BOXING NEWS

Kinsley Ibeh vs. Jack May Battle for WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight title Oct. 19 at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA

LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2024) – A classic Clash of Titans-like confrontation will headline “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc., and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, on Saturday night, October 19, in the EQC Event Center at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

The 6’ 4”, 290-pound Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs) meets 6’ 8”, 260-pound Jack “The Outlaw” May (10-0, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino Silver Championship.

Nigeria-native Ibeh, fighting out of Phoenix (AZ), is a former college and Canadian Football League player, as well as a cousin of notorious retired boxer Ike Ibeabuchi (20-0, 15 KOs). Ibeh is riding an eight-fight win streak since he lost to then-7-0 rising star Jared Anderson in 2021. Ibeh’s most recent action was this past June 15th, in which he stopped Juan Torres in the second round, also at Emerald Queen Casino.

Fighting out of Chino Hills, California, May has reeled off ten straight victories, nine decided by knockouts. May is a combat sports fighter who has also kick-boxed and fought in bare knuckles competition. May’s last fight was an opening round technical knockout of John Shipman this past August 29 in Costa Mesa, California.

“They are both true warriors,” matchmaker Whit Haydon said. “When the fight was offered, they only asked when and where, and that they will be there with bells on. The place is almost sold out, so the great Northwest fans, and believe me when I say they ae the best, will be in for sights and sounds to behold.”

Ibeh and May are both members of Toro’s growing stable of solid heavyweights along with Ukraine Olympian Tsotne “Mr. T” Tsotne (10-0, 7 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-5-1, 17 KOs), and Dante Stone (17-1, 11 KOs). Unlike other promoters, though, Toro isn’t concerned about matching their fighters against each other like Ibeh and May, and Tsotne recently defeated Flores by way of a 10-round unanimous decision.

Additional fights will soon be announced. Card subject to change.

ARTHUR BIYARSLANOV TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST JONATHAN ENIZ IN THE OCTOBER 17 CO-MAIN EVENT AT CASINO DU LAC-LEAMY

MONTREAL, October 4, 2024 — When Arthur Biyarslanov said he wouldn’t rest until he reached the top, he meant it. Known as ‘The Wolf,’ Biyarslanov will defend his NABF super lightweight title for the second time in two months on October 17 against Argentine veteran Jonathan ‘El Potro’ Eniz. This fight will serve as the co-main event of the Gaumont vs. Zarate clash, headlining a nine-bout card starting at 6:00 PM on Punching Grace and ESPN+.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I want a shot at the world title, one fight at a time but I know I will get that shot in 2025. October 17th will just bring me one step closer to my ultimate goal. I can’t wait!,” said Biyarslanov (16-0, 14 KOs), ranked 22nd in the WBC super lightweight division.

His opponent, Jonathan Eniz (35-20-1, 16 KOs), brings a wealth of experience, having logged over 340 professional rounds. Some of those rounds took place in Gatineau, where the Argentine faced Steve ‘The Dragon’ Claggett in 2022. Never one to shy away from a challenge, the South American champion has also squared off against former and future world champions, including Subriel Matias, and even pulled off a surprise victory over Cesar Cuenca. Eniz will be aiming for his fifth career win over an undefeated fighter when he meets Biyarslanov in the ring.

In the main event, Buckingham’s heavy-hitter Alexandre Gaumont (11-0, 7 KOs) will look to deliver a career-defining performance in front of his hometown crowd, as he faces off against Argentine brawler Cristian Zarate (10-4, 3 KOs).

Also featured in the lineup, Steve ‘The Dragon’ Claggett (38-8-2, 26 KOs) returns to action for the first time since his world title bout last June. Hungrier than ever, the Calgary native—currently ranked 15th by the WBC at 140 lbs—will take on tough competitor Eduardo Estela (16-3, 11 KOs). Meanwhile, Saint-André-Avellin’s pride, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (7-2, 2 KOs), will hunt for a second world title, but first, she’ll need to get past the powerful Angelica Lopez Flores (14-2, 8 KOs).

In addition, light heavyweight contender Mehmet Unal (10-0, 8 KOs) faces the relentless German Armenak Hovhannisyan (14-4-1, 6 KOs). Montreal’s Luis Santana (12-0, 6 KOs) seeks his fifth consecutive knockout but faces his toughest challenge yet in Argentina’s Sebastian Aguire (19-5, 12 KOs). EOTTM prospect Shamil Khataev (12-0-1, 3 KOs) looks to secure his 13th career win, and his first in Quebec, against veteran Juan Jose Velasco (24-6, 15 KOs). Gatineau’s own warrior, Pascal Villeneuve (4-2-1, 2 KOs), makes his comeback after more than eight years away from the ring, taking on Roberto Dionicio Moreno (13-14-1, 2 KOs). Finally, kicking off the event, Moreno Fendero (7-0, 5 KOs), fresh off his KO of the night at the September gala, aims to repeat his explosive performance against the battle-hardened German Edison Demaj (13-3-1, 7 KOs), who has never been stopped.

TEAM FUNDORA’S OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO TERENCE CRAWFORD REGARDING SEBASTIAN FUNDORA SPARRING ISRAIL MADRIMOV

October 4, 2024 – On Wednesday, October 2, a video went viral of Terence Crawford stating, “if Fundora’s licking his chops over my performance vs Israil Madrimov, then I should be licking my chops because Madrimov knocked Fundora out in sparring.”

Since then, the Fundora team have been receiving notifications of Crawford’s accusations. Hence, on Thursday, October 3, Coach Fundora spoke to Madrimov’s trainer, Joel Diaz, regarding the viral statement made by Terrance Crawford. During the conversation between Coach Diaz and Coach Fundora, Diaz mentioned that Madrimov’s Manager, Vadim Kornilov, was very perturbed at these false statements made by Crawford on a sparring session that happened over five years ago in which neither of them ever touched the canvas.

Per Madrimov and his whole team, they stated they have nothing but respect for Sebastian Fundora, and his whole team, and don’t take lies and disrespect lightly. Coach Fundora responded that “Team Diaz,” Madrimov’s coaching team, is family to him. They have all known each other from the Coachella Valley since they were kids.

“The Boxing Community in the Coachella Valley is extremely tight knit. We all respect each other for the work we put into our boxers, and Coaches’ Etiquette is an unbroken rule that we all abide by. There are plenty of ways of making fights professionally, without fabrication out of frustration. To reiterate Madrimov and his team are God fearing men, and it is very unlikely that they would ever speak ill of Sebastian Fundora, his sparring sessions and his team. No amount of facts or truth will convince a simpleton that they are wrong.”

“Terence Crawford should apologize for being so naive,” added Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “A great champion like him should be above this kind of childishness.”

Referencing the fact that the WBO have ordered Fundora and Crawford’s representatives to reach an agreement to fight by 4 pm on October 10, or the committee will order purse bids, Lewkowicz says there’s no need for a champion like Crawford to be engaging in schoolyard gossip.

“The fight is already going to happen. It’s bad business for Crawford to be trying to make a unified world champion look bad by spreading stupid rumors. You’re 37 years old. Spend your time training instead. You’re going to need it.”

THE PASSING OF THE TORCH: NINE MUST-SEE FIGHTS!

Mark your calendars for October 17 at 6:00 PM, live from the Casino du Lac-Leamy and on PunchingGrace.com! Local powerhouse Alexandre ‘King Cogne’ Gaumont will headline the main event in front of his home crowd, facing off against tough Argentine brawler Cristian Zarate.

The undercard of eight exciting bouts is equally promising. World contender and Olympian Arthur ‘The Wolf’ Biyarslanov will defend his NABF super lightweight title for the second time in just two months in the co-main event, taking on Argentine veteran Jonathan ‘El Potro’ Eniz.

World title contender Steve ‘The Dragon’ Claggett is eager to get back to winning ways and move one step closer to another championship fight, as he takes on Uruguay’s proud warrior Eduardo ‘El Pesadilla’ Estela. The story is similar for Saint-André-Avellin athlete and former heavyweight world champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. ‘Vany’ is aiming for a return to the top and a second world title but will first need to defeat the powerful Mexican Angelica ‘La Jumbita’ Flores.

Also on the card: Light heavyweight world contender Mehmet Unal will face the unstoppable German Armenak Hovhannisyan. Montreal’s Luis Santana faces the toughest test of his career in Sebastian Aguirre. EOTTM rookie Shamil Khataev seeks his first win in Quebec against ‘El Pitbull’ Juan Jose Velasco. Gatineau’s warrior Pascal Villeneuve returns to the ring for the first time in over eight years, taking on Roberto ‘Bery’ Moreno. Finally, Montreal-based Moreno ‘The Soldier’ Fendero will aim to kick off the night with a bang, potentially securing his second consecutive knockout, as he faces the always-durable Edison Demaj, who has never been stopped!

ANTHONY YARDE SET TO ELECTRIFY HIGH VOLTAGE FIGHT NIGHT ON OCTOBER 19TH AT COPPER BOX ARENA

WBO #1 ranked light heavyweight superstar Anthony Yarde returns to the ring at BOXXER’s High Voltage fight night on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London

The former two-time world title challenger will provide chief support for the explosive super lightweight contest between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies

All the action is available to watch live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the USA

LONDON, UK (October 3, 2024) – WBO #1 ranked Light heavyweight superstar Anthony Yarde returns to the ring as part of BOXXER’s High Voltage fight night on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the USA. Yarde’s highly anticipated ring return is brought to you in partnership with BOXXER and AY Promotions.

The former two-time world title challenger will provide chief support for the explosive super lightweight contest between fast-rising star Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

Yarde went toe-to-toe with unbeaten light heavyweight champion Artur Berterbiev in the back and forth, fight of the year for the WBC, IBF and WBO World Titles in January 2023 at Wembley Arena.

The Hackney-boxer has since claimed explosive stoppage wins over Jorge Silva and Marko Nikolic and his highly anticipated ring return will be at the Copper Box Arena as he looks to move back into major title contention.

Anthony Yarde said: “On October 19th, I’m back in my home city and I can’t wait. Everything about it – the occasion, the journey, the arena, the whole event – I’m very excited. The Copper Box Arena is a special venue for me. It’s near where I grew up and I’ve had some great nights there. I’ve been training hard and waiting to get back in the ring to deliver another explosive knockout performance.”

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said: “We are excited to introduce the electrifying talent of Anthony Yarde to our High Voltage fight night on Saturday, October 19th. It’s a huge addition to an already stacked fight card. Fans can look forward to an incredible atmosphere and an action-packed night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena in London.”

Fights fans can expect a highly charged atmosphere when British super lightweight rivals Adam Azim and Ohara Davies go toe-to-toe on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Dan Azeez faces unbeaten rival Lewis Edmondson in a crunch light heavyweight clash, Michael McKinson takes on South Africa’s Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title, Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius reignite their amateur rivalry in a hotly anticipated heavyweight showdown, and rising bantamweight star Francesca Hennessy returns to action.

Jr. Middleweight Prospect Mike Fontanez Signs with CES Boxing,Returns October 25 in Revere

REVERE, MA – Undefeated jr. middleweight prospect Mike “Blessed Southpaw” Fontanez (9-0, 5 KOs) is about to take his career to the next level after signing a promotional deal with CES Boxing.

The Nashua, NH based fighter is set to make his debut under the CES Boxing banner against Argentine veteran Bruno “The Czar” Romay on “Halloween Knock Out,” an electric 8 bout card taking place at Ocean Side in Revere, MA on Friday, October 25. Tickets are available at CESFights.com.

“I am delighted to sign Mike Fontanez to CES Boxing,” said CES founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “Mike has the personality, the skills and the determination to become a star in the middleweight division. Strap on your seatbelt, because his journey to the top starts on October 25.”

Fontanez admits that early on, he was wary of signing with a promoter. “A lot of these guys sign you and throw you in with the wolves,” explained the 28-year-old. “The next thing you know, you get clipped and become the B-side. I needed to sign with someone who is actually going to care about me as a person and not look at me as just a paycheck.”

Indeed, boxing is littered with examples of fighters whose careers were derailed by poor matchmaking, inactivity, or greed. It wasn’t until Fontanez joined the Team Combat League’s (TCL) Boston Butchers in May that he was exposed to how a real promoter operates, as Jimmy Burchfield also serves as the General Manager of the Butchers.

“Working with Pat Sullivan (CES Director of Operations) in the TCL opened up my eyes,” said Fontanez. “The way Pat handled business on the Boston Butchers was on point. He made sure we got paid and got us weighed in on time. He would text us, ‘what do you need?’ and had a sense of urgency. Whenever there was an issue, he went to the commission. I’ve never had someone treat us like that. It was different. That’s what did it for me. It was the way they took care of the fighters. We weren’t signed to CES, so he had no benefit from being that kind to us. That’s what made it happen.”

With his promotional situation squared away, the “Blessed Southpaw” can focus on building a legacy in the ring.

“Activity is key because ring rust is what kills a fighter,” says Fontanez of his priorities. “Activity keeps you sharp, honest, and focused. When you always have a fight lined up, you always have a goal, and I think goals are very important in life.”

Speaking of goals, Fontanez has a very clear roadmap of what he wants to accomplish on the way to a world title. “Pat came up with a great game plan,” says Fontanez of his short-term goals. “Let’s get me to double digit wins, then take the right step ups, and then fight for a WBC Silver belt to get me into the WBC rankings. If I’m 15-0 by the end of next year, I’ll be pretty happy because I’ll be 29 and in my prime. I train with great fighters like Jamaine Ortiz and Rashidi Ellis. It’s not like I need 40 fights before I get a title shot.”

Mike is also determined to put New England, particularly New Hampshire, on the boxing map. “I want to be a superstar from New Hampshire, because we need something positive here. I want to inspire the youth and show them that there’s a way out of the streets.”

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez famously said that for him, ‘Boxing is Life,’ and the same is true for Mike Fontanez. The southpaw was introduced to the Sweet Science after a memorable encounter when he was just 13 years old and living in Middletown, New York.

“Honestly, it started from getting robbed for $2,” says Fontanez. “I couldn’t believe it. It was my first day in middle school and I got robbed by 3 eighth graders.”

After the incident, Fontanez sought refuge at a local boxing gym, where he learned the basics of boxing. “I did it for a month and fell in love with it,” confesses Fontanez.

Unfortunately, Mike’s foray into boxing ended abruptly when his parents pulled him out of the gym. “My parents are very strict, Puerto Rican parents,” explains Fontanez. “They didn’t want me to box, so they took me out.”

This was Fontanez’s first test as to whether boxing was a fleeting interest or something he was really passionate about, and he answered the call decisively.

“I knew right away,” says Fontanez. “I love the art of learning how to fight. I couldn’t go to the gym, but I was always boxing in the street with the kids in the neighborhood. We were always outside throwing hands in the driveway.”

Eventually, his parents came around and allowed Fontanez to return to the Newburgh Boxing Gym at 15.

A few years later, Fontanez tried to sign up for the New York Golden Gloves, but when that didn’t work out, his commitment to the sport was tested for a second time.

“My parents wanted me to go to college and get a degree,” says Fontanez. “I knew it wasn’t for me, but I tried it for them. When the New York Golden Gloves didn’t work out, I said ‘you know what, I’ll enroll and try out for the baseball team’. And so I walked on as a pitcher. I was good, but I just didn’t have the heart for it. I wasn’t a hard thrower, but I was crafty in the same way that I box.”

Again, Fontanez’s true calling won the day. “I ended up going to Dutchess Community College for half a semester,” laughs Mike. “I got kicked out after punching my catcher in the face and got arrested.”

The persistence that Fontanez showed to pursue boxing has carried over into his professional career. A self-described ‘gym rat,’ Fontanez struggles to take a day off from training.

“I actually have to force myself to rest,” admits Fontanez. “Sometimes I know I need a day off, but I get stir crazy. It’s a gift and a curse because my coaches don’t have to worry about me training, they have to worry about me overtraining.”

As Fontanez prepares to face the 36-fight veteran Romay, who has shared the ring with the likes of IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, super middleweight contender Sena Agbeko, and middleweight prospect Anthony Hines, he’ll need to summon all the experience gained from sparring the likes of Jamaine Ortiz and Rashidi Ellis. Fontanez is counting on his ability to adapt on the fly: “I’m a very crafty, smart fighter,” he says. “I can weather the storm and take a round or two to make adjustments, and then I’ll break him down.”

Training for this fight has been rigorous, with Fontanez splitting his time between gyms in Nashua and Revere. The ‘Blessed Southpaw’ works with Mohammed Brooks at Nashua PAL and Alex Rivera in Revere, traveling up to 4 times a week to ensure top-quality sparring.

“Being a boxer is not for the weak,” explains Fontanez. “I’ve seen so many people with talent come and go in the boxing gym, but if they don’t have it in their heart, there’s nothing.”

For Fontanez, one thing is for certain: he carries boxing in his heart and soul. He also doesn’t forget when someone crosses him.

“If I ever see the guy who robbed me when I was 13 again, it’s on sight,” says the boxer, only half joking. “I just want him to know – I still remember his name. I hold a grudge.”

Witness the CES Boxing debut of Mike “Blessed Southpaw” Fontanez as he squares up against power puncher Jeremiah Robinson on October 25 at Ocean Side in Revere.

For more information on these cards and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

ABOUT CES BOXING
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Undefeated Heavyweight Herich Ruiz Looks Forward to Step Up Fight with Fellow Unbeaten Foe Travorus Barnes

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 2, 2024) – Undefeated heavyweight Herich Ruiz (5-0, 4 KOs), who is co promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing, is set for the biggest challenge of his young career when he faces fellow unbeaten prospect Travorus Barnes (6-0, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout on the Most Valuable Prospects 9 card. The event takes place at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on Friday, October 11, 2024, and will air live worldwide on DAZN for subscribers.

This highly anticipated clash will see two heavy hitters looking to maintain their unblemished records, with Ruiz aiming to prove he is ready to step up to the next level of competition. Ruiz, who has been training under the watchful eye of renowned coach Ismael Salas, expressed his excitement about the opportunity and the challenge that lies ahead.

“I’m ready to take my career to the next level,” said Ruiz. “This fight is dangerous, but it’s the kind of test I’ve been waiting for. I’ve put in the work with Coach Salas during training camp, and I feel more prepared than ever to give a great performance. A win over Barnes will do wonders for my career, and I’m ready to show the world what I can do.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, is confident Ruiz will rise to the occasion and emerge victorious in this pivotal fight. “Travorus Barnes is a tough and dangerous opponent, but we believe Herich is ready for this challenge. He’s worked hard in camp, and with his dedication and skills, I’m confident he will come out victorious. A win here will open up major doors for Ruiz and position him for even bigger opportunities down the road.”

In what will be his first fight in Puerto Rico, Ruiz also spoke about his excitement to fight in front of the passionate Puerto Rican fans.“I’m thrilled to be fighting in Puerto Rico for the first time in my career. I know the energy from the fans will be incredible, and I can’t wait to put on a show for them. I’m focused, I’m ready, and I’m coming to make a statement.”

WORLD BOXING ENTRUSTS THE ITA TO DESIGN AND INDEPENDENTLY MANAGE A COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-DOPING PROGRAM FOR ITS ATHLETES

RENES, Lausanne, Switzerland (October 2, 2024) — World Boxing has secured an agreement with the International Testing Agency (ITA) for it to provide all of its anti-doping services and clean sport activities.

The agreement means that from 1 October 2024, World Boxing has delegated its entire clean sport activities to the ITA with the aim of providing boxers with a high-quality anti-doping program.

The initial 4-year contract between World Boxing and the ITA also includes independent results management for any potential anti-doping rule violations that may arise.

In its efforts to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and with the desire to offer its athletes an expert and independent anti-doping program, World Boxing has entrusted the ITA to design and implement a new anti-doping program as of 1 October 2024, while also supporting the organization in attaining Code Signatory status.

The ITA will manage the entire testing program for World Boxing, both for in-competition and out-of- competition doping controls. These tests will be based on a bespoke risk assessment that takes into account all relevant factors, including the physiological profile and sporting specificities of boxing.

The management of Athlete Biological Passports (ABPs) of boxing athletes and the processing of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) will also be handled by the ITA. In addition, it will strengthen World Boxing’s anti-doping efforts with a long-term sample retention strategy that will allow selected samples to be stored and re-analyzed for up to ten years after the date of collection.

In order to provide boxing athletes with the most comprehensive anti-doping program possible, the ITA will complete the World Boxing anti-doping program with intelligence & investigations activities and respond to all information shared confidentially through the ITA’s secure reporting platform REVEAL.

All clean sport activities on behalf of World Boxing will be conducted by the ITA in strict compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and its International Standards, with the ITA’s dedicated Regulatory Compliance unit ensuring full compliance with the mandatory rules. All potential anti-doping rule violations arising from the anti-doping program will be subject to independent results management by the ITA.

The ITA will also raise awareness of doping, support the values of clean sport, and contribute to the prevention of doping among boxing athletes by establishing an education plan in line with WADA’s International Standard for Education.

“We welcome World Boxing as our newest partner at the ITA,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “Our dedicated team remains committed to contribute to the implementation of a robust and trustworthy clean sport program for boxing athletes all over the world as is already the case with ITA’s management of other key boxing tournaments, including all Olympic boxing competitions. With a proven track record of managing anti-doping programs for various combat sports, the ITA is well versed in tailoring strategies to the specific needs of these athletes. We are committed to supporting all athletes with the best independent clean sport measures possible and ensure fair competition in sport.”

The Secretary General of World Boxing, Simon Toulson, added: “World Boxing is committed to sporting integrity and clean sport. The ITA is a widely respected organization and having this relationship in place will ensure that World Boxing is able to deliver a comprehensive program of testing in and out of competition and provide education to National Federations and their boxers on the importance of clean sport.”

ROUND 12: HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

By Mauricio Sulaimán – President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

The heavyweight division will always be the one that moves the world of boxing and sports fans in general.

The world heavyweight champion is considered the most fearsome and powerful man on the planet, ever since the beginning of the sport of fists.

John L. Sullivan was the last heavyweight champion when gloves were not used and fights were bare-knuckle, and he was also the first world heavyweight champion with gloves.

He was a legend, the first athlete in the history of the United States to become a celebrity, and the first to earn a million dollars.

Another legend defeated him and became champion, Jim Corbett, known as Gentleman Jim. Thus, the crown was passed between gladiators who shocked everyone in every place they stood. Then came Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight champion.

He was quite a character in a crude era of humanity and was hated by whites. The champion was imposing and feared nothing and no one. He married a white woman, which led to him being accused, imprisoned, and stripped of everything he owned.

Other giants who wore the award were Joe Louis, who defended his championship 25 times, Rocky Marciano, who retired as an undefeated champion with a record of 49-0, and Sonny Liston, a fearsome man considered invincible.

Then came Cassius Clay, who changed his name to Muhammad Ali, and was, is, and will be the most famous and influential athlete in history.

Ali changed boxing and the way sports are promoted forever. He was known by every human being who walked the earth and is still remembered today as the greatest.

In modern times, the impactful knockout artist Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and the brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko also stood out.

And who brought interest back to the top division was the knockout artist Deontay Wilder, who was champion for five years, followed by Tyson Fury, who knocked him out twice, and the current champion, the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.

The boxing scene has changed and, above all because of the great campaign of fights between the world’s top heavyweights.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh appeared on the boxing map, and in less than a year he has achieved a revolution.

In October, 2023, he put together the inaugural Riyadh Season event called Battle of the Baddest with the WBC world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, against the former champion of the same weight, but from the UFC, Francis Ngannou.

That card was exclusive to heavyweights and served as an elimination tournament. The best have faced each other, and today we can say that there are at least six to eight fights of great interest that may take place in the near future.

The best in the world have fought each other, and the possible combinations between Usyk, Fury, Dubois, Joshua, Wilder, Kabayel, Zhang, Sanchez, Okole and Ruiz continue.

This past Saturday, Turki Alalshikh with Riyadh Season, and under the promotion of Queensberry and Matchroom, filled the legendary Wembley with 96,000 fans to witness the fight between two English giants: the champion Daniel Dubois, and the former champion, Anthony Joshua.

The spectacular nature of this premier division came to light from the first round to the surprise of most fans. Joshua fell to the canvas after receiving a powerful right hook, just at the end of the round.

The second and third rounds were highly anticipated, because while Anthony tried to get back into the fight, Daniel clobbered him with blows that staggered AJ.

Finally, in the fifth Joshua managed to connect a tremendous right hand that sent Dubois to the ropes, and when he tried to finish him off, they exchanged right hands and Joshua fell, poleaxed.

On December 21, the rematch will take place between Usyk and Fury in Saudi Arabia and depending on the result, the division’s plan will be defined in 2025.

Did you know…?

Based on the scientific information that the World Boxing Council managed to obtain after several years of medical studies, many changes were made to the rules, and several intermediate divisions were created, one of them being the cruiserweight.

Evander Holyfield was a great cruiserweight champion and legendary heavyweight.

The current monarch of the top division is Oleksandr Usyk, from Ukraine, who in turn, was undisputed champion in the cruiserweights.

What was once highly questioned and criticized, today is a reality of success.

Today’s Anecdote
The abuse of power has always been a shadow within boxing. In the 90s, the HBO television network intended to maintain absolute control of the heavyweight division and refused to broadcast the British Lennox Lewis, so they chose to put him aside and stay with Holyfield and Bowe.

History teaches us that Lewis is one of the greatest heavyweight champions, he beat Holyfield twice and Bowe, who had already disappeared from the map by the years of importance.

“My son: never accept pressure or deception, the only thing that counts is justice and the rules.

“In boxing, everyone seeks their personal benefit without caring about anything, life has many twists and turns.”

I appreciate your comments at contact@wbcboxing.com.