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(VIDEO) Turki Alalshikh Wants To See Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson

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Gervonta Davis Turki Alalshikh

Gervonta Davis is one of the best boxers in the world. Turki Alalshikh, meanwhile, has changed the sport by bringing together its best fighters.

Davis and Alalshikh, however, haven’t always been on cordial terms. Despite that, Alalshikh has claimed he is ready to do business with Davis as personal opinions don’t interrupt his professional work.

Alalshikh wants to see Gervonta Davis take on Shakur Stevenson. Davis is currently the WBA lightweight champion whereas Stevenson holds the WBC lightweight title. In a recent interview with ESPN, Alalshikh expressed the desire to see the duo lock horns.

JUST IN: “He’s Terrified”: Eddie Hearn ‘Making Up Excuses’ To Keep Anthony Joshua Away From One Heavyweight

Alalshikh said:

I hope one day seeing Shakur against Tank.

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reminded Alalshikh that he wasn’t on cordial terms with Canelo Alvarez last year. The duo, though, are currently business partners. Coppinger asked Alalshikh whether the same thing could happen with ‘Tank’ Davis. Alalshikh said:

I don’t take anything as a personal. I am professional. I don’t need to like you to talk with you.

Alalshikh further hailed Davis’ talent as a boxer, saying:

He is a great fighter of course. No doubt about this. But we need to see him in big fights more and more.

Gervonta Davis, 30, has a perfect professional record of 30-0-0. ‘Tank’ has won 28 of those fights by knockout. He is set to make a return to action on March 1, taking on Lamont Roach.

Shakur Stevenson, on the other hand, fights Floyd Schofield on February 22 on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2.

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BOXING

“Who Is He?”: Canelo Announces Next Opponent In May Will Be Fighter He Had ‘Never Heard Of’

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Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez‘s next opponent before he takes on Terence Crawford has been revealed.

It was a chaotic week for Canelo, with the Mexican superstar seemingly going from one opponent to the other over the course of a few days.

His fight with Crawford was abruptly reported as being off, before it then emerged that Alvarez was in negotiations for a shock clash against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull - Undisputed Showdown Headlines Riyadh Season Card on May 3

READ: Watch As Jake Paul ‘Exposes’ Canelo With Damning Evidence About Fight Talks

One final twist then saw the Paul fight fall through, with Canelo once again taking on Crawford in September whilst also signing a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

It meant that Alvarez was in search for an opponent in May before facing ‘Bud’ in September, and it has now been revealed by Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh that he will take on IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull.

“The legend Saul Alvarez Canelo will fight William Scull in undisputed fight in Riyadh on the 3rd of May … if he win the fight in September will be undisputed again.”

Canelo then needed just two words himself to respond to the announcement, as he looks to once again become undisputed super-middleweight champion.

“Let’s go!”

Alvarez was undisputed champion at 168lbs up until he was stripped of the IBF belt last year after choosing to take on Edgar Berlanga instead of mandatory challenger Scull. At the time, he was unbothered by the move, telling Million Dollaz Worth Of Game:

“There are levels. There are stars and there are superstars. They make the championship, not the championship makes them. Who is William Scull? I never hear about him. I’m not gonna do whatever they want. I’m gonna do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I have done.”

Scull then won the vacant belt with a victory over Vladimir Shishkin in October, and has been vocal ever since that he wants the fight against Canelo, who most certainly knows who he is now.

He will now have that chance to shock the world when he takes on the pound-for-pound star in May, but most boxing fans will now be excited about the prospect of the Canelo vs Crawford bout potentially being for undisputed status.

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BOXING

Fans Demand Canelo Faces One Man Next As Terence Crawford Fight Is Now OFF

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Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford was all set to move up two weight-classes to challenge unified super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.

Though the fight has previously seemed unrealistic, the two pound-for-pound stars entered talks this year and looked to have made excellent process on the mega fight.

However, the Ring Magazine, owned by Turki Alalshikh who was putting the fight deal together, has now reported in unequivocal terms that the fight is off.

Fans Demand Canelo Faces One Man Next As Terence Crawford Fight Is Now OFF

JUST IN: Hearn Denies Joshua’s Next Fight Is With Wilder Or Bakole

While fans wait for the reason in talks breaking down for a fight that reportedly had both a date and venue, many took to social media to urge the Mexican to finally face David Benavidez.

Benavidez – whose stock and pulling power has never been higher – has moved up to light-heavyweight after failing to secure his shot at Canelo when competing at super-middle. After winning his debut in the division via decision against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, earlier this month he came out on top of a stern test in the form of hard-hitting Cuban southpaw David Morrell.

The victory saw Benavidez leave the ring with both the WBC Interim belt and the WBA Regular title, putting him in prime position for a fight against the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol later this month.

There is the potential for a trilogy there if Bivol, who previously beat Canelo, can come out on top against undisputed champion Beterbiev at the second time of asking. With it being well known Canelo wants to avenge that defeat, what better way to earn it than beat number one contender David Benavidez, and tick off a dream fight for fans in the process?

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BOXING

‘Most Avoided Heavyweight’ Has Been Told By Turki Alalshikh That He Will Fight Anthony Joshua Next

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Turki Alalshikh Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua may have found his next opponent.

‘AJ’ suffered a shock fifth round knockout defeat against newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September, but has confirmed he will be making a return to the sport this year.

It was heavily speculated that the 35-year-old would be facing Tyson Fury next until ‘The Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from boxing at the beginning of January.

Eddie Hearn Finally Reveals What Really Happened In Anthony Joshua-Martin Bakole Spar - Seconds Out

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Finally Reacts To Tyson Fury’s Shock Retirement After Claiming He Was Robbed

The man standing opposite Joshua in his next contest could have just been revealed though, after a heavyweight powerhouse claimed he has had his next fight confirmed by Turki Alalshikh.

Martin Bakole has picked up 21 wins in 22 professional contests, securing 16 knockout victories in the process and is on a run of three stoppages all inside six rounds. His last outing came in August when he blasted out highly rated American prospect Jared Anderson inside five rounds.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bakole – who has picked up the tag of the most avoided man in the division – revealed he has been advised by Alalshikh that his next fight will come against two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Africa.

“I love that fight, and I would like to say thank you to [His] Excellency because he’s behind this. He said ‘Martin we have a big fight in America, finish with [Efe] Ajagba and then Anthony Joshua is next in Africa.’

“Even I heard Anthony Joshua said he needs to fight in Africa, so all he need was a promoter or someone to promote that fight. Between me and him in Africa that will be a good fight.”

Bakole has also secured impressive wins against Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in 2022 and Carlos Takam in 2023. His maiden career defeat came at the hands of Michael Hunter, who stopped him in the final round of their fight back in October 2018.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury set for showdown talks over immediate retirement U-turn

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Tyson Fury

Turki Alalshikh reveals he intends to hold talks with Tyson Fury about potentially reversing his decision to retire from the sport of boxing.

The two-time heavyweight champion took to social media on Monday confirming his decision to hang up the gloves. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said. “I would like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it. And I’m going to end with this… Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody see you on the other side. Get up!”

His decision comes just a few weeks after suffering a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Despite back-to-back losses against the Ukrainian, many were hoping to see an all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua this year. However, those ambitions have now seemingly been scuppered.

JUST IN: ‘The Only Mistake’ Canelo Makes That Terence Crawford Can Exploit – Dmitry Bivol

Speaking to Jim White & Simon Jordan on talkSPORT, Alalshikh was disappointed with Fury’s decision to retire, but understand why he’s decided to call it a day: “First of all, this kind of decision has to be from the fighters,” he said. “It must be whatever they are thinking if they have something to give or not. As a fan of boxing, I don’t like it. We want to see Tyson in more big fights, but I can understand his decision. But over time this decision can change.”

The Saudi boxing chief was then quizzed about whether or not he’ll hold talks with the ‘Gypsy King’ over a possible retirement U-turn, to which he responded: “Yes, of course. But a lot of rumours don’t help us. No-one will propose £500 million for a fight, these numbers are incorrect.”

Just two days on from his retirement announcement, Fury was spotted for the first time and appeared to be in good spirits. The 36-year-old was seen at a petrol station in Lancashire, clutching a can of Monster energy drink before entering his vehicle. Reacting to the recent announcement, the Brit’s long-time promoter Frank Warren has urged his star client to “enjoy” his retirement.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “God bless him, that’s what he wants to do. That’s great. I mean he’s done everything he can do. He’s probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far. Two-time world champion, and two closely fought fights against Usyk. He’s got plenty of money, he’s got his wits about him, he’s got a lovely family. So God bless him, let him enjoy it.”

While many believe that Fury will opt against fighting again, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists that Fury’s announcement is simply a negotiating tactic regarding the potential clash with ‘AJ’. “I’m not going to accuse him of not being genuine but I think you get a better deal coming out of retirement or maybe he just hasn’t got the stomach for it anymore,” he said. “He got beat twice and has had enough. I doubt it but who knows. I don’t know him well enough to know but maybe he’s done.

“My gut feeling is we see AJ against Fury this summer. But, maybe he’s for real. I cannot believe that he would check out without doing that fight. But if he genuinely isn’t enjoying it anymore, he should retire.”

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BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk named in dream fight with Britain’s Mike Tyson by Turki Alalshikh

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Turki Alalshikh Oleksandr Usyk

Turki Alalshikh wants Moses Itauma to face Oleksandr Usyk before the current unified heavyweight world champion retires.

Usyk is the current unified champion after defending his belt successfully in a rematch with Tyson Fury last month, and he remains unbeaten.

At the age of 37, the Ukrainian hasn’t got many fights left with retirement looming, but he is expected to return to the squared circle.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Has Finally Revealed Who He Will Fight Next After Beating Tyson Fury Twice

For Usyk, there are not many challengers remaining with a potential undisputed rematch against Daniel Dubois potentially on the table.

But when naming a dream fight for the Ukrainian, Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh identified young prodigy Itauma as a potential opponent.

“If we have time, I would love to see Itauma vs Usyk,” Alalshikh said on White & Jordan.

“But only if we have time. It will depend if Usyk retires.”

Itauma came into the sport with huge ambitions of breaking Mike Tyson’s famous record as the youngest-ever heavyweight world champion at the age of 20.

The Briton has just four months to complete the record, meaning it looks increasingly unlikely.

His only realistic shot at a belt could be for the WBA ‘regular’ title against Kubrat Pulev, which would not be for a full ‘super’ version of the world belt.

But Alalshikh still wants to see the record broken.

He added: “I still want to see Itauma be the youngest ever heavyweight world champion.

“I heard information about his sparring with Dubois, and the information is amazing.

“He can be the biggest talent in Britain and around the world.”

The 20-year-old looks to have narrowly missed out on the record, but still seems right on course for a destined path to the pinnacle of the division.

Usyk stands in his way for now, with the Ukrainian yet to be beaten by a star-studded list of names including Fury and Anthony Joshua.

It is expected he will first take a break from the sport before deciding who to select as his next opponent later in 2025.

But British heavyweight Frazer Clarke would now like to see the current champion retire after a sensational run.

Clarke told talkSPORT: “I wouldn’t mind seeing Usyk hang the gloves up, I don’t know who else he goes on to prove or do anything.

“But do I want to see Fury vs AJ? Absolutely and I’m a Brit and a big boxing fan.

“But with Usyk, I’m not sure who even gets him out of bed now. He’s beaten AJ, Fury and Dubois.

“They are the top dogs. Is there any point going and fighting Deontay Wilder?

“He’s not in great form as the other big name, so I would like to see Usyk sail into the sunset now.

“Yeah he’s one of the greatest to have ever done it to be honest.”

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BOXING

Turki Alalshikh drops hint on Anthony Joshua’s decision over Daniel Dubois rematch

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois Turki Alalshikh

Anthony Joshua may not engage in a risky rematch with Daniel Dubois after all, according to Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh.

In September, Dubois dropped Joshua three times en route to a fifth-round knockout win, retaining the IBF heavyweight belt against his fellow Briton.

Talk quickly turned to a rematch of the Wembley showdown, but Dubois has since been paired with Joseph Parker, who will challenge the 27-year-old in Riyadh in February.

Turki Al-Sheikh drops hint on Anthony Joshua's decision over Daniel Dubois rematch

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When Alalshikh was asked about Joshua vs Dubois 2 on Thursday, he told iFL TV: “Of course I want to see it again, but I don’t think it will happen again.”

Joshua’s other main option for his next bout is a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, yet – as ever – there are complications there.

Fury, who challenges Oleksandr Usyk for the unified titles on Saturday, is contracted for a trilogy fight with the Ukrainian, 37, if he emerges victorious in Riyadh.

In May, Usyk outpointed Fury in the same Saudi city to become undisputed heavyweight champion. In doing so, the former cruiserweight king stayed unbeaten and handed the Briton his first professional loss.

So, Joshua faces an uncertain 2025. The 35-year-old could face a beaten Fury, 36, if the “Gypsy King” loses to Usyk again, though “AJ” vs Fury would have lost much of its lustre in that case.

Should Parker beat Dubois in February, Joshua could angle for a title shot against the New Zealander, whom he beat on points in 2018.

Parker is now riding a five-fight win streak, having beaten Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his last two outings. Parker, 32, defeated both men on points – Wilder in December 2023 and Zhang in March of this year.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury could be set for strange Wladimir Klitschko rematch in 2025

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Tyson Fury  Wladimir Klitschko

Tyson Fury was handed his first shot at a world title against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 – and the boxing legend offered the Ukrainian a chance to make history with a blockbuster rematch

Boxing mogul Turki Alalshikh has astonishingly disclosed his ambition to orchestrate a heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and the long-retired Wladimir Klitschko. ‘The Gypsy King’ first earned his shot at a world title against the heavyweight legend in 2015, a fight many thought he had no chance of winning.

However, on the night Klitschko was unable to handle Fury’s unconventional style and was outmanoeuvred over 12 rounds. Fury was awarded the victory by unanimous decision, securing a monumental upset and claiming the unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles.

Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko live: Latest as Fury crowned the new heavyweight world champion by unanimous decision | The Independent | The Independent

JUST IN: Turki Alalshikh lines up next fights for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Francis Ngannou

A rematch was scheduled for a year later, but Fury postponed the bout with the Ukrainian after being declared “medically unfit” to fight. Klitschko had to wait two years before stepping back into the ring, where he suffered a punishing defeat to Anthony Joshua for the IBF, vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles.

Despite retiring shortly afterwards, His Excellency is ready to offer the Ukrainian another opportunity to make history. Alalshikh recently shared his ‘dream’ of making Fury vs Klitschko II a reality, giving the latter the chance to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

This record is currently held by George Foreman, who knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 at the age of 45. With Klitschko turning 49 in March, he will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the upcoming showdown between ‘The Gypsy King’ and Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh disclosed: “The result of Tyson vs Usyk, a lot of people are waiting for them. One of them is Dubois. Another is Joshua. At the same time, there is a third person. I am dreaming of seeing this fight to give chance if he accepts to give Klitschko to give back to be the oldest heavyweight champion ever. To give him the chance. This is perfect.”

He further elaborated, “Of course, he won’t fight Usyk if he wins because they’re two heroes from Ukraine will not fight each other. This is the dream. Fury has a lot of people that want him in the line. Klitschko, all the people want to see it from 2015 again, and there’s also Joshua, which would be the hugest Britain fight ever [against Fury]. Of course, Dubois deserves this chance. Let’s see.”

The Mail reported that Klitschko had shown interest in making a comeback to challenge Dubois for his IBF title after Joshua passed up an immediate rematch. Astonishingly, talks commenced for this surprise championship bout. However, following Mike Tyson’s loss to Jake Paul last month, Saudi organisers have reportedly abandoned the idea. Now, Dubois is set to face Joseph Parker in a major heavyweight showdown in February.

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Turki Alalshikh lines up next fights for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Francis Ngannou

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Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Francis Nganno

Turki Alalshikh is continuing to line up prospective opponents for two of the fight game’s greatest stars, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and Francis Ngannou.

Canelo has been a pound-for-pound stalwart for years, and remains the clear No.1 fighter in the super middleweight division. He is yet to fight in Saudi Arabia, or under a Riyadh Season umbrella, but Alalshikh has spoken warmly of the boxer, and is steadfast in his belief regarding whom the Mexican bruiser should box next.

Ngannou, meanwhile, has fought three times under Alalshikh’s remit due to his two-fight swing in boxing, in which he floored Tyson Fury in a shocking scene but lost to the heavyweight via narrow decision. Anthony Joshua then knocked Ngannou out in two rounds, before the the former UFC champion returned to the cage and destroyed Renan Ferreira in a PFL Super-Fight. All three fights took place in Saudi Arabia.

Turki Alalshikh Rules Out Working With Another Fighter After Canelo Spat: "He Doesn't Understand" - Seconds Out

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Alalshikh has long regarded Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford as the ideal opponent to fight Canelo, yet has faced resistance as Alvarez focused on his September opponent Edgar Berlanga, whom he beat by decision.

With his ruthless thrashing of Errol Spence Jr. last year, Crawford secured one of the most significant wins of boxing’s modern era, and followed the knockout with a decision win over Israil Madrimov atop a Riyadh Season-sponsored card in Los Angeles that GIVEMESPORT attended in August. Alalshikh remains interested in Crawford, and, during an interview Tuesday on DAZN, spoke of his desire to see the American fight Canelo.

“I don’t know anyone now from the Canelo team, and I don’t have any connection, but if he’s hearing me, we are ready to discuss. But I want to discuss [with] him directly, without anyone in the middle.”

Canelo & Terence Crawford’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Terence Crawford
Fights 66 41
Wins 62 (39 by KO) 41 (31 by KO)
Losses 2 0
Draws 2 0

In the same interview, Alalshikh discussed Ngannou’s possible future, and said that, if the PFL champion were to return to a boxing ring rather than an MMA cage, then he’d like to see the Cameroon slugger compete against America’s thunderous puncher Deontay Wilder.

“I need to sit with Wilder [for] two minutes to see his condition.” said Alalshikh.

“I can catch it from two minutes [and check] if he’s ready or not [to fight]. I don’t want to waste time and money anymore. I need to check first if he’s still got it.”

Francis Ngannou & Deontay Wilder’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Francis Ngannou Deontay Wilder
Fights 2 48
Wins 0 43 (42 by KO)
Losses 2 4
Draws 0 1

Alternatively, Ngannou could remain in MMA. Should he continue winning in that sport, then a cross-promoted bout involving UFC GOAT Jon Jones will always carry intrigue, as could PFL fights against the likes of Rico Verhoeven.

“Francis will come to me in December,” Alalshikh said, referencing the December 21 rematch between heavyweight fighters Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. It is during that fight week when Alalshikh will talk to Ngannou about “a lot of business” they have to discuss “together.”

“Yes, I have on the table two options for Francis — one in MMA and one in boxing I want to discuss with [Ngannou]. The MMA [fight], you know all the time, my answer is we want to do the biggest things.”

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BOXING

Turki Alalshikh anounces insane seven-bout card for Feb. 22nd

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Turki Alalshikh

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, announced a massive seven-fight show for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22, 2025.

Alalshikh tweeted, “we will make the pay-per-view price no more than 19.99 pounds in the UK, and in USA and the rest of the world, not more than $25.99. We want the fans be happy and enjoy it…Let’s get boxing great again.” Here are the seven bouts, each of which could stand as a legitimate main event:
World light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed world light heavyweight world champion, will rematch former WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev narrowly beat his fellow Russian earlier this year in a four-belt unification match…
Turki Alalshikh reveals official Feb. 22 fight card for boxing mega-event — and it's ridiculous - Yahoo Sports

READ: Anthony Joshua could regain world title without Daniel Dubois revenge or facing Fury vs Usyk winner

Daniel Dubois will make the next defense of his IBF heavyweight world title against former WBO title holder Joseph Parker. Dubois became the IBF’s interim titlist when he beat Filip Hrgovic in June. His status was upgraded to full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk’s commitment to his December 21st rematch with Tyson Fury meant he had to vacate that belt. Dubois then famously knocked out former champion Anthony Joshua inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September…
Hamzah Sheeraz challenges for a stake of world championship glory when he takes on Carlos Adames for Adames’ WBC middleweight title…
Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang will fight unbeaten heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim heavyweight title. Zhang is coming off a win over former champion Deontay Wilder while Kabayel has won his last two against previously unbeaten foes, Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov…
Vergil Ortiz is scheduled to fight former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov for the WBC interim strap, but Madrimov also has a very tough fight scheduled against Serhii Bohachuk on December 21st…
Three-division champion Shakur Stevenson is also set to make a defence of his WBC lightweight belt against Floyd Schofield and…
Two top-level British light-heavyweights meet when Joshua Buatsi fights Callum Smith for the former’s WBO interim title.
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