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It’s a much-anticipated matchup more than five years in the making, and in six weeks’ time, we’ll finally crown an undisputed king at 175lbs when unified champion Artur Beterbiev boxes long-reigning WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol in a battle of two unbeaten Russians. Even as time has passed, the general public appear split on who will prevail and how this fight will be won and lost.
Continue reading “Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: At long last, light-heavyweight will have one undisputed king”
In the absence of a Canelo Alvarez showdown at 168lbs, two-time world champion David Benavidez will instead move up a weight division to test himself against former titlist Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who returned after a three-year retirement. While a compelling duel, it shouldn’t be for interim champion status in a class where the two kings will unify in little over three months’ time. Continue reading “Benavidez-Gvodzyk for interim LHW title deemed disrespectful, and it’s clear why”
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”
Well, we’re back here again. It’s not quite Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk as was the original plan for this date – but nonetheless the Saudis haven’t wasted time in delivering a festive extravaganza packed largely with heavyweights – and two title defences in the divisions directly below – as two Brits under different promotional banners get a world title shot neither anticipated this soon.
Continue reading “Day of Reckoning press conference: Joshua, Wilder in separate fights to headline busy card in Riyadh on Dec. 23”
IBO light-heavyweight world champion Lyndon Arthur has been shortlisted to face WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol in a voluntary defence, either next month or early January, according to the long-reigning champion’s manager Vadim Kornilov – who also touched on the difficulties involved with securing the 32-year-old’s next fight after an inactive year typified a frustratingly stagnant 175lb division. Continue reading “Lyndon Arthur on shortlist for Dmitry Bivol bout, per WBA champion’s manager”
Ahead of tonight’s battle of two undisputed world champions, super-middleweight king Canelo Álvarez knows he has nothing to prove and yet, says he’s motivated by silencing one of his critics in light-middleweight titlist Jermell Charlo – who he feels never believed in his skills – and now he’ll make up for those questioning just how far he’s slipped from such high standards. Continue reading “Canelo has nothing to prove but says he’s motivated to silence one Charlo overnight”
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”
WBO interim super-middleweight champion John Ryder has insisted he hasn’t gone to Guadalajara, nor brought multiple team members with him, for a holiday before this weekend’s Mexico showdown. The 34-year-old has experienced an exhausting road to reach this point, but the timing couldn’t be any better to face the 168lb undisputed king Canelo Álvarez. Will it matter? Continue reading “John Ryder endured an arduous road to a Canelo title shot, at the best possible time”
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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