Boxing

CBS-Zurdo unification set for Nov. 16 in Riyadh as cruiserweight moving again

Chris Billam-Smith celebrates victory by unanimous decision against Richard Riakporhe following the WBO World Cruiserweight bout at Selhurst Park,...

As reported this past week, cruiserweight needed a jolt in the arm for several years since Oleksandr Usyk dared to be great among heavyweights. Now, the 200lb division’s first unification bout since 2018 is set after negotiations between BOXXER’s Chris Billam-Smith and GBP’s Gilberto Ramirez were successful – confirmed to top a five-fight bill in Riyadh come mid-November. 

Continue reading “CBS-Zurdo unification set for Nov. 16 in Riyadh as cruiserweight moving again”

Boxing

Pauls overwhelms Heaney to claim British middleweight title in Birmingham rematch

Brad Pauls’ persistence saw him score two knockdowns and swarm Nathan Heaney to become the new British middleweight champion. Chantelle Cameron was classy in her Queensberry debut while Andrew Cain’s concussive power saw him unify bantamweight titles – after Ekow Essuman’s thrilling comeback knockout against Owen Cooper to win WBO European welterweight gold. Continue reading “Pauls overwhelms Heaney to claim British middleweight title in Birmingham rematch”

Boxing

Ryan Garcia ban: 1-year suspension, fined $1.2m and more after positive drug tests

Ryan Garcia arrives at the Gervonta "Tank" Davis vs Frank Martin fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Two months on from the day of his surprise MD12 win over WBC light-welterweight world champion Devin Haney, NYSAC announced Ryan Garcia has been suspended for a year, that victory now changed to a no contest and fined his guaranteed purse money – as the fallout continues – after submitting two positive tests for the banned performance-enhancing substance ostarine. Continue reading “Ryan Garcia ban: 1-year suspension, fined $1.2m and more after positive drug tests”

Boxing

A week on: Ryan Garcia’s stunning MD12 upset win over Devin Haney, what’s next?

Ryan Garcia knocks down Devin Haney during their WBC Super Lightweight title bout at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City.

Many expected Ryan Garcia would get outclassed in a surprise world title shot at 140lbs before the 25-year-old missed weight, leading to more controversy and a financial penalty as the ugly build-up intensified before his duel against amateur foe Devin Haney last weekend. He dropped the two-division champion three times en route to a stunning upset win though, so what’s next for both? Continue reading “A week on: Ryan Garcia’s stunning MD12 upset win over Devin Haney, what’s next?”

Boxing

Tszyu gets inactive Thurman; Romero-Cruz compelling on Prime Video debut

Keith Thurman waits for the second round bell against Mario Barrios during a welterweight bout at Michelob ULTRA Arena on February 05, 2022 in Las...

The light-middleweight world champion will prepare to face a faded former titlist from the division below on March 30 with many already overlooking the challenge, though more intrigue surrounds what may happen two weight classes below in the night’s co-main event during Prime Video’s boxing debut.

Continue reading “Tszyu gets inactive Thurman; Romero-Cruz compelling on Prime Video debut”

Boxing

Ortiz calls out WBO light-middleweight champion Tszyu after anticlimactic R1 KO

Vergil Ortiz Jr. Lands a punch on Fredrick Lawson on January 06, 2024 at The Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On what was supposed to be a showcase night for Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions kicking off 2024, we saw one new signee flattened inside a round in the co-main event before veteran referee Tony Weeks produced another controversial early main event stoppage – this time souring Vergil Ortiz Jr’s long-awaited return against overmatched opponent Frederick Lawson.
Continue reading “Ortiz calls out WBO light-middleweight champion Tszyu after anticlimactic R1 KO”

Boxing

After 17-month layoff, serious health concerns and more – Vergil Ortiz Jr is back

Arnold Barboza Jr., Ohara Davies, Vergil Ortiz, Oscar De La Hoya, Fredrick Lawson, Bernard Hopkins, Ismael Barroso and Raul Curiel pose for the media...

Primed for a welterweight world title shot, Vergil Ortiz Jr was searching for answers after a prolonged health scare saw him withdraw on multiple occasions from career-altering bouts. A rhabdomyolysis diagnosis wasn’t heeded but eventually, he came to the conclusion 147lbs wasn’t a sustainable weight cut any longer – so now it’s onwards to the light-middleweight division.   Continue reading “After 17-month layoff, serious health concerns and more – Vergil Ortiz Jr is back”

Boxing

A week on: Haney humbles Prograis to earn WBC light-welterweight world title

Devin Haney punches Regis Prograis during their WBC World Super Lightweight Title fight at Chase Center on December 09, 2023 in San Francisco,...

This week has revolved around what’s next for Devin Haney – Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and more outlandish names besides – after logging a dominant decision win over defending champion Regis Prograis. Whether it’s been about his 165lb in-ring weight or the fight purse he should expect going forward, it’s easy to forget the individual showing itself. A week on, here is exactly that. Continue reading “A week on: Haney humbles Prograis to earn WBC light-welterweight world title”

Boxing

Prograis-Haney a battle of two champions searching for the respect they deserve

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis face off against each other at their weigh-in for the WBC World Super Lightweight Title at Chase Center on December...

In his second championship reign, Regis Prograis makes the second defence of the WBC light-welterweight title overnight vs. Devin Haney – who relinquished undisputed status at lightweight to face a fellow titlist and one who declares he sees weakness standing across from him. While both are at different stages of their respective careers, neither have yet earned the respect such esteemed accomplishments deserve. Will that change with victory here? That depends. Continue reading “Prograis-Haney a battle of two champions searching for the respect they deserve”

Boxing

A returning Ryan Garcia gets it done, but not without fuss against Oscar Duarte

Ryan Garcia exchanges punches with Oscar Duarte during their welterweight fight at Toyota Center on December 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

It was an unconventional showing and his weaknesses were again on display, but Ryan Garcia scored a R8 knockout victory over Oscar Duarte to end 2023 in the win column after Gervonta Davis inflicted a humbling first career loss during their heavily-anticipated PPV matchup back in April. So, what’s next? Continue reading “A returning Ryan Garcia gets it done, but not without fuss against Oscar Duarte”

Boxing

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

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

Harlem Eubank’s career-best display a fitting one given the Brighton backdrop

Harlem Eubank showed spite and punch selection to produce a career-best display in his beloved Brighton hometown against seasoned veteran Timo Schwarzkopf last Friday – dropping and eventually stopping him in R11. A welterweight move appears next for the 29-year-old, hitting his prime and making a name for himself when many didn’t think it possible a few years back. Continue reading “Harlem Eubank’s career-best display a fitting one given the Brighton backdrop”