By Steve Bunce IT has been 15 years since Nikolai Valuev lost to David Haye and walked off into the Black Forest to hunt wild pigs and bears and giant, feral sheep. On that night in Nuremberg, he lost for just the second time in 53 fights and left the ring without his WBA heavyweight belt; …
Read more “In the heavyweight wonderland of Riyadh, Nikolai Valuev would have been a big star”
By Declan Taylor FRANK SMITH has challenged the eight fighters in Matchroom’s Japanese prizefighter debut to prove they are worthy of a crack at the middleweight crown. Matchroom CEO Smith secured a three-year deal to promote in Japan, a first for the company, and the new venture kicks off on July 15 at the Yamato …
Read more “Frank Smith calls on middleweight prizefighters to prove they’re worthy”
“WHAT makes me the best in the division? I can do everything, whatever you want, I got it.” Those were the assured words of Jaron Ennis as he prepares for a homecoming special this weekend. The IBF welterweight champion, known colloquially as ‘Boots’, reckons his replacement opponent in the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, David Avanesyan, …
Read more “Confident Jaron Ennis all set for Philadelphia clash with David Avanesyan”
By Elliot Worsell (June 20) AS Euros fever sweeps the nation, you will find it harder and harder to forget that for Toni Kroos, one of Germany’s star players, this will be his last assignment in a Germany shirt. It is a nice story, after all, and Germany’s hope, with this being a home tournament …
Read more “As England reach the Euros final, ‘getting out’ of boxing at the right time is not easy”
By Eric Armit HARD-hitting highlights from the past week of action Gervonta Davis knocks out Frank Martin in WBA lightweight title defence. David Benavidez outpoints Oleksandr Gvozdyk for the WBC interim light heavyweight title. Albert Puello takes a split decision over Gary Antuanne Russell in fight for the WBC interim super-lightweight title. Carlos Adames wins …
Read more “Perfect Paro, Gervonta’s joy & brilliant Billam-Smith”
BOXING moves fast and it’s hard to keep up with all the comings and goings. Here’s a wrap-up of some of the fight announcements, signings and other bits and pieces that might’ve passed you by. Leonard Ellerbe steps down; Richard Schaefer comes in The Floyd Mayweather team makeover continues, as it was announced that Leonard …
Read more “The beast returns in a 50-50, Venado takes on Leo and Ellerbe exits”
Macaulay McGowan had initially planned to avoid participating in the dads’ race by feigning an injury. It didn’t matter if it was his leg, arm, or head – any excuse would suffice. In fact, with his face still showing bruises from a fight he had on Friday night, just one glimpse would evoke sympathy from …
Read more “After 12 rounds on Friday, Macaulay McGowan finishes fourth in the dads’ race”
By Clayton Varey The Hull Box Cup took place from June 28th to June 30th, and the participants from HEBDEN Bridge boxing club showcased their skills. Out of the seven boxers representing Hebden, they proudly returned home with two gold medals and one silver. Day One: Kai Fenton, competing for the first season as a …
By Oscar Pick BECOMING a parent can completely change a fighter’s mindset. All of a sudden, the thought of taking risks and making tremendous sacrifices will seem less appealing as they instead make a conscious effort to mitigate the occupational hazards associated with boxing. This, in turn, may cause some to remove themselves from the …
Read more “It’s all about family for newly-motivated Kieron Conway”
It seems that Lawrence Okolie’s next fight in Britain is now confirmed. According to the sanctioning body, the 31-year-old powerful fighter from Hackney has reached an agreement to defend his WBC Bridgerweight championship against left-handed boxer Kevin Lerena. Okolie, with a record of 20 wins and 1 loss, including 15 knockouts, regained his form in …
Read more “Agreement reached for Lawrence Okolie to face Kevin Lerena”