Oh, you thought I only covered football? Think again… Here’s a list of my boxing and UFC pieces in chronological order – with the most recent at the top.
Stay tuned for more across all divisions and disciplines at world level! Articles pre-January have been archived so don’t feature, but search and you can find it.
2023
May
Okolie vs. Billam-Smith
Billam-Smith beats Okolie via MD12, is new WBO world cruiserweight champion
CBS interview #2: Riakporhe, visualisation, retirement plans and more before tonight’s title fight
WATCH: Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim and Caroline Dubois in media workout before upcoming fights
Exclusive: Chris Billam-Smith interview – A month away from his first world title shot
Okolie vs. Billam-Smith: World champ enters lion’s den – against a friend – on May 27
Haney-Lomachenko
Haney retains undisputed lightweight titles with narrow UD win vs. Lomachenko
Rewind back to…
Haney again too good, defends undisputed titles with UD win in Kambosos rematch
Lomachenko finishes strong to outlast Ortiz, keeping Haney title fight intact for 2023
Taylor-Cameron
Cameron composed to retain undisputed titles in MD10 win, Taylor’s first pro loss
Pros pick: Taylor vs. Cameron – Intrigue surrounds Dublin headliner, as it should
Opportunity calls as Chantelle Cameron gets legacy-building wish on May 20 vs. Katie Taylor
Canelo-Ryder
John Ryder endured an arduous road to a Canelo title shot, at the best possible time
Rewind back to…
Canelo ends Golovkin trilogy with UD win to retain his 168lb titles, but underwhelms
Ryder boxes clever before Parker retires injured, becomes WBO interim 168lb champ
Buatsi-Stepien
Buatsi measured in wide UD win vs. Stepien, but leaves you wanting more
Joshua Buatsi ends a year-long layoff vs. Pawel Stepien, and must keep winning
UFC coverage
UFC Charlotte: Must-win stakes at 205lbs for different reasons in Saturday’s co-main
UFC 288: Sterling outpoints returning Cejudo, after Belal’s big decision win
UFC Vegas 72: What’s next at 135lbs, after Song Yadong’s TKO5 win vs. Ricky Simon?
April
Other UFC pieces
UFC Africa: As Senegal is named frontrunner destination, how viable is this project in 2024?
UFC Vegas 71: Curtis Blaydes KO sees Sergei Pavlovich punch his ticket into HW title sweepstakes
Cordina-Rakhimov
Eddie Hearn confirms plan moving forward for Cordina, Barrett and others
Cordina wades through danger, is two-time world champion after Rakhimov battle
Cardiff beckons again for Joe Cordina, but Shavkat Rakhimov looks to play spoiler
Holloway-Allen
UFC Kansas City: Max Holloway halts Arnold Allen’s mammoth win streak, so now we wait
Calvin Kattar assesses Holloway-Allen main event, calls it true #1 contender featherweight fight
Joyce-Zhang
Zhang stuns Joyce with R6 TKO, crowned new WBO interim heavyweight champion
Joyce welcomes jeopardy against Zhang as his world title pursuit continues tonight
WATCH: Joe Joyce, Zhilei Zhang, Mikaela Mayer and more in media workout before Saturday
UFC 287
Adesanya regains title with R2 KO in Pereira rematch, after Burns retires Masvidal
It’s now or never for Israel Adesanya vs. arch-nemesis Alex Pereira
Adrian Yanez aware of the golden opportunity that lies ahead vs. Rob Font
March
Eubank-Antin
Eubank scores two knockdowns, improves to 17-0 with decision win over Antin
Task remains the same for Harlem Eubank, after another late change for Wasserman
Other UFC pieces
Belal Muhammad only looking upwards – wants Edwards, Usman or Covington next
135lb division shuffles once more, after Cory Sandhagen punishes lethargic Marlon Vera
Benavidez-Plant
Benavidez’s barrage of punishment decisive vs. spirited Plant display, as he calls for Canelo clash
Domestic reviews
Lawrence Okolie defends WBO cruiserweight title with comfy, drab decision win vs. David Light
Lyndon Arthur involved in competitive clash, outpoints short-notice opponent Boris Crighton
UFC 286
Edwards outpoints Usman to defend welterweight crown, after Gaethje stifles Fiziev in firefight
Usman vows to reclaim gold, while Edwards adamant he’ll retire the former champion
Rewind – UFC 278: Edwards dethrones Usman with R5 head kick KO, new welterweight champion
Boxing news
Yes, Zurdo Ramirez’s big weight miss at the weekend was a blessing in disguise
Elijah Garcia, father George hint at future Resendiz bout for teenage middleweight rising star
Tszyu-Harrison
Jermell Charlo rehabbing broken hand, targets July-August for title defence vs. Tszyu
Charlo, you watching? Tszyu outboxes, scores R9 finish against Harrison to clinch WBO interim title
Tim Tszyu, Tony Harrison expect big things before weekend’s interim world title fight
UFC 285
UFC 285: Jones dismantles Ciryl Gane in R1, Grasso submits Shevchenko in stunner
Rewind: Alexa Grasso’s UD win over Viviane Araujo on Oct. 15, is she ready for Shevchenko shot?
Eric Nicksick’s reminder a sobering one before Jones-Gane at UFC 285 this weekend
February
Adeleye claims first pro title
York Hall: David Adeleye claims WBO European heavyweight title after R2 TKO vs. Dmytro Bezus
Blanchfield-Andrade
A week on: UFC Vegas 69 – Blanchfield’s R2 submission win over Andrade opens up possibilities
Title talk? Erin Blanchfield and Jessica Andrade ambitious before Fight Night headliner
Azim-Reyes
Ambition and activity: Stephen McKenna eyes bigger challenges after passing Brandon Denes test
Azim outboxes durable Reyes, after Chelli and Denny earn comfortable decision wins
BOXXER London: Adam Azim relishes main event role, Denny-Pauls in a domestic duel and more
UFC 284
Makhachev outlasts spirited Volkanovski showing in instant classic, Rodriguez stops Emmett
Interim featherweight title or not, Emmett and Rodriguez now have a career-best showcase
Makhachev eager to secure a KO finish against ‘brick wall’ Volkanovski this weekend
Baumgardner’s back
Serrano, Baumgardner seal undisputed titles after gritty decision wins
Alycia Baumgardner visualising KO win, before undisputed clash vs. Elhem Mekhaled
UFC news
After finishing De La Rosa on her return, Tatiana Suarez targets strawweight title run
Moving on up: Jailton Almeida vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik heavyweight clash booked for May 13
Flyweight champ Brandon Moreno wants two more 2023 fights – and Alexandre Pantoja next
January
Beterbiev-Yarde
Beterbiev retains unified LHW titles with R8 stoppage win despite spirited Yarde display
Karol Itauma, his world champion amateur teen brother Moses speak before double-header
Beterbiev vs. Yarde presser: Regardless of the outcome, Jan. 28 will host a compelling watch
Beterbiev-Yarde confirmed for January 28 at Wembley Arena after latter’s KO win over Koykov
UFC 283
Hill batters Teixeira to become new LHW champ, Moreno ends Figueiredo series with stoppage
Before Jessica Andrade matchup, Lauren Murphy insists Shevchenko isn’t going to win forever
Jailton Almeida eyes top-15 HW rankings in rescheduled Shamil Abdurakhimov matchup
Gilbert Burns keen to leave judges out, wants emphatic finish vs. Neil Magny on Jan. 21
Eubank-Smith
Rip up the script: Rewind to Liam Smith’s stunning R4 TKO win vs. Chris Eubank Jr, what’s next?
Eubank Jr insists he wants once-cancelled Golovkin matchup in 2023, provided he beats Smith
Eubank Jnr vs. Smith: Given world title ambitions, neither can afford loss on Jan. 21
Gervonta Davis returns, Jan. 7
Davis rocks, briefly blinds WBA super-featherweight titlist Hector Garcia in R9 TKO
Hector Garcia warns Gervonta Davis not to overlook him – as Ryan Garcia megafight lurks
Early year content
Leon Edwards: Khamzat Chimaev is not the untouchable monster UFC built him to be
2022’s FOTY: Leigh Wood vs. Michael Conlan – pulsating firefight with a dramatic finish
Errol Spence Jr rubbishes idea of tune-up fights, with April-June timeline for his next bout
Timeless archives – Fight reviews, throwbacks and more
Canelo Álvarez
John Ryder – May 6
Gennadiy Golovkin 2 — GGG 3
Dmitry Bivol
Caleb Plant
Billy Joe Saunders
Callum Smith
Tyson Fury
Derek Chisora 3
Dillian Whyte
Deontay Wilder 1 — 2, the rematch — 3, trilogy
Otto Wallin
Tom Schwarz
Terence Crawford
Errol Spence Jr – July 29
David Avanesyan
Shawn Porter
Kell Brook
Egidijus Kavaliauskas
Amir Khan
Errol Spence Jr
Terence Crawford – July 29
Yordenis Ugas
Danny Garcia
Shawn Porter
Devin Haney
Vasiliy Lomachenko
George Kambosos Jr 1 — 2, contractual rematch
Joseph Diaz
Jorge Linares
Gervonta Davis
Ryan Garcia – Apr. 22
Hector Luis Garcia
Rolando Romero
Isaac Cruz
Mario Barrios
Leo Santa Cruz
Anthony Joshua
Jermaine Franklin – Apr. 1
Oleksandr Usyk 1 — and 2
Kubrat Pulev
Andy Ruiz 2
Joseph Parker
Shakur Stevenson
Shuichiro Yoshino
Robson Conceicao
Oscar Valdez
Jemel Herring
Felix Caraballo
Deontay Wilder
Robert Helenius
Reviews from Fury fight 1, 2 and 3 above
Extended fallout from Tyson Fury 2 result
Luis Ortiz 1 — and 2
Dominic Breazeale
Joe Joyce
Zhilei Zhang
Joseph Parker
Christian Hammer
Carlos Takam
Daniel Dubois
Teofimo Lopez
Josh Taylor – June 10
Sandor Martin
Pedro Campa
George Kambosos Jr
Vasiliy Lomachenko
April 30th 2022, a memorable night of boxing
Katie Taylor withstands fiery Amanda Serrano storm to edge split decision win
Stevenson outclasses Valdez en route to wide decision win, now unified 130lb titlist
Brit watch, specials and older content
Upcoming fights involving British boxers
June
9: WBO European heavyweight champion David Adeleye returns among others at York Hall
10: Sunny Edwards (c) vs. Andres Campos for IBF world flyweight title
11 (overnight in UK): Josh Taylor (c) vs. Teofimo Lopez for WBO light-welterweight strap
16: Light-welterweight prospect Adam Azim vs. Aram Faniian
Caroline Dubois vs. Yanina del Carmen Lescano on the York Hall undercard
24: Josh Kelly vs. Gabriel Alberto Corzo for WBO international light-middleweight title
July
1: Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs. Savannah Marshall in co-main event for undisputed world 168lb belts
Mark Heffron vs. Zak Chelli for British super-middleweight title on undercard
Same night: Dalton Smith (c) vs. Sam Maxwell for British, Commonwealth light-welterweight titles
22: George Kambosos Jr vs. Maxi Hughes at lightweight
29: Liam Davies vs. Jason Cunningham for British, Euro, WBC and WBO Intl super-bantamweight belts
August
19: Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith for WBC, WBO, IBF light-heavyweight titles
Heavyweight
Joe Joyce
Daniel Dubois
Dillian Whyte
Fabio Wardley
Frazer Clarke
David Adeleye
Cruiserweight
Lawrence Okolie
Chris Billam-Smith
Richard Riakporhe
Light-heavyweight
Callum Smith
Joshua Buatsi
Anthony Yarde
Dan Azeez
Lyndon Arthur
Craig Richards
Super-middleweight
John Ryder
Zach Parker
Zak Chelli
Middleweight
Liam Smith
Chris Eubank Jr
Felix Cash
Denzel Bentley
Liam Williams
Hamzah Sheeraz
Tyler Denny
Welterweight
Conor Benn
Michael McKinson
Light-welterweight
Josh Taylor
Jack Catterall
Dalton Smith
Harlem Eubank
Adam Azim
Super-featherweight
Joe Cordina
Media days, in-person pressers and more
Ben Shalom, Richard Riakporhe, Frazer Clarke and more: BOXXER comments, before busy 2023
Fury feels 2023 will be his biggest career year, assesses contrasting matchups with Usyk, Joyce
Camden Media Day: Adam Azim’s return, Lerrone Richards vs. Zak Chelli and more
John Ryder vs. Zach Parker media day: Who said what, ahead of Nov. 26 main event?
Specials
2022
75 days on from history in London: What’s next after a compelling Shields-Marshall showdown?
Charlo’s broken hand throws up uncertainty, as Tszyu title defence on Jan. 28 postponed
Billam-Smith weathers Xhoxhaj storm in style with R5 KO after Azeez overwhelms Fielding
Azim’s avalanche rains down on helpless Rylan Charlton, as Lawal and Gilley both win big
A week on: Denzel Bentley’s stock rises after spirited title fight showing vs. Janibek Alimkhanuly
Jonas outpoints Dicaire in competitive clash, adds IBF belt to 154lb world title collection
Rewind: Before LHW title shot vs. Bivol Saturday, a look back at two of Zurdo’s recent TKO wins
Loma finishes strong to outlast Ortiz, keeping Haney undisputed title fight intact for 2023
Haney again too good, defends undisputed lightweight titles with UD win in Kambosos rematch
Wilder calls out Usyk, Ruiz after sending Helenius to sleep with another blistering R1 KO
Eubank Jr vs. Benn cancelled: Common sense prevails in dark week for British boxing
Juggernaut rolls on: Joyce’s R11 KO weekend win over Parker sets up intriguing 2023 title shot
History revisited: Canelo’s R12 MD win over Golovkin, in previewing this weekend’s trilogy bout
The Takeback begins: Lopez overwhelms Campa, secures R7 TKO on junior-welterweight debut
Rewind: Ortiz Jr’s R9 TKO win vs. McKinson, a look at what’s perhaps next for both
Fortuna flattened, Davis next? Saturday’s showing has Garcia gunning for 140lb showdown
Beterbiev blasts past Smith Jr inside two rounds – sorry Yarde, there’s bigger fish to fry
After his R4 blasting win over Bryan, Dubois must now step up the gears again
Joe Cordina’s stunning R2 KO opens up possibilities in super-featherweight division
Buatsi stays unbeaten at 16-0 with impressive UD win over domestic rival Richards
Charlo chops Castano with R10 KO in back-and-forth rematch, now undisputed at 154lbs
Brilliant Bivol breaks down Canelo en route to UD win, retains WBA LHW title
Spence Jr unifies WBA, WBC, IBF welterweight titles with R10 TKO win vs. Ugas
Golovkin earns R9 TKO win vs. Murata, but some serious questions remain unanswered
Stevenson-Valdez: It’s been a long time coming, but Shakur’s showcase awaits on Apr. 30
40 days on: After his Amir Khan KO win, what’s next for Kell Brook still remains unclear
Bad blood and egos aside, Eubank Jr must shine on enemy territory in Cardiff this weekend
2021
2021’s Sleeper Fight of the Year: Jermell Charlo vs Brian Castano – an action-packed duel
2022 must be about less talk and more action for returning Keith Thurman
Joseph Parker’s improved display vs. Derek Chisora sets up encouraging 2022
Anthony Yarde blasts Lyndon Arthur in rematch with R4 KO, reinforces world title bid
Finally, Lopez-Kambosos Jr lightweight title fight looms large this weekend
If Bud is the division’s pinnacle, will Showtime Shawn P finally rise to the occasion?
September 25 title fight date, but don’t dare overlook the unbeaten Ukrainian
Even after patchy Carlos Takam win, time is of the essence for Joe Joyce
Rematch Yordenis Ugas or retire? Assessing the Manny Pacquiao predicament
After gutcheck win vs. Jorge Linares, Devin Haney suits the lightweight division nicely
Vergil Ortiz Jr’s justified confidence needs to be championed, not rubbished
Chris Eubank Jr’s latest promotional deal an opportunity to finally prove himself
2020
2020 Knockout of the Year: Gervonta Davis vs Leo Santa Cruz
Back like I never left: Errol Spence Jr retains WBC, IBF welterweight titles vs. Danny Garcia
Worth the wait? Finally, Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce is just a week away now
Star in the making? Lopez beats Lomachenko, new undisputed lightweight champion
—
2020 post-lockdown – boxing’s return
Keith Thurman plotting boxing return, eyeing Kell Brook as potential UK fight
Matchroom Fight Camp begins on August 1, Whyte-Povetkin slated for Aug. 22
Bantamweight Michael Plania earns big upset win vs WBO #1 contender Josh Greer Jr.
Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury agree two-fight deal in principle
—
Throwback to…
History revisited: Groves beats Eubank Jr on points after thrilling finish
100 days on from his nightmare in Saudi Arabia: What’s next for Andy Ruiz Jr?
2019 Fight of the Year: Errol Spence Jr vs Shawn Porter
Daniel Dubois flattens Nathan Gorman, becomes British HW champion
Chris Eubank Jr impressive during commanding points win, retires James DeGale
Floyd Mayweather cements his legacy, beats Manny Pacquiao in Fight of the Century
UFC: Champion’s corner — plus timeless features
Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski
Charles Oliveira
Bobby Green
Dan Hooker
Thiago Moises
Drew Dober
Valentina Shevchenko
Alexa Grasso
Taila Santos
Lauren Murphy
Jessica Andrade
Jennifer Maia
Katlyn Chookagian
Amanda Nunes
Julianna Pena 1 — and 2
Megan Anderson
Felicia Spencer
Germaine de Randamie
Cris Cyborg
Alexander Volkanovski
Yair Rodriguez – July 8
Islam Makhachev
What’s next after ending the trilogy?
Max Holloway 1 — and 2 — and 3
Korean Zombie
Brian Ortega
Israel Adesanya
Alex Pereira 1 — avenging defeat
Jared Cannonier
Marvin Vettori 2
Jan Blachowicz
Paulo Costa
Yoel Romero
Robert Whittaker 1 — rematch
Brandon Moreno
Deiveson Figueiredo 1 — rematch — trilogy — tetralogy
Kai Kara-France 1 — and 2
Brandon Royval
Aljamain Sterling
Henry Cejudo – May 6
TJ Dillashaw
Petr Yan 1 — and 2
Cory Sandhagen
Zhang Weili
Carla Esparza
Joanna Jedrzejczyk 1 — and 2
Rose Namajunas 1 — and 2
Francis Ngannou
Ciryl Gane
Stipe Miocic 2
Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Leon Edwards
Kamaru Usman 2 — and 3
Nate Diaz
Belal Muhammad
Jiri Prochazka – currently injured (shoulder surgery)
Glover Teixeira
Dominick Reyes
Volkan Oezdemir
Jamahal Hill: Prochazka’s successor, for how long?
Glover Teixeira
Thiago Santos
Johnny Walker
Jimmy Crute
Paul Craig
Ovince Saint Preux
Klidson Abreu
Historical PPV card reviews
2022
New champ crowned – UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev
Stunning finish: UFC 278 – Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards II
Fight of the year? UFC 275: Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka
Silencing the noise – UFC 273: Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie
2021
Fitting end to a chaotic year – UFC 269: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier
One for the ages – UFC 266: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega
Blink and you’ll miss it – UFC 261: Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal
Sweet redemption – UFC 260: Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou 2
2020
A final farewell – UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje
Lesson in humility – UFC 253: Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa
Valuable closure – UFC 252: Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier 3
Brutal beating – UFC 249: Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson
Pre-pandemic
History made – UFC 247: Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes
Fierce but a decisive finish – UFC 214: Jones-Cormier 2
Specials, timeless features
Rewind: Before Arnold Allen main event, a look back at Kattar’s SD loss vs. Emmett on Jun. 18
Wacky, weird and wild: Unpacking UFC 279 as Nate Diaz and villain Khamzat Chimaev win big
UFC Paris: Five things we learned from a memorable Fight Night card in new surroundings
Rewind: Before Dominick Cruz headliner, a look back at Marlon Vera UD5 Rob Font on Apr. 30
Francis Ngannou’s desire for boxing clause in future deal an unwelcome distraction
After a productive 2021, Belal Muhammad seizing his chance in flimsy 170lb division
Casey O’Neill’s patient progression stance is one more UFC prospects should follow
2021 FOTY: Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega, UFC 266
Caution up ahead: Why Jan Blachowicz presents Israel Adesanya’s biggest test yet
Crazy or not, Derrick Lewis has chance to justify unlikely title ambitions
Forget the pre-fight pleasantries, Dustin Poirier must now seize the moment
Dana’s determination was admirable, but this was inevitable from first bell
2020 FOTY Zhang Weili vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk, UFC 248
2019 Fight of the Year: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington 1, UFC 245
Changing of the guard – UFC 243: Adesanya-Whittaker 1
Is Conor McGregor in danger of turning into the next Ronda Rousey?
UFC 193: Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm
Mo and Sports 