Welcome to Zuffa Boxing debut week |
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The newly renamed Meta Apex in Las Vegas will swap the UFC's Octagon for the Zuffa Boxing ring as a new era for boxing begins on Friday, January 23rd. Zuffa Boxing kicks off with an eight-bout lineup featuring 16 boxers whose combined career record stands at 227 wins, nine losses. To set the scene ahead of the inaugural event, let's run through the fight card:
Main Event: Callum Walsh vs Carlos Ocampo... Fresh off a unanimous decision victory last September, rising star "King" Callum Walsh is ready to step back into the main event spotlight. The undefeated 24-year-old has built a 15-0 record that includes 11 wins by knockout, and the California-based Irishman will take center stage at Meta APEX when he faces Carlos Ocampo. After competing at middleweight through the first nine fights of his career, Walsh dropped down to 154 pounds. Now, Walsh is returning to 160 pounds, and his first test in the Zuffa Boxing ring comes in the form of a former title challenger, who has more than twice as many victories as Walsh has fights. Mexico's Ocampo arrives with a career record of 38 wins, three defeats, with 26 knockouts to his name. His most recent appearance saw him claim a highlight-reel knockout of Ricardo Banuelo Cernas in Hermosillo, Mexico, but against Walsh, he’ll be facing much more accomplished opposition this weekend. That’s not to say Ocampo is short on elite-level experience, though. The 30-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, has shared the ring with the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu in unsuccessful tilts at world championship gold. Ocampo heads into the fight riding a three-fight win streak, all by finish, and all inside the first three rounds – and plans on playing spoiler by handing Walsh the first defeat of his career.
Misael Rodriguez Olivas vs Austin Deanda... Mexico's Misael Rodriguez Olivas (15-0, 7 KOs) takes on Virginia middleweight Austin Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) in a battle of undefeated prospects at 160 pounds. Olivas returns to 160 pounds after a successful three-fight run at super middleweight that saw him claim a hat-trick of decision victories. But while he continued his winning form at 168 pounds, his punches have carried more threat at 160, and he'll be looking to return to the form that saw him claim three straight stoppage victories before his move up. He'll take on Deanda, whose last victory came against 41-fight veteran Jessie Wayne Linton last September. Prior to that victory, Deanda hit the local headlines in his native Virginia when he had to receive a haircut between rounds after his braids came loose during the action Both men have proven themselves to be ones to watch, but only one can emerge from the Meta Apex with their undefeated record intact.
Julian Rodriguez vs Cain Sandoval... The main card opener will pit two surging welterweights head to head as 24-1 Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez takes on undefeated 17-0 “Sugar” Cain Sandoval. Sandoval heads into Friday’s fight in knockout form, having stopped each of his last four fights inside the distance, while Rodriguez is on a three-fight win streak after suffering the only defeat of his career back in 2021. Rodriguez brings the deeper resumé into the contest, but with Sandoval possessing the unblemished record, the fight looks set to offer Sacramento native Sandoval a stern test of his credentials against a fighter who handed undefeated prospect Avious Griffin his first career loss last time out.
Preliminary Card Bouts
Omar Trinidad vs Max Ornelas... Heading up the preliminary card lineup is a featherweight matchup between Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) and Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad is undefeated after 21 pro fights, but comes into Friday’s bout after picking up the second draw of his career. The 30-year-old has 13 knockouts to his name, with 11 of them coming inside four rounds. He’ll be hoping to add to that tally against Ornelas, who is back on form and on a two-fight win streak after suffering the first two defeats of his pro career, back-to-back, in 2022 and 2023. The UNLV graduate, who majored in criminal justice, balanced his studies with his early professional boxing career. Now he’s set to embark on the latest chapter of his career as he returns to compete in his hometown for the ninth time.
Floyd Diaz vs Guillermo Gutierrez... Two bantamweights look to get back in the groove as Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz and Guillermo “GMO” Gutierrez end their lengthy respective layoffs, looking for a big win in the Zuffa Boxing ring. Twenty-two-year-old Diaz is perfect at 13-0, but when he steps into the ring at Meta Apex, it will be 483 days since his last outing. It’s a similar story for Gutierrez (13-2), who will end a layoff of almost a year when he takes on Diaz on Friday night. He’ll also be doing so on short notice after agreeing to step in just three weeks out from the fight after Diaz’s original opponent, Rocco Santomauro, was forced off the card. The opponent change may faze some, but with Diaz previously admitting he doesn’t watch much tape on his opponents, that might not be the case here.
Emiliano Cardenas vs Marcus Cortez Harris... A pair of young bantamweights will do battle as Emiliano Cardenas and Marcus Cortez Harris face off over six rounds. Cardenas, known to his fans as “El Gallo Negro”, has a perfect 9-0 resumé that includes four knockouts, and he’ll look to take the record into double figures when he takes on 7-1 Harris. Cardenas – a protegé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year, Robert Garcia, will only be competing in the United States for the second time in his career. He could be set for a stern test – Harris has not tasted defeat in his five fights on American soil.
Robert Meriwether III vs Cesar Correa...Undefeated lightweights go head to head in a 133-pound catchweight contest, as “King” Robert Meriwether III faces off against Cesar “C Money” Correa.
Watch UFC on Paramount+ -- Plans start at $7.99 per month
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Welcome to Zuffa Boxing debut week
The newly renamed Meta Apex in Las Vegas will swap the UFC's Octagon for the Zuffa Boxing ring as a new era for boxing begins on Friday, January 23rd. Zuffa Boxing kicks off with an eight-bout lineup featuring 16 boxers whose combined career record stands at 227 wins, nine losses. To set the scene ahead of the inaugural event, let's run through the fight card:
Main Event: Callum Walsh vs Carlos Ocampo... Fresh off a unanimous decision victory last September, rising star "King" Callum Walsh is ready to step back into the main event spotlight. The undefeated 24-year-old has built a 15-0 record that includes 11 wins by knockout, and the California-based Irishman will take center stage at Meta APEX when he faces Carlos Ocampo. After competing at middleweight through the first nine fights of his career, Walsh dropped down to 154 pounds. Now, Walsh is returning to 160 pounds, and his first test in the Zuffa Boxing ring comes in the form of a former title challenger, who has more than twice as many victories as Walsh has fights. Mexico's Ocampo arrives with a career record of 38 wins, three defeats, with 26 knockouts to his name. His most recent appearance saw him claim a highlight-reel knockout of Ricardo Banuelo Cernas in Hermosillo, Mexico, but against Walsh, he’ll be facing much more accomplished opposition this weekend. That’s not to say Ocampo is short on elite-level experience, though. The 30-year-old from Ensenada, Baja California, has shared the ring with the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu in unsuccessful tilts at world championship gold. Ocampo heads into the fight riding a three-fight win streak, all by finish, and all inside the first three rounds – and plans on playing spoiler by handing Walsh the first defeat of his career.
Misael Rodriguez Olivas vs Austin Deanda... Mexico's Misael Rodriguez Olivas (15-0, 7 KOs) takes on Virginia middleweight Austin Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) in a battle of undefeated prospects at 160 pounds. Olivas returns to 160 pounds after a successful three-fight run at super middleweight that saw him claim a hat-trick of decision victories. But while he continued his winning form at 168 pounds, his punches have carried more threat at 160, and he'll be looking to return to the form that saw him claim three straight stoppage victories before his move up. He'll take on Deanda, whose last victory came against 41-fight veteran Jessie Wayne Linton last September. Prior to that victory, Deanda hit the local headlines in his native Virginia when he had to receive a haircut between rounds after his braids came loose during the action Both men have proven themselves to be ones to watch, but only one can emerge from the Meta Apex with their undefeated record intact.
Julian Rodriguez vs Cain Sandoval... The main card opener will pit two surging welterweights head to head as 24-1 Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez takes on undefeated 17-0 “Sugar” Cain Sandoval. Sandoval heads into Friday’s fight in knockout form, having stopped each of his last four fights inside the distance, while Rodriguez is on a three-fight win streak after suffering the only defeat of his career back in 2021. Rodriguez brings the deeper resumé into the contest, but with Sandoval possessing the unblemished record, the fight looks set to offer Sacramento native Sandoval a stern test of his credentials against a fighter who handed undefeated prospect Avious Griffin his first career loss last time out.
Preliminary Card Bouts
Omar Trinidad vs Max Ornelas... Heading up the preliminary card lineup is a featherweight matchup between Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) and Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad is undefeated after 21 pro fights, but comes into Friday’s bout after picking up the second draw of his career. The 30-year-old has 13 knockouts to his name, with 11 of them coming inside four rounds. He’ll be hoping to add to that tally against Ornelas, who is back on form and on a two-fight win streak after suffering the first two defeats of his pro career, back-to-back, in 2022 and 2023. The UNLV graduate, who majored in criminal justice, balanced his studies with his early professional boxing career. Now he’s set to embark on the latest chapter of his career as he returns to compete in his hometown for the ninth time.
Floyd Diaz vs Guillermo Gutierrez... Two bantamweights look to get back in the groove as Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz and Guillermo “GMO” Gutierrez end their lengthy respective layoffs, looking for a big win in the Zuffa Boxing ring. Twenty-two-year-old Diaz is perfect at 13-0, but when he steps into the ring at Meta Apex, it will be 483 days since his last outing. It’s a similar story for Gutierrez (13-2), who will end a layoff of almost a year when he takes on Diaz on Friday night. He’ll also be doing so on short notice after agreeing to step in just three weeks out from the fight after Diaz’s original opponent, Rocco Santomauro, was forced off the card. The opponent change may faze some, but with Diaz previously admitting he doesn’t watch much tape on his opponents, that might not be the case here.
Emiliano Cardenas vs Marcus Cortez Harris... A pair of young bantamweights will do battle as Emiliano Cardenas and Marcus Cortez Harris face off over six rounds. Cardenas, known to his fans as “El Gallo Negro”, has a perfect 9-0 resumé that includes four knockouts, and he’ll look to take the record into double figures when he takes on 7-1 Harris. Cardenas – a protegé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year, Robert Garcia, will only be competing in the United States for the second time in his career. He could be set for a stern test – Harris has not tasted defeat in his five fights on American soil.
Robert Meriwether III vs Cesar Correa...Undefeated lightweights go head to head in a 133-pound catchweight contest, as “King” Robert Meriwether III faces off against Cesar “C Money” Correa.
Watch UFC on Paramount+ -- Plans start at $7.99 per month
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Cruiserweight super fight finalized for May 2nd |
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Gilberto Ramírez will defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles against WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez on May 2nd in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions and both camps confirmed over the weekend. From Mexico, Ramirez (pictured) also held a 168-pound title earlier in his career, will face the Mexican-American in a highly anticipated clash on the trraditional Cinco De Mayo Mexican holiday. Ramirez, known as “El Zurdo,” is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over a former title holder, Yuniel Dorticos, last June. Benavidez, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters, will take on a new challenge by moving up in weight. The reigning WBC 155-pound champion is stepping into the 200-pound division in pursuit of further glory and the chance to become a two-division champion. In his most recent outing on November 22nd, Benavidez stopped Anthony Yarde with a seventh-round technical knockout to retain his title.
Ramírez enters the fight with a record of 48-1 (30 KOs), while Benavidez stands undefeated at 31-0 with 25 knockouts.
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Cruiserweight super fight finalized for May 2nd
Gilberto Ramírez will defend his WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles against WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez on May 2nd in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions and both camps confirmed over the weekend. From Mexico, Ramirez (pictured) also held a 168-pound title earlier in his career, will face the Mexican-American in a highly anticipated clash on the trraditional Cinco De Mayo Mexican holiday. Ramirez, known as “El Zurdo,” is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over a former title holder, Yuniel Dorticos, last June. Benavidez, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters, will take on a new challenge by moving up in weight. The reigning WBC 155-pound champion is stepping into the 200-pound division in pursuit of further glory and the chance to become a two-division champion. In his most recent outing on November 22nd, Benavidez stopped Anthony Yarde with a seventh-round technical knockout to retain his title.
Ramírez enters the fight with a record of 48-1 (30 KOs), while Benavidez stands undefeated at 31-0 with 25 knockouts.
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Shields vs. Crew-Dezurn II getting closer |
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Claressa Shields (pictured) and Franchón Crews-Dezurn will meet again in a rematch, this time in the heavyweight division with Shields' undisputed championship on the line. The rematch is booked for Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, February 22nd. Their first encounter took place in 2016 and marked the professional debut for both fighters. On that occasion, Shields earned a unanimous decision victory. Since then, both careers have reached elite levels. Shields has established herself as one of the most dominant fighters of the modern era, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and becoming undisputed champion at middleweight and super middleweight. Crews-Dezurn, meanwhile, became a world champion and later the undisputed super middleweight champion. Now, nearly a decade after their first meeting, both fighters will step into the ring at heavyweight to contest the division’s undisputed championship, in a bout that not only helps define the pound-for-pound hierarchy but also closes a cycle that began with their professional debuts against one another.
Claressa “T-Rex” Shields owns an undefeated record of 17 wins, 3 of them by knockout... Franchón “Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn holds a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, with 2 knockouts.
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Shields vs. Crew-Dezurn II getting closer
Claressa Shields (pictured) and Franchón Crews-Dezurn will meet again in a rematch, this time in the heavyweight division with Shields' undisputed championship on the line. The rematch is booked for Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, February 22nd. Their first encounter took place in 2016 and marked the professional debut for both fighters. On that occasion, Shields earned a unanimous decision victory. Since then, both careers have reached elite levels. Shields has established herself as one of the most dominant fighters of the modern era, capturing world titles in multiple divisions and becoming undisputed champion at middleweight and super middleweight. Crews-Dezurn, meanwhile, became a world champion and later the undisputed super middleweight champion. Now, nearly a decade after their first meeting, both fighters will step into the ring at heavyweight to contest the division’s undisputed championship, in a bout that not only helps define the pound-for-pound hierarchy but also closes a cycle that began with their professional debuts against one another.
Claressa “T-Rex” Shields owns an undefeated record of 17 wins, 3 of them by knockout... Franchón “Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn holds a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, with 2 knockouts.
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Rest In Peace, Kosie "KO" Smith |
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Last week, the WBC announced the passing of former light heavyweight contender Kosie “KO” Smith of South Africa. Smith was one of his country's most beloved boxers during a career that stretched from 1968-1979. He was a three-time South African national light heavyweight champion and fought for the WBA championship against Victor Galindez, losing a fifteen-round decision in 1976. His final record was 31-19-1. His full name was Johannes Jacobus Adriaan Smith. Boxingtalk joins the WBC and president Mauricio Sulaiman in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Kosie Smith.
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Rest In Peace, Kosie "KO" Smith
Last week, the WBC announced the passing of former light heavyweight contender Kosie “KO” Smith of South Africa. Smith was one of his country's most beloved boxers during a career that stretched from 1968-1979. He was a three-time South African national light heavyweight champion and fought for the WBA championship against Victor Galindez, losing a fifteen-round decision in 1976. His final record was 31-19-1. His full name was Johannes Jacobus Adriaan Smith. Boxingtalk joins the WBC and president Mauricio Sulaiman in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Kosie Smith.
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Ortiz sues Golden Boy over stalled negotiations for an Ennis fight |
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WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Ortiz sues Golden Boy over stalled negotiations for an Ennis fight
WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. has taken his long-time promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, to federal court—claiming that behind-the-scenes chaos, missed opportunities and public blowups derailed his momentum at a critical moment in his career. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada. At the center of the dispute is Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy, which he signed in May 2024. The deal extended Golden Boy’s rights for three years, guaranteed Ortiz million-dollar minimum purses, and was built around Golden Boy’s long-term broadcast relationship with DAZN. Here are the key allegations contained in Ortiz's legal complaint, which at this time are treated as unproven allegations:
Ortiz alleges Golden Boy's relatinship with DAZN was a key reason he stayed with Golden Boy in the first place. Fast forward to the end of 2025. Golden Boy’s DAZN deal expired on December 31st, and Ortiz moved quickly. On January 8, 2026, he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Golden Boy lost its exclusive broadcaster. Golden Boy acknowledged that the DAZN deal had ended (this weekend's DAZN show was a one-off with Golden Boy, not part of any long-term deal). Golden Boy took the position that ongoing negotiations for a new DAZN agreement meant Ortiz was still tied to the company. Ortiz disagrees, and the timing is everything. According to the complaint, his team believed that uncertainty over Golden Boy’s broadcast future—and Golden Boy’s strained relationships across the sport—were already costing him major fights and major money.
The biggest missed opportunity, Ortiz claims, was a potential showdown with former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After Ortiz’s November 2025 win over Erickson Lubin, Ennis entered the ring for a face-off, and both fighters publicly said they wanted to fight each other. It was widely viewed as one of the best match-ups the sport of boxing could make across weight classes.
Ortiz wanted Golden Boy to negotiate with Ennis’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and hoped the bout could attract backing from Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the head of the government's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh has poured massive money into elite boxing events over the last few years. According to the lawsuit, Ortiz believed a Saudi-backed Ortiz-Ennis fight could have been career-defining.
Instead, Ortiz alleges, Golden Boy sabotaged those possibilities. The complaint points to Golden Boy's principal, Oscar De La Hoya and the public attacks he has made on Alalshikh and the Saudi-backed Zuffa Boxing venture—attacks made on social media during the very period Ortiz’s team was hoping to attract Saudi interest. Ortiz claims those outbursts poisoned the well, making him less attractive to deep-pocketed backers through no fault of his own.
Things escalated in December 2025. Ortiz says Golden Boy presented him with only one fight option—Ennis—despite a contract requirement that required Golden Boy to offer multiple opponents. Worse, Ortiz alleges he was threatened with being “benched” if he didn’t accept the terms and warned that Golden Boy would publicly blame him if the fight fell apart. According to the complaint, Ortiz later learned that Golden Boy, Matchroom and DAZN had already reached written terms for the Ennis fight—terms that were never shared with him, even though his contract required full disclosure and his signature on any deal involving his fights.
After Ortiz terminated the promotional agreement in January, the conflict spilled into public view. De La Hoya posted Instagram videos setting deadlines and monetary demands for the Ennis fight, then declaring negotiations dead when those deadlines passed. Ortiz says none of this was authorized and that Golden Boy no longer had the right to speak for him.
When Ortiz’s manager Rick Mirigian publicly invited other promoters to reach out, De La Hoya responded by asserting control over negotiations and threatening legal action. Ortiz claims these public power plays were designed to create confusion in the industry and scare off potential partners—effectively freezing his career during what should be his prime earning years.
The lawsuit asks the court to confirm that Ortiz is free from Golden Boy and to award damages for lost fights, purses, sponsorships, and momentum. But for boxing fans, the real takeaway is bigger than legal language: this case highlights how promoter politics, broadcast uncertainty, and personal grudges can derail elite fighters—and how even an undefeated champion can find himself fighting outside the ring just to get the biggest fights made.
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Samuel Arnold III starts 2026 campaign on Jan. 30th |
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On Friday, January 30th, Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, will host a pivotal super middleweight match-up. Unbeaten American Samuel Arnold III will square off against seasoned Argentine Fernando Ezequiel “Manzana” Farías. In addition to being 14-0, Arnold got in plenty of paid rounds through Team Combat League. The Dallas native has drawn attention across the American boxing scene thanks to his spotless record and his towering 6-foot-3 frame—an unusual physical advantage at 140 pounds that allows him to control distance with authority. Arnold capped off a dominant 2025 campaign that included a unanimous decision victory over veteran Vaughn Alexander in August, followed by an October knockout of Juan Barajas. Now trimming down in weight to 168 pounds chase success at super lightweight, the Texan is aiming to prove that his pure boxing skills and high ring IQ can translate across divisions.
Standing in the opposite corner will be Farías (11-3-3,4 KOs) of Junín, Buenos Aires, the most experienced test Arnold has faced to date. A rugged and battle-tested fighter, Farías is no stranger to fighting on U.S. soil, having previously shared the ring with highly regarded prospects such as Russia’s Timur Kerefov and Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcão. At 31 years old, “Manzana” is known for his orthodox stance and his ability to absorb punishment while remaining competitive. After rediscovering the win column in Argentina during 2025, Farías returns to California intent on leveraging his experience to hand the American prospect his first professional defeat.
Arnold III will look to maximize his significant reach advantage, keeping Farías at bay with a jab that has earned praise from analysts for both its power and precision. Farías, meanwhile, must close the distance and turn the fight into a close-quarters battle, where his experience in extended bouts and his commitment to body work could test the durability of the rising Texan.
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Samuel Arnold III starts 2026 campaign on Jan. 30th
On Friday, January 30th, Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, will host a pivotal super middleweight match-up. Unbeaten American Samuel Arnold III will square off against seasoned Argentine Fernando Ezequiel “Manzana” Farías. In addition to being 14-0, Arnold got in plenty of paid rounds through Team Combat League. The Dallas native has drawn attention across the American boxing scene thanks to his spotless record and his towering 6-foot-3 frame—an unusual physical advantage at 140 pounds that allows him to control distance with authority. Arnold capped off a dominant 2025 campaign that included a unanimous decision victory over veteran Vaughn Alexander in August, followed by an October knockout of Juan Barajas. Now trimming down in weight to 168 pounds chase success at super lightweight, the Texan is aiming to prove that his pure boxing skills and high ring IQ can translate across divisions.
Standing in the opposite corner will be Farías (11-3-3,4 KOs) of Junín, Buenos Aires, the most experienced test Arnold has faced to date. A rugged and battle-tested fighter, Farías is no stranger to fighting on U.S. soil, having previously shared the ring with highly regarded prospects such as Russia’s Timur Kerefov and Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcão. At 31 years old, “Manzana” is known for his orthodox stance and his ability to absorb punishment while remaining competitive. After rediscovering the win column in Argentina during 2025, Farías returns to California intent on leveraging his experience to hand the American prospect his first professional defeat.
Arnold III will look to maximize his significant reach advantage, keeping Farías at bay with a jab that has earned praise from analysts for both its power and precision. Farías, meanwhile, must close the distance and turn the fight into a close-quarters battle, where his experience in extended bouts and his commitment to body work could test the durability of the rising Texan.
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Ruslan Abdullaev advancing quickly at 140 |
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Ruslan Abdullaev TKO5 Eduardo Abreu ... Touted Uzbek junor welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev delivered the goods in his fourth pro fight. In a display of power and precision, Abdullaev stoppd seasoned Uruguayan Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu via fifth-round technical knockout. The fight ended in dramatic fashion, with just one second remaining in the fifth round. From the outset, Abdullaev (now 4-0, 2 KOs) set a relentless pace, applying steady pressure and picking his shots to break down the South American veteran. Abreu (14-2-2, 10 KOs) tried to lean on his experience, but the speed and power of the 23-year old proved overwhelming. In the third round, Abdullaev sent Abreu to the canvas for the first time. The Uruguayan went down again in the fifth after being caught by a sudden combination. Moments later, Abdullaev trapped a badly hurt Abreu against the ropes and unloaded a sustained barrage. Seeing no response, the referee stepped in just before the final bell. Now training in California's Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev had outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned as an amateur world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Ruslan Abdullaev advancing quickly at 140
Ruslan Abdullaev TKO5 Eduardo Abreu ... Touted Uzbek junor welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev delivered the goods in his fourth pro fight. In a display of power and precision, Abdullaev stoppd seasoned Uruguayan Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu via fifth-round technical knockout. The fight ended in dramatic fashion, with just one second remaining in the fifth round. From the outset, Abdullaev (now 4-0, 2 KOs) set a relentless pace, applying steady pressure and picking his shots to break down the South American veteran. Abreu (14-2-2, 10 KOs) tried to lean on his experience, but the speed and power of the 23-year old proved overwhelming. In the third round, Abdullaev sent Abreu to the canvas for the first time. The Uruguayan went down again in the fifth after being caught by a sudden combination. Moments later, Abdullaev trapped a badly hurt Abreu against the ropes and unloaded a sustained barrage. Seeing no response, the referee stepped in just before the final bell. Now training in California's Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev had outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned as an amateur world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Jorge Chavez takes a step forward at super bantamweight |
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Jorge Chávez W10 Manuel Flores... Mexican super bantamweight Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez delivered one of the biggest wins of his career over the weekend, earning a unanimous decision nod (96–94, 97–93, 98–92) over Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. With the victory, Chávez preserved his unbeaten record. The bout, staged at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, was part of a rivalry that began in July 2025, when the two fighters fought to a majority draw. This time, Chávez made sure there would be no room for debate on the judges’ scorecards. From the opening bell, Flores looked to impose his power, pressing forward from his southpaw stance and hunting for the big shot that defines his style. Chávez, however, showed clear tactical growth from their first meeting. Employing constant lateral movement and sharp three- and four-punch combinations, “El Niño Dorado” consistently disrupted the attacks of the Tanzanian-Californian.
As the fight wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Flores, who struggled to cut off the ring effectively. In the closing three rounds, Chávez finished strong, landing left hooks that repeatedly backed Flores up and cemented his advantage in the eyes of the judges.
All three scorecards went Chávez’s way as he improved to 15-0-1 (8 KOs). “This time there were no doubts,” Chávez said in the ring after the official announcement. “I knew I had to be more active and beat him to the jab. I respect Manny a lot, but tonight I showed who the best fighter at 122 pounds is.” For Flores (20-2-1, 16 KOs), the loss is a significant setback in his bid for a world title opportunity.
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Jorge Chavez takes a step forward at super bantamweight
Jorge Chávez W10 Manuel Flores... Mexican super bantamweight Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez delivered one of the biggest wins of his career over the weekend, earning a unanimous decision nod (96–94, 97–93, 98–92) over Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. With the victory, Chávez preserved his unbeaten record. The bout, staged at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, was part of a rivalry that began in July 2025, when the two fighters fought to a majority draw. This time, Chávez made sure there would be no room for debate on the judges’ scorecards. From the opening bell, Flores looked to impose his power, pressing forward from his southpaw stance and hunting for the big shot that defines his style. Chávez, however, showed clear tactical growth from their first meeting. Employing constant lateral movement and sharp three- and four-punch combinations, “El Niño Dorado” consistently disrupted the attacks of the Tanzanian-Californian.
As the fight wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Flores, who struggled to cut off the ring effectively. In the closing three rounds, Chávez finished strong, landing left hooks that repeatedly backed Flores up and cemented his advantage in the eyes of the judges.
All three scorecards went Chávez’s way as he improved to 15-0-1 (8 KOs). “This time there were no doubts,” Chávez said in the ring after the official announcement. “I knew I had to be more active and beat him to the jab. I respect Manny a lot, but tonight I showed who the best fighter at 122 pounds is.” For Flores (20-2-1, 16 KOs), the loss is a significant setback in his bid for a world title opportunity.
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Jamel Herring wins BKFC debut |
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Former WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring turned heads, winning his bare knuckles fighting debut in Uncasville, Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino over the weekend. Herring, also a former U.S. Olympic boxer earned a unanimous decision over Matt “The Silencer” Guymon. All three judges agreed on the 50-43 verdict for the Coramy, NY bantamweight. [In BKFC, the bantamweight limit is 135 pounds]. According to event promoter BKFC, Herring is now the eleventh world champion to compete under the BKFC banner [Austin Trout has had the most success]. Herring warned undefeated bantamweight champion Justin Ibarrola in his post-fight interview that a new era has begun in the division: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Jamel Herring show, starring Jamel Herring, brought to you by the good people at BKFC!” Guymon, who hails from Kansas, is now 2-2 under the BKFC banner.
In Saturday’s main event, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague dethroned BKFC welterweight champion Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane (9-8) with a unanimous decision victory after their fight went to an overtime round. The overtime round is rare in BKFC and is only used in championship fights where a winner isn’t decided after five rounds. Pague dropped Lane in the opening round, ultimately leading to the unanimous 57-56 verdict. Pague, who represents Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is now 6-2 under the BKFC banner. Pague couldn’t hold back his emotions in his post-fight interview at the jam-packed Mohegan Sun Arena: “I can’t express what I’m feeling right now. If you thought this was all me, you’re crazy. This was God, man. I couldn’t do this without Jesus Christ, I’m telling you right now.”
Denver’s Ramiro Figueroa climbed to 4-1 in BKFC's squared circle with his second straight, defeating Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair via unanimous decision in their welterweight showdown. Two judges agreed on 49-46 while one scored the contest 48-47, all for Figueroa. The 24 year-old Figueroa said afterwards: “I fought last month, I fought this month, I’ll fight next month, I don’t care. Give me a contract and I’m there.” Blair, a product of New Jersey, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Massachusetts product Rico DiSciullo smashed his way to 3-0 with a third straight finish in the squared circle, this time knocking out Ashton “No Chance” Caniglia in lightweight action. The stoppage came 26 seconds into the second round. The Omaha, NE product Caniglia is now 1-1.
Guilherme Viana upped his BKFC record to 2-0 as the Brazilian-born Waterbury, Connecticut product scored his second straight, first-round KO at the expense of Juan Figuerva in the heavyweight division. Viana logged a pair of knockdowns before the referee called a stop to the contest with just one second left in the opening frame. Figuerva, who hails from Sunnywide, WA, is now 1-1.
Maine heavyweight Ras “Rasquatch The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton picked himself up off the canvas three times and rallied for a fifth-round, standing TKO victory with just seven seconds left in his matchup with Branko Busick. Both fighters were making their BKFC debut. Busick, a former linebacker for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, represents Pittsburgh, PA.
Missouri’s Tray “Big Dog” Martin edged out “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb for the split decision in his action-packed BKFC debut. Two judges scored the welterweight contest in favor of Martin (48-47, 49-46) and one judge scored it for Ghareeb (48-47). Ghareeb, who hails from Southampton, MA, was making his BKFC debut after amassing a 13-3 record in professional MMA.
Myrtle Beach, SC’s Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino was victorious in his BKFC premiere. His featherweight bout with Kurtis “The Outcast” Ellis was stopped after Ellis suffered a fight-ending hand injury at 1:08 of the second round. Gambino is well respected for his career in professional MMA, where he boasts a 9-2 record with two appearances under the UFC banner. The Omaha, NE product Ellis is now 1-2.
Fort Worth, TX’s Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses needed just 55 seconds to stop Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell via TKO in their featherweight matchup. Meneses is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner. Pannell, who represents Lancaster, PA, is now 1-5.
Lowell, MA’s Jared “Lenny” Lennon and Chachi Versace of Hudson, FL fought to a draw in the opening matchup of the night. One judge scored the bantamweight contest 48-46 for Lennon, one judge scored the bout 48-46 for the Brazilian-born Versace, and one judge called the fight a 47-47 draw. Lennon is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner, while Versace is now 0-1-1.
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Jamel Herring wins BKFC debut
Former WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring turned heads, winning his bare knuckles fighting debut in Uncasville, Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino over the weekend. Herring, also a former U.S. Olympic boxer earned a unanimous decision over Matt “The Silencer” Guymon. All three judges agreed on the 50-43 verdict for the Coramy, NY bantamweight. [In BKFC, the bantamweight limit is 135 pounds]. According to event promoter BKFC, Herring is now the eleventh world champion to compete under the BKFC banner [Austin Trout has had the most success]. Herring warned undefeated bantamweight champion Justin Ibarrola in his post-fight interview that a new era has begun in the division: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Jamel Herring show, starring Jamel Herring, brought to you by the good people at BKFC!” Guymon, who hails from Kansas, is now 2-2 under the BKFC banner.
In Saturday’s main event, Dustin “The Disciple” Pague dethroned BKFC welterweight champion Julian “Let Me Bang” Lane (9-8) with a unanimous decision victory after their fight went to an overtime round. The overtime round is rare in BKFC and is only used in championship fights where a winner isn’t decided after five rounds. Pague dropped Lane in the opening round, ultimately leading to the unanimous 57-56 verdict. Pague, who represents Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is now 6-2 under the BKFC banner. Pague couldn’t hold back his emotions in his post-fight interview at the jam-packed Mohegan Sun Arena: “I can’t express what I’m feeling right now. If you thought this was all me, you’re crazy. This was God, man. I couldn’t do this without Jesus Christ, I’m telling you right now.”
Denver’s Ramiro Figueroa climbed to 4-1 in BKFC's squared circle with his second straight, defeating Dalvin “The Hippy Disciple” Blair via unanimous decision in their welterweight showdown. Two judges agreed on 49-46 while one scored the contest 48-47, all for Figueroa. The 24 year-old Figueroa said afterwards: “I fought last month, I fought this month, I’ll fight next month, I don’t care. Give me a contract and I’m there.” Blair, a product of New Jersey, is now 2-1 under the BKFC banner.
Massachusetts product Rico DiSciullo smashed his way to 3-0 with a third straight finish in the squared circle, this time knocking out Ashton “No Chance” Caniglia in lightweight action. The stoppage came 26 seconds into the second round. The Omaha, NE product Caniglia is now 1-1.
Guilherme Viana upped his BKFC record to 2-0 as the Brazilian-born Waterbury, Connecticut product scored his second straight, first-round KO at the expense of Juan Figuerva in the heavyweight division. Viana logged a pair of knockdowns before the referee called a stop to the contest with just one second left in the opening frame. Figuerva, who hails from Sunnywide, WA, is now 1-1.
Maine heavyweight Ras “Rasquatch The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton picked himself up off the canvas three times and rallied for a fifth-round, standing TKO victory with just seven seconds left in his matchup with Branko Busick. Both fighters were making their BKFC debut. Busick, a former linebacker for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, represents Pittsburgh, PA.
Missouri’s Tray “Big Dog” Martin edged out “Nasty” Nate Ghareeb for the split decision in his action-packed BKFC debut. Two judges scored the welterweight contest in favor of Martin (48-47, 49-46) and one judge scored it for Ghareeb (48-47). Ghareeb, who hails from Southampton, MA, was making his BKFC debut after amassing a 13-3 record in professional MMA.
Myrtle Beach, SC’s Joey “The Raging Warrior” Gambino was victorious in his BKFC premiere. His featherweight bout with Kurtis “The Outcast” Ellis was stopped after Ellis suffered a fight-ending hand injury at 1:08 of the second round. Gambino is well respected for his career in professional MMA, where he boasts a 9-2 record with two appearances under the UFC banner. The Omaha, NE product Ellis is now 1-2.
Fort Worth, TX’s Brandon “The Voodoo Child” Meneses needed just 55 seconds to stop Zach “Lil Mac” Pannell via TKO in their featherweight matchup. Meneses is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner. Pannell, who represents Lancaster, PA, is now 1-5.
Lowell, MA’s Jared “Lenny” Lennon and Chachi Versace of Hudson, FL fought to a draw in the opening matchup of the night. One judge scored the bantamweight contest 48-46 for Lennon, one judge scored the bout 48-46 for the Brazilian-born Versace, and one judge called the fight a 47-47 draw. Lennon is now 1-1-1 under the BKFC banner, while Versace is now 0-1-1.
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Bridgerweight news: WBA orders Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz |
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The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and interim titleholder Julio César La Cruz. The negotiation period officially began on January 16th, when formal notice was sent to both camps, and will run through February 15th. Gadzhimagomedov last fulfilled a mandatory defense on October 17, 2024, and his next one was required to take place before July 16, 2025. With that deadline now expired, the WBA has ruled that the Russian champion must face the Cuban contender without delay. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the prescribed timeframe, or if either side declines to sign, the WBA reserves the right to call a purse bid
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Bridgerweight news: WBA orders Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz
The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and interim titleholder Julio César La Cruz. The negotiation period officially began on January 16th, when formal notice was sent to both camps, and will run through February 15th. Gadzhimagomedov last fulfilled a mandatory defense on October 17, 2024, and his next one was required to take place before July 16, 2025. With that deadline now expired, the WBA has ruled that the Russian champion must face the Cuban contender without delay. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the prescribed timeframe, or if either side declines to sign, the WBA reserves the right to call a purse bid
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Tank Davis still at large three days after arrest warrant issued |
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Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in a VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years
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Tank Davis still at large three days after arrest warrant issued
Earlier this week, an arrest warrant was issued for troubled Gervonta "Tank" Davis by Miami Gardens Police for alleged domestic violence. The charges against Davis stem from a previously reported incident that occurred in October. They include battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. Police apparently have not yet located Davis in the three days since the warrant was issued. Davis is still recognized as the lightweight champion by the WBA despite his boxing inactivity, reprehensible alleged conduct, the controversy of his last match against Lamont Roach (in which Davis was allowed to take an illegal "time out") and his agreement to a cruiserweight fight vs. Jake Paul. The Paul fight was abruptly called off in November, shortly after the initial domestic violence reports surfaced. The details of the allegations against Davis are as follows: Courtney Rossel and Davis have known each other for a few years. Rossel and Davis were intimately involved for a few months, although they chose not to make their relationship public. On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in a VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge].
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
NOV 4., 2025: Jake Paul and MVP canceled Paul's November 14th exhibition vs. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis over the allegations that Davis committed yet another act of violence against a woman. Paul issued the following statement: "Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, to the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved. Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight, sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces and search for something deeper to be a fan of. As for me it’s on to the next one as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place."
Paul's statement followed on the heels of one issued by his company, which read: "Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida will no longer be moving forward. 'Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate the situation responsibly,' said MVP's CEO, Nakisa Bedarian. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We think Netflix, the Keseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for their partnership.' MVP appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans. Those who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster for the Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis event will get an automatic refund through the original point of purchase within 14 to 21 days. Those who purchased through the secondary market should contact them. MVP thanks everyone for their patience and look forward to delivering an extraordinary boxing event in 2025, live globally only on Netflix."
NOV. 2, 2025: With the heavily criticized Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis exhibition just two weeks away, the event has come under more intense fire due to this week's assault allegations against Davis. Paul's Most Valuable Promotions issued the following statement: Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025. At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consult with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."
OCT. 31, 2025: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been sued in Florida state court over new allegations of violence against a girlfriend. There is currently no indication of any criminal charges, but the civil lawsuit details an incident that occurred last week, less than a month before Davis’ planned November 14th exhibition fight vs. Jake Paul on Netflix. The plaintiff is a woman named Courtney Rossel, who accuses Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint itself did not contain any specific monetary demand, but a cover sheet filed with the complaint states the amount sought exceeds $100,000.
Here are the details of the lawsuit, which at this time are simply allegations that the plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence:
Plaintiff Courtney Rossel is an individual residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida, who conducts business in Miami-Dade County. Defendant, Gervonta Bryant Davis, is an individual who resides at Southwest Ranches, FL. He is a professional boxer known as “Tank”. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Defendant, and venue is proper because all parties conduct business in Miami-Dade County, and because the incident that took place occurred in Miami-Dade County, Florida. […]
Davis is a professional boxer who has competed in multiple weight divisions. Davis is publicly known for his career in the sport of boxing and for holding multiple championship titles. [But he] has a vast and extensive criminal history, especially instances related to domestic violence and abuse against ex-girlfriends. On September 19, 2017, an arrest warrant was issued due to Davis committing first-degree aggravated assault; on September 14, 2018, Davis was arrested for starting a fight with another man; on February 1, 2020, Davis was arrested on charges of simple battery / domestic violence against his former girlfriend; on December 27, 2022, Davis was arrested on a charge of battery domestic violence; and again on July 11, 2025, Davis was taken into custody following another battery charge. Davis ultimately has a pension for being violent. As a result, it is clear that Davis has a propensity and pattern of violence upon women.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for [a few] years. For approximately five months prior to the incident at issue, Rossel and Davis were intimately involved, although they chose not to make their relationship public. Throughout the five months prior to the incident in question, there were multiple instances of domestic violence, abuse, and threats made by Davis against Rossel concerning her safety and well-being. The incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, was not the first time Davis was violent toward Rossel.
On at least four prior occasions, Davis physically assaulted and choked Rossel, and on two occasions, he threatened in writing to kill her. The first instance of abuse occurred on or about September 2, 2025, when Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages. In his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive. On or about September 23, 2025, Davis again threatened Rossel’s life, accusing her of infidelity and writing, “I’ll kill you.”
That same day, September 23, 2025, while at Playa Miami, Davis physically assaulted Rossel by choking her in public. The assault at Playa Miami was not the first time Davis had physically attacked Rossel in a public setting. Prior to the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis also violently choked Rossel at her workplace, Tootsies, where she works as a VIP cocktail waitress. There, he found Rossel in a backroom area without cameras in order to conceal the abuse.
On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Davis located Rossel inside her place of work, upstairs in the VIP lounge, where Davis forcibly grabbed and dragged Rossel through a stairway, through the kitchen, and through the back entrance all the way into the parking garage, where Davis continuously grabbed, choked, pushed, pulled, and struck Rossel in the back of the head, leaving her terrified and alone and embarrassed for her co-workers and employer. During the October 27, 2025, incident, Davis forced Rossel to exit her workplace against her will, dragged her through the establishment, through a staircase, a kitchen, a backroom, and all the way into a parking garage, and attempted to force Rossel into his car until Rosell was able to run away. [This is the basis for the kidnapping charge]. Davis has continued to verbally, physically, and psychologically abuse Rossel, causing her to seek medical treatment, therapy, and assistance with daily living, as she remains in constant fear for her life.
Rossel and Davis have known each other for approximately five years
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WBC annouces e-mail address for ranking inquiries |
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Boxingtalk commends the WBC for establishing an e-mail account available for boxers, promoters, managers and the boxing community in general, where all ratings inquiries will be addressed: wbcratings@wbcboxing.com.
The WBC also provided the following bit of transparency into its ratings process: There are eighteen weight divisions, ranging from heavyweight to minimumweight. World champions must face ranked boxers, and that’s where these [rating] lists become interesting, significant, and relevant. [Former WBC precedent] Jose Sulaimán instituted the WBC rantings in 1968. Since then, they have been compiled month after month, making this one of the bodie’s highest-priority activities. The WBC Ratings Committee has members who span countries across different parts of the world: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, and the United States.
How the Ratings Committee Works
The monthly results of ranked boxers and the significant results of unranked boxers are listed and compiled. Each analysis includes the boxers’ records, the highlights of their fights, and often a list of their previous results. Month after month, the results of an average of 150 to 200 fights are analyzed. Ranking boxers is a very complex task that requires meticulous knowledge of boxing, common sense, analytical skills, impartiality, objectivity, absolute honesty, and a sense of fairness. There is a very interesting procedure for analyzing each case; records are simply numbers, and these can be very misleading.
The Committee’s Process:
Weekly, ranking committee members compile fight results and other information related to fighters in their region, as well as global activity. The Chairman of the Ratings Committee prepares an agenda with possible ranking actions, which is distributed to all committee members five days before the monthly virtual meeting. The first Sunday of each month, a monthly virtual meeting takes place, which can last up to seven hours. During this, a first draft is compiled and sent to the committee members. Members provide feedback to create a second, and sometimes a third, draft.
The final draft is approved by our President Mauricio Sulaiman, making it ready for publication.
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WBC annouces e-mail address for ranking inquiries
Boxingtalk commends the WBC for establishing an e-mail account available for boxers, promoters, managers and the boxing community in general, where all ratings inquiries will be addressed: wbcratings@wbcboxing.com.
The WBC also provided the following bit of transparency into its ratings process: There are eighteen weight divisions, ranging from heavyweight to minimumweight. World champions must face ranked boxers, and that’s where these [rating] lists become interesting, significant, and relevant. [Former WBC precedent] Jose Sulaimán instituted the WBC rantings in 1968. Since then, they have been compiled month after month, making this one of the bodie’s highest-priority activities. The WBC Ratings Committee has members who span countries across different parts of the world: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, and the United States.
How the Ratings Committee Works
The monthly results of ranked boxers and the significant results of unranked boxers are listed and compiled. Each analysis includes the boxers’ records, the highlights of their fights, and often a list of their previous results. Month after month, the results of an average of 150 to 200 fights are analyzed. Ranking boxers is a very complex task that requires meticulous knowledge of boxing, common sense, analytical skills, impartiality, objectivity, absolute honesty, and a sense of fairness. There is a very interesting procedure for analyzing each case; records are simply numbers, and these can be very misleading.
The Committee’s Process:
Weekly, ranking committee members compile fight results and other information related to fighters in their region, as well as global activity. The Chairman of the Ratings Committee prepares an agenda with possible ranking actions, which is distributed to all committee members five days before the monthly virtual meeting. The first Sunday of each month, a monthly virtual meeting takes place, which can last up to seven hours. During this, a first draft is compiled and sent to the committee members. Members provide feedback to create a second, and sometimes a third, draft.
The final draft is approved by our President Mauricio Sulaiman, making it ready for publication.
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Curiel defeats late replacement Panthen |
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Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen... Raul Curiel made the most of a late replacement bout with a unanimous decision victory over Jordan Panthen in a catchweight bout in California on Friday. Curiel had been set for a rematch with Alexis Rocha before Rocha pulled out of their welterweight contest at short notice, forcing a reshuffle. Panthen commendably stepped in to fill the gap, and more than played his part in a contest that saw the two men go toe-to-toe in the ring. Ultimately, Curiel secured the triumph on points at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. The ten round bout ended with Curiel prevailing by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 98-92.
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Curiel defeats late replacement Panthen
Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen... Raul Curiel made the most of a late replacement bout with a unanimous decision victory over Jordan Panthen in a catchweight bout in California on Friday. Curiel had been set for a rematch with Alexis Rocha before Rocha pulled out of their welterweight contest at short notice, forcing a reshuffle. Panthen commendably stepped in to fill the gap, and more than played his part in a contest that saw the two men go toe-to-toe in the ring. Ultimately, Curiel secured the triumph on points at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. The ten round bout ended with Curiel prevailing by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 98-92.
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Weigh-in report from Philadelphia |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday night's King's Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia:
Dainier Pero 231 pounds -vs.- Mario Aguilar 262;
Lemir Riley -vs.- 234.2 -vs.- Joel Caudle 252.2;
Mekhi Phillips 134.2 -vs.- Yeuri Andujar 133.4;
Pryce Sparrow 145.9 -vs.- Eduado Hernandez Trejo 147.4;
Otabek Melikov 125.4-vs.- Jose Torres 123.8;
Josue Sosa 141.8 -vs.- Eduado Corona 141.2; and
Gabriel Colon 159.8 -vs.- Soslon Alborov 157.8.
First Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com
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Weigh-in report from Philadelphia
Here are the boxers' weights for Saturday night's King's Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia:
Dainier Pero 231 pounds -vs.- Mario Aguilar 262;
Lemir Riley -vs.- 234.2 -vs.- Joel Caudle 252.2;
Mekhi Phillips 134.2 -vs.- Yeuri Andujar 133.4;
Pryce Sparrow 145.9 -vs.- Eduado Hernandez Trejo 147.4;
Otabek Melikov 125.4-vs.- Jose Torres 123.8;
Josue Sosa 141.8 -vs.- Eduado Corona 141.2; and
Gabriel Colon 159.8 -vs.- Soslon Alborov 157.8.
First Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com
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Introducing Russian minimumweight Edmond Khudoyan |
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On January 30th in Moscow, Russia, Edmond Khudoyan will face undefeated Filipino Jeplex Quirante in a minimumweight contest. At 29 years old, Khudoyan firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite amateur minimumweights. His résumé includes a silver medal at the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai, where he dropped a tightly contested final to Azerbaijan’s Subhan Mamedov. The fight is being billed as Khudoyan's pro debut, although Boxingtalk recognizes his pro record to be 2-0 due to paid IBA fights. Khudoyan’s transition to the professional ranks has been one of the most anticipated moves in Russian boxing. However, his immediate focus has remained closely tied to the national team, following standout performances at the 2024 European Championships and his recent appearances on the world stage.
Across the ring, Quirante (6-0, 3 KOs) continues his steady climb through the Asian regional rankings. The 22 year-old Filipino is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Remark Antaran in July 2025, preserving his unbeaten record. Quirante embodies the classic Filipino fighting style: a high punch output, relentless pressure, and a tight, disciplined guard—tools he will look to use to spoil Khudoyan’s professional debut.
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Introducing Russian minimumweight Edmond Khudoyan
On January 30th in Moscow, Russia, Edmond Khudoyan will face undefeated Filipino Jeplex Quirante in a minimumweight contest. At 29 years old, Khudoyan firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite amateur minimumweights. His résumé includes a silver medal at the 2025 IBA World Championships in Dubai, where he dropped a tightly contested final to Azerbaijan’s Subhan Mamedov. The fight is being billed as Khudoyan's pro debut, although Boxingtalk recognizes his pro record to be 2-0 due to paid IBA fights. Khudoyan’s transition to the professional ranks has been one of the most anticipated moves in Russian boxing. However, his immediate focus has remained closely tied to the national team, following standout performances at the 2024 European Championships and his recent appearances on the world stage.
Across the ring, Quirante (6-0, 3 KOs) continues his steady climb through the Asian regional rankings. The 22 year-old Filipino is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Remark Antaran in July 2025, preserving his unbeaten record. Quirante embodies the classic Filipino fighting style: a high punch output, relentless pressure, and a tight, disciplined guard—tools he will look to use to spoil Khudoyan’s professional debut.
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Panthen steps in on one-day's notice to fight Curiel |
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There is a new main event on DAZN tonight (Friday) as Raul Curiel (16-0-1) will now face Jordan Panthen (11-1) in California after Alexis Rocha withdrew from an anticipated rematch with Curiel. Rocha struggled to cut weight on Wednesday and was subsequently hospitalized, forcing his exit from the welterweight clash. It marks a blow for both men, who managed just one fight between them in 2025 and had hoped to launch title bids with this fight. It means Panthen, who suffered his first loss in July against Farid Ngoga, has been drafted in for a 158-pound catchweight clash.
Curiel and Rocha previously faced off in a majority draw back in December 2024, a bout that slowed their title ambitions. The former knocked out Victor Rodriguez in June for his only bout last year, while the latter was absent from the ring due to injuries.
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Panthen steps in on one-day's notice to fight Curiel
There is a new main event on DAZN tonight (Friday) as Raul Curiel (16-0-1) will now face Jordan Panthen (11-1) in California after Alexis Rocha withdrew from an anticipated rematch with Curiel. Rocha struggled to cut weight on Wednesday and was subsequently hospitalized, forcing his exit from the welterweight clash. It marks a blow for both men, who managed just one fight between them in 2025 and had hoped to launch title bids with this fight. It means Panthen, who suffered his first loss in July against Farid Ngoga, has been drafted in for a 158-pound catchweight clash.
Curiel and Rocha previously faced off in a majority draw back in December 2024, a bout that slowed their title ambitions. The former knocked out Victor Rodriguez in June for his only bout last year, while the latter was absent from the ring due to injuries.
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Alvarez plans September return in Saudi Arabia |
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Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, announced what he called a "big, big fight" for September 12th in Saudi Arabia. In a video posted on social media on Thursday, standing next to Alalshikh were former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and promoter Richard Schaefer. Alalshikh said it would be the first Canelo Promotions show and would be called "Mexico Against the World." No opponent for Alvarez was named. A four-division champion, Alvarez's last fight saw him lose the undisputed world super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford, who has since announced his retirement.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 16, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, who bankrolled last weekend's Terence Crawford vs, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez world super middleweight championship fight, paid a visit to the now ex-champion, Alvarez, and tweeted the followjng: "I just visited the champ in his place. He will soon start his vacation with his family. He has two fights left with Riyadh Season in 2026. We offered him to work with us until he quits and retires. I want go give a special thank you to Canelo for the special gift. He gave me the gloves [from] the fight, and I appreciate it very much." SEPT. 15, 2025: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez issued this social media comment after his loss to Terence Crawford: "I feel very proud of everything I've achieved so far; we always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning. I am very grateful to my team for all the sa
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Alvarez plans September return in Saudi Arabia
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the most powerful man in boxing, announced what he called a "big, big fight" for September 12th in Saudi Arabia. In a video posted on social media on Thursday, standing next to Alalshikh were former multi-division champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and promoter Richard Schaefer. Alalshikh said it would be the first Canelo Promotions show and would be called "Mexico Against the World." No opponent for Alvarez was named. A four-division champion, Alvarez's last fight saw him lose the undisputed world super middleweight championship to Terence Crawford, who has since announced his retirement.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
SEPT. 16, 2025: Turki Alalshikh, who bankrolled last weekend's Terence Crawford vs, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez world super middleweight championship fight, paid a visit to the now ex-champion, Alvarez, and tweeted the followjng: "I just visited the champ in his place. He will soon start his vacation with his family. He has two fights left with Riyadh Season in 2026. We offered him to work with us until he quits and retires. I want go give a special thank you to Canelo for the special gift. He gave me the gloves [from] the fight, and I appreciate it very much." SEPT. 15, 2025: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez issued this social media comment after his loss to Terence Crawford: "I feel very proud of everything I've achieved so far; we always want to win, but I accept this defeat with humility and learning. I am very grateful to my team for all the sa
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Thorslund books ring return after tragedy |
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Denmark's Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring in her home country on January 31st against Brazil’s Lila Furtado (11-3, 2 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight title. Thorslund (pictured), previously the undisputed bantamweight champion, now fights under MVP Promotions. She vacated her titles earlier this year due to pregnancy. Following the heartbreaking loss of her baby, the Danish warrior has decided to channel her strength back into the sport. Returning in a new division, she moves up to 126 pounds to chase a new title. The winner will look to unify with the WBC full champion, Tiara Brown, in the near future. The event takes place in the city of Kolding and will be headlined by undefeated Jacob Bank against former champion William Scull.
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Thorslund books ring return after tragedy
Denmark's Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring in her home country on January 31st against Brazil’s Lila Furtado (11-3, 2 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight title. Thorslund (pictured), previously the undisputed bantamweight champion, now fights under MVP Promotions. She vacated her titles earlier this year due to pregnancy. Following the heartbreaking loss of her baby, the Danish warrior has decided to channel her strength back into the sport. Returning in a new division, she moves up to 126 pounds to chase a new title. The winner will look to unify with the WBC full champion, Tiara Brown, in the near future. The event takes place in the city of Kolding and will be headlined by undefeated Jacob Bank against former champion William Scull.
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A few words with WBA champ Abass Barou |
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WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Barou is once again embracing his road warrior status. Baraou, who was born in Germany and is of Togolese descent, will attempt to unify titles against Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champ Xander Zayas on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Zayas' hometown of San Juan. The 31-year-old believes his ability to adapt, not the partisan Zayas crowd, will dictate how the fight unfolds. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) entered the paid ranks in 2018 after a standout amateur career, spending much of the next seven years plying his trade, mostly in Europe. The groundwork paid off last August in Orlando, Florida, when he overwhelmed then-WBA interim champion Yoenis Tellez, scoring a final-round knockdown en route to a unanimous points verdict. The following month, Baraou was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and became a world champion less than two months shy of his 23rd birthday by decisioning Mexican puncher Jorge Garcia last July. He now headlines only the second-ever title unification fight on Puerto Rican soil.
Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Baraou had to say:
“I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best. But it also depends on the situation. I can also show more skills.”
“Coming forward is something I do well. Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight. But we’ll see. That might be the key in this fight. We’ll see on fight night.”
“Becoming a champion has made me hungrier. It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”
“Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills. I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I've put the work in, and I'm ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion."
"I will always be myself in the ring. Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals. The fight is in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t add more pressure.”
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A few words with WBA champ Abass Barou
WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Barou is once again embracing his road warrior status. Baraou, who was born in Germany and is of Togolese descent, will attempt to unify titles against Puerto Rican sensation and WBO champ Xander Zayas on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Zayas' hometown of San Juan. The 31-year-old believes his ability to adapt, not the partisan Zayas crowd, will dictate how the fight unfolds. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) entered the paid ranks in 2018 after a standout amateur career, spending much of the next seven years plying his trade, mostly in Europe. The groundwork paid off last August in Orlando, Florida, when he overwhelmed then-WBA interim champion Yoenis Tellez, scoring a final-round knockdown en route to a unanimous points verdict. The following month, Baraou was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the title.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and became a world champion less than two months shy of his 23rd birthday by decisioning Mexican puncher Jorge Garcia last July. He now headlines only the second-ever title unification fight on Puerto Rican soil.
Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Baraou had to say:
“I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best. But it also depends on the situation. I can also show more skills.”
“Coming forward is something I do well. Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight. But we’ll see. That might be the key in this fight. We’ll see on fight night.”
“Becoming a champion has made me hungrier. It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”
“Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills. I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I've put the work in, and I'm ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion."
"I will always be myself in the ring. Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals. The fight is in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t add more pressure.”
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Introducing California bantamweight Chantel Navarro |
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Wise Owl Boxing is proud to announce the signing of undefeated professional bantamweight Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro. A Glendale, California native, Navarro brings an amateur background, proven drawing power, and mainstream appeal to the Wise Owl roster. She comes from deep-rooted boxing bloodlines and has been surrounded by the sport from an early age. Navarro is trained by her father, Nacho Navarro, alongside respected trainer Eddie Arrazola, a team that has helped shape her disciplined, high-level skill set. Wise Owls says that Navarro (7-0) has already established herself as a ticket seller and fan favorite, consistently bringing strong crowds and attention to her bouts. Her growing star power extends beyond the ring — she is one of the youngest female athletes to sign and be endorsed by Nike underscoring her crossover appeal and marketability.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Chantel Navarro to Wise Owl Boxing,” said the company’s CEO Mark Habibi. “She’s an accomplished prospect with deep boxing bloodlines, a tremendous work ethic, and real star power. Chantel is already a proven draw and big ticket seller, and we believe her best years are still ahead of her. She fits perfectly with the championship culture we’re building here.”
With her strong foundation, elite training team, and growing national profile, Navarro is poised to become one of the premier names in women’s boxing. Wise Owl Boxing plans to move her strategically while continuing to build her brand both inside and outside the ring.
Navarro now joins an elite Wise Owl Boxing stable that includes junior middleweight contender Brandon Adams ,Olympic standout Charles Conwell and decorated Mexican Olympian Briandra Tamara Cruz.
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Introducing California bantamweight Chantel Navarro
Wise Owl Boxing is proud to announce the signing of undefeated professional bantamweight Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro. A Glendale, California native, Navarro brings an amateur background, proven drawing power, and mainstream appeal to the Wise Owl roster. She comes from deep-rooted boxing bloodlines and has been surrounded by the sport from an early age. Navarro is trained by her father, Nacho Navarro, alongside respected trainer Eddie Arrazola, a team that has helped shape her disciplined, high-level skill set. Wise Owls says that Navarro (7-0) has already established herself as a ticket seller and fan favorite, consistently bringing strong crowds and attention to her bouts. Her growing star power extends beyond the ring — she is one of the youngest female athletes to sign and be endorsed by Nike underscoring her crossover appeal and marketability.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Chantel Navarro to Wise Owl Boxing,” said the company’s CEO Mark Habibi. “She’s an accomplished prospect with deep boxing bloodlines, a tremendous work ethic, and real star power. Chantel is already a proven draw and big ticket seller, and we believe her best years are still ahead of her. She fits perfectly with the championship culture we’re building here.”
With her strong foundation, elite training team, and growing national profile, Navarro is poised to become one of the premier names in women’s boxing. Wise Owl Boxing plans to move her strategically while continuing to build her brand both inside and outside the ring.
Navarro now joins an elite Wise Owl Boxing stable that includes junior middleweight contender Brandon Adams ,Olympic standout Charles Conwell and decorated Mexican Olympian Briandra Tamara Cruz.
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The Greatest postage stamps debut today |
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Today (Jan. 15th), the U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” with two stamps. Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked.” Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring. The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. It will take place in Ali's hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.
Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.
Muhammad Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”
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The Greatest postage stamps debut today
Today (Jan. 15th), the U.S. Postal Service will honor Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” with two stamps. Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked.” Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, KY, Ali was known across the globe as a champion in and beyond the boxing ring. The first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps is free and open to the public. It will take place in Ali's hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion. In his life, he challenged the best fighters in the world — and the world itself. At a time when African Americans fought to have a voice, he spoke loud and clear about his beliefs, defying expectations and empowering people around the world on his way to becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon.
Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. That same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.
Muhammad Ali’s life was defined not only by his victories but by his conviction, generosity and enduring belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people everywhere, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest.”
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Zayas pre-unification training camp report |
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WBO 154-pound champion Xander Zayas is focused on making history. The 23 year-old Puerto Rican will face Germany's relentless WBA king Abass Baraou in a unification showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31st, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in his hometown of San Juan. ayas-Baraou marks just the second unification clash ever held on the island and gives Zayas the opportunity to become the youngest active unified champ and the first Boricua to do it on home turf. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) realized his lifelong dream of becoming a champion by outpointing Jorge Garcia last July, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) turned professional in 2018 after a decorated amateur career. He seized the WBA interim title with an upset of Cuba's Yoenis Tellez last August and was elevated to full champion the following month. Baraou closed the show against Tellez with a furious twelfth-round assault that culminated in a dramatic knockdown. Following a recent training session at head trainer Javiel Centeno's Sweatbox Boxing Gym, this is what Zayas had to say:
“This is the best opportunity of my career, not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home in front of my people. It’s been five years, and I’ve wanted to return ever since, but I knew I had to wait for the right moment. Now it’s here on January 31, when I return as a world champion.”
“I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That’s really important to me because I want to keep making history and building my legacy. ”
“Everybody is used to seeing champions take softer touches for their first defense. But because I’m going back to my island, I needed to do something big and give something special to the fans. Baraou is also making his first defense, so we’ll see two young fighters who want to show that big unification fights are still possible.”
“Baraou is a good, aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because he’s not well known in the United States, but I’ve shared the ring with him several times in sparring. I know what he brings, and he knows what I bring, so it’s going to be a big test for both of us on January 31.”
“We’ve prepared for a warrior, someone who won’t stop coming forward. We know he’s going to throw a lot of punches. He’s not a better boxer, faster, smarter, or stronger, but he does have a lot of heart.”
“This is the best camp of my career. I’ve grown so much physically and mentally. I can see it in how I look when I spar, how I feel during training, and how hard I’m pushing myself. It's time to make history!”
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Zayas pre-unification training camp report
WBO 154-pound champion Xander Zayas is focused on making history. The 23 year-old Puerto Rican will face Germany's relentless WBA king Abass Baraou in a unification showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31st, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in his hometown of San Juan. ayas-Baraou marks just the second unification clash ever held on the island and gives Zayas the opportunity to become the youngest active unified champ and the first Boricua to do it on home turf. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketera.com. Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) realized his lifelong dream of becoming a champion by outpointing Jorge Garcia last July, becoming the youngest world champion at the time. Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) turned professional in 2018 after a decorated amateur career. He seized the WBA interim title with an upset of Cuba's Yoenis Tellez last August and was elevated to full champion the following month. Baraou closed the show against Tellez with a furious twelfth-round assault that culminated in a dramatic knockdown. Following a recent training session at head trainer Javiel Centeno's Sweatbox Boxing Gym, this is what Zayas had to say:
“This is the best opportunity of my career, not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home in front of my people. It’s been five years, and I’ve wanted to return ever since, but I knew I had to wait for the right moment. Now it’s here on January 31, when I return as a world champion.”
“I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That’s really important to me because I want to keep making history and building my legacy. ”
“Everybody is used to seeing champions take softer touches for their first defense. But because I’m going back to my island, I needed to do something big and give something special to the fans. Baraou is also making his first defense, so we’ll see two young fighters who want to show that big unification fights are still possible.”
“Baraou is a good, aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because he’s not well known in the United States, but I’ve shared the ring with him several times in sparring. I know what he brings, and he knows what I bring, so it’s going to be a big test for both of us on January 31.”
“We’ve prepared for a warrior, someone who won’t stop coming forward. We know he’s going to throw a lot of punches. He’s not a better boxer, faster, smarter, or stronger, but he does have a lot of heart.”
“This is the best camp of my career. I’ve grown so much physically and mentally. I can see it in how I look when I spar, how I feel during training, and how hard I’m pushing myself. It's time to make history!”
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Ruslan Abdullaev being moved quickly as a pro |
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Tomorrow (January 16th), the bright lights of Palm Springs, California, will shine on a matchup that could help shape the future of the junior welterweight division. Rising Uzbek standout Ruslan Abdullaev will take on seasoned Uruguayan veteran Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu. Abdullaev (3-0, 1 KO) enters the bout carrying the label of a “future star.” Following an outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games, the 23-year old has made a seamless transition into the professional ranks.
Now training in the Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev has shown a level of poise and ring IQ that belies his limited pro résumé. In his most recent outing in September 2025, he thoroughly outclassed Kevin Johnson, making it clear that his technical polish and punch volume are already operating at a championship level.
Standing in his way is Abreu (14-1-1, 10 KOs), a rugged test who sees this fight as the opportunity of a lifetime on U.S. soil. The 37 year-old Uruguayan is a battle-tested veteran of the South American circuit, armed with respectable power that has accounted for most of his opponents inside the distance. Known for his come-forward style and ability to absorb punishment, Abreu is aiming to deliver one of the year’s biggest upsets.
Abdullaev’s footwork and hand speed could overwhelm Abreu in the early rounds, but this will be the first time the Uzbek prospect faces a rival with Abreu’s durability, savvy, and edge in a scheduled ten-round contest.
Fighting essentially on his adopted home turf, Abdullaev will enjoy a psychological edge and strong local support as he looks to take another decisive step forward in his rapid ascent.
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Ruslan Abdullaev being moved quickly as a pro
Tomorrow (January 16th), the bright lights of Palm Springs, California, will shine on a matchup that could help shape the future of the junior welterweight division. Rising Uzbek standout Ruslan Abdullaev will take on seasoned Uruguayan veteran Eduardo “El Verdugo” Abreu. Abdullaev (3-0, 1 KO) enters the bout carrying the label of a “future star.” Following an outstanding amateur career that saw him crowned world champion in 2023 and represent Uzbekistan at the 2024 Olympic Games, the 23-year old has made a seamless transition into the professional ranks.
Now training in the Coachella Valley alongside the Díaz brothers, Abdullaev has shown a level of poise and ring IQ that belies his limited pro résumé. In his most recent outing in September 2025, he thoroughly outclassed Kevin Johnson, making it clear that his technical polish and punch volume are already operating at a championship level.
Standing in his way is Abreu (14-1-1, 10 KOs), a rugged test who sees this fight as the opportunity of a lifetime on U.S. soil. The 37 year-old Uruguayan is a battle-tested veteran of the South American circuit, armed with respectable power that has accounted for most of his opponents inside the distance. Known for his come-forward style and ability to absorb punishment, Abreu is aiming to deliver one of the year’s biggest upsets.
Abdullaev’s footwork and hand speed could overwhelm Abreu in the early rounds, but this will be the first time the Uzbek prospect faces a rival with Abreu’s durability, savvy, and edge in a scheduled ten-round contest.
Fighting essentially on his adopted home turf, Abdullaev will enjoy a psychological edge and strong local support as he looks to take another decisive step forward in his rapid ascent.
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Flores vs. Chavez II on tap for Friday |
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On January 16th, the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert will host a rematch between Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores and Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez, as the two super banamweights look to break the deadlock that left fans wanting more last summer. Their first encounter, held in July 2025, ended in a majority draw. One judge scored the bout 97-93 for Chávez, while the other two turned in identical 95-95 cards Flores, the hometown favorite with a record of 20-1-1 and 16 knockouts, controlled the early rounds with his trademark power, but faded down the stretch as Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) took over with higher punch output and sharp lateral movement. Still unbeaten, Chávez has been vocal about feeling he was “robbed” of a victory the first time around.
The rematch shapes up as a classic stylistic clash. The left-handed puncher Flores must prove he has made the necessary conditioning adjustments to avoid giving ground in the later rounds. His power remains his greatest weapon, but his defense came under scrutiny in their first meeting.
Chávez, meanwhile, showed he can absorb Flores’ heavy shots and fire back with fast, fluid combinations. This time, his stated goal is to leave no doubt and keep the judges out of the equation.
“This time there will be no doubts. I learned a lot from the first fight, and I’m going to show why I’m the best super bantamweight in the region,” Flores said during training camp.
Chávez has been just as direct on social media: “He knows he lost the first one. In Palm Springs, the belt is coming home with me.”
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Flores vs. Chavez II on tap for Friday
On January 16th, the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert will host a rematch between Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores and Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez, as the two super banamweights look to break the deadlock that left fans wanting more last summer. Their first encounter, held in July 2025, ended in a majority draw. One judge scored the bout 97-93 for Chávez, while the other two turned in identical 95-95 cards Flores, the hometown favorite with a record of 20-1-1 and 16 knockouts, controlled the early rounds with his trademark power, but faded down the stretch as Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) took over with higher punch output and sharp lateral movement. Still unbeaten, Chávez has been vocal about feeling he was “robbed” of a victory the first time around.
The rematch shapes up as a classic stylistic clash. The left-handed puncher Flores must prove he has made the necessary conditioning adjustments to avoid giving ground in the later rounds. His power remains his greatest weapon, but his defense came under scrutiny in their first meeting.
Chávez, meanwhile, showed he can absorb Flores’ heavy shots and fire back with fast, fluid combinations. This time, his stated goal is to leave no doubt and keep the judges out of the equation.
“This time there will be no doubts. I learned a lot from the first fight, and I’m going to show why I’m the best super bantamweight in the region,” Flores said during training camp.
Chávez has been just as direct on social media: “He knows he lost the first one. In Palm Springs, the belt is coming home with me.”
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Elif Nur Turhan books first title defense |
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IBF women's lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan has signed a multi-fight extension to remain with Matchroom Boxing. She will make the first defense of her title on Saturday, January 31st in Newcastle, England, live on DAZN. The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte Carlo with a fifth-round demolition job over Brazil’s then-unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.
Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF 154-pound championship clash with the North-East’s own Josh Kelley.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135-pound division. “Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn. “I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing.
“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU 130-pound championship in Newcastle. Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”
Heavyweight Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and cruiserweight Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks. Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, hometown super bantamweight Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0. And don’t blink as we look forward to a North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area lightweight title.
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Elif Nur Turhan books first title defense
IBF women's lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan has signed a multi-fight extension to remain with Matchroom Boxing. She will make the first defense of her title on Saturday, January 31st in Newcastle, England, live on DAZN. The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte Carlo with a fifth-round demolition job over Brazil’s then-unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.
Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF 154-pound championship clash with the North-East’s own Josh Kelley.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135-pound division. “Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn. “I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing.
“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”
Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU 130-pound championship in Newcastle. Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”
Heavyweight Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and cruiserweight Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks. Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, hometown super bantamweight Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0. And don’t blink as we look forward to a North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area lightweight title.
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Weigh-in report from New Jersey |
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Here are the boxers' weights for Thursday Night's card at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey:
Shinard Bunch 143.8 pounds -vs.- John Paul Magalong 144.4;
Jean Pierre Valencia 158.2 -vs.- Kenneth James 158.4;
Daniel Bean 257.4 -vs.- Michael Cserenyi 238.4;
Cornelius Mitchell 240 -vs.- Marquel McMillan 223.8;
Tunde Fatiregun 198.4 -vs.- Dejon Farrell-Francis 198;
Calvery Harris 131 -vs.- Ryan Mondala 131.5 and
Juan Davilla 139 -vs.- Stephen Barbee 135.4.
Promoter: CB Promotions
First Bell: 7:30 PM ET
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Weigh-in report from New Jersey
Here are the boxers' weights for Thursday Night's card at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey:
Shinard Bunch 143.8 pounds -vs.- John Paul Magalong 144.4;
Jean Pierre Valencia 158.2 -vs.- Kenneth James 158.4;
Daniel Bean 257.4 -vs.- Michael Cserenyi 238.4;
Cornelius Mitchell 240 -vs.- Marquel McMillan 223.8;
Tunde Fatiregun 198.4 -vs.- Dejon Farrell-Francis 198;
Calvery Harris 131 -vs.- Ryan Mondala 131.5 and
Juan Davilla 139 -vs.- Stephen Barbee 135.4.
Promoter: CB Promotions
First Bell: 7:30 PM ET
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Dalton Smith celebrates his title win |
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Dalton Smith is the new WBC 140-pound champion after a spectacular stoppage win over Subriel Matias in Brooklyn. Smith started brilliantly in the opening round of the fight at the Barclays Center, and was happy to trade with the fearsome Puerto Rican ruler as the fight caught fire early, but as the fifth round entered it’s final minute, Smith unleashed an assault punctuated with three right hands that robbed the champion of his senses and sent him to the canvas. The defending champion was able to beat the count but was in no position to continue, and Britain had a new world champion under stunning circumstances. “There are no words,” said Smith. “A lifelong dream, hard work and sacrifice, it’s all for this moment. My Dad, my Granddad, all my family, we’ve all worked for this and I always believed. It’s a message to anyone that if you believe in yourself, you can go out and achieve your dreams.
“I heard some people say that Dalton Smith ain’t tough. I gave my Dad a bit of a heart attack in there as that wasn’t the game plan, but I took all his best shots and thought ‘you can’t hurt me.’ He was slowing down so I thought ‘persevere, persevere, and I’ll get you.’ We had plan A, B and C, and at world level you have to do it all. It’s not going to sink in for a long time but we always knew this would happen. We had everything against us for this fight. The build up, the testing and so on. But I knew that this was my moment and my opportunity, and that you could throw anything at me. I’ve got the best team around me, the best promoter in the world, and it’s a win for us all. Show me the money! Let me enjoy this moment now, I’m going to embrace it, and the future is bright.”
For promoter Eddie Hearn, Smith joins the likes of Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor as fighters he has guided to World title glory from debut, and the proud promoter put the Big Apple night right at the top of the magical away days that he’s enjoyed in the sport. “You talk about Darren Barker against Daniel Geale, Kell Brook against Shawn Porter, honestly, that beats everything – that’s the greatest away win I’ve ever witnessed,” saidHearn. “Dalton is a hero. You have to box with Matias, you saw that from Liam Paro, but Matias was on tonight, he was red hot, and he didn’t allow Dalton to box.
“So Dalton decided to fight Matias at his own game, which is the worst idea you can have – he’s never been hurt, he’s never been down – and he battered him, put him down, in New York to become the latest British world champion. The kid is a hero and there’s a new superstar in the sport of boxing and his name is Dalton Smith.
“He boxed lovely in the first round and then all of a sudden he’s getting hurt, he’s cut, but he stayed trading with him. They were both getting tired, but Dalton hit him to the body about a minute before the stoppage and really hurt him, and then the right hands landed and that’s all she wrote – that is what dreams are made of.
“We knew Dalton was a star, but to do that on the World stage in New York and in that style. People were talking about this fight and that fight, Adam Azim and the like, Dalton Smith has gone out and accepted the boogeyman, met him head on in New York and stopped Subriel Matias to become the World champion – put some respect on his name.”
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Dalton Smith celebrates his title win
Dalton Smith is the new WBC 140-pound champion after a spectacular stoppage win over Subriel Matias in Brooklyn. Smith started brilliantly in the opening round of the fight at the Barclays Center, and was happy to trade with the fearsome Puerto Rican ruler as the fight caught fire early, but as the fifth round entered it’s final minute, Smith unleashed an assault punctuated with three right hands that robbed the champion of his senses and sent him to the canvas. The defending champion was able to beat the count but was in no position to continue, and Britain had a new world champion under stunning circumstances. “There are no words,” said Smith. “A lifelong dream, hard work and sacrifice, it’s all for this moment. My Dad, my Granddad, all my family, we’ve all worked for this and I always believed. It’s a message to anyone that if you believe in yourself, you can go out and achieve your dreams.
“I heard some people say that Dalton Smith ain’t tough. I gave my Dad a bit of a heart attack in there as that wasn’t the game plan, but I took all his best shots and thought ‘you can’t hurt me.’ He was slowing down so I thought ‘persevere, persevere, and I’ll get you.’ We had plan A, B and C, and at world level you have to do it all. It’s not going to sink in for a long time but we always knew this would happen. We had everything against us for this fight. The build up, the testing and so on. But I knew that this was my moment and my opportunity, and that you could throw anything at me. I’ve got the best team around me, the best promoter in the world, and it’s a win for us all. Show me the money! Let me enjoy this moment now, I’m going to embrace it, and the future is bright.”
For promoter Eddie Hearn, Smith joins the likes of Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor as fighters he has guided to World title glory from debut, and the proud promoter put the Big Apple night right at the top of the magical away days that he’s enjoyed in the sport. “You talk about Darren Barker against Daniel Geale, Kell Brook against Shawn Porter, honestly, that beats everything – that’s the greatest away win I’ve ever witnessed,” saidHearn. “Dalton is a hero. You have to box with Matias, you saw that from Liam Paro, but Matias was on tonight, he was red hot, and he didn’t allow Dalton to box.
“So Dalton decided to fight Matias at his own game, which is the worst idea you can have – he’s never been hurt, he’s never been down – and he battered him, put him down, in New York to become the latest British world champion. The kid is a hero and there’s a new superstar in the sport of boxing and his name is Dalton Smith.
“He boxed lovely in the first round and then all of a sudden he’s getting hurt, he’s cut, but he stayed trading with him. They were both getting tired, but Dalton hit him to the body about a minute before the stoppage and really hurt him, and then the right hands landed and that’s all she wrote – that is what dreams are made of.
“We knew Dalton was a star, but to do that on the World stage in New York and in that style. People were talking about this fight and that fight, Adam Azim and the like, Dalton Smith has gone out and accepted the boogeyman, met him head on in New York and stopped Subriel Matias to become the World champion – put some respect on his name.”
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Iriarte to face De Los Santos this weekend |
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Welterweight Joel Iriarte will square off against Jireh De Los Santos this Friday night, as part of a Golden Boy Promotions card at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, Palm Desert, California. The 22 year-old Iriarte will meet the 23 year-old De Los Santos. Iriarte enters the bout as a hard-hitting unbeaten fighter who has steamrolled nearly every opponent placed in front of him. The Woodland Hills, California native last fought on September 20th, when he defeated Eduardo Hernández Trejo, and after several months of rest, he says he is fully prepared to return for his tenth pro fight. De Los Santos, meanwhile, comes off a draw against Javier Vargas in May of last year, which marked his lone appearance in 2025. Now, he finds himself facing a major opportunity on a big stage and is eager to seize it with an upset performance. Iriarte steps into the ring with a record of 9-0, 8 KOs, while De Los Santos brings a ledger of 14 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws, and 5 knockouts.
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Iriarte to face De Los Santos this weekend
Welterweight Joel Iriarte will square off against Jireh De Los Santos this Friday night, as part of a Golden Boy Promotions card at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, Palm Desert, California. The 22 year-old Iriarte will meet the 23 year-old De Los Santos. Iriarte enters the bout as a hard-hitting unbeaten fighter who has steamrolled nearly every opponent placed in front of him. The Woodland Hills, California native last fought on September 20th, when he defeated Eduardo Hernández Trejo, and after several months of rest, he says he is fully prepared to return for his tenth pro fight. De Los Santos, meanwhile, comes off a draw against Javier Vargas in May of last year, which marked his lone appearance in 2025. Now, he finds himself facing a major opportunity on a big stage and is eager to seize it with an upset performance. Iriarte steps into the ring with a record of 9-0, 8 KOs, while De Los Santos brings a ledger of 14 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws, and 5 knockouts.
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ProBox TV coming to Maryland on Jan. 30th |
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On Friday, January 30th at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Maryland, ProBoxTV will present another night of 50/50 matchups (live 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT). Presented by Lamont Roach Sr.'s NoXcuse Promotions, the ten-round junior welterweight main event matches Bryan “Nino Maravilla” Flores (27-1-1, 16 KOs) of Juarez, Mexico against Dominican southpaw Starling “El Poli” Castillo (20-1-1, 13 KOs). In the ten-round co-feature, respected featherweight contender Sulaiman “The Ruler” Segawa (18-5-1, 7 KOs) out of Maryland but originally from Uganda, will face Rene “Zurdo” Palacios (18-0-1, 10 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico.
“I’m excited about starting the year off with a bang,” said ProBoxTV's founder and CEO, Garry Jonas. “I know Bryan Flores is a high-level 140-lb. fighter. His only loss was a controversial decision to Lindolfo Delgado. If you consider Delgado a top guy, arguably Flores beat him. He’s right there as a top guy. He’s fighting another top guy in Starling Castillo who last time out was dominant over Shinard Bunch. We’re happy they both decided to take this fight, and it will be another typical ProBoxTV fight between two guys who arguably could be ranked in the top ten going at each other in a 50/50 fun fight.”
“Segawa was super impressive against Bryan Acosta, a guy who gave Ramon Cardenas a hard time,” continued Jonas. “And before that fight, a lot of people think he beat Shu Shu Carrington. Segawa is a sleeper in the division. Despite having five losses, he might be the most dangerous threat to win a belt in the division. He’s 35, but after his performance against those two guys, I don’t know what he’s eating or drinking, but all fighters wish they could get a hold of it. This guy is a dark horse in the division taking on an undefeated guy who is a tough hombre. It’s going to be another exciting action fight and the epitome of ProBoxTV.”
In a ten-round supporting bout, lightweight Jordan White (19-2, 12 KOs) of Washington DC will face an opponent that is TBA. Tickets to attend ProBoxTV’s “The Contender Series” in person at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland are available from axs.com
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ProBox TV coming to Maryland on Jan. 30th
On Friday, January 30th at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Maryland, ProBoxTV will present another night of 50/50 matchups (live 7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT). Presented by Lamont Roach Sr.'s NoXcuse Promotions, the ten-round junior welterweight main event matches Bryan “Nino Maravilla” Flores (27-1-1, 16 KOs) of Juarez, Mexico against Dominican southpaw Starling “El Poli” Castillo (20-1-1, 13 KOs). In the ten-round co-feature, respected featherweight contender Sulaiman “The Ruler” Segawa (18-5-1, 7 KOs) out of Maryland but originally from Uganda, will face Rene “Zurdo” Palacios (18-0-1, 10 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico.
“I’m excited about starting the year off with a bang,” said ProBoxTV's founder and CEO, Garry Jonas. “I know Bryan Flores is a high-level 140-lb. fighter. His only loss was a controversial decision to Lindolfo Delgado. If you consider Delgado a top guy, arguably Flores beat him. He’s right there as a top guy. He’s fighting another top guy in Starling Castillo who last time out was dominant over Shinard Bunch. We’re happy they both decided to take this fight, and it will be another typical ProBoxTV fight between two guys who arguably could be ranked in the top ten going at each other in a 50/50 fun fight.”
“Segawa was super impressive against Bryan Acosta, a guy who gave Ramon Cardenas a hard time,” continued Jonas. “And before that fight, a lot of people think he beat Shu Shu Carrington. Segawa is a sleeper in the division. Despite having five losses, he might be the most dangerous threat to win a belt in the division. He’s 35, but after his performance against those two guys, I don’t know what he’s eating or drinking, but all fighters wish they could get a hold of it. This guy is a dark horse in the division taking on an undefeated guy who is a tough hombre. It’s going to be another exciting action fight and the epitome of ProBoxTV.”
In a ten-round supporting bout, lightweight Jordan White (19-2, 12 KOs) of Washington DC will face an opponent that is TBA. Tickets to attend ProBoxTV’s “The Contender Series” in person at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland are available from axs.com
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Introducing Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan |
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2024 World Youth champion Adam Olaniyan has joined forces with Frank Warren and Queensberry ahead of his forthcoming professional debut in Dublin on March 14th, live on DAZN. The Irishman, age 19, from Tallaght, is the newest addition to the Queensberry heavyweight battalion and the two-time European gold medalist will be trained by the veteran coach Paul Stevenson at the fabled Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, where he will work alongside the likes of Nick Ball and Andrew Cain. A seven-time national champion, Olaniyan will enjoy performing on a huge platform for his debut, taking his place on the card at the 3Arena headlined by the WBA junior lightweight title showdown between Jazza Dickens and Anthony Cacace.
“I’m delighted to be getting my professional journey underway and no better place to do it than at home in Dublin,” said Olaniyan. “This felt like the right time to make the switch to the pros and it's great to be doing that with the backing of Frank Warren and Queensberry. They really are the home of the heavyweights right now so it's the perfect place for me to develop.
“I’m obviously still very young and I know I will have to serve my apprenticeship as a pro but I've already proved as an amateur that I can be the best in the world and of course the goal remains the same as a professional. I want to become Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion and bring all those belts back to Dublin and the road to that starts in Dublin on March 14th.”
Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is delighted to add another young talent to his elite heavyweight force. “I am thrilled to bring Adam to Queensberry, and he is clearly a very special and gifted young heavyweight who excelled as an amateur. It is the perfect time for him to turn professional and make himself known throughout the world at the time when the heavyweights are dominating the boxing landscape. Every fighter is different and we will bring Adam along at the correct pace and make sure he gets all the experience he needs. He is with a top trainer in Paul and the environment in his gym will bring the very best out of him and see to it that Ireland will have a heavyweight star to be proud of.”
"We have a very talented young heavyweight in Adam Olaniyan, added Paul Stevenson. “Adam has the pedigree and potential to really make his mark. He's still very young at 19 but is learning fast already and we all have very high hopes for him.”
Olaniyan will be managed by Brian Peters, the hugely experienced Irish fight figure, probably best known for his work with boxing icon Katie Taylor. “Adam is an incredibly exciting talent and the world is his oyster,” predicted Peters. “Of course we have to be conscious of his age and take our time with his development, but he has all the attributes to become the first Irish born World Heavyweight Champion.”
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Introducing Irish heavyweight Adam Olaniyan
2024 World Youth champion Adam Olaniyan has joined forces with Frank Warren and Queensberry ahead of his forthcoming professional debut in Dublin on March 14th, live on DAZN. The Irishman, age 19, from Tallaght, is the newest addition to the Queensberry heavyweight battalion and the two-time European gold medalist will be trained by the veteran coach Paul Stevenson at the fabled Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, where he will work alongside the likes of Nick Ball and Andrew Cain. A seven-time national champion, Olaniyan will enjoy performing on a huge platform for his debut, taking his place on the card at the 3Arena headlined by the WBA junior lightweight title showdown between Jazza Dickens and Anthony Cacace.
“I’m delighted to be getting my professional journey underway and no better place to do it than at home in Dublin,” said Olaniyan. “This felt like the right time to make the switch to the pros and it's great to be doing that with the backing of Frank Warren and Queensberry. They really are the home of the heavyweights right now so it's the perfect place for me to develop.
“I’m obviously still very young and I know I will have to serve my apprenticeship as a pro but I've already proved as an amateur that I can be the best in the world and of course the goal remains the same as a professional. I want to become Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion and bring all those belts back to Dublin and the road to that starts in Dublin on March 14th.”
Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is delighted to add another young talent to his elite heavyweight force. “I am thrilled to bring Adam to Queensberry, and he is clearly a very special and gifted young heavyweight who excelled as an amateur. It is the perfect time for him to turn professional and make himself known throughout the world at the time when the heavyweights are dominating the boxing landscape. Every fighter is different and we will bring Adam along at the correct pace and make sure he gets all the experience he needs. He is with a top trainer in Paul and the environment in his gym will bring the very best out of him and see to it that Ireland will have a heavyweight star to be proud of.”
"We have a very talented young heavyweight in Adam Olaniyan, added Paul Stevenson. “Adam has the pedigree and potential to really make his mark. He's still very young at 19 but is learning fast already and we all have very high hopes for him.”
Olaniyan will be managed by Brian Peters, the hugely experienced Irish fight figure, probably best known for his work with boxing icon Katie Taylor. “Adam is an incredibly exciting talent and the world is his oyster,” predicted Peters. “Of course we have to be conscious of his age and take our time with his development, but he has all the attributes to become the first Irish born World Heavyweight Champion.”
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Itauma injury pushes Franklin fight back to March |
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Queensberry Promotions reports: "Heavyweight contender Moses Itauma has sustained an injury in camp and therefore the Magnificent 7 show has been re-scheduled for March 28th. Itauma [was injured during training] camp for his fight with Jermaine Franklin on 24th January. Due to this the whole Magnificent 7 show has been. Postponed and moved to the new date of March 28th at the Co-op Live in Manchester, [England.]" In August, Itauma, age twenty at the time, graduated from prospect to heavyweight contender with a one-round destruction of Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia.
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Itauma injury pushes Franklin fight back to March
Queensberry Promotions reports: "Heavyweight contender Moses Itauma has sustained an injury in camp and therefore the Magnificent 7 show has been re-scheduled for March 28th. Itauma [was injured during training] camp for his fight with Jermaine Franklin on 24th January. Due to this the whole Magnificent 7 show has been. Postponed and moved to the new date of March 28th at the Co-op Live in Manchester, [England.]" In August, Itauma, age twenty at the time, graduated from prospect to heavyweight contender with a one-round destruction of Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia.
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Carrington and Castro to vie for vacant 126-pound title |
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The WBC will crown a new 126-pound champion on January 31st, when Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) faces Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs) in New York City on the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson undercard at Madison Square Garden. Carrington, a New Yorker, is the current WBC interim champion, a belt he captured in July of last year with a victory over Mateus Heita. Castro's last fight was a split decision loss to Stephen Fulton in 2024. The title became vacant when Fulton moved up in weight and lost to O'Shaquie Foster, the WBC junior lightweight champ.
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Carrington and Castro to vie for vacant 126-pound title
The WBC will crown a new 126-pound champion on January 31st, when Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) faces Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs) in New York City on the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson undercard at Madison Square Garden. Carrington, a New Yorker, is the current WBC interim champion, a belt he captured in July of last year with a victory over Mateus Heita. Castro's last fight was a split decision loss to Stephen Fulton in 2024. The title became vacant when Fulton moved up in weight and lost to O'Shaquie Foster, the WBC junior lightweight champ.
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IBF sets purse bid for Sanchez vs. Torrez eliminator |
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With ex-champion Daniel Dubois passing on the opportunity to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF heavyweight eliminator, on December 2, 2025, the IBF ordered Richard Torrez, Jr. to begin negotiations with Sanchez for the IBF #1 ranking. An agreement was not reached during the time frame set forth by the IBF, so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for January 22nd. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). In that fight, Sanchez was in the ring for the first time since a seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Torres, a 2021 Olympic silver medal winner, is14-0 as a professional.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
NOV. 13, 2025: The IBF has postponed a Frank Sanchez vs. Daniel Dubois purse for one week. It was scheduled for today (November 13th) but has been postponed to November 20th. If the bout occurs, it will be a heavyweight elimination bout. The e-mail stated, "the IBF is continuing in its efforts to schedule a heavyweight elimination bout."
NOV. 4, 2025: In August, a purse bid was held for a fight between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba, but the bids were not high enough to entice the boxers to accept, particularly Ajagba. The IBF moved on to a fromer champion, ordering Sanchez to begin negotiations with Daniel Dubois on October 7th. Dubois' last fight was a KO loss in a unification fight vs. the true world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Normally, the IBF does not invite a boxer coming off a knockout loss to take part in an eliminator, but apparently an exception was made for Dubois. In any event, no agreement was reached between Sanchez and Dubois so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for November 13th. It remains to be seen whether Dubois will be interested in a fight vs. the Cuban Sanchez. After a 2024 loss to Agit Kabayel, Sanchez had one very low-level fight in 2025, beating a man with a losing record in February.
AUG 26, 2025: Sampson Boxing won a purse bid today and now has the right to promote an IBF heavyweight elimination bout between Cuba's Frank Sanchez and Nigeria's Efe Ajagba. Sampson's winning bid was $302,000, which will be split 60% for Ajagba and 40% for Sanchez, assuming both men accept the fight. A decision from the boxers to accept or decline is due in fifteen days. Top Rank, Ajagba's promoter, put up a losing bid for $210,000. Under IBF rules, Sampson must schedule the bout to take place within 28 to 90 days and not more than 90 days from today, which is Monday, November 24th. If the fight happens, it will be a rematch of a ten-round fight in 2021 that Sanchez won by unanimous decision. The winner becomes the IBF mandatory contender for undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but the path to an actual title shot is unclear because Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles which puts him in a position to pick and choose his fights. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). Echeverria was once on the losing end of a fixed fight. Sanchez was fighting for the first time since his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Ajagba (20-1-1) last fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against 299-pound Martin Bakole. After ten rounds, Bakole was fortunate to come away with a draw against Efe Ajagba (pictured). After ten rounds, the judges adjudicated the bout 96-94 for Ajagba, 95-95 and 95-95, making it a majority draw. It wasn't a robbery, but Ajagba was more active, had superior ring generalship and seemed to land more punches. Bakole landed a few harder punches, and that was enough to convince two judges to award a stalemate. AUG. 19, 2025: A purse bid for an IBF heavyweight eliminator is back on the books after a few previous postponements.. The promotional rights to a potential Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba rematch is scheduled to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 12 noon. Sanchez defeated Ajagba by unanimous decision in 2021, but with heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora jockeying for bigger fights, Sanchez and Ajagba are the two highest ranked fighters in the IBF ratings to enter the elimination process. Undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. AUG. 11, 2025: The IBF announced that the Efe Ajagba vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid has been postponed until further notice. AUG. 4, 2025: When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, on July 24th, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. MAY 19, 2024: In a WBC heavyweight eliminator held on the big Riyadh, Saudi Arabia show, Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) made a huge career move forward, stopping the favored and previously undefeated Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs) in round seven. Kabayel defeated Sanchez with a strong body attack. The normally mobile Sanchez fought with a brace on his right knee. Kabayel is Kurdish but lives in Germany. OCT. 10, 2021: Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) scored one knockdown on his way to a comfortable, ten-round unanimous decision win over Efe Ajagba. Sanchez used his superior boxing skills to keep the hard-hitting Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) off-balance for the entire fight. The “Cuban Flash” displayed his power as well, flooring Ajagba with a hard right in the seventh. A follow-up left hook which landed a tick after Ajagba’s knee hit the canvas Ajagba made it to his feet and survived the round but never seriously threatened on his way to the first defeat of his career. Sanchez said afterwards, "I knew I was going to win all the rounds because I’m much better than him technically. I knew that if I connected, he would fall and he did fall. My game plan was always to frustrate him and go in for the attack."
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IBF sets purse bid for Sanchez vs. Torrez eliminator
With ex-champion Daniel Dubois passing on the opportunity to face Frank Sanchez in an IBF heavyweight eliminator, on December 2, 2025, the IBF ordered Richard Torrez, Jr. to begin negotiations with Sanchez for the IBF #1 ranking. An agreement was not reached during the time frame set forth by the IBF, so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for January 22nd. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). In that fight, Sanchez was in the ring for the first time since a seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Torres, a 2021 Olympic silver medal winner, is14-0 as a professional.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE:
NOV. 13, 2025: The IBF has postponed a Frank Sanchez vs. Daniel Dubois purse for one week. It was scheduled for today (November 13th) but has been postponed to November 20th. If the bout occurs, it will be a heavyweight elimination bout. The e-mail stated, "the IBF is continuing in its efforts to schedule a heavyweight elimination bout."
NOV. 4, 2025: In August, a purse bid was held for a fight between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba, but the bids were not high enough to entice the boxers to accept, particularly Ajagba. The IBF moved on to a fromer champion, ordering Sanchez to begin negotiations with Daniel Dubois on October 7th. Dubois' last fight was a KO loss in a unification fight vs. the true world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Normally, the IBF does not invite a boxer coming off a knockout loss to take part in an eliminator, but apparently an exception was made for Dubois. In any event, no agreement was reached between Sanchez and Dubois so the IBF has scheduled a purse bid for November 13th. It remains to be seen whether Dubois will be interested in a fight vs. the Cuban Sanchez. After a 2024 loss to Agit Kabayel, Sanchez had one very low-level fight in 2025, beating a man with a losing record in February.
AUG 26, 2025: Sampson Boxing won a purse bid today and now has the right to promote an IBF heavyweight elimination bout between Cuba's Frank Sanchez and Nigeria's Efe Ajagba. Sampson's winning bid was $302,000, which will be split 60% for Ajagba and 40% for Sanchez, assuming both men accept the fight. A decision from the boxers to accept or decline is due in fifteen days. Top Rank, Ajagba's promoter, put up a losing bid for $210,000. Under IBF rules, Sampson must schedule the bout to take place within 28 to 90 days and not more than 90 days from today, which is Monday, November 24th. If the fight happens, it will be a rematch of a ten-round fight in 2021 that Sanchez won by unanimous decision. The winner becomes the IBF mandatory contender for undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk, but the path to an actual title shot is unclear because Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles which puts him in a position to pick and choose his fights. Sanchez (25-1 with 18 KOs) last fought in February, when he bounced back from his first career loss with a third-round knockout of Ramon Olivas Echeverria (18-25 with 12 KOs). Echeverria was once on the losing end of a fixed fight. Sanchez was fighting for the first time since his seventh-round knockout loss to Agit Kabayel in May of 2024. Though the win was hardly a challenge for Sanchez, it got him back into position for the IBF eliminator. Ajagba (20-1-1) last fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against 299-pound Martin Bakole. After ten rounds, Bakole was fortunate to come away with a draw against Efe Ajagba (pictured). After ten rounds, the judges adjudicated the bout 96-94 for Ajagba, 95-95 and 95-95, making it a majority draw. It wasn't a robbery, but Ajagba was more active, had superior ring generalship and seemed to land more punches. Bakole landed a few harder punches, and that was enough to convince two judges to award a stalemate. AUG. 19, 2025: A purse bid for an IBF heavyweight eliminator is back on the books after a few previous postponements.. The promotional rights to a potential Frank Sanchez vs. Efe Ajagba rematch is scheduled to be auctioned off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 12 noon. Sanchez defeated Ajagba by unanimous decision in 2021, but with heavyweight contenders Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora jockeying for bigger fights, Sanchez and Ajagba are the two highest ranked fighters in the IBF ratings to enter the elimination process. Undefeated world champion Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. AUG. 11, 2025: The IBF announced that the Efe Ajagba vs. Frank Sanchez purse bid has been postponed until further notice. AUG. 4, 2025: When Filip Hrgovic pulled out of the IBF heavyweight elimination process, on July 24th, the IBF ordered #3 ranked Efe Ajagba and #4 ranked Frank Sanchez to begin negotiations for an eliminator for the vacant #1 position. Derek Chisora sits at #2. Carl Moretti of Top Rank, representing Ajagba, confirmed that Ajagba would like to proceed straight to a purse bid, which is permitted under IBF rules. The IBF initially scheduled a purse for Tuesday, August 5th but that has now been pushed back one week until August 12th. Oleksandr Usyk owns all four major heavyweight titles, including the IBF version. MAY 19, 2024: In a WBC heavyweight eliminator held on the big Riyadh, Saudi Arabia show, Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) made a huge career move forward, stopping the favored and previously undefeated Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs) in round seven. Kabayel defeated Sanchez with a strong body attack. The normally mobile Sanchez fought with a brace on his right knee. Kabayel is Kurdish but lives in Germany. OCT. 10, 2021: Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) scored one knockdown on his way to a comfortable, ten-round unanimous decision win over Efe Ajagba. Sanchez used his superior boxing skills to keep the hard-hitting Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) off-balance for the entire fight. The “Cuban Flash” displayed his power as well, flooring Ajagba with a hard right in the seventh. A follow-up left hook which landed a tick after Ajagba’s knee hit the canvas Ajagba made it to his feet and survived the round but never seriously threatened on his way to the first defeat of his career. Sanchez said afterwards, "I knew I was going to win all the rounds because I’m much better than him technically. I knew that if I connected, he would fall and he did fall. My game plan was always to frustrate him and go in for the attack."
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Mario Barrios to defend vs. Ryan Garcia next month |
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Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced a welterweight championship showdown between WBC champion Mario Barrios (pictured) and social media favorite Ryan Garcia in a twelve-round contest set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 21st. It will be streamed live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) captured the WBC welterweight title in September 2023 and has retained the title twice, including a split draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024 and a majority draw against former world champion Manny Pacquiao in July 2025. Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs, 1 no nontest) will make his first world title attempt at 147 pounds. The former WBC interim lightweight title holder has recorded 20 knockouts over the course of his professional career and has competed against several of the top-ranked fighters in the division. Barrios and Garcia both bring speed, explosive power, and championship experience to the ring.
Barrios said: “Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment—it was a promise to my family, my city, and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching. San Antonio built me, and every sacrifice I’ve made comes with me into that ring. This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here.”
Garcia said: “I will be World Champion on February 21st.”
The world-title clash follows the big December show in Riyadh, which showcased some of Japan’s biggest boxing talents. Naoya “The Monster” Inoue successfully retained his undisputed super-bantamweight world title that night. Ahead of the match-up in Las Vegas, boxing turns its attention to the highly-anticipated showdown between pound-for-pound sensation Shakur Stevenson and former unified world champion Teofimo Lopez at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, on Saturday January 31st.
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Mario Barrios to defend vs. Ryan Garcia next month
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced a welterweight championship showdown between WBC champion Mario Barrios (pictured) and social media favorite Ryan Garcia in a twelve-round contest set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 21st. It will be streamed live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) captured the WBC welterweight title in September 2023 and has retained the title twice, including a split draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024 and a majority draw against former world champion Manny Pacquiao in July 2025. Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs, 1 no nontest) will make his first world title attempt at 147 pounds. The former WBC interim lightweight title holder has recorded 20 knockouts over the course of his professional career and has competed against several of the top-ranked fighters in the division. Barrios and Garcia both bring speed, explosive power, and championship experience to the ring.
Barrios said: “Becoming WBC welterweight world champion was more than a moment—it was a promise to my family, my city, and everyone who believed in the grind when no one was watching. San Antonio built me, and every sacrifice I’ve made comes with me into that ring. This is my division, my time, and I’m ready to show the world why the WBC title stays right here.”
Garcia said: “I will be World Champion on February 21st.”
The world-title clash follows the big December show in Riyadh, which showcased some of Japan’s biggest boxing talents. Naoya “The Monster” Inoue successfully retained his undisputed super-bantamweight world title that night. Ahead of the match-up in Las Vegas, boxing turns its attention to the highly-anticipated showdown between pound-for-pound sensation Shakur Stevenson and former unified world champion Teofimo Lopez at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, on Saturday January 31st.
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Ex-champ Herring makes bare knuckle debut this week |
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Matt “The Silencer” Guymon is prepared to do battle with former junior lightweight titlist Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring in a bare knuckle fight when they throw hands at BKFC 86 on Jan. 17th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connectcut, to be streamed live on DAZN. Herring is the most recent champion from professional gloved boxing to transition to bare knuckle fighting. BKFC 86 marks his bare knuckles debut. Prior to amassing a 24-5 record in professional gloved boxing, Herring represented the United States in the ring at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Guymon has a lot of respect for Herring’s accomplishments in athletics, but he’s ready to show that BKFC is a different beast. “It’s drastically different,” the fan-favorite from Wichita, Kansas says.“Gloved boxing can best be described as a sport. Bare knuckle fighting is a sport too, of course, but it’s much, much closer to a real fight.”
Guymon (2-1) will be making his third trip to the BKFC squared circle after most recently going five rounds and losing via majority decision to “Royal” Ryan Reber in May. “He thinks that five two-minute rounds will be a cake walk, but within those two minutes it’s total chaos, and you can’t take a second off,” Guymon says. “I don’t see it going to round five.”
Guymon hopes an impressive victory over his highly touted challenger will earn him the next shot at undefeated BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) champion Justin “Joy Boy” Ibarrola. “I think that’s the only bigger fight in the division right now,” he says. “Herring is one of the biggest names to transition to BKFC in a while. After an impressive win over him, with the resume that he has, I think the only thing that makes sense after that is a title shot.”
The stakes have never been higher for Guymon, but he’s just rolling with the punches. “I think he’ll be feeling a lot more pressure than I do,” Guymon says. “Yeah, I have the bare knuckle background, but it’s really only nine total rounds, and he’s a world champion boxer. I think the pressure’s on him a lot more than it is on me. I just need to go out there and do my job.”
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Ex-champ Herring makes bare knuckle debut this week
Matt “The Silencer” Guymon is prepared to do battle with former junior lightweight titlist Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring in a bare knuckle fight when they throw hands at BKFC 86 on Jan. 17th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connectcut, to be streamed live on DAZN. Herring is the most recent champion from professional gloved boxing to transition to bare knuckle fighting. BKFC 86 marks his bare knuckles debut. Prior to amassing a 24-5 record in professional gloved boxing, Herring represented the United States in the ring at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Guymon has a lot of respect for Herring’s accomplishments in athletics, but he’s ready to show that BKFC is a different beast. “It’s drastically different,” the fan-favorite from Wichita, Kansas says.“Gloved boxing can best be described as a sport. Bare knuckle fighting is a sport too, of course, but it’s much, much closer to a real fight.”
Guymon (2-1) will be making his third trip to the BKFC squared circle after most recently going five rounds and losing via majority decision to “Royal” Ryan Reber in May. “He thinks that five two-minute rounds will be a cake walk, but within those two minutes it’s total chaos, and you can’t take a second off,” Guymon says. “I don’t see it going to round five.”
Guymon hopes an impressive victory over his highly touted challenger will earn him the next shot at undefeated BKFC bantamweight (135-pound) champion Justin “Joy Boy” Ibarrola. “I think that’s the only bigger fight in the division right now,” he says. “Herring is one of the biggest names to transition to BKFC in a while. After an impressive win over him, with the resume that he has, I think the only thing that makes sense after that is a title shot.”
The stakes have never been higher for Guymon, but he’s just rolling with the punches. “I think he’ll be feeling a lot more pressure than I do,” Guymon says. “Yeah, I have the bare knuckle background, but it’s really only nine total rounds, and he’s a world champion boxer. I think the pressure’s on him a lot more than it is on me. I just need to go out there and do my job.”
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WBO schedules purse bid for Sheeraz vs. Pacheco |
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With orld super middleweight champion Terence Crawford announcing his retirement, on December 22, 2025, the WBO ordered the commencement of negotiations between Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco for a fight to determine the next WBO champion in that weight class. The parties were granted twenty days to negotiate and reach an agreement accordingly. However, the negotiations period elapsed without the parties being able to strike a deal. The WBO has therefore scheduled purse bid proceedings for Monday, January 19th. Sheeraz may stil have the option of going the WBC route, with a possible fight against Canada's Christian Mbilli for the WBC version of the 168-pound championship. Sheeraz is 22-0-1 and a former British middleweight champion. In February, he fought to a draw with Carlos Adames in a bid for Adames' WBC middleweight championship, although most thought Adames deserved the win. Sheeraz went on to knock out Edgar Berlanga in July. Pacheco is 25-0 and although he hasn't looked great in his last three fights, he holds victories over many qualified boxers.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
DEC. 23, 2025: With world super middleweight champion Terence Crawford announcing his retirement, the WBO has moved quickly to set up a vacant title fight. Over the weekend, Hamzah Sheeraz of Great Britain and Diego Pacheco of the United States were ordered to begin negotiations, with a twenty-day deadline before the purse bid process is started.
DEC. 17, 2025: Undefeated, multi-division champion Terence Crawford announced his retirement today. The future Hall of Famer posted a YouTube video saying, "Every fighter knows this moment will come. You just never know when... I've spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling you get when the world doubts you but you keep showing up and keep proving them wrong. This sport gave me everything... and I did it all my way. And I've made peace with what's next. Now, its time. Thank you... I'm stepping away from competition. Not because I'm done fighting but because I won a different kind of battle, the oen where you walk away on your own terms. This isn't goodbye, its just the end of one fight and the beginning of another."
SEPT. 14, 2025: On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford made boxing history, becoming an undefeated five-division champion by defeating Saul "Canelo" Álvarez in a battle of future Hall of Famers. Moving up two weight divisions since his last fight, Crawford won by unanimous decision in front of a roaring crowd at Allegiant Stadium. The official scores were 115-113 (twice) and 116-112. Alvarez did not dispute the outcome. The performance marked not just another win, but the kind of career-defining moment that puts Crawford firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest fighters of his era.
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WBO schedules purse bid for Sheeraz vs. Pacheco
With orld super middleweight champion Terence Crawford announcing his retirement, on December 22, 2025, the WBO ordered the commencement of negotiations between Hamzah Sheeraz and Diego Pacheco for a fight to determine the next WBO champion in that weight class. The parties were granted twenty days to negotiate and reach an agreement accordingly. However, the negotiations period elapsed without the parties being able to strike a deal. The WBO has therefore scheduled purse bid proceedings for Monday, January 19th. Sheeraz may stil have the option of going the WBC route, with a possible fight against Canada's Christian Mbilli for the WBC version of the 168-pound championship. Sheeraz is 22-0-1 and a former British middleweight champion. In February, he fought to a draw with Carlos Adames in a bid for Adames' WBC middleweight championship, although most thought Adames deserved the win. Sheeraz went on to knock out Edgar Berlanga in July. Pacheco is 25-0 and although he hasn't looked great in his last three fights, he holds victories over many qualified boxers.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
DEC. 23, 2025: With world super middleweight champion Terence Crawford announcing his retirement, the WBO has moved quickly to set up a vacant title fight. Over the weekend, Hamzah Sheeraz of Great Britain and Diego Pacheco of the United States were ordered to begin negotiations, with a twenty-day deadline before the purse bid process is started.
DEC. 17, 2025: Undefeated, multi-division champion Terence Crawford announced his retirement today. The future Hall of Famer posted a YouTube video saying, "Every fighter knows this moment will come. You just never know when... I've spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling you get when the world doubts you but you keep showing up and keep proving them wrong. This sport gave me everything... and I did it all my way. And I've made peace with what's next. Now, its time. Thank you... I'm stepping away from competition. Not because I'm done fighting but because I won a different kind of battle, the oen where you walk away on your own terms. This isn't goodbye, its just the end of one fight and the beginning of another."
SEPT. 14, 2025: On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Terence Crawford made boxing history, becoming an undefeated five-division champion by defeating Saul "Canelo" Álvarez in a battle of future Hall of Famers. Moving up two weight divisions since his last fight, Crawford won by unanimous decision in front of a roaring crowd at Allegiant Stadium. The official scores were 115-113 (twice) and 116-112. Alvarez did not dispute the outcome. The performance marked not just another win, but the kind of career-defining moment that puts Crawford firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest fighters of his era.
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Thysse vs. Knapp III booked for Johannesburg |
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Golden Gloves, South Africa's best-known promoter, is starting off 2026 as it ended 2025 – with a show at Johannesburg's Emperors Palace. Unveiling the March 28th line-up for “Sole Survivor” this week, Golden Gloves executives revealed that the main event will be a South African light heavyweight championship bout between Brandon Thysse (19-4-1) and Roarke Knapp (19-3-1). The local rivals have split a pair of bouts with this one looming as a high road versus low road scenario: the winner will get 60% of the prize money while the loser will find it difficult to claw his way back. “It has all the ingredients for boxing lovers, with big money and intrigue on the line,” said promoter Rodney Berman.
Another major bout on the seven-fight card is the WBC final eliminator for the minimumweight title between local hero Siya Kuse (9-3-1) and Joey Canoy (24-5-2) of the Philippines. It’s a career defining bout for Kuse as the only way to ensure he gets his full championship opportunity. If Kuse does the business, Golden Gloves will then move heaven and earth to get champion Melvin Jerusalem to rematch Kuse at Emperors Palace, a move Berman is confident of succeeding in. Jerusalem beat Kuse in a competitive decision verdict in October.
The bill will include an array of young talent, including Jose Kadima, Sanele Sogcwayi, Ethan Peters and Leo Careri.
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Thysse vs. Knapp III booked for Johannesburg
Golden Gloves, South Africa's best-known promoter, is starting off 2026 as it ended 2025 – with a show at Johannesburg's Emperors Palace. Unveiling the March 28th line-up for “Sole Survivor” this week, Golden Gloves executives revealed that the main event will be a South African light heavyweight championship bout between Brandon Thysse (19-4-1) and Roarke Knapp (19-3-1). The local rivals have split a pair of bouts with this one looming as a high road versus low road scenario: the winner will get 60% of the prize money while the loser will find it difficult to claw his way back. “It has all the ingredients for boxing lovers, with big money and intrigue on the line,” said promoter Rodney Berman.
Another major bout on the seven-fight card is the WBC final eliminator for the minimumweight title between local hero Siya Kuse (9-3-1) and Joey Canoy (24-5-2) of the Philippines. It’s a career defining bout for Kuse as the only way to ensure he gets his full championship opportunity. If Kuse does the business, Golden Gloves will then move heaven and earth to get champion Melvin Jerusalem to rematch Kuse at Emperors Palace, a move Berman is confident of succeeding in. Jerusalem beat Kuse in a competitive decision verdict in October.
The bill will include an array of young talent, including Jose Kadima, Sanele Sogcwayi, Ethan Peters and Leo Careri.
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Zamorano books soft atomweight title defense |
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On February 21st, WBC atomweight champion Camila “Magnífica” Zamorano (13-0, 1 KO) defends her 102-pound title against Claudia Verónica Ruiz (7-2-1) in Sonora, Mexico. Still a teenager, Zamorano is being pushed aggressively by the WBC. She became the youngest interim champion in boxing history at 17. When undisputed world champion Tina Rupprecht of Germany retired late last year, Zamorano was quickly elevated to WBC champion without a fight and was fed am opponent with ten losses. Ruiz, from Argentina, continues the pattern, as she is not a worthy challenger. Her last five fights consist of two losses, a draw, a split decision win and a four-round win over an opponent with a .500 record
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Zamorano books soft atomweight title defense
On February 21st, WBC atomweight champion Camila “Magnífica” Zamorano (13-0, 1 KO) defends her 102-pound title against Claudia Verónica Ruiz (7-2-1) in Sonora, Mexico. Still a teenager, Zamorano is being pushed aggressively by the WBC. She became the youngest interim champion in boxing history at 17. When undisputed world champion Tina Rupprecht of Germany retired late last year, Zamorano was quickly elevated to WBC champion without a fight and was fed am opponent with ten losses. Ruiz, from Argentina, continues the pattern, as she is not a worthy challenger. Her last five fights consist of two losses, a draw, a split decision win and a four-round win over an opponent with a .500 record
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Cuba's Herrera wins WBC secondary title in odd finish |
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Jadier Herrera TKO8 Ricardo Núñez... In Oberhausen, Germany on Saturday, Cuban lightweight Jadier Herrera (18-0) captured one of two WBC interim lightweight titles by defeating Panama's Ricardo “El Científico” Núñez (26-8) by technical knockout in the eighth round. The fight was held at the Rudolf Weber Arena as part of the Queensberry card headlined by heavyweight Agit Kabayel. It lived up to the expectations of the 14,000+ fans, delivering a true war inside the ring. The road to glory was rocky for Herrera; as in the opening stages, Núñez proved dangerous by sending the Cuban to the canvas, forcing an immediate strategic tactical shift. Herrera managed to weather the storm, adjusted his defense, and began working patiently to break down the Panamanian. The finish came in the eighth round when Herrera landed a powerful right hand that left Núñez visibly hurt and barely held up by the ropes. During the intervention, an unusual moment occurred when referee Daniel Van de Wiele tripped over Herrera and fell to the canvas. However, upon standing up, Van de Wiele maintained his decision to stop the fight to protect the well being of Núñez, who was in no condition to continue. With this win, Herrera establishes himself as one of the most exciting figures in the 135-pound division.
The WBC lightweight champion is Shakur Stevenson, who is moving up to junior welterweight later this month to challenge world champion Teofimo Lopez. The WBC also recognizes O'Shaquie Foster as the WBC interim lightweight champion. Foster is the legitimate WBC junior lightweight champion but he won the lightweight interim title under corrupt circumstances. Foster was facing former two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. last year in what was supposed to be a junior lightweight fight. But Foster came in two pounds above the 130-pound weight limit and the WBC shockingly accomodated Fulton's failure by sanctioning the fight for an interim lightweight title. Foster won and remains recognized by the WBC in both divisions. Most likley, he will be removed as WBC interim lightweight champion and remain as WBC junior lightweight champion. What made the Herrera vs. Nunez title sanction even more objectionable is the fact that Nunez lost his last fight to Jon Fernandez yet Fernandez was not given the opportunity to fight for this title.
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Cuba's Herrera wins WBC secondary title in odd finish
Jadier Herrera TKO8 Ricardo Núñez... In Oberhausen, Germany on Saturday, Cuban lightweight Jadier Herrera (18-0) captured one of two WBC interim lightweight titles by defeating Panama's Ricardo “El Científico” Núñez (26-8) by technical knockout in the eighth round. The fight was held at the Rudolf Weber Arena as part of the Queensberry card headlined by heavyweight Agit Kabayel. It lived up to the expectations of the 14,000+ fans, delivering a true war inside the ring. The road to glory was rocky for Herrera; as in the opening stages, Núñez proved dangerous by sending the Cuban to the canvas, forcing an immediate strategic tactical shift. Herrera managed to weather the storm, adjusted his defense, and began working patiently to break down the Panamanian. The finish came in the eighth round when Herrera landed a powerful right hand that left Núñez visibly hurt and barely held up by the ropes. During the intervention, an unusual moment occurred when referee Daniel Van de Wiele tripped over Herrera and fell to the canvas. However, upon standing up, Van de Wiele maintained his decision to stop the fight to protect the well being of Núñez, who was in no condition to continue. With this win, Herrera establishes himself as one of the most exciting figures in the 135-pound division.
The WBC lightweight champion is Shakur Stevenson, who is moving up to junior welterweight later this month to challenge world champion Teofimo Lopez. The WBC also recognizes O'Shaquie Foster as the WBC interim lightweight champion. Foster is the legitimate WBC junior lightweight champion but he won the lightweight interim title under corrupt circumstances. Foster was facing former two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. last year in what was supposed to be a junior lightweight fight. But Foster came in two pounds above the 130-pound weight limit and the WBC shockingly accomodated Fulton's failure by sanctioning the fight for an interim lightweight title. Foster won and remains recognized by the WBC in both divisions. Most likley, he will be removed as WBC interim lightweight champion and remain as WBC junior lightweight champion. What made the Herrera vs. Nunez title sanction even more objectionable is the fact that Nunez lost his last fight to Jon Fernandez yet Fernandez was not given the opportunity to fight for this title.
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New champion alert: Dalton Smith KOs Subriel Matias |
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Dalton Smith KO5 Subriel Matias... In Brooklyn, New York, Dalton Smith elected to slug with a slugger and although he took some punishment, in the end it worked out just fine. Smith knocked out Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias to become the WBC junior welterweight champion. Smith (19-0) joins Fabio Wardley (WBO heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (IBF welterweight), Jazza Dickens (WBA junior lightweight) and Nick Ball (WBA featherweight) as reigning British men's champions. Matias is now 23-3 and a former two-time champion, having ended his first reign with a 2024 loss to Liam Paro. The state of the 140-pound division is that world champion Teofimo Lopez, recognozed by the WBO only, defends his title in three weeks vs. undefeated three-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who is moving up from lightweight; Richardson Hitchins holds the IBF title by defeating Paro; the WBA title belongs to Gary Antuanne Russell; and Smith begins his reign as the WBC monarch.
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New champion alert: Dalton Smith KOs Subriel Matias
Dalton Smith KO5 Subriel Matias... In Brooklyn, New York, Dalton Smith elected to slug with a slugger and although he took some punishment, in the end it worked out just fine. Smith knocked out Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias to become the WBC junior welterweight champion. Smith (19-0) joins Fabio Wardley (WBO heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (IBF welterweight), Jazza Dickens (WBA junior lightweight) and Nick Ball (WBA featherweight) as reigning British men's champions. Matias is now 23-3 and a former two-time champion, having ended his first reign with a 2024 loss to Liam Paro. The state of the 140-pound division is that world champion Teofimo Lopez, recognozed by the WBO only, defends his title in three weeks vs. undefeated three-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who is moving up from lightweight; Richardson Hitchins holds the IBF title by defeating Paro; the WBA title belongs to Gary Antuanne Russell; and Smith begins his reign as the WBC monarch.
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