Wednesday, December 3, 2025

UPDATE: Lara Now To Defend WBA World Middleweight Championship Against Gonzalez

In a follow-up to a previous story we have been following here on The Boxing Truth®, it has been announced per Ring Magazine that WBA World Middleweight champion Erislandy Lara will now defend his title against Johan GonzalezAs previously reported here on the website, Lara was to face unbeaten unified WBO/IBF World Middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly in a unification bout, but Alimkhanuly ha been pulled from the fight due to testing positive for a banned substance. As of this writing, it remains unclear as to Alimkhanuly’s status with regard to both the WBO and IBF as each respective organization’s current World Middleweight champion. 


Lara, (31-3-3, with 19 Knockouts) will now defend his title against Gonzalez, (36-4, with 34 Knockouts) who is stepping in in a little less than four days notice to challenge Lara, and who is not currently rated in the top ten in the World Boxing Association’s Middleweight ratings. Lara vs. Gonzalez will take place on the undercard of the Isaac Cruz-Lamont Roach bout that will be broadcast on Prime Video pay-per-view on Saturday, December 6th in San Antonio, TX. We will continue to update readers on developments as they become available. Stay tuned.


“And That's The Boxing Truth.”


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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

BREAKING: WBO Statement Regarding Janibek Alimkhanuly

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has released an official statement through its website and social media channels following it's World Middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly testing positive for a banned substance ahead of his scheduled unification bout with WBA World Middleweight champion Erislandy Lara on the undercard of the Isaac Cruz-Lamont Roach pay-per-view card scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio, TX. As of this writing, the International Boxing Federation (IBF), whose World Middleweight championship Janibek Alimkhanuly also holds, has not released a statement regarding the situation. The WBO’s official statement can be read below.



Credit: WBO

As of this writing, the scheduled bout where the WBO, IBF, and WBA World Middleweight championships would be on the line, remains on as scheduled. We will keep readers updated on developments as they become available. Stay tuned.


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MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP WITH EVERPASS MEDIA FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED JAKE VS. JOSHUA: JUDGMENT DAY EVENT

Press Release: December 2, 2025 By Most Valuable Promotions- EverPass holds the exclusive commercial rights to sell and distribute the upcoming Jake vs. Joshua event to bars, restaurants and casinos nationwide



Boxing’s biggest disruptor Jake Paul challenges heavyweight powerhouse Anthony Joshua in a colossal global showdown at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on Friday, December 19, 2025 on Netflix



NEW YORK – December 2, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (“MVP”), the trailblazing boxing promotion founded by Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, and EverPass Media (“EverPass”), the premier media platform delivering premium live sports content to commercial businesses, today announced a commercial distribution partnership providing EverPass the exclusive right to sell and distribute MVP’s upcoming boxing mega-event between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua and also featuring a matchup between two MMA legends in Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, to bars, restaurants and other commercial businesses in the United States. The event will take place on Friday, December 19, at Kaseya Center in Miami, FL and stream globally on Netflix.



“At Most Valuable Promotions, our mission is to bring premium, must-see fight nights to fans wherever they choose to watch,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Partnering with EverPass Media for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day ensures that fans have the chance to experience one of the biggest boxing events in a decade, in the shared energy of bars, restaurants, casinos, and commercial venues nationwide.”



“This partnership with MVP underscores EverPass’ role as the leader in bringing premium live events to the commercial market,” said Alex Kaplan, CEO of EverPass Media. “Jake Paul events reliably bring fans through the door, and EverPass turns that demand into real business impact by aggregating must-see sports and making access simple for bars and restaurants.”



Kaplan continued, “The commercial ecosystem is moving fast, and EverPass sits at the center of it. Our platform gives businesses one place and one partner for premium sports, backed by a growing slate of marquee events. Events like this are meant to be experienced together, and that shared atmosphere is what sets the commercial market apart. We are proud to work with MVP and Netflix to deliver this event to audiences nationwide.”



Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day will be headlined by boxing’s biggest disruptor, international superstar and WBA #14-ranked cruiserweight Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and two-time unified WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight world champion, Olympic gold medalist and knockout machine Anthony “AJ” Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs). The matchup unites Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter, whose showmanship has redefined modern boxing and shattered records at every turn, with Joshua, one of boxing’s most accomplished, respected, and feared punchers, a global icon who has headlined sold-out stadiums across the UK and beyond. The event marks Paul’s second live event on Netflix in just over a year, following his record-breaking victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024. In the co-main event of Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day, MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (16-1, 7 KOs) will make a unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world title defense at 130lbs against Canada’s #2 IBF, #3 WBO and WBA contender Leila Beaudoin (13-1, 2 KOs). Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. The event will also feature MVP’s exclusive VIP experiences, including the MVP Owner’s Experience.



Additional EverPass sports offerings include Netflix’s exclusive NFL 2025 Christmas Day games, NFL Sunday Ticket, Peacock Sports Pass (Premier League, Big Ten football and basketball), UEFA Champions League (Paramount+) and more. To learn more about how EverPass can bring premium live sports to your business, visit https://everpass.com/.



About EverPass Media


EverPass Media is a premier streaming platform dedicated to commercial businesses, that aggregates, distributes and enables streaming of live sports and entertainment content, and offers a wide array of consumer engagement and performance marketing tools for bars, restaurants, hotels and other commercial venues. Launched initially as the exclusive distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket to commercial establishments in the United States, EverPass partners with rightsholders, distribution partners and business owners to unlock greater access to premium live events and drive business growth. EverPass was founded in 2023 in partnership with RedBird Capital Partners and 32 Equity, the strategic investment arm of the National Football League. TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE, joined as an investor in 2024.



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 seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. 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 of 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 Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. MVP followed that up by Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2024, the first all-women’s boxing card to be featured on Netflix. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was 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.




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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Monday, December 1, 2025

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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Cruz-Roach PPV Card Now Available For Pre-Order On Prime Video

The December 6th Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) pay-per-view card headlined by a a twelve round Jr. Welterweight bout between WBC Interim contender Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach with Cruz’ Interim status in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division will be at stake, is now available for pre-order on Prime Video for $79.95. To order this pay-per-view event download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet or your streaming device or Smart TV of choice or click the following link. PBC: Cruz vs. Roach. We will have a preview of Cruz-Roach available here on The Boxing Truth® later this evening. Stay tuned.


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Sunday, November 30, 2025

ThunderDome 52 Results From Metro City Nightclub, Perth, Australia


Credit: Mike O'Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing 

Press Release: November 26, 2025 By Lewis Moss - Last night, (Friday, November 28th) DragonFire Promotions returned to the Metro City Night Club for their final event of the year.


 


The main event saw Lewis Clarke defeat Bilal Seidu to put himself in pole position for a shot at the State Cruiserweight Title.


 


The undercard saw Sherwyn Watkins claim championship gold, along with other exciting prospects.


 


Bilal Seidu vs Lewis Clarke II


In the main event of the evening, Lewis Clarke defeated Bilal Seidu in their highly anticipated rematch to win the Interim WA State Cruiserweight Championship.


 


Back in August, the two fought for the first time in what was said to be a Cruiserweight title eliminator. 


 


Despite many believing Seidu had done enough to get the victory, it was Clarke who walked away with the controversial split decision.


 


Both men started off the fight on the front foot, eager to pick up the statement victory.


 


In the second round, Seidu landed a massive right hand that drew a loud reaction from the crowd. Seidu pushed for the finish, but Clarke managed to weather the storm.


 


Seidu kept up his momentum throughout the third and fourth rounds, backing Clarke onto the ropes and unloading flurries as he pressed the action.


 


Clarke rallied back and started the final round on the front foot. However, Seidu eventually pushed Clarke back into another exchange on the ropes.


 


The two men continued to trade shots before the final bell sounded.


 


Despite the crowd’s chants for Bilal Seidu, it was Lewis Clarke who was awarded another controversial split decision victory.


 


The win for Clarke sets him up for a fight with current champion Billy Quinncroft next year. A win would make the Aussie a two-division WA State titleholder, further cementing his rise through the ranks.


 


Binny Folan vs Sherwyn Watkins


In the Co Main Event, Sherwyn Watkins defeated Binny Folan to win the WA NITRO Super Middleweight Championship


 


The fight started at a fast pace with the two men trading in the pocket.


 


Late in the second round, the momentum shifted in Watkins’ favour after he rocked Folan with a series of heavy shots, before unloading a flurry that forced the referee to issue a standing count.


 


Watkins continued his onslaught for the rest of the fight by constantly backing Folan against the ropes.


 


The fifth round saw both men bite down and trade once again. Watkins looked close to finishing the job, but Folan showed tremendous heart, battling back despite taking significant punishment.


 


When the final bell sounded, it was Watkins who was given the clear unanimous decision and the WA NITRO Super Middleweight Title.


Holly McMath vs Sarah Higginson


Holly McMath and Sarah Higginson fought to a split draw in their bout for the ANBF Australasian Flyweight Title.


 


The two women fought each other at the RAC Arena earlier in the year, with the fight being cut short after an accidental head clash rendered Higginson unable to continue. 


 


This time fans finally got the competitive matchup they were hoping for, but once again there was no decisive winner.


 


The fight started off with Higginson trying to get on the inside, but McMath utilized her range well by keeping her opponent at the end of her jab.


 


Higginson found more success in the second and third rounds by upping the pressure and landing the cleaner shots. McMath began to regain momentum in the fourth and fifth as she settled back into her rhythm.


 


Higginson increased the tempo in the sixth round by connecting with multiple flush shots on her opponent to finish strong.


 


When the final bell sounded, many in attendance were unsure of who won the fight. The judges felt the same, ultimately scoring the bout a split draw to leave both fighters dissatisfied.


 


With inconclusive endings to both of their fights, a third bout between these two women seems inevitable.


 


Joel Lewis vs Sonny Manakane 


Joel Lewis picked up his fourth stoppage victory in a row, as he knocked out Sonny Manakane in brutal fashion.


The win for Lewis marks his second under new trainer Angelo Hyder, as he continues his journey up the boxing ranks.


 


Manakane came out aggressively, pushing forward from the opening bell. 


 


The Aussie stayed composed and stayed light on his feet while looking for counter-punching opportunities.


 


In the final seconds of the first round, Lewis connected with a hard right cross that sent Manakane to the canvas.


 


The Indonesian answered the count, but was met with one last flurry from Lewis that put him to the floor again, prompting the referee to stop the fight.


Sam Rennie vs Rivo Rengkung 


After winning his first fight overseas, Sam Rennie returned to Perth and comfortably outclassed Rivo Rengkung


 


The fight opened at a measured pace, with Rennie setting the tone early by picking Rengkung apart behind sharp jabs and well-placed body shots. 


 


Rengkung made several attempts to close the distance, but Rennie’s range control and footwork kept him a step ahead throughout.


 


Early into the third round, Rennie connected with a huge shot to the body that brought his opponent down to one knee. The Englishman tried to press for the finish, but Rengkung survived.


 


Rennie remained in control of the fight in the fourth and fifth rounds, resulting in a standing count in the final round.


 


When the final bell sounded, the Englishman walked away with the unanimous decision win.


 


The victory for Rennie marks his fifth victory of the year and with this momentum behind him, he is looking to make even more noise in 2026.


Owen Corrigan vs Liang Wang II


 


Owen Corrigan kept his undefeated record intact after defeating Liang Wang for the second time.


 


Corrigan set the tone early, applying pressure from the opening bell. Wang fired back, but the Irishman answered with sharp jabs and well-timed hooks to the body.


 


Momentum briefly shifted in the third round when Wang backed Corrigan onto the ropes and landed a series of heavy shots. Corrigan regrouped quickly, as he stunned Wang with a big cross in the fourth round that forced him backwards.


 


In the fifth round, Corrigan managed to land another right cross, but Wang continued to retaliate with shots of his own.


Despite Wang giving the Irishman some problems, Corrigan kept his composure and picked his moments throughout the bout.


While the fight remained competitive, Corrigan’s cleaner work and control was enough to secure a deserved unanimous decision win.


Full Fight Card Results


Lewis Clarke DEFEATED Bilal Seidu by Split Decision

Interim WA State Cruiserweight Title


Sherwyn Watkins DEFEATED Binny Folan by Unanimous Decision

WA NITRO Super Middleweight Title


Owen Corrigan DEFEATED Liang Wang by Unanimous Decision


Holly McMath vs Sarah Higginson ended in a Split Draw

ANBF Australasian Flyweight Title (vacant)


Michael Bazley DEFEATED Damien Johnson by Fourth Round KO

Alan Pond Cup 2025


Sam Rennie DEFEATED Rivo Rengkung by Unanimous Decision 


Tanaka Saburi DEFEATED Joel Hogan by Unanimous Decision


Joel Lewis DEFEATED Sonny Manakane by First Round KO


Jaidyn Chin DEFEATED Rigor Angeles by Fourth Round TKO


Gareth Hilton DEFEATED Faturochman by First Round TKO


Youseff Radwan vs Joel Pinici ended in a Split Draw (Exhibition Fight)


Tyrone Lacey DEFEATED Mitchell Arnold by Majority Decision


Sherwyn Watkins Jr DEFEATED Harigan Sutton by Unanimous Decision (Exhibition Fight)


Harrison Kruenert DEFEATED Gerrie Camama by Unanimous Decision (Exhibition Fight)


 


Material Courtesy of: Lewis Moss/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.



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