Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
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”
Israel Adesanya makes the first defence of his second UFC middleweight title reign against an unpredictable underdog in Sean Strickland – whose path to this opportunity was borne from activity at a time where fresh contenders were sparse. While a Dricus du Plessis showdown seems inevitable in future, Strickland’s best method of winning this championship clash is gruelling and difficult to achieve after all that has come before it. Can he execute it though? Continue reading “UFC 293: Adesanya insists Strickland is selling wolf tickets, so should you watch?”
He boxed well early, got dropped for the second time as a pro and was in serious danger during the middle rounds, but British light-heavyweight Lyndon Arthur dug deep and a disguised liver shot did the damage. A delayed reaction from the Argentine came next, as the 32-year-old scored a tenth-round knockout win over Braian Suarez to win the vacant IBO world title in Bolton overnight. Continue reading “Lyndon Arthur recovers from danger, stuns Braian Suarez to win IBO LHW world title”
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”
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”
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker predicted Jared Cannonier would win last weekend’s main event matchup against Marvin Vettori, in a battle of two contenders he’s previously beaten. However, he spoke of his surprise at how things played out – something that has been brewing for a while as far as the Italian is concerned. Continue reading “Whittaker surprised by Cannonier’s dominant win vs. Vettori – he shouldn’t be”
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”
Downgraded from main event to co-main event, the story still remains the same at light-heavyweight this weekend when perennial contenders Anthony Smith [5] and Johnny Walker [7] collide. Can the former title challenger return to form after sustaining a freak injury last July, or is now finally Johnny’s time to shine? Continue reading “UFC Charlotte: Must-win stakes at 205lbs for different reasons in Saturday’s co-main”
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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