Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
LONDON, England — Liam Cameron looks jaded and tells anyone in earshot he’s only had two hours’ sleep. This won’t stop him refusing to break eye contact with Ben Whittaker during their tense face-off, the day their much-anticipated rematch has been announced for April 20, nor doing a cluster of one-to-one interviews with the assembled media. Continue reading “Ben Whittaker: I’ll leave no doubt against bullish Liam Cameron in April 20 rematch”
Fresh after a fantastic knockout win over Derrick Osaze and armed with a proud support team celebrating his latest highlight reel finish to close another York Hall show, I spoke with Denzel Bentley as he surveys the middleweight scene. Beforehand, there were several boxers ringside sharing updates about their respective return timelines, fight dates and what they would like next. Continue reading “Exclusive: Bentley open to Sheeraz-Denny winner as six boxers give return updates”
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”
Much has been placed on Hamzah Sheeraz’s shoulders as the rising middleweight faces his toughest test to headline the Copperbox Arena this weekend, but Frank Warren has a clear plan of action involving him and a highly motivated Anthony Yarde. So, will all go to plan? Continue reading “Frank Warren eyes Heaney-Sheeraz, Buatsi-Yarde if his plans prove successful”
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”
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”
At this week’s introductory press conference for Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Liam Williams set for December 2, I sat down to speak with Queensberry chief Frank Warren. Here’s what he said, reflecting on the Zhang-Joyce 2 undercard last month and some return timelines for boxers in his stable going forward… Continue reading “Frank Warren interview: Updates on Zach Parker, Dennis McCann and Anthony Yarde’s return as 2023 draws to a close”
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 undisputed super-middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez recently signed a three-fight deal with PBC, kicking off against unbeaten middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo in September, WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has been left in the lurch as far as his next plans are concerned. Continue reading “WBA light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol eyes October return, after Canelo rematch talks collapse”
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”
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