Tag: Ben Shalom

Boxing

CBS-Riakporhe 2: June 15 promises jeopardy and much-needed clarity, in rematch for WBO world cruiserweight title

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Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe face off following the Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe launch press conference ahead of their WBO...

A month shy of five full years since their first fight, a competitive clash over ten rounds on Dillian Whyte’s undercard, Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe headline their own show at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium on June 15. Their paths have veered vastly differently since that night in south London, but now they do battle again – one a defending world champion with Stateside ambitions, the other expects to prove he’s been the better man all along.
Continue reading “CBS-Riakporhe 2: June 15 promises jeopardy and much-needed clarity, in rematch for WBO world cruiserweight title” →

Boxing

CBS-Riakporhe 2: Undercard presser as Isaac Chamberlain, Ben Whittaker return

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Having vacated his domestic honours last month, Isaac Chamberlain faces a stern test as he plots his way to world-level contention against European champion Michal Cieslak on the June 15 undercard – where he’ll undoubtedly have one eye on the main event between former foe Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe, who beat the WBO world champion five years ago. Continue reading “CBS-Riakporhe 2: Undercard presser as Isaac Chamberlain, Ben Whittaker return” →

Boxing

Wardley retains heavyweight titles after split draw against Clarke in 12-round war

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Bloodied nose, blurred vision and uncharted waters but Fabio Wardley successfully swam in the deep end and came out to shore with his trio of heavyweight titles still intact after a back-and-forth battle with unbeaten contender Frazer Clarke to headline London’s O2 Arena on Easter Sunday. Continue reading “Wardley retains heavyweight titles after split draw against Clarke in 12-round war” →

Boxing

Billam-Smith bullish, unpicks Riakporhe’s big weakness before their title rematch

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Chris Billam-Smith looks on Media Workout at Camden Boxing Club on January 31, 2024 in London, England.

No date has yet been set for their heavily-anticipated rematch, but WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith is confident he can avenge defeat against long-time contender and British rival Richard Riakporhe, who inflicted his only career defeat to date via split decision five years ago.
Continue reading “Billam-Smith bullish, unpicks Riakporhe’s big weakness before their title rematch” →

Boxing

Mayer rematch? Ben Shalom: Natasha Jonas’ future is up to her, after SD10 win

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Natasha Jonas poses with Mikaela Mayer after winning the IBF Welterweight Title bout at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday January...

Natasha Jonas has had a month to rest, relax and savour her latest win, a main event matchup vs. former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer, but the IBF welterweight champion revealed post-fight that 2024 would likely be the final year competing, and she wanted to finish on a high. There are options aplenty, but her promoter Ben Shalom confirmed they remain in the Scouser’s hands. Continue reading “Mayer rematch? Ben Shalom: Natasha Jonas’ future is up to her, after SD10 win” →

Boxing

Riakporhe jaws at Billam-Smith during interview, rematch set for WBO world title

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Richard Riakporhe poses for a photo following victory over Dylan Bregeon in the Cruiserweight Contest fight at The Halls Wolverhampton on November...

Long-standing cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe will get his maiden shot at championship gold in a rematch against WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith, five years after edging a split decision win over ten rounds when both were 9-0 prospects. While a date in April or May is TBC, the 34-year-old was angry during an awkward interview between them in Saturday’s Sky broadcast. Continue reading “Riakporhe jaws at Billam-Smith during interview, rematch set for WBO world title” →

Boxing

Buatsi scores two knockdowns, outboxes Azeez and inches closer to world title shot

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Joshua Buatsi celebrates victory with the belt following the British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title fight between Dan Azeez and Joshua...

Joshua Buatsi started sharp, invested in body attacks well and logged a pair of knockdowns in round 11 en route to a wide unanimous decision win over friend and former sparring partner Dan Azeez, inflicting his first professional defeat to unify domestic titles at light-heavyweight – as the clamour to see him finally tested at world level vs. long-reigning WBA champion Dmitry Bivol resumes.
Continue reading “Buatsi scores two knockdowns, outboxes Azeez and inches closer to world title shot” →

Boxing

Dan Azeez isn’t just the defending champ – he’s a dangerous, determined underdog

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Dan Azeez trains during a Media Workout ahead of the BBoC British Light Heavyweight and Commonwealth Boxing Council Light Heavyweight Title fight...

105 days after the original date, the light-heavyweight division duel between domestic rivals Dan Azeez and Joshua Buatsi will finally take place on Saturday night. One man’s unbeaten record has to go and with it, so does their world championship ambitions. Azeez has gone the scenic route to this point but been increasingly bullish about what’s at stake for him too aged 34, underdog or not. Continue reading “Dan Azeez isn’t just the defending champ – he’s a dangerous, determined underdog” →

Boxing

Billam-Smith’s body shots force Masternak to retire after seven gruelling rounds, retains WBO cruiserweight world title

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It was far from straightforward, but WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith produced an inspired seventh round packed with body shots which eventually saw challenger Mateusz Masternak retire on his stool before the start of round eight, retaining world honours at 200lbs in an eventful first title defence at a tense Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday evening. Continue reading “Billam-Smith’s body shots force Masternak to retire after seven gruelling rounds, retains WBO cruiserweight world title” →

Boxing

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer: Much-needed jeopardy awaits in Jonas’ voluntary world title defence on Jan. 20

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Two-division world champion Natasha Jonas has long called to be involved in the biggest fights possible and after a potential Claressa Shields clash went cold in March, she’ll be defending her IBF welterweight title on home soil against another American instead in what both hope will kick off a successful 2024 for their respective careers. Who will come out on top in Liverpool? Continue reading “Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer: Much-needed jeopardy awaits in Jonas’ voluntary world title defence on Jan. 20” →

Boxing

Wolves at the Door: Azim and Denny target European gold at BOXXER Wolverhampton

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Adam Azim and Tyler Denny look on at a press conference ahead of the 'Wolves At The Door' event at Astoria Wolverhampton on November 16, 2023 in...

Unbeaten light-welterweight prospect Adam Azim (9-0, 6 KOs) looks to win his first title this weekend against France’s Franck Petitjean as his steady rise continues. Meanwhile, having been overlooked for a shot at British honours despite multiple English title defences, middleweight Tyler Denny looks to do similar against Italy’s seasoned three-time champion Matteo Signani. Continue reading “Wolves at the Door: Azim and Denny target European gold at BOXXER Wolverhampton” →

Boxing

Rewind: Jai Opetaia UD12 Maris Briedis last July, as IBF cruiserweight world champ faces Jordan Thompson this week

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Jai Opetaia during the IBF cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on July...

IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia makes his UK debut this weekend and in the build-up, has publicly insisted he’s preparing for a war against European champion Jordan Thompson. Before their Wembley Arena clash on Saturday night, let’s rewind back to the Australian southpaw’s last outing – a career-best result – stunning Mairis Breidis and seizing a version of the world title at 200lbs. Continue reading “Rewind: Jai Opetaia UD12 Maris Briedis last July, as IBF cruiserweight world champ faces Jordan Thompson this week” →