Jack-Mikaeljan II Weights

WBC World Cruiserweight champion Badou Jack and former WBC World Cruiserweight champion Norair Mikaeljan weighed in on Friday at an identical 199 ¾ lbs. for their rematch tonight (Saturday, December 13th) at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. The twelve round bout, which can be seen later tonight on pay-per-view,  is a rematch of a highly controversial bout in May of this year in which Jack became a two-time WBC Cruiserweight world champion by defeating Mikaeljan via twelve round majority decision.

 As was the case in the first fight, the WBC World Cruiserweight championship, will be on the line in the second encounter that was mandated by the World Boxing Council.  We are planning to have a post-fight column here on The Boxing Truth® during the week following the bout and will update readers on when it will be released once scheduled.. Stay tuned. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Jack vs. Mikaeljan takes place on Saturday, December 13th at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. The fight can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on a variety of cable/satellite providers and streaming platforms including Prime Video, PPV.com, and Triller TV and their respective streaming apps available on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. for $29.95 beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. (*North American Times Only*) (*Card Subject To Change*) contact your Pay-TV provider or click the highlighted links above for ordering information, how to download the respective app of your choice on your streaming device of choice, and for availability internationally.

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Jack-Mikaeljan: The Rematch

In May of this year on the undercard of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez successfully becoming an Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion for a second time with a convincing twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten IBF world champion William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two-division world champion Badou Jack did battle with  WBC World Cruiserweight world champion Norair Mikaeljan with the WBC Cruiserweight crown at stake. A close and competitive fight throughout where the champion Mikaeljan was the busier of the two fighters, but Jack in the view of most observers landed the harder punches. Despite a wide advantage for the champion in terms of CompuBox statistics in out landing Jack in total landed punches 153 to 122 over the course of the twelve round world title bout, it would be Jack who would emerge victorious via a razor-thin majority decision, making him a two-time holder of the WBC World Cruiserweight championship after briefly holding it only to vacate it in 2023. Mikaeljan, the fighter who succeeded Jack as WBC champion, appealed to the sanctioning organization in the aftermath of the bout in May and was granted an immediate rematch.

A rematch that will take place on Saturday, December 13th at the Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA, that will headline a pay-per-view card that will be available on a variety of cable/satellite, and streaming platforms. In some respects, though seeing a former world champion being granted a rematch is not unusual and rare in the sport of Boxing, this is somewhat of a rarity.

After all, the Cruiserweight division, also known as the Jr. Heavyweight division as it sits between the Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions amongst Boxing’s seventeen weight classes, has almost always been void of the type of publicity and mainstream exposure that are often afforded to other divisions. One has to go almost forty years to when a young future legend and Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield engaged in a fifteen round war with the recently deceased two-division world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi to win the WBA Jr, Heavyweight world championship in July 1986 to find a time and a fighter that brought consistent exposure to the division. Holyfield’s first world title would ultimately serve as a launching pad as he quickly unified the Cruiserweight division becoming its first undisputed world champion before embarking on the Heavyweight division, ultimately becoming the only fighter in Boxing history to have won a World Heavyweight championship on four separate occasions. As great as Holyfield proved to be as a fighter, a legitimate argument can be made that when he exited the Cruiserweight division having quickly cleaned the division out by 1988, he took whatever spotlight the division was benefiting from with him. It is also true that the last man to hold the undisputed title in the division, Oleksandr Usyk, immediately did what Holyfield had done decades earlier by vacating the title and ultimately becoming the first fighter in Boxing history to fully unify the Heavyweight division twice. 

Perhaps a more cynical point of view is that the most consistent attention the division receives in the present day in the sport comes from the aspiring boxer and promoter Jake Paul, who still faces questions regarding his legitimacy as a fighter having never faced an opponent that would be considered a fringe prospect or contender to this point in his career. When one takes all of the above into consideration, the fact that the Jack-Mikaeljan rematch has generated the buzz it has, should be viewed as a positive both for the Cruiserweight division and the fighters themselves.

The premise of this return encounter in the eyes of this observer will come down to whether Mikaeljan will be able to not only duplicate his performance from the first fight seven months ago, but to do so in a more convincing fashion where the judges will give him the benefit of the doubt. While I personally felt he did enough to retain his title back in May, what is often misunderstood is punch statistics though often serving as an illustration of what goes on in a fight, is not a part of official scoring criteria and as such if one fighter is able to give an impression that they are landing harder punches, though not being as consistent in output as their opponent, that perception of doing more damage with their offense can result in a judge scoring rounds for that fighter and ignoring the aspect of overall activity. Mikaeljan, who will enter this rematch with a record of 27-3, with 12 Knockouts, must find a way to be more convincing as to not allow the judges room to sway their opinions, particularly if Jack is able to land solidly as he did in the first fight.

The champion meanwhile, who comes into his first title defense of his second reign as WBC World Cruiserweight champion, with a record of 29-3-3, with 17 Knockouts, needs to find a way to be busier throughout this fight. Neither fighter is known for their punching power and though one can never discount the possibility of a knockout, the more probable scenario here is this fight, like its predecessor, will go the twelve round distance. What makes that potentially crucial is Badou Jack has shown a tendency to be periodically sluggish in his fights and, despite getting the nod from two official judges in the first fight by a seven rounds to five margin or 115-113 in points, he cannot allow himself to fall into any kind of hole here in terms of scoring this time around, especially with the view of many that the first fight should have went in favor of Mikaeljan.

It is also very much within the realm of possibility here that if Norair Mikaeljan can turn the tables and win this fight that we could see a third encounter. For a division that seems to always be in a state of both obscurity and flux in terms of who is at or near the top of it, that would probably be welcomed as it will keep a spotlight on the division. If such a spotlight and subsequent discussion that will follow is for positive reasons, it will be a win for the sport. Before we get ahead of ourselves, Badou Jack and Norair Mikaeljan have business to tend to and it remains to be seen if this is a conclusion or merely the next chapter in what could be a rivalry.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Jack vs. Mikaeljan takes place on Saturday, December 13th at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. The fight can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on a variety of cable/satellite providers and streaming platforms including Prime Video, PPV.com, and Triller TV and their respective streaming apps available on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. for $29.95 beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. (*North American Times Only*) (*Card Subject To Change*) contact your Pay-TV provider or click the highlighted links above for ordering information, how to download the respective app of your choice on your streaming device of choice, and for availability internationally.

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BREAKING: Benn Named Number One Welterweight Contender By WBC

It was announced earlier today by the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) annual convention in Bangkok, Thailand that Conor Benn, who recently scored a twelve round unanimous decision in his rematch with former two-division world champion Chris Eubank Jr. on November 15th in a bout held in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, has been named the new WBC number one contender in the 147lb. Welterweight division. This announcement puts Benn as a replacement for previous number one contender and Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao, who fought to a draw in July of this year with current WBC World Welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Barrios is rumored to be nearing a title defense early in 2026 against Welterweight contender Ryan Garcia, which has not been officially announced as of this writing. As for Manny Pacquiao, his next move as he intends to continue his comeback in 2026 is uncertain as of this writing. We will keep readers updated on developments as they are made available. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Cruz-Roach Preview

On Saturday, December 6th, the Boxing world will focus on the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX for a fight, which in all likelihood will have repercussions in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division heading into 2026 and to be specific, with regard to the World Boxing Council (WBC) Jr. Welterweight ratings. This observer is referring to the battle between top contenders Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach, a fight that will headline a pay-per-view card promoted under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner and streamed in the United States by Prime Video. What makes this an intriguing battle beyond an interesting clash of styles, which alone should draw interest amongst Boxing aficionados is the stakes of this encounter have potentially increased since the time the bout was announced.

First we have the clash of styles between a come forward pressure fighter in Cruz that tries to break his opponents down gradually in the mold of a Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., in that often from the opening bell, he comes forward and tries to apply constant pressure and back his opponent up with a swarming attack to the body and head. In thirty-two professional bouts, Cruz, who will walk into this fight holding an interim championship designation in the WBC Jr. Welterweight ratings, has a record of 28-3-1, with 18 Knockouts.

Standing across the ring from him on December 6th will be Lamont Roach. Roach, a former longtime top contender in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division, who briefly held a similar interim designation in the WBA’s rankings in that weight class, is a well-rounded boxer/puncher that can do a little of everything, who will enter the fight with a record of 25-1-2, with 10 Knockouts. Despite the contrast in styles, both fighters share a commonality. Both have previously found themselves in decisions that many feel should have gone their way against the same fighter in Gervonta Davis. Some may recall Cruz putting forth a spirited effort against Davis four years and one day from where this fight will take place against Roach, in December 2021. A fight where many believed he deserved the decision based on the pressure and body work he inflicted on Davis over the course of the fight, but ended up losing a close twelve round unanimous decision. 

More recently, Roach found himself on what many considered to be the wrong end of a decision against Davis in March of this year where he appeared to not have what should have been credited as a knockdown in his favor in the ninth round where Davis took a knee and had one of his cornermen wipe his face with a towel before continuing on. This blown call by Referee Steve Willis by not ruling a knockdown against Davis, as should have been the case when a fighter takes a knee for any reason outside of after suffering an illegal blow, is what many point to in resulting in Roach getting a twelve round majority draw as opposed to a victory that many observers including this one, felt he deserved. Obstacles toward a rematch with Davis, coupled with the latter’s choosing to sign to participate in an exhibition with Jake Paul, before ultimately being removed from that endeavor due to accusations of domestic violence against him, have resulted in Roach now facing Cruz.

What this fight comes down to in my eyes is virtually the same question that is asked of all Isaac Cruz opponents. Can Roach find a way to offset the pressure attack that Cruz will be trying to execute? While Cruz is not known for punching power, his knockouts have come from breaking his opponents down and he tries to more or less pin himself onto an opponent's chest where he not only cuts the ring off, but makes it extremely difficult for that fighter to get any breathing room where they can move, let alone find a consistent rhythm.

Although this has proven to be a difficult task to combat for many opponents, Lamont Roach does have good lateral movement, the ability to use angles, and a good mix of hand speed and accuracy when it comes to counter punching. Whether or not he will be able to set traps for Cruz as he comes forward to set up counter punch opportunities and whether he can evade the pressure and body/head attack of Cruz for all twelve rounds remains to be seen. 

The wrinkle that has emerged since this fight was announced that could potentially raise the stakes is while Cruz’ WBC Interim designation will be at stake in the fight, current WBC World Jr. Welterweight champion Subriel Matias, who has a scheduled title defense in January against Dalton Smith in New York, recently tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine during randomized testing conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) while in training for that title defense. As of this writing, the status of both that fight as well as Matias’ standing as WBC world champion in the Jr. Welterweight division is unknown. 

The possibility certainly exists, however, that the WBC could strip Matias of the title per the testing results either before or shortly after the Cruz-Roach fight takes place, which would obviously either elevate this fight to a world title bout or create a situation where the winner of it will be named world champion and possibly be mandated to fight Dalton Smith in 2026 assuming that Matias would not be permitted to fight due to possible suspension both by the WBC as well as the Association of Boxing Commissions that has both state and international membership due to the failed test.

Either way one chooses to look at this situation, the stakes are high for both Cruz and Roach regardless of a world title is on the line here as regardless, the winner will be in a position for potential lucrative fights going into 2026 and even though world championships still mean something and will always hold value in the sport, the possibility for more lucrative paydays often man as much or more than the championships themselves. Which fighter will find himself in such a position remains to be seen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Cruz vs. Roach takes place on Saturday, December 6th at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX. The fight as well as its undercard can be seen in the United States on Prime Video Pay-Per-View beginning at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT with free preliminary bouts with the pay-per-view portion beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT for $79.95. To order this pay-per-view event download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, or connected streaming devices and smart TVs and find Premier Boxing Champions in the Sports section or click the following link : PBC: Cruz vs. Roach

(*Card And Start Times Subject To Change.”

(*Check your local listings and Prime Video for availability and pricing internationally.*)

For more information about Premier Boxing Champions please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com 

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CHANTELLE CAMERON TO VACATE WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE IN SUPPORT OF WOMEN’S BOXING CHOICE AND EQUALITY

Press Release: November 1, 2025 By Most Valuable Promotions - Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today (October 31st) announced that WBC Super Lightweight world champion, Chantelle Cameron has decided to vacate her WBC Super Lightweight Title as part of her continued commitment to advancing choice and equality in women’s boxing.

Cameron’s decision follows her longstanding position that women should have the option to compete under the same rules as men, including three-minute rounds, rather than the two-minute rounds mandated by the WBC for women’s fights.

“Women’s boxing has come a long way, but there’s still progress to be made,” said Chantelle Cameron. “I’ve always believed in equality, and that includes the choice to fight equal rounds, equal opportunities, and equal respect. I’m proud of my accomplishment in becoming a WBC champion, but it’s time to take a stand for what’s right and for the future of the sport.”

“Chantelle has never backed down from a challenge, inside or outside the ring,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “This decision underscores her integrity and her leadership as one of the sport’s elite fighters. MVP stands firmly behind Chantelle and her commitment to help drive women’s boxing toward true parity.”

Cameron will continue to pursue championship opportunities and marquee bouts maintaining the choice to fight three-minute rounds, and she remains focused on returning to the ring in early 2026.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix, which became the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., the 8th most-bought pay-per-view event in history. 

Material Courtesy of:Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Mayer Adds To Future Hall of Fame Resume By Defeating Spencer For Unified Jr. Middleweight World Championship

The fight between Women's WBA Jr. Middleweight world champion Mary Spencer and two-division world champion Mikaela Mayer on October 30th in Montreal,Canada, largely centered on Mayer attempting to add the Jr. Middleweight division to her resume of having won world championships after winning world titles in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 147lb. Welterweight divisions. It was also a fight void of personal animosity and was rooted in respect between the two world champions. This was simply about two champions putting their respective skills against one another.

Although as this observer stated in previewing this fight, this amounted to an away game for Mayer by traveling to Casino Montreal to face the Montreal native Spencer for her WBA world championship on her home turf, it did not appear as though that was a factor both in her approach in the lead up to the fight as well as how she approached the combat once the fighters were in the ring. A world champion moving up in weight to challenge another world champion in a different weight class in of itself is intriguing, the added wrinkle that emerged in the days prior to this encounter that the WBC and WBO, whose world titles in the Jr. Middleweight division was recently won and vacated by the newly retired future Hall of Famer Cecilia Braekhus, would also be on the line in addition to Spencer's WBA world championship, raised the stakes of the bout and the position of the winner in the division moving forward significantly.

Despite having established herself as a fighter who approaches her opposition at varying angles and throwing combinations where the opponent often has trouble finding a rhythm, Mayer's approach in this fight differed. From the outset, the challenger and current World Welterweight champion backed up the naturally bigger and theoretically stronger World Jr. Middleweight champion Spencer. What was also different from the norm for Mikaela Mayer was she appeared to be sitting on her punches more than is usually the case.

In that she seemed to be throwing and landing punches with the intention of scoring knockdowns and potentially a knockout, which is rare in Women’s Boxing due primarily to the two minute round length as compared to three minutes afforded to their male counterparts. A subject yours truly has frequently criticized and continues to advocate for female fighters to be allowed to compete in three minute rounds. Whether the change in approach can be attributed to now competing in a higher weight class or perhaps working with former Jr. Middleweight world title challenger and top contender Kofi Jantuah, who has joined her corner as a trainer, who in his fighting days, was known for deceptive punching power and an aggressive style. Much like her trainer, who is now a co-trainer along with Al Mitchell, who has been with Mayer her entire career, Mayer found an opening and frequently landed her left hook to the jaw of Spencer and at times even doubled up when she threw it.

This set up the consistent pattern of the fight. Mayer coming forward, pushing Spencer back, beating her to the punch consistently, and landing hard shots. Spencer, however, did find periodic success throughout, particularly when she was able to land her right hand, which did put Mayer's ability to take a punch from a Jr. Middleweight. A test that she was able to pass.

Despite those periodic moments for the champion, Mary Spencer was simply unable to break the pattern that Mayer had established. Unable to score knockdowns to narrow the deficit she was in on the scorecards, and ultimately lacking a knockout punch that would have obviously altered the ebb and flow significantly, she simply could not find the answer she needed on this night to retain and unify her world championship. A wide and convincing ten round unanimous decision for Mikaela Mayer was the ultimate outcome. 

Now, with a unified world champion in a third weight division, Mayer finds herself in a unique position that is not uncommon in Women’s Boxing as the sport is still growing.  Mayer still holds the WBO World Welterweight championship in addition to now being a unified world champion in the Jr. Middleweight division. This puts Mayer in a position where much like many other world champions on the Women’s side of the sport, she might determine her fight or fights based on what opportunity might be available and which fight will be more lucrative. For her part, Mayer stated after defeating Mary Spencer that she is interested in potentially going back and forth between the Welterweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions to maintain her world championships in both divisions and potentially try to become an undisputed world champion in both. 

While certainly not impossible given that world champions often move up or down in weight by fight in Women’s Boxing, the goal and possibility of pulling off what would be a significant achievement, will likely come down to whether Mayer can do it and maintain going up or down in weight physically. Much as is often the case for male fighters who are not natural Heavyweights, there often comes a point where fighters reach a ceiling where they either cannot go up any further in weight and compete effectively or down in weight without depleting themselves physically once they have moved up in their careers. Whether Mikaela Mayer will find such a ceiling in the near future is unknown, but after becoming a world champion in three separate divisions and being regarded as one of the top fighters in the sport of her era, she has already cemented a Hall of Fame resume,  now it is simply a matter of what additional achievements will serve as the icing on the cake of the career of a great fighter.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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BKB 45 Bristol Brawl Results

Credit: BKB

Press Release: September 9, 2025 By BKB Bareknuckle Boxing - BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing made its Bristol, England debut September 6 at the Planet Ice Arena in a night featuring highlight reel knockouts, some of the sports' top stars, and an impressive bare knuckle debut by former WBA Regular Heavyweight Champion Lucas "Big Daddy" Brown.

Two of BKB's top-ranked and most experienced super middleweights went the distance in a fight of the night performance in the BKB 45 main event with James Connelly besting Martin Reffell by unanimous decision.

Swansea's Dan Lerwell picked up his eleventh bare knuckle vistory with a quick first-round knockout of fellow Welshman, UFC veteran Jack Marshman.

Simey Doherty scored his first win in the Tirgon, beating Joe Smith by split decision.

Veteran Paul Hilz earned his tenth bare knuckle victory and second in a row over hometown Dean Paterson by second-round TKO.

Former WBA Regular Heavyweight Champion says he's found a home in bare knuckle with a dominating doctor's stoppage at the start of the second round over Corey Harrison.

Rob Boardman earned co-knockout of the night honors (with Dan Lerwell) with a devastating first-round KO of Volodymyr Skurtu.

Former WBC International Bantamweight and EBU European Super Flyweight champion Ashley Brace picked up her first bare knuckle victory over Hatice Ozyurt by thrid-round doctor's stoppage. 

Will Dermietzel improves to 2-0 with first-round TKO over Jordan Tompkins.

In the prelims, Carl Hobley-Ant Scotford ended in no contest in the first when Hobley went headfirst out of the Trigon.

Corey Healey got  back in the win column with a second-round TKO over Craig Harrison. 

Matty Moore kicked off the evening with a dominating first-round TKO over Danny Worsfold. 

QUICK RESULTS:

James Connelly Def. Martin Reffel by UD5

Dan Lerwell Def. Jack Marshman by KO1

Simey Doherty Def. Joe Smith by SD5

Paul Hill Def. Dean Paterson by TKO2

Lucas Browne Def. Corey Harrison by DS2

Rob Boardman Def. Volodymyr Skurtu by KO1

Ashley Brace Def. Hatice Ozyurt by DS3

Will Dermietzel Def. Jordan Tompkins by TKO1

Hobley vs Scotford ended in NC1

Corey Healey Def. Craig Harrison by TKO2

Matty Moore Def. Danny Worsfold by TKO1

 

BKB returns to action September 27th in Salamanca, New York for BKB 46. Visit https://www.bkbbareknuckle.com   for tickets and information.

Material And Graphic Courtesy of: BKB Bareknuckle Boxing Used with permission. 

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Conlan Shines As Rebuild Continues

The story going into the Featherweight bout between former two-time Olympian and world title challenger Michael Conlan and rising contender Jake Bateson was whether he could continue building momentum in his second fight since returning from a lengthy hiatus following three knockout losses in a relatively short timeframe. In previewing this bout, this observer stated that this fight was part of a rebuilding process for Conlan and that a win here would not necessarily indicate whether he would be back to a point where he was three years ago when he was ahead on the scorecards in his world title challenge of then WBA World Featherweight champion Leigh Wood going into the final round of a grueling and competitive fight and being literally minutes away from becoming world champion, before suffering a brutal knockout loss, which seemed to start a slide for him in the wrong direction as a fighter. 

Despite yours truly saying prior to his encounter with Bateson that there would likely not be a conclusive answer as to whether Conlan, who had one win in his comeback coming into this bout, would be back to the point he was going into the Wood fight where frankly, he was simply caught in a fight he was winning, but a victory against Bateson would serve as a way to gauge how many more steps might be needed as part of a long-term rebuilding process, particularly if he performed well against a well skilled boxer in Bateson, who was likely to provide a test. The two fighters would meet before an enthusiastic crowd at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

What stood out almost immediately was Conlan’s timing and ability to use angles, traits of his skillset that have been known to frustrate opponents and signs of when he is at his best. In addition to his ability to use angles, Conlan routinely switched between the southpaw and orthodox stances, which in addition to attacking Bateson in spurts, kept Bateson from being able to find a consistent rhythm. Conlan was also able to keep the combat at a measured, tactical pace where he had the advantage.

In round three, Conlan scored a knockdown of Bateson with a short left hook from the southpaw stance that grazed the top of the head that caused Bateson to momentarily fall forward where his gloves touched the canvas resulting in the knockdown. This would be followed by a second knockdown in round four when Conlan connected with an overhand right that sent Bateson down awkwardly on the canvas. Bateson showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown, but the combination of being on unsteady legs as well as an apparent injury to his right ankle resulted in the fight being stopped with eleven seconds remaining in the round. 

The second straight win for Conlan on his comeback trail as well as his tenth knockout in his twenty-three bout professional career ultimately served as another building block towards the long-term goal of getting back into contention for another opportunity at a world championship. With the win, Conlan also won the vacant WBC International Featherweight championship, which ultimately means a chance to elevate himself into the world rankings further towards that goal. 

What will be interesting now, however, will be whether Conlan will attempt to jump further up in the rankings in his next fight or potentially take a more conservative approach in potentially taking another fight or two to continue to build momentum so at least in theory from an old school perspective, he can be as ready as possible both physically and mentally before trying to get into a fight, which if he is successful could lead to another world title opportunity. Ultimately, he got a win here in this fight and did so impressively. Whether or not he or his team feel that performance is enough to attempt to move further up the ladder or if he needs a bit more time to keep building momentum remains to be seen. If he were to take another fight against someone on a similar level as Jack Bateson, a good fighter, but one that may not be considered a world rated contender, and turn in a similar clinical performance, it will be clear that Michael Conlan is ready to take the next step.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Thunderdome 50 Results From Metro City, Perth, Australia

Credit:Mike O'Hara/ Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: June 3, 2024 By Dragon Fire Boxing Story By Lewis Moss - Perth boxing fans were treated to another thrilling night of fights as Dragon Fire Promotions celebrated their 50th Thunderdome event at the Metro City Nightclub on Friday night (May 30th).

 

The main event saw Francis “The Removalist” Chua capture the WBC Australasia Silver Lightweight Championship, after a hard-fought win over China’s fourth ranked Lightweight Xiaotao Su.

 

The card also saw The Isle of Man’s Sam Rennie capture WBC gold of his own, as well as other exciting fights.

 

Francis Chua defeated Xiaotao Su 

In the main event of the evening, Francis Chua defeated Xiaotao Su by Unanimous Decision to win the WBC Australasia Silver Lightweight Championship.

 

The fight for Chua was his first in three years since losing to Hironori Mishiro in May 2022.

 

Going into this matchup, many fans wondered how the Perth Native would look after his long hiatus from the ring, but Chua proved he could still hang by returning with a huge win.

 

Throughout the fight Chua took the action to his opponent, by landing a mix of uppercuts and hooks while both fighters were in each other's range. Su often found a home for his lead left hook during the exchanges.

 

Mid way into the fight, Chua started to walk down his opponent while ripping to the body.

 

The Aussie continued to press for the finish in the final round, as he landed multiple shots that looked to have his Chinese opponent hurt.

 

However, Su fought back as the fight went the distance and Chua was announced the winner by unanimous decision.

 

At 39-years-old, Francis Chua looks like he hasn't missed a beat in the ring. 

 

Having already been in the ring with top tier fighters like Liam Wilson and Kye Mackenzie, the Perth Native looks to add a few more names to that list before he hangs up the gloves.

 

Sam Rennie defeated Asyer Alumin

 

In the co main event, Sam Rennie defeated Asyer Alumin to win the WBC Australasia Silver Super Featherweight Championship.

 

The win for Rennie makes him the first ever boxer from The Isle of Man to win a regional title.

 

Over the past few months Sam Rennie had been taking the West Australian boxing scene by storm, with flawless victories in his first two fights.

 

It came to nobody's surprise when Rennie was given a WBC title fight this early in his career and when the stakes were high, Rennie delivered another shut out performance.

 

Rennie stayed in control of the fight, using his jab and superior footwork to keep his opponent guessing.

 

In the third round, Rennie was instructed by his corner to be more aggressive. After following his coaches’ instructions, Rennie dropped Alumin with a left hook to the body.

 

The Englishman continued on the front foot in the fourth round, as he knocked his opponent down again with a right hook before the referee waived the fight off.

 

With yet another dominant win from Sam Rennie, it is clear to see that the sky is the limit for this exceptional prospect.

 

Billy Quinncroft defeated Bilal Seidu

Earlier in the night, Billy Quinncroft defeated Bilal Seidu to win the WA State Cruiserweight Championship.

 

The title win for the 33-year-old marks the first in his professional career, as his record improves to three wins and zero losses.

 

The fight started off strategic, as Quinncroft used his jab efficiently in the early rounds.

 

Seidu did his best to turn the fight into a brawl, but the Englishman remained calm throughout his opponent’s onslaught.

 

Later in the fight, Seidu’s power punches started to get through, culminating with a huge right hand in the final round that got a reaction from the audience.

 

Seidu tried to finish his opponent off, but Quinncroft held on for the final bell.

 

Before the scorecards were about to be ready, fans wondered who would be victorious in this fight of two halves.

 

The win however, was Unanimously given to Billy Quinncroft to a roar from the Perth crowd.

 

Quinncroft will most likely defend his State Title against Will Cleggett who won his fight earlier in the night.

 

Owen Corrigan defeated Alex Muster

Ireland's Owen Corrigan delivered a stunning performance as he knocked out Alex Muster in the third round.

 

The victory advances Corrigan’s undefeated record to three wins.

 

Muster approached the fight aggressively with his looping hooks, but the Irishman remained calm and started to land his crisp right hand.

 

Corrigan began landing his jab in the second round, before knocking his opponent down twice just before the bell.

 

The onslaught from Dublin’s “Bomber” resumed in the third, as he dropped Muster with a huge right hand while they were up close. 

 

Muster was able to answer the count, but after one more flurry of punches the referee put a stop to the contest, giving Owen Corrigan the TKO victory.

 

With yet another dominant performance to his name, it is only a matter of time before Owen Corrigan gets the opportunity to fight for a title.

 

Thunderdome 50 Full Card Results

 

WBC Australasia Silver Lightweight Championship

Francis Chua DEFEATED Xiaotao Su by Unanimous Decision

 

WBC Australasia Silver Super Featherweight Championship

Sam Rennie DEFEATED Asyer Alumin by Fourth Round TKO

 

WA State Cruiserweight Championship

Billy Quinncroft DEFEATED Bilal Seidu by Unanimous Decision

 

Owen Corrigan DEFEATED Alex Muster by Third Round TKO

 

WA NITRO Light Heavyweight Championship

Binny Folan DEFEATED Rusty Oates by Third Round TKO

 

Joel Lewis DEFEATED Hongjun Shi by Fourth Round TKO (Retirement)

 

Will Cleggett DEFEATED Cameron Moffat by Unanimous Decision

 

Alan Pond Cup 2025

Beejay Boonket vs Habib Kheriakhah ends in a Majority Draw

 

Bahtiyar Sonyol DEFEATED Jack Thompson by First Round TKO (Shoulder Injury)

 

Tara Enoka DEFEATED Harma Yesti by Unanimous Decision

 

Yousef Radwan DEFEATED Adam Marshall by Split Decision (Exhibition Fight)

 

Rigor Angeles DEFEATED Mitch Arnold by Third Round TKO (Corner Stoppage)

Material Courtesy of: Lewis Moss/Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of Mike O’Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

35 Years Later: Sons of Legends To Resume Rivalry In The Ring

In the 1990’s in the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions, there was perhaps no more bitter rivalry than the one between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr., two world champions, who would go on to become legends, Hall of Famers and in terms of the Boxing hotbed of the United Kingdom, two of the most dominating British fighters of their era. Like many great rivalries, there was demand for the two to meet and once they did, no shortage of debate as to who had the upper hand. 

In their first fight in November 1990, Eubank became a world champion by stopping Benn in nine rounds to win the WBO World Middleweight championship in a fight where the fighters were separated by only one point on all three official scorecards. A classic encounter in every sense of the term. Three years later, the two would meet again in October 1993, this time in the Super-Middleweight division where the two, at the time both world champions holding the WBO and WBC world titles respectively, fought to a hotly disputed split decision draw in front of over 47,000 spectators in Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England.

Despite the close competition in two fights and seemingly the ideal conditions for a third encounter given the draw and the public support for a third bout between the two, it was not to be, but the rivalry has remained all these years. Fast forward thirty-five years from their first encounter and the names Eubank and Benn are as much a focal point today in 2025 as they were back then in the sport. Only now the rivalry and hostiles have spread to the offspring of those legends.

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. Like his father before him, Chris Eubank Jr. has become a two-division world champion in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions. Conor Benn meanwhile appeared to be on a fast track towards a world title shot in the 147lb. Welterweight division. Originally, the two were to meet in 2022, but the fight was cancelled following Benn testing positive for a banned substance, which ultimately resulted in a lengthy legal battle between the undefeated fighter and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), who suspended him, which in turn led to a lengthy absence from in ring competition. All the while, both hostiles and accusations between the two fighters and their camps have only continued.

Benn  was able to return to the ring in 2023 and 2024 in two fights held in the United States while he fought for his license to be reinstated in the United Kingdom. With that license officially reinstated, both fighters are now able to renew their focus as they will finally meet on Saturday, April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a fight that can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

Without getting into the issue of what led to the fight between these two fighters falling apart just days before it was to take place three years ago, a subject that has been discussed seemingly everyday since throughout the sport and something which Benn has always maintained his innocence, this fight brings together a unique scenario, assuming that it will take place this time. 

What makes this particular fight unique? It is not the first time that offsprings of great fighters have met in the ring, both male and female, but what makes this a bit different is unlike their fathers before them who were competing in the same divisions when they fought those two fights, Conor Benn will be moving up two weight divisions to the 160lb. Middleweight division and Chris Eubank Jr. will be coming down eight pounds from the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division to make this fight a reality.

While the undefeated Benn fought his last two bouts technically as a 154lb. Jr. Middleweight, this is a circumstance where he will be moving up again to face not only a naturally bigger opponent, but also one with more experience. Although Eubank is the current International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Middleweight champion, he has gone between both Middleweight and Super-Middleweight throughout his career and will have both natural size and height to his advantage. 

Despite Eubank’s status as a current world champion, the twelve round Middleweight bout will not be for the IBO world championship as of this writing. What are we likely to see on fight night? The question here will center on whether Benn will be able to compete effectively as a Middleweight having now jumped up two divisions from where all signs of him challenging for a world championship as a Welterweight.  It was as a Welterweight that Benn scored several highlight reel type of knockouts as he gradually climbed the ranks. While that reputation now has some skepticism attached to it due to the circumstances, which led to the cancellation of this fight the first time it was made three years ago, Benn, like his father before him, has the ability to end a fight with either hand, often in sudden and brutal fashion. Skepticism aside, nearly every non-Heavyweight that is known for their punching power, will eventually have to answer whether that punching power will be as effective and devastating as they move up in weight as it was at a lighter weight. He will be facing a naturally bigger opponent in Chris Eubank Jr. and it will be interesting to see what impact the punching power Benn has will have if he can connect both cleanly and , more than occasionally.

This certainly could prove to be easier said than done given Eubank’s ability to be elusive, attack at varying angles, and his attribute of being able to throw in volume. While a style that may not always be entertaining to watch, it has won Eubank two world championships in his career. 

Given the long history of animosity between the two fighters that goes back to their fathers, the possibility exists that styles of the two fighters will not be part of the equation here and that animosity will lead to both fighters being willing to stand and trade shot for shot with each other. If that were indeed to happen, it could be a toss up as to who will emerge victorious. While such a scenario would be ideal for those who want to see an all-action fight, there is a lot on the line for both Eubank and Benn and it would be wise for both fighters to approach things strategically rather than looking to go toe to toe. Who will win is anyone's guess, but for a fierce rivalry between two Hall of Fame fighters, who were among the best of their era to now see that rivalry continue through their offspring, this observer is looking forward to seeing how this chapter will be written.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn takes place on Saturday, April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $24.99 beginning at 12PM ET/9AM PT (*U.S. Pricing and Times only.*) 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, to subscribe, local start times in your area, and for region-specific pricing and to order this pay-per-view event please visit: www.DAZN.com.

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Benavidez-Morrell: Will The Winner Get A Shot At Alvarez?

As 2025 has now begun, Boxing’s 168lb. Super-Middleweight division is still dominated by one fighter, the once and perhaps future Undisputed king of the division Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who still reigns as the division’s unified world champion, despite having relinquished the IBF world championship due to his decision to face top contender Edgar Berlanga last September, rather than the International Boxing Federation’s top contender William Schull, who was due in the rotation of mandatory challengers that subsequently made up the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world. Schull went on to win the IBF crown and could still face Alvarez at some point this year in what would be a rarity in Boxing, a reunification bout involving a title that was given up by one of the champions involved due to circumstances that can only be summed up as the politics that be in the sport of Boxing.

Two fighters, however, that have been angling for a shot at Alvarez for some time will instead turn their attention to each other in what is being billed as an elimination bout in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division are undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and unbeaten top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell. A scheduled twelve round bout that will take place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, which can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View. Some might question why two fighters, whom for the moment have moved out of the Super-Middleweight division, would still be in the discussion as a potential challenger for Alvarez, especially given that the winner of this fight, in theory will be in a position to face the winner of the upcoming Undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship rematch between undefeated champion  Artur Beterbiev and former unified world champion Dmitry Bivol.

The simple answer is Alvarez, who also briefly held a portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship in his career, is for lack of a better term, one of the sport’s cash cows and has gotten to a point in his career where he chooses his fights based more on opportunity and finances rather than legacy. While Alvarez is certainly not the first fighter to take advantage of such a status once acquired, the fact is that while both Benavidez and Morrell were Super-Middleweights, neither had the type of market appeal or drawing power that was able to convince Alvarez to fight either fighter in what would have been a high risk, low reward scenario based on both Benavidez’ and Morrell’s styles. It is also worth noting that in regard to the issue of drawing power, Benavidez was positioned in the main event of the final pay-per-view card produced by the now-defunct Showtime Sports against former two-division world champion Demitrius Andrade in November 2023 only produced 60,000 buys at a $74.99 price point. This followed a similar low drawing buyrate for Benavidez against former IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant in March of that year.

Although more of a reflection of an outdated pay-per-view model that this observer has been highly critical of and will continue to be so until such time as things change for the betterment of the sport, the reality of the matter is with low buyrates, which are also affected by piracy, an elephant in the room that no one in the sport likes to take about and folks who cover the sport like yours truly do not like to write about due to the obvious negative aspects attached to it, which can be directly attributed to the overuse of pay-per-view as well as the price points, which whether promoters and networks want to admit it or not, are continually rejected by consumers, there was little incentive for Alvarez to take the risk against Benavidez  as the perception was that in a promotional sense, Benavidez and his promoter the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters needed Alvarez, more than Alvarez needed them, despite it being a fascinating fight on paper in terms of style and a dangerous one for Alvarez. Given the state of the pay-per-view model and the fact that InDemand the leading pay-per-view distributor on cable and satellite outside of satellite provider DirecTV here in the United States will be ceasing operations before the end of 2025, Benavidez is in a bit of an unfair conundrum being labeled as not a pay-per-view draw when the fact is, the whole pay-per-view concept and model is one that is severely outdated and affects every Boxing card that is placed on pay-per-view.

With the majority of Boxing events either tapped for subscription-based streaming or offered via pay-per-view via apps as this one will be through Prime Video, it remains to be seen how long the model will last with one of the biggest distributors preparing to cease operations, which would not be the case if the pay-per-view model were viable and successful now in the year 2025. Whether this fight will be any more successful than previous Benavidez/PBC pay-per-view attempts  also remains to be seen.

In terms of style, both Benavidez and Morrell are come forward pressure fighters that each have power and put forth consistent offensive output. On paper, this has all the appearance of potentially an all-action fight that will likely end within the twelve round distance. The reasoning behind this is both fighters have career knockout percentages of over 80%. What also makes this fight interesting is that because both fighters have been so dominant in facing other opposition up to this point, some might contend that neither has faced a fighter with the type of punching power that they will now be facing by facing each other.

Perhaps the question that should be asked here in regard to this encounter is whether we will see a shootout from the opening bell where they both come out with the intention of going toe to toe with the goal to try and end the fight as quickly as possible, or if one of the fighters will attempt to take a more tactical approach with the knowledge of what their opponent can do? The possibility certainly exists that, despite the styles of both Benavidez and Morrell, that both fighters will have a healthy respect for the other and therefore, be more passive in their approach at least in the early rounds. 

As one who has covered thousands of fights over the last three decades between fighters who are labeled as “Knockout Artists," this is an instance where this observer cannot give an educated guess as to what might happen. This appears to be an evenly matched fight where, despite my experience and a lifetime as a proud Boxing lifer, I cannot see a way where things might lean in terms of who has a theoretical advantage. Although a mandatory position, at least in theory in the WBC’s Light-Heavyweight ratings is on the line, whether it be the Beterbiev-Bivol winner that will be next for the winner of this fight, or if Saul Alvarez will use his clout to interject himself into the equation either for the winner here between Benavidez and Morrell or the winner of the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, which can all be talked about after this fight, this is one occasion that I am very much looking forward to the opening bell between Benavidez and Morrell. It is too early to use the selling point of "Fight of the Year Candidate," but I would not dismiss the possibility.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Benavidez vs. Morrell takes place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen on digital entertainment and sports streaming platform Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis for $79.99. The card will begin at 6PM ET/3PM PT with preliminary bouts followed by the pay-per-view card, which will begin at 8PM ET/5PM PT. For more information about Prime Video please visit: www.PrimeVideo.com for information on how to download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. To order this pay-per-view event search Benavidez vs. Morrell within the Prime Video app or Click Here.

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Benavidez-Morrell PPV Card Now Available For Preorder On Prime Video

Credit: Prime Video 

The upcoming pay-per-view card headlined by a WBC Light-Heavyweight elimination bout between undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and undefeated top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell is now available for preorder on Prime Video. The card, which will take place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV is being promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters for $79.99. To order this pay-per-view event on Prime Video Click Here. We will have a preview of Benavidez-Morrell released here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, January 29th. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Yafai Batters Edwards Into Retirement

The fight between former IBF World Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and undefeated contender Galal Yafai was one of experience versus youth. Edwards, a former world champion who was looking to get himself back into position to fight for a world championship in his second fight since losing the IBF crown in a unification bout against WBO World Flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez. With an interim designation on the line between Edwards and Yafai in the WBC’s Flyweight ratings, the winner of the fight would essentially be in position to challenge current WBC world champion Kenshiro Teraji.

What had all the appearance of a high-stakes encounter took place before an enthusiastic crowd at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England on November 30th. In previewing this bout, this observer pointed out that the strategy of Edwards, a fighter with only four knockouts in twenty-one previous fights going into this encounter, and one who was used to going a world championship distance of twelve rounds, would look to try and extend Yafai into the deep waters of the fight, otherwise known as the later rounds. The question was whether he would be able to use what was a significant edge in terms of experience to control the tempo of the fight against a fighter in Yafai, who was only competing in his ninth professional fight, but had six knockouts in his eight career wins leading to this bout.

The combat that occurred in this fight can best be described as one fighter pinning himself to his opponent's chest like a magnet, as well as a masterclass in the implementation and execution of an attack to an opponent’s body. From the opening bell, Yafai put Edwards on the defensive and nearly dropped him with a hook to the head in the opening seconds of the fight. 

In some ways, Yafai’s approach reminded this observer of the approach often implemented by the legendary Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. from the standpoint that more often than not, Chavez would pin himself to an opponent's chest where it made it nearly impossible for his opponent to not only move, but more specifically, to get space where that fighter could not only get air, but also attempt to gain control of the pace of the combat. Chavez also had one strategy in implementing this approach, to back his opposition up against the ropes and attack the opponent’s body, then as the opponent gradually slowed down and would drop his hands due to the accumulation of body punches, which not only takes a fighter’s legs away and their ability to move, but also limits the ability to raise their arms, Chavez would land hard thudding punches to the head. 

Yafai essentially brought what yours truly refers to as the “Chavez Attack" back in this fight as he stayed pinned to Edwards and simply did not give him room to breathe. This along with a relentless attack to the body and head, had me questioning after four rounds as to whether Edwards’ corner might stop the fight to prevent their fighter from further punishment. Simply put, much as Chavez did many years ago against opponent after opponent as he carved out his Hall of Fame career, Yafai suffocated Edwards where he simply could not move and could not keep Yafai off of him. Although it is rare for yours truly to be questioning whether a fight that did not feature knockdowns would be stopped after four rounds of a scheduled twelve rounds, it did not take long for the contest to be decided and one fighter was taking a one way beating. 

As the punishment only increased, it would finally and mercifully be brought to a halt by Referee Lee Every, who finally stepped in and put a stop to the fight as Edwards was in a position he was frequently throughout the bout, pinned against the ropes, at 1:10 of round six. Ultimately, there is not much one could say beyond saying that this bout was one-sided and the referee showed mercy when perhaps Edwards’ corner should have stopped the fight sooner.

For Galal Yafai, this signals the most significant victory of his career thus far and it will be interesting to see whether now as the WBC’s mandatory challenger in the Flyweight division will mean that he will challenge Kenshiro Teraji in his next fight. Despite only having nine professional fights, his dominant performance in this fight, which was a risk by his handlers by putting him in a world title elimination bout with limited experience, he has earned the opportunity.

The second loss in Sunny Edwards’ career for the moment appears as though it will be his last as he announced his retirement in the ring after the fight in a post-fight interview with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. While Edwards is certainly not the first fighter to declare that he would be hanging up his gloves in the immediate aftermath of a fight after coming out on the losing end, which is often considered an emotional reaction, it is important to remember that this is the second knockout loss he has suffered in his career, but also in a relatively short period after being stopped in nine rounds by Jesse Rodriguez in December of last year in a scenario that was not unlike the one where he found himself in this fight. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that Edwards has competed in one of Boxing’s lower weight divisions for his whole career as a 112lb. Flyweight. Although there have been exceptions where fighters in Boxing’s lowest divisions do have long careers, it is not uncommon to see fighters in those weight classes retire at a younger age as compared to fighters who compete at heavier weights. It remains to be seen whether the twenty-eight year old Edwards will have a change of heart down the line, but one should also consider the punishment a fighter suffers not just in a fight itself, but also while in training, which includes sparring as well as often struggles in making weight, which often proves to be more significant in lower weight classes. 

There is after all only so much a body can take and regardless of what weight a fighter competes, it is always better to get out while one still has all their facilities and still have the ability to do other things and enjoy their lives. Although ultimately a fighter is the only one who can make the decision as to when it is time to retire and that is not exclusive to Boxing, but in all combat sports, all too often we see what happens to many fighters later in life where the toll of a long career and the punishment sustained during it leads to significant medical problems. If Sunny Edwards proves to be one of the fighters to end his career on his own terms where he can still enjoy his life, the fruits of his labor, and not suffer the long-term effects that often come with a long career, he may have lost his last fight, but he still left the ring a winner.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Edwards-Yafai Headline Thanksgiving Weekend In Boxing

Boxing’s 112lb. Flyweight division takes center stage this Thanksgiving weekend as an intriguing battle will occur at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England as former IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards will face undefeated top contender Galal Yafai. An encounter that will determine Interim/Regular champion status in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight ratings, which can be seen worldwide on digital subscription streaming network DAZN.

While Boxing’s lower weight divisions do not always receive consistent exposure here in the United States, it is often the lower weight classes that offer battles often fought at a high pace and no shortage of action. This fight figures to follow in that tradition. In this case, this particular bout has an interesting contrast in a former world champion looking to get back into position to fight for a world championship going against a young, unbeaten contender, who some might feel has yet to be tested. 

 Edwards is looking to continue momentum after scoring a technical decision win in his last fight in June of this year over Adrian Curiel in a bout that was halted in the ninth round. Now going into his second bout since losing his IBF crown in December of last year in a unification bout with WBO world champion Jesse Rodriguez, a fight where Edwards stopped in nine rounds, the former champion faces what could be a significant threat in the heavy handed Galal Yafai.

Yafai, who is unbeaten in eight professional fights, has scored knockouts in six of those bouts registering a career knockout percentage of 75%. The former 2016 Olympian is coming off of a third round stoppage of Sergio Oliva in September of this year. Although Yafai has shown the ability to score quick knockouts thus far as a professional, he has only been made to go a ten round distance twice in his career and this could be crucial in a scenario where he will not only be facing a former world champion for the first time in his career, but will also be facing an opponent in Edwards, who has significant experience, particularly at the world championship level.

Edwards only has four knockouts in his twenty-one wins, but what he brings with him into this fight is not only more total experience as a professional than Yafai, not only more experience at or near the top of the sport, but more specifically, he is experienced in going the distance. The strategy for the former world champion would therefore appear obvious. To try and avoid Yafai’s power and try to extend him into the deep waters of the fight, the later rounds.

Yafai has shown he can go ten rounds twice in his career. The question will be whether Edwards will be able to control the tempo of the combat from very early in the fight where the pace could put Yafai to the test. It could be a task that may well be easier said than done if Yafai can find a way to limit Edwards’ movement and land his power punches more than periodically. Yafai has shown power in both hands and one of the strategies to combat a tactical boxer that uses significant lateral movement is to not only try to cut the ring off to limit that fighter’s ability to move, but to also try and implement a consistent attack to the body, which could slow the opponent down as the fight progresses.

What will be the goal for the winner of this fight is also obvious. The winner will become the official mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Kenshiro Teraji. While nothing is set in stone as of this writing, one could assume that a fight between the winner of this fight and Taraji could be aimed for sometime in early 2025. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Edwards vs.Yafai takes place on Saturday, November 30th at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 2PM ET/11AM PT. (*U.S. Times Only.*) 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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