Moses Itauma: The Future of the Heavyweight Division?

In the sport of Boxing it seems like every few years there is a prospect in a given division that stands out amongst the rest and emerges as someone that might be viewed as the division’s future central figure. More often than not, what gets that type of buzz started is when a fighter produces a string of knockouts on their rise that naturally generates interest. This is especially true when the division in question is the Heavyweight division.

From the days of Joe Louis, to the rise of a young Mike Tyson, and so on, there is nothing quite like a Heavyweight that is on the rise who demonstrates an ability to score quick and often devastating knockouts as they climb through the ranks. While Louis and Tyson are two fighters this observer named off the top of his head, the reality is one can pick just about any era in Boxing history where one will be able to point out at least a few fighters regardless of division that fit the label of “Knockout Artist." 

In regard to the Heavyweights, the latest prospect that fits that description is the undefeated Moses Itauma. Itauma, has quickly emerged as a fighter to watch that frankly is turning heads due to his punching power and ability to get an opponent out of there quickly. After a brief amateur career where he went unbeaten, Itauma turned professional in January 2023 and went on to compile eleven victories with nine coming by way of knockout. 

This led to Itauma’s most recent fight on May 24th in Glasgow, Scotland where he faced veteran Mike Balogun in a scheduled ten round bout with the WBO’s regional Intercontinental and the WBA’s International Heavyweight titles on the line. While the titles are footnotes, in reality, they do serve a vital role in terms of elevating fighters into the world rankings with the obvious goal of getting into position to challenge for a world championship. More important than two regional titles being at stake, this fight represented what appeared to be a step up for Itauma in terms of caliber of opponent as Mike Balogun came into the fight with a record of 21-1, with 16 Knockouts and had more experience than Itauma, though recent opponents have had similar records as Balogun, which serves as an indication that Itauma is definitely being groomed as a potential world title challenger in the not too distant future.

While the expectation of at least some when a fighter with an experience edge over a fighter who has risen quickly, is to see if that fighter will be able to draw upon that experience to provide a test, it is also interesting to see how the fast rising fighter will approach the opponent knowing that they carry more experience. In this case, Itauma’s approach in this fight was in a word “Surgical." 

Boxing out of the southpaw stance, Itauma quickly got his right jab going before quickly flooring Balogun with a flush left hook to the head. To his credit, Balogun got up from the knockdown and attempted to bring the fight to Itauma, but the difference in punching power was evident as Balogun was unable to land anything to discourage Itauma from coming forward, but did manage to make it out of the first round, which three of Itauma’s last five opponents were unable to do. 

This accomplishment, however, would not deter Itauma as he immediately dropped Balogun for the second time seconds into round two hard on the canvas courtesy of another left hook to the jaw. Despite the appearance and sound of a knockout courtesy of a human body falling hard on the canvas, Balogun showed his determination by getting up at the count of nine. As he had done following the first knockdown, Balogun tried to fight back, but his courage would not be enough as Itauma zeroed in and sent Balogun down hard for a third time, this time with a right hook, prompting a stoppage of the bout just forty-six seconds into the second round.

When this observer uses the term “Surgical" in describing Itauma, I not only mean in the way he approached his opponent here, but also the surgical precision, in which he strategically placed his punches and maintained his composure. Sometimes when a fighter is blessed with the type of punching power that can end fights quickly, there can be a tendency to be a bit over aggressive in trying to finish an opponent following a knockdown, which in turn depending on how hurt the opponent is and their skillset, could present an opportunity to catch the fighter with a counter punch that do not see. The poise Itauma showed was of a fighter with more experience than his twelve fights would indicate.

It is that limited resume, however, that has produced what could turn out to be a conundrum for his team and his Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren in that though with only twelve fights Itauma is just at the point where most fighters are approaching prospect status on the verge of trying to break into the top fifteen or top ten in terms of the world rankings, per his holding regional titles in both the WBO and WBA, Moses Itauma is already rated in the top three of both sanctioning organizations, despite only having one name of significance on his record thus far in the form of former world title challenger Mariusz Wach, who was many years removed from being among the top contenders in the Heavyweight division at the time that Itauma fought him and stopped him in two rounds in July of last year. 

Although it is not uncommon for fighters on the way up to be pitted against fighters, who have some name recognition, but who's competitive best days are behind them, Wach, who is to date the most experienced opponent Itauma has fought, offered no resistance. The criticism therein, as has been the case for countless fighters who have ascended up the ranks without facing a top contender to get into that position, is whether politics that be in the sport could be at play could have influenced said ranking.

Is Moses Itauma the future of the Heavyweight division? For the moment one cannot and should not attempt to answer that question if they are objective. The reason for that is there are unanswered questions that will need to be answered. One, how will Itauma respond to adversity under such scenarios like what might happen if he is hurt or knocked down by an opponent, or how he will respond if someone is able to take his best power shots and keep coming forward without going down. Something else one should keep in mind is Itauma has only been extended as far as six rounds twice in his career up to this point and as he is now on a level where he is competing in fights that are scheduled for ten rounds, with an eye towards competing for a world title where the distance is twelve rounds, it is only a matter of when he will be extended further and what opponent will be able to take him into the deeper waters of a fight before we might get some clarity. 

What could be both good and bad news depending on one's perspective is with his ranking being so high in two of the five major world sanctioning organizations, it will likely not take long before we start getting that clarity. For the moment, however. Moses Itauma is on the short list of potential future central figures of the Heavyweight division and it may be a question of how long does his team and his promoter want to give him to get more polish and refinement before taking a gamble by trying to get him in a world championship fight. If Itauma takes on this pace and continues to win, it would not surprise yours truly to see him challenging for a world championship within the next twelve months, where most likely he will still be under twenty professional fights in his career.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Should Harper Remain At Lightweight?

The fight between thred-division world champion Teri Harper and undefeated former Women's IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Natalie Zimmermann on May 23rd in Doncaster,England at Keepmoat Stadium, it signaled what could be a beginning. Not only was Harper having a homecoming in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd, but she was also making the first defense of the WBO Lightweight crown she had won in September of last year. 

What would follow would arguably be one of the champion’s best performances in her career thus far. For ten rounds, Harper used her Boxing prowess, timing, hand speed, and ability to approach Zimmermann at varying angles as well as mixing levels of her attack to the head and body to put on a Boxing lesson for a very “Game," but on this occasion overmatched opponent in Zimmermann.

Despite it becoming evident from early in the bout that Zimmermann was a few steps behind Harper, and did not have an answer to combat the hand speed or timing of the champion, Zimmermann bravely fought on, surviving instances periodically throughout the fight where she appeared to be on the verge of being stopped by Harper inside the distance. Zimmermann’s bravery deserves even more praise when one considers that she suffered a severe gash in the tenth and final round on her forehead due to an accidental clash of heads, which was a gushing wound causing blood to flow over her face. 

Although this observer having seen more than his fair share of wounds throughout the three decades I have covered Boxing and by extension combat sports expected the fight to be stopped given the severity of the gash and the obvious issue of blood flowing into Zimmermann’s eyes, incredibly and likely because of her courage throughout the fight, despite suffering significant punishment, the challenger was able to make it to the final bell. Despite losing a wide unanimous decision to Harper, who successfully defended her WBO Lightweight crown, Natalie Zimmermann, proved her mettle in suffering the first defeat of her career and can hold her head high with the courage she showed in the fight.

While there is little more to say about this fight beyond calling it a dominant performance by Teri Harper, the obvious question is, what will happen next? In previewing this bout between Harper and Natalie Zimmermann, this observer touched briefly on a commonality in Women's Boxing that sees many fighters move up or down in weight seemingly by fight and what opportunities may be available to them as the sport is still very much growing. For Teri Harper, who has won world titles from Jr. Lightweight to Jr. Middleweight, it may be debated as to where she will ultimately land. 

After this performance, a viable option could be to remain in the 135lb. Lightweight division for the foreseeable future where fighters like current WBA world champion Stephanie Han, WBC world champion Caroline Dubois, and others could prove to be lucrative options for Harper, especially if the possibility to become an undisputed world champion ends up on the table for her, which seems to happen more frequently for female fighters as far as getting that opportunity compared to their male counterparts. What is indisputable is Women's Boxing continues to take advantage of long overdue opportunities by way of consistent exposure through television and streaming and as a result, interest not only continues to increase for the entire sport, but there are now far more lucrative opportunities for women in the sport than has ever been the case. If the Lightweight division is the next to benefit from that, the sport as a whole will ultimately reap the reward.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Veteran Media and Entertainment Executive David Tetreault Named President of Lights Out Productions, Parent Company of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing and Trigon Combat

Credit: BKB

Press Release: May 23, 2025 By BKB: Bare Knuckle Boxing - MIAMI, FLORIDA – Mike Vazquez, owner of Lights Out Productions, parent company of BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing and its developmental league Trigon Combat, announced today the hiring of David Tetreault, a 30-veteran of the media, sports and entertainment industry, as company President.

Previously, Tetreault held executive positions at Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers, FOX, Clear TV, Golden Boy Productions and Triller.  At FOX, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and developed award-winning campaigns for The Simpson’s, American Idol, 24, The X Files and many others. At Golden Boy, serving as the Chief Business Officer, he struck multimillion dollar network deals with Facebook Watch, ESPN and HBO. Tetreault led and negotiated the $600 million deal with DAZN as it became the exclusive home of Canelo Alverez. Tetreault most recently served as President of Triller Fight Club and Chief Business Officer of Triller-owned Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he oversaw content strategy, global television rights deals, and integrated sponsorship and marketing initiatives. He also served as Executive Producer for all live sporting events, televised programming, and short-form digital content. Under his leadership, Triller Fight Club produced the historic exhibition bout between eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and South Korean martial artist DK Yoo, held on December 11, 2022, at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Seoul.

In addition to his executive leadership in combat sports and media, Tetreault serves as an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco and California State University, Los Angeles, where he teaches graduate-level courses in Strategic Management, Sports Business, and Entertainment Marketing. His dual roles in academia and industry reflect a commitment to both innovation and mentorship across the next generation of sports and media professionals.

Said Vazquez, “Lights Out has seen accelerated, strategic growth this past year, with the acquisition of the UK-based BKB to become the largest bare knuckle boxing company in the world, the acquisition of the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship, securing multiple live television and streaming deals on both sides of the Atlantic, and now the creation of Trigon Combat.

“As we look ahead, having a leader with David at the helm will only make BKB and Trigon Combat better, as we look to go from being the world’s preeminent bare knuckle boxing company to a complete combat sports and entertainment property. From his experience securing massive media rights deals and integrated partnerships, his understanding of ever-evolving media platforms and consumer habits, and his success in live sports, including bare knuckle boxing, our potential in the coming months to redefine the combat sports landscape is exponential and he’s uniquely qualified to lead us on that journey.”

Said Tetreault, “From the very top down, Lights Out/BKB is one of the most professionally-run, creative and strategic combat sports properties in the world.  It owns all of its intellectual property, is one of two organizations to hold a patent on its ring, and has made substantive moves that have positioned BKB as a breakout platform. It is the next investable format in global combat sports. It has one of the largest fighter rosters in combat sports, has global scalability, event flexibility, and is syndication-ready.  I’m excited to be on the team and look forward to making an immediate impact.”

To learn more about BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing visit bkbbareknuckle.com.  For more information on Trigon Combat, visit trigoncombat.com.

UPCOMING BKB SCHEDULE

Broadcast on VICE TV and TalkSPORT

 

BKB 41: Brawl in Duval II, Jacksonville, FL, May 31

BKB 42: Music City Brawl, Nashville, TN, June 21

BKB 43: Bolton Brawl, Bolton, UK, July 5

BKB 44: Denver Brawl V, Denver, CO, August 16

UPCOMING TRIGON COMBAT SCHEDULE

TRYOUTS: San Antonio, TX, May 31

FIGHT: Myrtle Beach, SC, June 12

TRYOUTS: Fayetteville, NC, July 12

TRYOUTS: San Diego, CA, July 26

Material and Photo Courtesy of: BKB: Bare Knuckle Boxing Used with permission.

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

Harper Set To Defend Lightweight Crown Against Zimmermann

On Friday, May 23rd, a world championship bout will occur in the Women's Lightweight division featuring three-division world champion and current holder of the WBO crown against unbeaten former IBF Women's World Jr. Welterweight champion Natalie Zimmermann at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England. A world title bout that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

This will be the first defense of the WBO World Lightweight championship for Harper that she won in September of last year with a ten round unanimous decision over Rhiannon Dixon in Sheffield, England. Harper, who has won world titles from the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division to the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division has rightfully earned her place as one of the biggest stars in Women's Boxing. Like many female fighters in the sport, Harper has moved up and down the weight scale depending on the fight and opportunity. While that is an indication of a sport that is still very much in its growing stages for women competing in it both in terms of available weight classes and significantly more opportunities than had been the case in decades past, it will be interesting to see whether along with growth of the sport overall if fighters like Harper will choose to prioritize a division where they feel most comfortable competing in, much like their male counterparts or if the emphasis will seemingly continue to remain on what opportunities might be available on a fight by fight basis. With seemingly more women competing than ever before in the sport and more divisions being available to compete in, there may come a point where the potential to move up or down in weight may not be as lucrative or enticing, simply because with more competition in each respective division, there will be more options for fighters to remain in their division of choice if they choose to do so.

Although the sport may not quite be at that point at present time, Harper has been one of those fighters who has shown that she can compete effectively in multiple divisions and it will be interesting to see where she eventually lands. For the moment, the task at hand for the champion, who will enter this bout with a record of 15-2-2, with 6 Knockouts, will be defending her World Lightweight championship.

The challenger Natalie Zimmermann will enter this bout, attempting to become a two-division world champion, unbeaten with a record of 13-0, with 3 Knockouts. In her last bout in September of last year, Zimmermann scored a ten round decision over Katerina Dvorakova in Spain.

What this fight appears to be is an encounter between two boxers who are experienced both in going the distance and outworking their opponents to win decision victories. While the champion has three more knockouts in her career compared to Zimmermann, neither are known for having punching power. Given the Boxing ability each has, it will be interesting to see if one takes a more aggressive approach than would be the norm in an attempt to get an advantage early. 

Although bouts in Women's Boxing have sporadically begun using three minute rounds, the same as in Men's bouts, the majority of bouts for women are still held with two minute rounds. This normally means fights are fought at a quick pace and given the similarities between these two boxers, who both know how to win rounds and compile points in the process, it would not surprise this observer if both fighters are able to find success to see this potentially end in a close decision. Whomever comes out on top here, the question that will likely follow coming out of this fight is whether the winner will look towards competing in a different weight class next depending on what opportunities might be available, or whether or not possible unification of the Lightweight division could be on the table. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Harper vs. Zimmermann takes place on Friday, May 23rd at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England. The fight can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 1PM ET/10AM PT. (*U.S. Times Only.*)

(*Card and Start Times Subject To Change.*)

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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MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS SIGNS UNDEFEATED POWERHOUSE AVIOUS “THA UNDERDOG” GRIFFIN

Press Release: May 21, 2025 By Most Valuable Promotions- MVP bolsters its roster with the signing of Griffin, a rising star with a 17-0 record and 94% knockout rate, further solidifying its commitment to showcasing boxing’s most compelling rising stars

LAS VEGAS, NV – May 20, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (17-0, 16 KOs), one of boxing’s most electrifying rising stars in the 147lb division. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 31-year-old welterweight sensation joins MVP’s elite roster, bringing his devastating 94% knockout rate, ten-fight knockout streak, and an inspiring story of resilience that has captivated the boxing world. Griffin’s addition underscores MVP’s mission to identify and elevate young prospects and contenders with star potential.

Avious Griffin has quickly emerged as a force in the 147-pound division, boasting an unblemished 17-0 record with 16 knockouts. With a relentless style and staggering 94% stoppage rate, the Las Vegas-based fighter originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee continues to prove why he's one of the most dangerous and exciting welterweights in the sport today. 

Since early 2024, Griffin has trained under the esteemed Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, widely recognized for guiding Terence Crawford’s rise to championship status. He also works closely with Esau Diéguez and renowned strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade, who joined his team in October 2023. Together, this elite team has helped transform Griffin into one of the sport’s most dangerous and disciplined rising contenders. On February 20, 2025, Griffin captured the vacant WBC USA Welterweight Title by stopping Jose Luis Sanchez in the eighth round at Sony Hall in New York City. 

Griffin’s rise has been shaped by extraordinary personal resilience. Introduced to boxing at age eight by his father, Alvin, the sport quickly became both a passion and a powerful bond between them. In 2016, just weeks before Griffin’s professional debut, Alvin passed away unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage  as Avious frantically rushed his dad to the hospital—a devastating loss that Griffin continues to honor through his career. The following year brought another life-altering setback: a wrongful murder conviction that led to 11 months of incarceration before his exoneration. These hardships forged Griffin’s “TTD” (To The Death) mentality—an ethos that powers his performance in the ring and his commitment to breaking generational cycles of poverty, while advocating for mental health and addiction recovery. With a compelling personal story and elite performance inside the ropes, Avious Griffin represents one of the most promising new faces in professional boxing.

“I’m thrilled to join Most Valuable Promotions, a team that truly values fighters and their stories,” said Avious Griffin. “Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian are building something special, giving athletes like me a platform to shine. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me who I am—a fighter in and out of the ring. With MVP behind me, I’m ready to chase world titles, while being a motivational, inspirational vessel of God, and show the world what Tha Underdog is all about.”

“Avious Griffin is an exceptional talent whose combination of elite power, mental toughness, and personal resilience positions him for long-term success in the sport,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “His compelling backstory and knockout ability make him one of the most exciting rising contenders in boxing, and we believe he has the potential to become a global star. We’re proud to welcome Avious to the MVP family and give him the platform he deserves to reach the top of the sport and inspire the world in the process.”

Griffin joins MVP’s powerhouse roster of athletes and up-and-coming talents including international superstar Jake “El Gallo” Paul, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, MVP’s first homegrown champion, the new WBO super middleweight champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, IBF and Ring Magazine super middleweight world champion at 168lbs Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall, WBC super lightweight interim world champion at 140lbs Chantelle “Il Capo” Cameron. English boxing phenom and unified 122lb super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney, IBF bantamweight world champion at 118lbs Shurretta Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), Spain’s WBA Interim featherweight world champion at 126lbs Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), multi-talented megastar Javon “Wanna” Walton, India’s most successful professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, top-ranked lightweight “Prince” Lucas Bahdi, Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado, three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro, Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, 2x Canadian Olympian and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault, 2x US national amateur champion and rising bantamweight star Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche, Nigeria’s 126lb featherweight Elizabeth Oshoba, the multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight world champion Naomy Valle, 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”' Dove, two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley, undefeated Yolanda Vega and Boxrec’s #2 greatest pound-for-pound women’s boxer of all time and former UFC 135lb champion Holly “The Preacher's Daughter” Holm.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, and @AviousGriffin, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, and @aviousgriffin.

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.

Allen Evens The Score With Fisher In Rematch

The premise leading into the rematch between undefeated Heavyweight contender Johnny Fisher and longtime veteran of the Heavyweight division Dave Allen was whether the unbeaten Fisher could validate his victory in the first encounter between the two men in December of last year in Saudi Arabia. In that fight, Fisher started out well, but it was Allen who was able to gradually rally as the fight progressed, forcing a fight in close quarters and seemed to wind up on the wrong end of a decision that some felt he had done enough to win.

What became a close fight set up the ideal scenario for a rematch, which took place on May 17th at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. For a period of time, this return bout seemed as though it would follow a similar pattern to that of the first fight. Allen gradually trying to walk Fisher down and get on the inside where the terms of combat would be more favorable for him, Fisher trying to keep him at distance with his longer arms where it was more to his advantage.

In a slight adjustment from the first fight, Fisher attempted to box behind his jab, move to try and evade Allen as he came forward, and if he was not able to move, try to tie him up and prevent him from getting his punches off on the inside, which Allen was able to do effectively in the first encounter. Despite applying consistent pressure as he had done the first time around, Allen had trouble early landing punches consistently, which is attributed to the tactical adjustments that Fisher appeared to make prior to this rematch.

Fisher appeared to momentarily stun Allen with a right hand to the body that sent him back against the ropes. While this sequence was only brief, it appeared that Fisher may have found a target to try and focus his offense as he was able to land a few more solid shots to the body before the round was over. 

It would be late in round four, however, where Allen would subtly, but notably start to turn the tide in his favor when he connected with an overhand right that narrowly missed landing flush on the jaw of Fisher by mere inches. Allen would seize the opportunity in the fifth round.

The right hand that Allen barely missed landing perfectly in round four would land squarely late in round five. The right hand to the head would be followed by a left to the body, stunning the unbeaten Fisher. Although he briefly attempted to return the favor with punches of his own, Allen pressed forward and a few unanswered blows would send Flusher down to the canvas. Fisher showed his mettle getting up from the knockdown, but Allen, knowing his opponent was hurt, did not let him off the hook. 

A barrage of unanswered blows put Fisher against the ropes before a left to the jaw sent him face down in the closing seconds of the round. As the bell rang to end the round, Fisher's corner threw their towel in across the ring to prevent their fighter from further punishment. Allen had not only succeeded in avenging his loss to Fisher, but in doing so, arguably scored the biggest win of his career and a potential Knockout of the Year candidate as well.

Fisher remained down on the canvas for several minutes and was administered oxygen before getting up and congratulating Allen on his victory. For Dave Allen, a veteran of thirty-three professional fights in a thirteen year pro career that has seen highs, lows, starts, and stops along the way, this victory over the previously unbeaten Johnny Fisher who was rapidly ascending up towards a top ten ranking in the Heavyweight division after scoring knockouts of eleven of his first thirteen opponents, this could be the beginning of a career resurgence for him. 

While the end of this fight came quickly, the result was a brutal knockout and this observer feels, despite the fact that Fisher and Allen were rematched immediately following their close fight last December, it may be wise for Fisher and his handlers to resist the temptation for a third fight at least in the immediate future. It is important to keep in mind that though interest in a third fight will be high, Fisher was on the receiving end of a severe knockout and this in addition to it being the first loss of his professional career, it might be in his best interest to take some time to make sure he adequately recovers both physically and mentally and then try to ease back into things before seeking a third fight with this rivalry now even at 1-1 between himself and Allen. If Fisher comes back too soon and is pitted against Allen within a narrow timeframe as was the case between fights one and two, it may cause further damage to what to this point had been a steady rise up the Heavyweight ranks. The sensible approach? Take time, recover, regroup, and possibly take a step back in terms of level of opposition to test the waters before seeking a third fight with Allen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Francis Chua Is Fighting For Family In Comeback Fight As He Eyes Future Fight With Harry Garside

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: May 15, 2025 By Dragon Fire Boxing - On the 30th of May, Dragon Fire Boxing hits the Metro City Arena for the second time this year for Thunderdome 50.

 

The main event features the return of Francis “The Removalist” Chua who takes on China’s 4th ranked lightweight Xiaotao Su 

 

This fight is Chua’s first in three years and it will be for the WBC Australasia Silver Lightweight title. A victory for the Aussie could possibly lead to bigger opportunities over east, more specifically in the form of Harry Garside.

 

When speaking to the 39-year-old, Chua said that he was excited to fight for a WBC title in his first outing after his hiatus.

 

“This is what gives me drive to go to training” Chua told, “This will boost me right back

into the rankings and this guy is [ranked] number four in China.

 

“It’s going to be a hard fight coming back but it's what I want, I don't want to just come back for easy fights.

 

“It's been over three years now since the last time I fought in Sydney against a highly rated Japanese opponent. I didn’t go into that with the best preparation, so I want to try to redeem myself on this one”.

 

When his fight was announced Chua made an Instagram post to his followers, revealing that the fight was about more than just a championship, it was “deeply personal to him”.

 

When asked about this statement, Chua revealed that he has been through some devastating times in his personal life, with the passing of a long-time friend as well as his father.

  

“[One of my friends] was so happy to see me fighting again he always wanted to watch me fight, but he ended up taking his own life, that really hit me.

 

“My father passed away three years ago as well, around the same time I separated that was also hard. It's just me and my daughter Ariani.

 

“My current fiancé holds the family together while I work hard, without her looking after my daughter training would be impossible. 

 

“It's sad but I always know that even though they're not here they're still watching from the heavens, that's what gives me a lot of drive to perform.”

 

Despite these heartbreaks, the Perth fighter is desperate to make his last run, one for the Australian Boxing history books, as well as making his daughter proud through his hard work and commitment to the sport.

 

“[My daughter] really wants this” Chua revealed “she knows it makes me happy when I go training even though it's been hard especially with my age, I like trying to keep up with the young boys.

 

“[I want to send her a message that if] you’re focused on something you can do it, I'm just hoping that she can see how hard I work and really appreciate it. I want her to be proud of me, that's what gives me a bit more drive as well, because I don't want to let anyone down.

 

“Things are coming together, I'm starting to feel good now, I think it'll be exciting when 30th of May arrives. This guy's going to be 10 years younger than me, let's see if I have still got it.”

 

This upcoming run will most likely be the last of Chua’s career. Although he is not looking past his Chinese foe, he does have some goals that he wants to accomplish before he retires.

 

“[I would like to fight for] an Australian title” Chua revealed.

 

“The opportunities for [No Limit] Boxing will come up because when I win this title other

Aussies will want it, they'll come knocking and they'll be asking.”

 

“Opportunities will come and I just want to be ready for them.”

 

Throughout his career Chua has fought top tier fighters such as Liam Wilson and Kye Mackenzie, the latter being ranked second in the WBO at the time of his victory. 

 

Before Francis Chua hangs up the gloves he wants one more fight against a big name in Australian boxing, one name that stands out is Harry Garside.

 

“I’d love to fight [Garside] but one fight at a time” Chua said, “We fought on the same card on my last fight and I met him there, I would love to fight an Olympian. “I would love to test myself against him one day, I hear he’s fighting soon so he’s getting back into it.”

 

“I’m very grateful for Tony [Tolj] and DragonFire Promotions for giving me this opportunity as well as everyone who supports me along the way.

 

“I want to be the best I can be for my loved ones, boxing helps me do that.”

 

Standing in his way however is Xiaotao Su, Su is ranked as the fourth best Lightweight in China and could prove to be a tough task for Chua.

 

With a record of fourteen wins and seven losses, Su is a very credible opponent for Chua to add to his resume.

 

Regarding the style of fight he expects, Chua thinks that the fight is going to be an all-out war.

 

“It's going to be toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring.” Chua told.

 

“It's going to be a really exciting fight, we are both aggressive fighters but I'm hoping to land the cleaner and harder shots.”

 

With clear ambitions and motivation for what is left of his fighting career, it will be interesting to see where Francis Chua’s journey takes him.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

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