Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Zhilei Zhang had Joe Joyce’s number the first time, and stepped through the gears early on before producing an even quicker stoppage – this time more brutal – five months later in their heavyweight rematch to defend his WBO interim heavyweight championship against the Brit. It sets up lucrative bouts with the division’s elite names as he called out WBC titlist Tyson Fury post-fight. Continue reading “Zhang defends WBO interim world HW title with destructive R3 KO in Joyce rematch”
British and European light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez has the momentum, having boxed three times in three different countries over the past nine months. Joshua Buatsi may have won the domestic strap four years ago, but the Olympic bronze medallist still hasn’t yet reached the world championship heights many tipped for him given such amateur pedigree. Now, one Londoner’s unbeaten streak will end on October 21. Who has the nerve? Continue reading “Joshua Buatsi vs. Dan Azeez presser: Both pledge to bring war on October 21 in WBA light-heavyweight world title eliminator”
After news of unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev’s serious jaw infection prompted an official postponement at the weekend, more information has since surfaced about when fans should expect his proposed mandatory title defence against Callum Smith to be rescheduled. Continue reading “Beterbiev-Smith pushed to November earliest, after champion’s jaw surgery”
Now that a date has been confirmed for Artur Beterbiev’s latest defence of his unified light-heavyweight titles, some videos have emerged of the 38-year-old on the heavy bag in the gym. Former super-middleweight world champion Callum Smith is next in mid-August, and he’s “possibly the biggest challenge,” of the long-reigning titlist’s career according to his trainer Marc Ramsay. Continue reading “Artur Beterbiev’s trainer Marc Ramsay calls Callum Smith biggest challenge yet”
Light-heavyweight world contender Joshua Buatsi ended a 50-week layoff as he cruised to a decision victory over ten rounds against Poland’s Pawel Stepien, ending the 32-year-old’s unbeaten streak in Birmingham overnight. Given the fanfare surrounding his exclusive BOXXER deal, many were left short-changed.
Continue reading “Buatsi measured in wide UD win vs. Stepien, but leaves you wanting more”
His decision win over London rival Craig Richards long forgotten, light-heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi turned 30 in March and celebrated by signing an exclusive multi-year agreement with BOXXER. Two months later, he headlines against a fellow unbeaten hopeful: Poland’s Pawel Stepien, hungry to seize credentials the Olympic bronze medallist has steadily built at pro level.
Continue reading “Joshua Buatsi ends a year-long layoff vs. Pawel Stepien, and must keep winning”
Having had a few months to recuperate and reflect after exceeding expectations in a spirited defeat by long-reigning world champion Artur Beterbiev on January 28, two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde tells me of his desire to have two fights before 2023 ends and maintain momentum, aware the light-heavyweight division is in a fantastic place right now. Continue reading “Exclusive: Anthony Yarde interview – Plotting his way back into contention”
It wasn’t all plain sailing against a determined short-notice opponent, but light-heavyweight contender Lyndon Arthur finished stronger and scored a fantastic right-hand knockdown in the final seconds en route to a decision win over Boris Crighton in Bolton on Friday night. Continue reading “Lyndon Arthur involved in competitive clash, outpoints short-notice opponent Boris Crighton”
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All things considered, Zurdo Ramirez’s massive weight miss – cancelling a matchup against friend and former sparring partner Gabe Rosado last Saturday night – was a blessing in disguise for the former super-middleweight world champion. After suffering a decisive world light-heavyweight title defeat by WBA champion Dmitry Bivol last November, he’s had some decisions to make. Continue reading “Yes, Zurdo Ramirez’s big weight miss at the weekend was a blessing in disguise”
For the best part of eight rounds, Anthony Yarde made everyone inside the OVO Arena believe. The unthinkable looked likely at times, especially in R5. Tunde Ajayi saw the writing on the wall though, watching his charge absorb a knockdown in the eighth, and a back-and-forth battle was ended abruptly – Artur Beterbiev retaining his WBO, IBF and WBC light-heavyweight titles. Continue reading “Beterbiev retains unified light-heavyweight titles with R8 stoppage win despite spirited Yarde display”
Karol Itauma faces a stern challenge for the vacant WBC International light-heavyweight title, after his younger brother – highly-rated Moses – makes his pro debut on the Yarde-Beterbiev undercard. Here’s what both said, at Tuesday’s press conference to announce Moses’ maiden matchup after a glittering 22-0 amateur career where he won European and World Youth gold. Continue reading “Jan. 28: Karol Itauma, his world champion amateur teen brother Moses speak before double-header”
41 months after falling narrowly short in Russia, Anthony Yarde finds himself with a second chance to become a world champion at light-heavyweight in the new year. He came close against Sergey Kovalev, and now faces an even bigger task against a destructive puncher in Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs), who has become more fearsome with age and title defences. Continue reading “Beterbiev vs. Yarde press conference: Regardless of the outcome, Jan. 28 will host a compelling watch”
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