a stacked undercard at the Copper Box Arena, featuring some of British boxing’s most exciting talents looking to make their mark on the sport’s biggest stage.
Francesca Hennessy, one of the brightest young stars in women’s boxing, continues her meteoric rise as she faces France’s unbeaten Johanna Wonyou for the WBC interim bantamweight title.
In a battle of unbeaten welterweights, Elliot Whale and Bobby Faulkner put their perfect records on the line.
Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke returns to action, while unbeaten Hassan Azim, the older brother of headliner Adam Azim, faces undefeated Ruben Torres.
|
Connecticut Hall of Fame highlights |
|
The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame celebrated its twentieth anniversary at Mohegan Sun with a sold-out gala event, as well as a new president, boxing judge Peter Hary Jr., taking the helm. The Hall had a record induction class this year, having raised the number of honorees from its standard six to eight this year. In addition, “we broke a record on the silent auction,” said Hary. “More than $4,000.” The 50/50 raffle saw an additional $1,000 in sales. Leading the inductees was the late Melio Bettina, 83-14 (36), a Bridgeport-born 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight who won the New York State Athletic Commission 175-pound title with a stoppage of Tiger Jack Fox at Madison Square Garden. Boxing judge Don Trella accepted the induction plaque for Bettina, noting that his family was unable to attend due to a family wedding.
Also inducted were New England promoter Rich Cappiello, a second cousin of former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano; the late timekeeper Lou Dell “At the Bell”; referee Ken Ezzo, who has worked nearly 400 pro bouts; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz Sr, who now runs Champs Boxing Club in Danbury; Brooklyn-native turned Bridgeport resident Joey Negron, who defeated Cappiello’s brother, Mike Cappiello, in the early 1990s to win the USA New England 130-pound title; New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a successful program called Championship Rounds, which helps individuals with disabilities like Parkinson’s Disease; and Luis Rosa Sr., who ran Boxing In Faith Gym (BIF) in New Haven’s Fair Haven section for years.
After the death of his professional boxer son, Luis Rosa Jr., in a 2018 auto accident, Rosa and his wife Marilyn opened a new gym in nearby East Haven called KO King Boxing and Fitness, which pays tribute to their son, Luis Rosa, Jr., and features his image on the gym’s sign out front. Rosa uses faith-based principles in training, but admits he wasn’t always on the right path in life. He acknowledged this in his induction speech. “I didn’t want to be a boxing coach actually,” said Rosa, adding, “I wanted to make a lot of money and become famous, and very rich, but nor for the right reasons. My intentions were to become like a Godfather, a mafioso, but God didn’t allow me to do that. He took me down a different path. He took me out of the darkness.”
A humble man, Rosa said, “this award is not for me.” “This award belongs to my fighters,” he said. “Thank you my fighters for doing what you do, for listening to me, for obeying my instructions even when you didn’t want to. You guys are the ones that made me a Hall of Famer.”
Different generations of family members of Lou Dell “At the Bell” filled the stage for his induction. Jeff Ferone, Dell’s grandson, took to the microphone and listed various highlights of his life, such as serving in the United States Navy, and key aspects of a life in boxing. As a youth, he had more than 200 bouts in New England and New York areas. Ferrone said his grandfather loved to tell everyone that would a listen a story how George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins weren’t the oldest men to fight in Atlantic City. His grandfather, he said, has that distinction, because he was 82 “when he landed several blows on a mugger” when said individual grabbed Dell’s wife’s purse. Besides fighting at 82, Dell - a regular face at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods - remained a timekeeper until the age of 90. He passed away in 2007 at age 93.
Fernely Feliz, 23-9 (16), who fought the likes of John Ruiz and Oleg Maskaev during his career, may have been the crowd favorite with his outpouring of emotions, true happiness reflected in a joyful smile, and also sadness at times, reflecting on a brother that passed away last year at 50 and couldn’t witness Feliz’ special night. “He was a part of my journey,” said Feliz of Christian, who also served as a trainer at Champs Boxing Club. As he spoke about him, he couldn’t hold back the tears. “I promised I wasn’t going to cry,” he said, and added about his brother, “You’re always going to be in our corner.” Trying to compose himself, Feliz went on, “Wow. I’m so grateful. Boxing changed my life. Being around in Danbury, I remember coming from the Dominican Republic as a kid, no English. It was rough. I was bullied many times as a kid.” He added that boxing put him around so many good people. “That table over there, so many people that have come to support me,” he said. “I’ve got my friend from the Dominican Republic. I’ve got my whole crew here.”
He pointed out, among others, his wife, Iliana, his mother, his boxer sons, Ali Feliz and Fernely Jr., who is currently 8-0 (6) as a pro. “You know, as a coach, we have to go through some things,” Fernely Sr. said. “We have to be a coach, you need to be a psychologist. It takes a lot.” Then, pivoting back to his night of honor, he said, “Wow. I can’t believe that I’m here at this moment, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Thank you so much.” When it seemed he was done, he continued on just a few minutes more, trying to extend his moment, his utmost career highlight.
“If the ref (who spoke before him) talked three hours (cracking the room up), I can talk a little more,” he said. “I’m going to start jumping rope.” He then mimicked skipping rope and began throwing combinations. “This only happens one time in life,” said Feliz. He wrapped up his time by noting he tells his sons, as well as other aspiring boxers, “If you want to be a great champion, you’ve got to put the work in, give everything you have. Don’t leave nothing behind.”
Ezzo was a longtime referee before more recently becoming a judge. His speech went about 20 minutes but the 400-plus in attendance were patient, as Ezzo spoke from the heart and tried not to leave anyone out who helped him along the way to this career milestone. He refereed more than 1,000 amateur bouts, went pro in 1992 and refereed more than 500 bouts in New England, New York and overseas. Ezzo is now a respected pro boxing judge with more than 400 bouts to his credit. There was a time in Connecticut, decades back, when officials were not plenty, where Ezzo was “the only referee for four years.” Included among the many Ezzo listed off in his speech were veteran pro referees Steve Smoger and Frank Capuccino. “They were not just friends. They were not just fellow referees. They were teachers,” said Ezzo. “They taught me the ins and outs of what it means to be a referee. And let me tell you, refereeing is an art. It really is. You don’t just go be a referee. You work at it. You’re in the gym. You’re watching films. You’re doing everything because it’s you out there.”
One poignant moment of Ezzo’s speech was when he thanked his ex-wife, Cynthia. “She was there for me for 20-plus years,” he said. “Every responsibility that I needed, she took it off the table. I didn’t have to worry about haircuts. I didn’t have to worry about getting my uniforms clean. Whatever I had to do, she was [right there], so I’d like to publicly thank her, because even though things didn’t work out right, it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what you’ve done. Thank you.”
Former USA New England featherweight and junior lightweight champion Joey Negron, originally from Brooklyn, NY, was a ball of energy during his induction speech. He began by noting there’s a lot of good solid boxers in every state, but not all can become world champions like Marlon Starling and Jose Antonio Rivera, who were seated out in the crowd. “There’s a lot of fighters that just don’t make it,” he said. “Whether it was due to injury, or because they have to go work for the family, or even addiction. It runs in the sport.” Negron, 14-7 (7), never won that world championship he may have desired, but he seemed to beam with pride when vocalizing that he’s “in the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame... I did what I had to do. I paid my dues in this boxing game,” he said. “Some don’t make it. I’m here today. I’m going to name some names.”
He said those in the crowd may have no clue who they are, but out of respect, he was going to mention them. After doing that, he gave props to all of the trainers out there, including the ones from Bridgeport’s Ortiz Boxing Gym that came to lend their support. “Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep making a difference. Keep helping these young kids stay in the gym…It’s not easy being a trainer. There’s a lot of time put in, and sometimes you don’t get back what you put in. So if you’re a trainer, thank you for your service.”
Trainer Kent Ward, out of New London’s Whaling City Athletic Club, was given an epic introduction by referee and boxing coach Johnny Callas. At one point, Callas said, “Look at this guy. 78 years young. It’s like he walked off the cover of GQ magazine. He’s a monster. Unbelievable. A true debonair.” Callas added, “And if you mention the name Kent Ward to anybody in New London, in Connecticut, in the Northeast, they will shower you with words of reverence, and references of greatness. Kent Ward. Legend. Cornerstone. Yoda. The G.O.A.T. The original heavy hitter. Community leader. Mentor. Work ethic. Moral compass. Respect for oneself. The Iron Man (as Ward was an iron worker). And my favorite, Sir Kent of Ward…” Callas added that what makes Kent Ward “royalty” amongst boxing coaches throughout Connecticut is “this compassionate strength for working with all ages of people, in all life circumstances, in helping better their lives through combat sports.”
Ward came to the podium noting, “Wow…That was an extraordinary introduction.” Like Callas, Ward said he believes in making individuals champions in life, not just champions in the ring. “If you make these young people champions in life and champions in the arena, that’s like the Super Bowl,” he said. “But if you have once choice, it needs to be champions in life. That’s forever.” He added, “that’s you taking care of your family. That’s you helping in the community. That goes on forever. A champion in the arena, that’s wonderful but if you’re not solid, and aware of all the things you need to do, like conduct yourself properly, then we’re not doing our jobs as coaches.”
Ward said his career in boxing has been “unbelievably rewarding.” “This has been a long run,” he said, adding, “It has been a very enormously rewarding life for me. To be involved in boxing, to be invested in boxing, to help as many people as I could help with the neurological disorder program, and everything that we have done since that time.” Ward also thanked his wife, a former physical education teacher at New London High School , for being very understanding of his efforts. “My wife had the finger on the pulse of what it took to help these kids,” he said. “So when I’m working overtime on jobs, coming home and going to the gym, she was doing homework with the kids, giving them dinner, eating dinner by herself, and never said a word to me, because she knew what it was all about…It’s been the most amazing journey with this woman.”
Promoter Rich Cappiello was taken aback by the induction gala turnout. He began his speech, “I thought there was going to be three or four tables. I walked into this (400-plus in attendance). I can’t believe it. This is quite an honor.” Noting that his second cousin, Rocky Marciano, always instilled in him and his brother Mike to “always work your hardest to be successful,” Cappiello said he always followed that rule. “I just gave 100 percent of myself, always,” he said. Cappiello noted some highlights of his career, which included the Mohegan Sun Fight Night USA boxing series and promoting the show on which Massachusetts-based Kevin McBride defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Cappiello was also behind Micky Ward challenging Vince Phillips for the IBF junior welterweight title at The Roxy in Boston in 1997 and was matchmaker for the first two seasons of NBC’s The Contender. He later joined forces with Jimmy Burchfield to create a powerhouse promotional team. “Jimmy was one of the guys that when I started promoting, I paid attention to him,” said Cappiello. “He doesn’t know it, but I shadowed him for many, many years. I’d go to his shows and I’d watch what he did.” He added, “He totally motivated me to be successful in this business, cause this guy does it right, and that’s the way he is, and I love him for it.”
Cappiello also said he learned a lot from his partner Joe Lake. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years,” said Cappiello, adding about Lake, “I think he’s one of the smartest guys in boxing, and he’s one of the guys that really taught me everything I know in this business, and he’s currently working with me on this new project, doing the management thing.” He said the award should be half his and half Lake’s, because “without him and all the education I got from him all these years, I would never be up here tonight.”
Queried by BoxingTalk.com days later as to what the induction truly meant to him, Cappiello responded, “It just reminds me of all the hard work and effort that I put in to get in there that night. I do this for the passion of the sport. I truly love boxing like no other.” He added, “I feel I’ve mastered the game. I’ve done it all and to be recognized at that level was a great experience, something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”
In addition to the inductees, seven individuals were honored for their achievements and dedication to the sport. Kamaree Kemp, fighting out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society, was recognized as The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year; Chordale Booker, 25-2 (13), was honored with the Marlon Starling (Professional) Boxer of the Year Award, multi-decade writer Kirk Lang received the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award; Marilyn Rosa, wife of inductee Luis Rosa Sr., received the Amateur Official of the Year Award; Phyllis Roy -who took over USA Boxing (Region 1) following her husband Roland’s death eight years ago – received the William Hutt Official of the Year Award; Paul Cichon, founder of the Manchester Ring of Champions Society, was honored with the Brian Clark Trainer of the Year Award; and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster, who battled an embryonal tumor with multi-layered rosettes (ETMR), and passed in June ahead of his 5th birthday, received The Willie Pep Courage Award. Foster’s aunt and uncle accepted for him.
Hary, presiding over an induction gala for the first time – having been promoted from first vice president - said the event was “pretty flawless.” Famed boxing judge Glenn Feldman, the Hall’s founding president, who preceded Hary and attorney John Laudati, concurred. He said Hary “did a great job putting the event together.” Feldman added, “It was the first time in 20 years where I got to sit back and enjoy the night. The future of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is in great hands.”
Hary had a great support system. He told BoxingTalk.com, “ It was a spectacular evening celebrating the rich history of boxing in Connecticut. I couldn’t be happier with our dedicated Board of Directors. It takes a village to put on an event of this magnitude and everyone really stepped up. The Class of 2026 was a tremendous class. We really have our work cut out for us to top this one.”
|
|
|
|
Connecticut Hall of Fame highlights
The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame celebrated its twentieth anniversary at Mohegan Sun with a sold-out gala event, as well as a new president, boxing judge Peter Hary Jr., taking the helm. The Hall had a record induction class this year, having raised the number of honorees from its standard six to eight this year. In addition, “we broke a record on the silent auction,” said Hary. “More than $4,000.” The 50/50 raffle saw an additional $1,000 in sales. Leading the inductees was the late Melio Bettina, 83-14 (36), a Bridgeport-born 1930s and ‘40s era light heavyweight who won the New York State Athletic Commission 175-pound title with a stoppage of Tiger Jack Fox at Madison Square Garden. Boxing judge Don Trella accepted the induction plaque for Bettina, noting that his family was unable to attend due to a family wedding.
Also inducted were New England promoter Rich Cappiello, a second cousin of former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano; the late timekeeper Lou Dell “At the Bell”; referee Ken Ezzo, who has worked nearly 400 pro bouts; former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz Sr, who now runs Champs Boxing Club in Danbury; Brooklyn-native turned Bridgeport resident Joey Negron, who defeated Cappiello’s brother, Mike Cappiello, in the early 1990s to win the USA New England 130-pound title; New London-based trainer Kent Ward, who established a successful program called Championship Rounds, which helps individuals with disabilities like Parkinson’s Disease; and Luis Rosa Sr., who ran Boxing In Faith Gym (BIF) in New Haven’s Fair Haven section for years.
After the death of his professional boxer son, Luis Rosa Jr., in a 2018 auto accident, Rosa and his wife Marilyn opened a new gym in nearby East Haven called KO King Boxing and Fitness, which pays tribute to their son, Luis Rosa, Jr., and features his image on the gym’s sign out front. Rosa uses faith-based principles in training, but admits he wasn’t always on the right path in life. He acknowledged this in his induction speech. “I didn’t want to be a boxing coach actually,” said Rosa, adding, “I wanted to make a lot of money and become famous, and very rich, but nor for the right reasons. My intentions were to become like a Godfather, a mafioso, but God didn’t allow me to do that. He took me down a different path. He took me out of the darkness.”
A humble man, Rosa said, “this award is not for me.” “This award belongs to my fighters,” he said. “Thank you my fighters for doing what you do, for listening to me, for obeying my instructions even when you didn’t want to. You guys are the ones that made me a Hall of Famer.”
Different generations of family members of Lou Dell “At the Bell” filled the stage for his induction. Jeff Ferone, Dell’s grandson, took to the microphone and listed various highlights of his life, such as serving in the United States Navy, and key aspects of a life in boxing. As a youth, he had more than 200 bouts in New England and New York areas. Ferrone said his grandfather loved to tell everyone that would a listen a story how George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins weren’t the oldest men to fight in Atlantic City. His grandfather, he said, has that distinction, because he was 82 “when he landed several blows on a mugger” when said individual grabbed Dell’s wife’s purse. Besides fighting at 82, Dell - a regular face at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods - remained a timekeeper until the age of 90. He passed away in 2007 at age 93.
Fernely Feliz, 23-9 (16), who fought the likes of John Ruiz and Oleg Maskaev during his career, may have been the crowd favorite with his outpouring of emotions, true happiness reflected in a joyful smile, and also sadness at times, reflecting on a brother that passed away last year at 50 and couldn’t witness Feliz’ special night. “He was a part of my journey,” said Feliz of Christian, who also served as a trainer at Champs Boxing Club. As he spoke about him, he couldn’t hold back the tears. “I promised I wasn’t going to cry,” he said, and added about his brother, “You’re always going to be in our corner.” Trying to compose himself, Feliz went on, “Wow. I’m so grateful. Boxing changed my life. Being around in Danbury, I remember coming from the Dominican Republic as a kid, no English. It was rough. I was bullied many times as a kid.” He added that boxing put him around so many good people. “That table over there, so many people that have come to support me,” he said. “I’ve got my friend from the Dominican Republic. I’ve got my whole crew here.”
He pointed out, among others, his wife, Iliana, his mother, his boxer sons, Ali Feliz and Fernely Jr., who is currently 8-0 (6) as a pro. “You know, as a coach, we have to go through some things,” Fernely Sr. said. “We have to be a coach, you need to be a psychologist. It takes a lot.” Then, pivoting back to his night of honor, he said, “Wow. I can’t believe that I’m here at this moment, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Thank you so much.” When it seemed he was done, he continued on just a few minutes more, trying to extend his moment, his utmost career highlight.
“If the ref (who spoke before him) talked three hours (cracking the room up), I can talk a little more,” he said. “I’m going to start jumping rope.” He then mimicked skipping rope and began throwing combinations. “This only happens one time in life,” said Feliz. He wrapped up his time by noting he tells his sons, as well as other aspiring boxers, “If you want to be a great champion, you’ve got to put the work in, give everything you have. Don’t leave nothing behind.”
Ezzo was a longtime referee before more recently becoming a judge. His speech went about 20 minutes but the 400-plus in attendance were patient, as Ezzo spoke from the heart and tried not to leave anyone out who helped him along the way to this career milestone. He refereed more than 1,000 amateur bouts, went pro in 1992 and refereed more than 500 bouts in New England, New York and overseas. Ezzo is now a respected pro boxing judge with more than 400 bouts to his credit. There was a time in Connecticut, decades back, when officials were not plenty, where Ezzo was “the only referee for four years.” Included among the many Ezzo listed off in his speech were veteran pro referees Steve Smoger and Frank Capuccino. “They were not just friends. They were not just fellow referees. They were teachers,” said Ezzo. “They taught me the ins and outs of what it means to be a referee. And let me tell you, refereeing is an art. It really is. You don’t just go be a referee. You work at it. You’re in the gym. You’re watching films. You’re doing everything because it’s you out there.”
One poignant moment of Ezzo’s speech was when he thanked his ex-wife, Cynthia. “She was there for me for 20-plus years,” he said. “Every responsibility that I needed, she took it off the table. I didn’t have to worry about haircuts. I didn’t have to worry about getting my uniforms clean. Whatever I had to do, she was [right there], so I’d like to publicly thank her, because even though things didn’t work out right, it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what you’ve done. Thank you.”
Former USA New England featherweight and junior lightweight champion Joey Negron, originally from Brooklyn, NY, was a ball of energy during his induction speech. He began by noting there’s a lot of good solid boxers in every state, but not all can become world champions like Marlon Starling and Jose Antonio Rivera, who were seated out in the crowd. “There’s a lot of fighters that just don’t make it,” he said. “Whether it was due to injury, or because they have to go work for the family, or even addiction. It runs in the sport.” Negron, 14-7 (7), never won that world championship he may have desired, but he seemed to beam with pride when vocalizing that he’s “in the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame... I did what I had to do. I paid my dues in this boxing game,” he said. “Some don’t make it. I’m here today. I’m going to name some names.”
He said those in the crowd may have no clue who they are, but out of respect, he was going to mention them. After doing that, he gave props to all of the trainers out there, including the ones from Bridgeport’s Ortiz Boxing Gym that came to lend their support. “Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep making a difference. Keep helping these young kids stay in the gym…It’s not easy being a trainer. There’s a lot of time put in, and sometimes you don’t get back what you put in. So if you’re a trainer, thank you for your service.”
Trainer Kent Ward, out of New London’s Whaling City Athletic Club, was given an epic introduction by referee and boxing coach Johnny Callas. At one point, Callas said, “Look at this guy. 78 years young. It’s like he walked off the cover of GQ magazine. He’s a monster. Unbelievable. A true debonair.” Callas added, “And if you mention the name Kent Ward to anybody in New London, in Connecticut, in the Northeast, they will shower you with words of reverence, and references of greatness. Kent Ward. Legend. Cornerstone. Yoda. The G.O.A.T. The original heavy hitter. Community leader. Mentor. Work ethic. Moral compass. Respect for oneself. The Iron Man (as Ward was an iron worker). And my favorite, Sir Kent of Ward…” Callas added that what makes Kent Ward “royalty” amongst boxing coaches throughout Connecticut is “this compassionate strength for working with all ages of people, in all life circumstances, in helping better their lives through combat sports.”
Ward came to the podium noting, “Wow…That was an extraordinary introduction.” Like Callas, Ward said he believes in making individuals champions in life, not just champions in the ring. “If you make these young people champions in life and champions in the arena, that’s like the Super Bowl,” he said. “But if you have once choice, it needs to be champions in life. That’s forever.” He added, “that’s you taking care of your family. That’s you helping in the community. That goes on forever. A champion in the arena, that’s wonderful but if you’re not solid, and aware of all the things you need to do, like conduct yourself properly, then we’re not doing our jobs as coaches.”
Ward said his career in boxing has been “unbelievably rewarding.” “This has been a long run,” he said, adding, “It has been a very enormously rewarding life for me. To be involved in boxing, to be invested in boxing, to help as many people as I could help with the neurological disorder program, and everything that we have done since that time.” Ward also thanked his wife, a former physical education teacher at New London High School , for being very understanding of his efforts. “My wife had the finger on the pulse of what it took to help these kids,” he said. “So when I’m working overtime on jobs, coming home and going to the gym, she was doing homework with the kids, giving them dinner, eating dinner by herself, and never said a word to me, because she knew what it was all about…It’s been the most amazing journey with this woman.”
Promoter Rich Cappiello was taken aback by the induction gala turnout. He began his speech, “I thought there was going to be three or four tables. I walked into this (400-plus in attendance). I can’t believe it. This is quite an honor.” Noting that his second cousin, Rocky Marciano, always instilled in him and his brother Mike to “always work your hardest to be successful,” Cappiello said he always followed that rule. “I just gave 100 percent of myself, always,” he said. Cappiello noted some highlights of his career, which included the Mohegan Sun Fight Night USA boxing series and promoting the show on which Massachusetts-based Kevin McBride defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Cappiello was also behind Micky Ward challenging Vince Phillips for the IBF junior welterweight title at The Roxy in Boston in 1997 and was matchmaker for the first two seasons of NBC’s The Contender. He later joined forces with Jimmy Burchfield to create a powerhouse promotional team. “Jimmy was one of the guys that when I started promoting, I paid attention to him,” said Cappiello. “He doesn’t know it, but I shadowed him for many, many years. I’d go to his shows and I’d watch what he did.” He added, “He totally motivated me to be successful in this business, cause this guy does it right, and that’s the way he is, and I love him for it.”
Cappiello also said he learned a lot from his partner Joe Lake. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years,” said Cappiello, adding about Lake, “I think he’s one of the smartest guys in boxing, and he’s one of the guys that really taught me everything I know in this business, and he’s currently working with me on this new project, doing the management thing.” He said the award should be half his and half Lake’s, because “without him and all the education I got from him all these years, I would never be up here tonight.”
Queried by BoxingTalk.com days later as to what the induction truly meant to him, Cappiello responded, “It just reminds me of all the hard work and effort that I put in to get in there that night. I do this for the passion of the sport. I truly love boxing like no other.” He added, “I feel I’ve mastered the game. I’ve done it all and to be recognized at that level was a great experience, something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”
In addition to the inductees, seven individuals were honored for their achievements and dedication to the sport. Kamaree Kemp, fighting out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society, was recognized as The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year; Chordale Booker, 25-2 (13), was honored with the Marlon Starling (Professional) Boxer of the Year Award, multi-decade writer Kirk Lang received the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award; Marilyn Rosa, wife of inductee Luis Rosa Sr., received the Amateur Official of the Year Award; Phyllis Roy -who took over USA Boxing (Region 1) following her husband Roland’s death eight years ago – received the William Hutt Official of the Year Award; Paul Cichon, founder of the Manchester Ring of Champions Society, was honored with the Brian Clark Trainer of the Year Award; and Marcky “The Fighter” Foster, who battled an embryonal tumor with multi-layered rosettes (ETMR), and passed in June ahead of his 5th birthday, received The Willie Pep Courage Award. Foster’s aunt and uncle accepted for him.
Hary, presiding over an induction gala for the first time – having been promoted from first vice president - said the event was “pretty flawless.” Famed boxing judge Glenn Feldman, the Hall’s founding president, who preceded Hary and attorney John Laudati, concurred. He said Hary “did a great job putting the event together.” Feldman added, “It was the first time in 20 years where I got to sit back and enjoy the night. The future of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is in great hands.”
Hary had a great support system. He told BoxingTalk.com, “ It was a spectacular evening celebrating the rich history of boxing in Connecticut. I couldn’t be happier with our dedicated Board of Directors. It takes a village to put on an event of this magnitude and everyone really stepped up. The Class of 2026 was a tremendous class. We really have our work cut out for us to top this one.”
|
New Mexico action booked for Saturday |
|
Cris Frizzell and Sarah Kazhe are putting together an exciting evening of professional boxing for Saturday night, November 7th, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico. Dubbed "Saturday Nights IV," the card is set for six evenly matched bouts. "Apache" Jesus Ariel Moreno Arias (11-2-1, 8 KOs) will come in from El Paso, Texas to battle Yoruba Emilio Moreau II (3-0, 3 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in a six rounder in the super bantamweight division. There will also be a a women's featherweight contest featured, with Ayanna "La Asesina" Vasquez (8-2-1, 1 KO) of Las Cruces, NM facing Colombia's Yeni Arias (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a six rounder. Undefeated Rolyn Nez, Pedro Rodarte are Jack Banzoy Sambiaku are all set to compete in separate bouts. Tickets are available by going here www.innofthemountaingods.com. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the announcer.
|
|
|
|
New Mexico action booked for Saturday
Cris Frizzell and Sarah Kazhe are putting together an exciting evening of professional boxing for Saturday night, November 7th, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico. Dubbed "Saturday Nights IV," the card is set for six evenly matched bouts. "Apache" Jesus Ariel Moreno Arias (11-2-1, 8 KOs) will come in from El Paso, Texas to battle Yoruba Emilio Moreau II (3-0, 3 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in a six rounder in the super bantamweight division. There will also be a a women's featherweight contest featured, with Ayanna "La Asesina" Vasquez (8-2-1, 1 KO) of Las Cruces, NM facing Colombia's Yeni Arias (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a six rounder. Undefeated Rolyn Nez, Pedro Rodarte are Jack Banzoy Sambiaku are all set to compete in separate bouts. Tickets are available by going here www.innofthemountaingods.com. Boxingtalk writer Christian Schmidt will be the announcer.
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo shines at IBA Africa Elites |
|
Host nation the Democratic Republic of the Congo claimed 17 of the 25 gold medals at the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Championships, which concluded at the Stade des Martyrs Gymnasium in Kinshasa on October 31st. The Congolese team won eight men’s and nine women’s titles, finishing with 24 medals overall. The result marked a major achievement for the hosts, who had finished runners-up at the previous two editions in 2023 and 2024. Cameroon and Zambia won three titles each, with Cameroon taking second place in the standings thanks to 14 medals overall. Congo-Brazzaville and Mozambique claimed one title each.
“These championships were a celebration of African boxing. DR Congo delivered on home soil in spectacular fashion, but every nation that reached the podium can be proud of what their boxers achieved in Kinshasa. The standard of competition shows that Africa continues to produce world-class talent, and IBA is committed to giving these athletes the opportunities they deserve,” IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said.
Among the Congolese champions were Gloire Kolongo Bakora, who defeated Cape Verde’s Daniel David in the men’s 54 kg division, and David Tshama, who claimed the 75 kg title... Peter Pita Kabesi added another gold for the hosts in the men’s 92 kg category, defeating Uganda’s Emmy Abel Ebong by unanimous decision... Joseph Disashi Yenge also claimed gold in the 71 kg division, defeating Mauritius’ Mervin Clair following a bout review...
The women’s team delivered nine gold medals, including victories for defending champions Benedicte Diyoka and Merveille Mbalayi Mbamba. Diyoka defeated Congo-Brazzaville’s Benie Ndoudi Doudou in the 48 kg division, while Mbamba beat Senegal’s Maimouna Ka at 63 kg... Sarah Enduwa Mongayi also claimed gold for DR Congo, defeating Mozambique’s Alcinda Lucas dos Santos 4–1 in the 70 kg final.
Cameroon’s three gold medals included victories for Reine Loure Ngoune in the women’s 52 kg division and Odetie Nicole Moudjongue at 50 kg. Zacharie Mvogo Amouggou completed the country’s tally by defeating Angola’s Fransisco Kazima Kabasu in the men’s +92 kg final.
Zambia secured all three of its titles in the men’s competition. Mwengo Mwale won the 57 kg division, Albert Ngulube took gold at 60 kg and Gerald Kabinda triumphed at 67 kg.
Mozambique’s Rady Gramane claimed the women’s 75 kg title, defeating Cape Verdean Olympian Ivanusa Moreira in the final.
|
|
|
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo shines at IBA Africa Elites
Host nation the Democratic Republic of the Congo claimed 17 of the 25 gold medals at the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Championships, which concluded at the Stade des Martyrs Gymnasium in Kinshasa on October 31st. The Congolese team won eight men’s and nine women’s titles, finishing with 24 medals overall. The result marked a major achievement for the hosts, who had finished runners-up at the previous two editions in 2023 and 2024. Cameroon and Zambia won three titles each, with Cameroon taking second place in the standings thanks to 14 medals overall. Congo-Brazzaville and Mozambique claimed one title each.
“These championships were a celebration of African boxing. DR Congo delivered on home soil in spectacular fashion, but every nation that reached the podium can be proud of what their boxers achieved in Kinshasa. The standard of competition shows that Africa continues to produce world-class talent, and IBA is committed to giving these athletes the opportunities they deserve,” IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said.
Among the Congolese champions were Gloire Kolongo Bakora, who defeated Cape Verde’s Daniel David in the men’s 54 kg division, and David Tshama, who claimed the 75 kg title... Peter Pita Kabesi added another gold for the hosts in the men’s 92 kg category, defeating Uganda’s Emmy Abel Ebong by unanimous decision... Joseph Disashi Yenge also claimed gold in the 71 kg division, defeating Mauritius’ Mervin Clair following a bout review...
The women’s team delivered nine gold medals, including victories for defending champions Benedicte Diyoka and Merveille Mbalayi Mbamba. Diyoka defeated Congo-Brazzaville’s Benie Ndoudi Doudou in the 48 kg division, while Mbamba beat Senegal’s Maimouna Ka at 63 kg... Sarah Enduwa Mongayi also claimed gold for DR Congo, defeating Mozambique’s Alcinda Lucas dos Santos 4–1 in the 70 kg final.
Cameroon’s three gold medals included victories for Reine Loure Ngoune in the women’s 52 kg division and Odetie Nicole Moudjongue at 50 kg. Zacharie Mvogo Amouggou completed the country’s tally by defeating Angola’s Fransisco Kazima Kabasu in the men’s +92 kg final.
Zambia secured all three of its titles in the men’s competition. Mwengo Mwale won the 57 kg division, Albert Ngulube took gold at 60 kg and Gerald Kabinda triumphed at 67 kg.
Mozambique’s Rady Gramane claimed the women’s 75 kg title, defeating Cape Verdean Olympian Ivanusa Moreira in the final.
|
Alvarez makes history by starting a new reign |
|
Canelo Alvarez W12 Christian Mbilli... Saul "Canelo" Alvarez added one more major accomplishment to his already illustrious career. The four-division champ and guaranteed Hall of Famer recaptured a piece of the world super middleweight champion by taking the WBC belt from Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in favor of Alvarez. There wew no knockdowns in the fight but Mbilli was peanlized one point for rabbit punching in round eight. Thankfully, the deduction had no affect on the outcome of the bout. Mbilli (29-1-1) was not busy enough, in part because of Alvarez's counterpunching skills. Alvarez really shifted the tide of the fight in his favor from the sixth round on.
The 36 year-old Alvarez (64-3-2, 39 KOs) has won titles at 154, 160, 168 and 175 pounds. He unified the super middleweight division in recent years but hadn't fought since suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Terence Crawford in September 2025. He followed that loss of his undisputed world championship by getting arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow. Meanwhile, Crawford retired after defeating Alvarez and Mbilli picked up the vacant WBC belt. In returning from the longest layoff of his career, Alvarez came right back against a champion without the luxury of a tune-up bout.
|
|
|
|
Alvarez makes history by starting a new reign
Canelo Alvarez W12 Christian Mbilli... Saul "Canelo" Alvarez added one more major accomplishment to his already illustrious career. The four-division champ and guaranteed Hall of Famer recaptured a piece of the world super middleweight champion by taking the WBC belt from Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 116-111 and 117-110 in favor of Alvarez. There wew no knockdowns in the fight but Mbilli was peanlized one point for rabbit punching in round eight. Thankfully, the deduction had no affect on the outcome of the bout. Mbilli (29-1-1) was not busy enough, in part because of Alvarez's counterpunching skills. Alvarez really shifted the tide of the fight in his favor from the sixth round on.
The 36 year-old Alvarez (64-3-2, 39 KOs) has won titles at 154, 160, 168 and 175 pounds. He unified the super middleweight division in recent years but hadn't fought since suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Terence Crawford in September 2025. He followed that loss of his undisputed world championship by getting arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow. Meanwhile, Crawford retired after defeating Alvarez and Mbilli picked up the vacant WBC belt. In returning from the longest layoff of his career, Alvarez came right back against a champion without the luxury of a tune-up bout.
|
Munguia survives tough sixth round to decision Zon |
|
Jaime Munguia W12 Nikita Zon.... Jaime Munguia retained his WBA super middleweight title in tougher than anticipated bout against Nikita Zon. After twelve rounds, judges sscored it 116-112 and 117-111 (twice), a unanimous decision in favor of Munguia. The champion, from Mexico, survived a nightmarish sixth round, but got it done in this harder-than-expected victory. Zon, who had Munguia on the ropes in that sixth, can only grow from here. Round six is being tabbed a round of the year candidiate. It appeared that Zon was on the verge of a huge upset as he repeatedly hurt Munguia, but the Mexican rallied to have huge moments of his own as the pair left every thing in the ring.
|
|
|
|
Munguia survives tough sixth round to decision Zon
Jaime Munguia W12 Nikita Zon.... Jaime Munguia retained his WBA super middleweight title in tougher than anticipated bout against Nikita Zon. After twelve rounds, judges sscored it 116-112 and 117-111 (twice), a unanimous decision in favor of Munguia. The champion, from Mexico, survived a nightmarish sixth round, but got it done in this harder-than-expected victory. Zon, who had Munguia on the ropes in that sixth, can only grow from here. Round six is being tabbed a round of the year candidiate. It appeared that Zon was on the verge of a huge upset as he repeatedly hurt Munguia, but the Mexican rallied to have huge moments of his own as the pair left every thing in the ring.
|
Zuffa books Adames for non-title bout in Riyadh |
|
WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames (pictured) will face Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton in a ten-round non-title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 14th. It will be contested at a contract weight of 165 pounds. Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs) returns to action less than eight months after his dominant title defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams. That marked the third title defense for Adames, a native of the Dominican Republic, who is unbeaten in his last eight bouts. Warburton (18-2-2, 2 KOs) reignited his career in 2026, earning back-to-back decision victories over former British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney. The 31-year old from Colwyn Bay, Wales, is a former Welsh middleweight champion who has challenged for British and Commonwealth honors.
The ten-round bantamweight co-feature will see former champion Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (29-4, 20 KOs) of Australia make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Mexico’s Andres Teran (19-2, 14 KOs). Moloney has won two consecutive bouts in Australia to position himself for another championship run. Teran turned heads in June, knocking out previously undefeated Floyd Diaz in the sixth round.
Super middleweight contender Bruno Surace (26-1-2, 5 KOs), two fights removed from his Upset of the Year knockout victory over Jaime Munguia, takes on Poland’s unbeaten Kamil Bednarek (17-0, 10 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
In an eight-round tilt featuring unbeaten lightweights, Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz (13-0-2, 9 KOs) will battle Dariial Kuchmenov (10-0, 8 KOs). Ortiz upset the previously unbeaten Justin Viloria in his last outing, while Kuchmenov upped his KO streak to five with a fourth-round blitzing of Jorge Lagunas.
Middleweight Radzhab Butaev (16-2, 12 KOs) looks to get back on the winning track against Colombian puncher Alexander Castro (15-2, 12 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
Two of Uzbekistan’s top emerging talents – heavyweight Jakhongir Zokirov (2-0, 2 KOs) and light heavyweight Tullo Boymatov (1-0, 1 KO) – return following standout Zuffa Boxing debuts earlier this year. Zokirov stopped Zachary Spiller in two rounds, while Boymatov breezed past Caleb Hall in May.
|
|
|
|
Zuffa books Adames for non-title bout in Riyadh
WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames (pictured) will face Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton in a ten-round non-title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 14th. It will be contested at a contract weight of 165 pounds. Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs) returns to action less than eight months after his dominant title defense against Austin “Ammo” Williams. That marked the third title defense for Adames, a native of the Dominican Republic, who is unbeaten in his last eight bouts. Warburton (18-2-2, 2 KOs) reignited his career in 2026, earning back-to-back decision victories over former British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney. The 31-year old from Colwyn Bay, Wales, is a former Welsh middleweight champion who has challenged for British and Commonwealth honors.
The ten-round bantamweight co-feature will see former champion Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (29-4, 20 KOs) of Australia make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Mexico’s Andres Teran (19-2, 14 KOs). Moloney has won two consecutive bouts in Australia to position himself for another championship run. Teran turned heads in June, knocking out previously undefeated Floyd Diaz in the sixth round.
Super middleweight contender Bruno Surace (26-1-2, 5 KOs), two fights removed from his Upset of the Year knockout victory over Jaime Munguia, takes on Poland’s unbeaten Kamil Bednarek (17-0, 10 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
In an eight-round tilt featuring unbeaten lightweights, Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz (13-0-2, 9 KOs) will battle Dariial Kuchmenov (10-0, 8 KOs). Ortiz upset the previously unbeaten Justin Viloria in his last outing, while Kuchmenov upped his KO streak to five with a fourth-round blitzing of Jorge Lagunas.
Middleweight Radzhab Butaev (16-2, 12 KOs) looks to get back on the winning track against Colombian puncher Alexander Castro (15-2, 12 KOs) in a ten-rounder.
Two of Uzbekistan’s top emerging talents – heavyweight Jakhongir Zokirov (2-0, 2 KOs) and light heavyweight Tullo Boymatov (1-0, 1 KO) – return following standout Zuffa Boxing debuts earlier this year. Zokirov stopped Zachary Spiller in two rounds, while Boymatov breezed past Caleb Hall in May.
|
Garcia gives Mayweather last call |
|
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia (pictured) seems poised to move on from a potential generation-spanning fight vs. Floyd Mayweather, even though Garcia was the one who was touting the match-uppublicly. Garcia tweeted, "Attention! Red Alert! Floyd Mayweather: you called me and wanted this fight and I agree this is a big fight. But I am fighting on February 6th regardless, so unless you actually make this happen then this fight is gone. You can go fight whoever but this is for a championship t]. I will take your 0 [undefeated record] with pleasure. Final warning... no more games let’s make it happen."
A little more than a week ago, Garcia claimed there was an agreement to fight the multi-division but 49 year-old champion, tweeting: "Trust me at first I thought this was bull***. But it’s real Floyd and I agree to a fight. 147 for the WBC welterweight championship of the world. 50-0 vs. the current champ."
|
|
|
|
Garcia gives Mayweather last call
WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia (pictured) seems poised to move on from a potential generation-spanning fight vs. Floyd Mayweather, even though Garcia was the one who was touting the match-uppublicly. Garcia tweeted, "Attention! Red Alert! Floyd Mayweather: you called me and wanted this fight and I agree this is a big fight. But I am fighting on February 6th regardless, so unless you actually make this happen then this fight is gone. You can go fight whoever but this is for a championship t]. I will take your 0 [undefeated record] with pleasure. Final warning... no more games let’s make it happen."
A little more than a week ago, Garcia claimed there was an agreement to fight the multi-division but 49 year-old champion, tweeting: "Trust me at first I thought this was bull***. But it’s real Floyd and I agree to a fight. 147 for the WBC welterweight championship of the world. 50-0 vs. the current champ."
|
More results from Riyadh: Espinoza retains title |
|
Rafael Espinoza TKO3 Ricardo Blandon... Rafael Espinoza, the WBO featherweight champion, stopped Nicaraguan journeyman Ricardo Blandon (21-7) in round three to retain his title. Espinoza opened a gash on Blandon's left eyebrow with DAZN reporting that the cut didn't look too bad. However, a ringside physician didn't see it that way, and instructed the referee to end the bout, giving Espinoza a third-round TKO. Espinoza is 29-0 but hadn't fought in eleven months. Predictably, he called out Naoya Inoue, the superstar who hasn't even fought as a featherweight yet. ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Reito Tsutsumi destroys Raymundo Rojas via second-round TKO; junior lightweights;
Carl Jammes Martin ekes past David Picasso in split decision; featherweights;
Sultan Almohammed dominates Erick Villegas by unanimous decision; lightweights;
Bek Nurmaganbet sleeps Marcos Vazquez via first-round KO; light heavyweights;
Emiliano Rojo overwhelms Flavius Biea with fourth-round TKO; super middleweights; and
Brayan Leon defeats Hector Aguirre via unanimous decision; super middleweight.
|
|
|
|
More results from Riyadh: Espinoza retains title
Rafael Espinoza TKO3 Ricardo Blandon... Rafael Espinoza, the WBO featherweight champion, stopped Nicaraguan journeyman Ricardo Blandon (21-7) in round three to retain his title. Espinoza opened a gash on Blandon's left eyebrow with DAZN reporting that the cut didn't look too bad. However, a ringside physician didn't see it that way, and instructed the referee to end the bout, giving Espinoza a third-round TKO. Espinoza is 29-0 but hadn't fought in eleven months. Predictably, he called out Naoya Inoue, the superstar who hasn't even fought as a featherweight yet. ADDITIONAL RESULTS
Reito Tsutsumi destroys Raymundo Rojas via second-round TKO; junior lightweights;
Carl Jammes Martin ekes past David Picasso in split decision; featherweights;
Sultan Almohammed dominates Erick Villegas by unanimous decision; lightweights;
Bek Nurmaganbet sleeps Marcos Vazquez via first-round KO; light heavyweights;
Emiliano Rojo overwhelms Flavius Biea with fourth-round TKO; super middleweights; and
Brayan Leon defeats Hector Aguirre via unanimous decision; super middleweight.
|
Mbilli: "I've been waiting five years for this" |
|
This Saturday, WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli will finally step into the ring with Mexican legend and former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Mbilli's promoter, Eye of the Tiger Management calls this the biggest fight in the history of a Quebec-born boxer. It will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view. Mbilli said, “I've been asking for this fight for five years, not because I want to face Canelo, but because I want to defeat Canelo. The world title is already in Montreal, but on October 31st, I'll be coming back with his title of the Face of Boxing!” The highly anticipated main event is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time), with the first of the nine scheduled bouts getting underway at 10:00 a.m. on DAZN.
|
|
|
|
Mbilli: "I've been waiting five years for this"
This Saturday, WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli will finally step into the ring with Mexican legend and former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Mbilli's promoter, Eye of the Tiger Management calls this the biggest fight in the history of a Quebec-born boxer. It will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view. Mbilli said, “I've been asking for this fight for five years, not because I want to face Canelo, but because I want to defeat Canelo. The world title is already in Montreal, but on October 31st, I'll be coming back with his title of the Face of Boxing!” The highly anticipated main event is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time), with the first of the nine scheduled bouts getting underway at 10:00 a.m. on DAZN.
|
