Dan O'Keefe
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Articles by Dan O'Keefe
Benavidez Blasts Canelo Over Mbilli Performance
David Benavidez says Canelo Alvarez should be doing more inside the ring given what he earns per fight. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, as reported by Bad Left Hook, Benavidez took issue with how Alvarez approached his weekend win over Christian Mbilli. The Mexican Bandit feels that a fighter commanding purses in the forty to fifty million range owes fans a more aggressive showing, particularly against opponents he clearly outclasses.
WBO Orders Hernandez Vs Zerafa For Vacant Middleweight Title
The WBO has ordered Yoenli Hernandez to face Michael Zerafa for the vacant middleweight title after stripping Denzel Bentley earlier this week. Bentley was removed from the championship after electing to fight Shane Mosley Jr under the Zuffa Boxing banner rather than face mandatory challenger Hernandez, as Bad Left Hook first reported. The sanctioning body gave both camps 20 days to reach terms or face a purse bid.
Usyk's Benavidez Pursuit Proves His Thirst For Legacy
Oleksandr Usyk is returning to cruiserweight to chase history one more time. The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion revealed this week that he will drop back down to 200 pounds to face undefeated David Benavidez for a world title, The Ring reports. At 39, Usyk could have picked easier fights — a faded Deontay Wilder, a third crack at Tyson Fury, a rematch with Rico Verhoeven. Instead, he chose the most dangerous option.
Azim Faces Valenzuela In IBF Eliminator December 4
Boxxer confirmed Saturday that Adam Azim will meet Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in an IBF super lightweight eliminator December 4 at Copper Box Arena in London. The 21-year-old British prospect enters at 15-0 with 12 knockouts but has boxed just once in 2026, stopping Steve Claggett inside three rounds.
Chris Billam-Smith vs Cheavon Clarke: Preview & Betting Tips
Chris Billam-Smith puts his British cruiserweight credentials on the line against Cheavon Clarke on November 7th. Billam-Smith carries a 23-2 ledger into the bout, while Clarke enters at 13-2. The orthodox Billam-Smith holds advantages in height (191cm) and reach (193cm), though Clarke's physical dimensions are not disclosed. The fight takes place on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Canelo Wins WBC Title On Comfortable Night In Riyadh
Canelo Alvarez returned from a 13-month layoff to claim Christian Mbilli's WBC super middleweight title by unanimous decision Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former pound-for-pound king, who last fought in a loss to Terence Crawford in September 2025, controlled the action from the opening bell as Mbilli abandoned his typical pressure style. Per Bad Left Hook's live coverage, Canelo fought at a comfortable pace throughout the 12-rounder, winning 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112 on the cards.
How Manny Pacquiao's Next 12 Months Could Unfold
Manny Pacquiao turns 48 in December 2026, three years removed from his last professional fight and five years past competitive relevance at welterweight. The Filipino senator remains boxing's biggest draw in Southeast Asia, but his next 12 months will test whether PacMan pursues one more meaningful contest or cashes farewell checks against influencers and faded names. Three scenarios chart the most probable trajectories through October 2027.
Foster's path after Navarrete win
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. O'Shaquie Foster's dominant win over Emanuel Navarrete likely leads to a mandatory defense against Charly Suarez rather than an immediate move up in weight, according to Bad Left Hook managing editor Scott Christ. Foster stopped Navarrete in impressive fashion earlier this month, positioning himself as the clear top man at 130 pounds.
Len Johnson Statue Site Confirmed By Manchester Council
Manchester City Council has confirmed that a statue honouring boxer and civil rights activist Len Johnson will be positioned opposite Manchester Victoria Station, the BBC reports. Johnson, who died in 1974, won more than 90 fights during his career but was barred from contesting the British title under a rule that restricted championship bouts to fighters "born of white parents".
Foster's Path After Navarrete Win
O'Shaquie Foster's dominant win over Emanuel Navarrete likely leads to a mandatory defense against Charly Suarez rather than an immediate move up in weight, according to Bad Left Hook managing editor Scott Christ. Foster stopped Navarrete in impressive fashion earlier this month, positioning himself as the clear top man at 130 pounds. Despite his stated interest in facing Shakur Stevenson or Devin Haney at higher weights, the immediate road forward appears to run through Suarez.
Adames Confirms Non-Title Fight With Warburton
WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will not put his belt on the line when he meets Gerome Warburton on Nov. 14 in Saudi Arabia, ESPN reports. The fight marks Adames' first ring appearance since he captured the vacant WBC strap earlier this year. Rather than a mandatory defense, the champion is taking a non-title assignment against Warburton, whose record at 160 pounds positions him outside the sanctioning body's rankings.
Benavidez, Ennis, Dubois Named Boxing's Future
Boxing's reliance on aging stars threatens the sport's long-term health despite upcoming marquee bouts, according to a new analysis from The Ring Magazine columnist Patrick Connor. While Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua prepare for their showdown and names like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather still draw interest, Connor argues the schedule reflects a dangerous preference for established fighters over rising talent.
Canelo On Mbilli: 'Has To Do A Lot Of Things' To Win
Canelo Alvarez says Christian Mbilli will need to bring far more than his undefeated record to beat him when they meet in the ring. Speaking to ESPN, the Mexican superstar acknowledged his recent loss to Terence Crawford but made clear he views Mbilli as facing an uphill climb. "He has to do a lot of things" to pull off the upset, Alvarez said, per the network's interview.
Estephan on Mbilli's readiness for Canelo
Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan believes Christian Mbilli has the discipline and professionalism required to beat Canelo Alvarez. Estephan first met Mbilli at David Lemieux's house in 2016, shortly after the Cameroonian moved to Montreal following the Rio Olympics. The promoter told The Ring that Mbilli impressed him as a person before he ever saw him fight. When Mbilli became a free agent, the two struck a deal over lunch at a Montreal steakhouse in five minutes.
Iglesias Calls Canelo-Mbilli 50/50, Wants Winner Next
IBF super middleweight champion Osleys Iglesias will be watching closely when Canelo Alvarez challenges Christian Mbilli for the WBC title Saturday in Riyadh. Iglesias, who stopped Oliver Zaren in seven rounds to defend his strap in October, told The Ring he views the bout as a coin flip and plans to pursue the winner for a unification. The Cuban contender sits at No. 2 in The Ring's divisional rankings, wedged between Canelo at the top and Mbilli at No. 3.
Serrano Confirms Final Fight Against Falzon
Seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano will hang up her gloves after one more fight. Serrano is set to defend her featherweight titles against Skye Falzon on Jan. 9, ESPN reports, in what the Puerto Rican legend is billing as her final ring walk. The bout marks the end of a career that saw Serrano capture world titles across seven weight classes, a feat unmatched in women's boxing history.
Estephan On Mbilli's Readiness For Canelo
Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan believes Christian Mbilli has the discipline and professionalism required to beat Canelo Alvarez. Estephan first met Mbilli at David Lemieux's house in 2016, shortly after the Cameroonian moved to Montreal following the Rio Olympics. The promoter told The Ring that Mbilli impressed him as a person before he ever saw him fight. When Mbilli became a free agent, the two struck a deal over lunch at a Montreal steakhouse in five minutes.
WBO Orders Stevenson To Face Muratalla
The WBO has ordered Shakur Stevenson to defend his super lightweight title against former lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri issued the ruling following a petition from Top Rank, per Bad Left Hook, giving both sides 20 days to negotiate before a purse bid. Muratalla holds the top position in the WBO's 140-pound rankings despite previously holding the IBF belt at lightweight rather than a WBO strap.
Delgado Withdraws From Biyarslanov Title Fight
Lindolfo Delgado has withdrawn from his scheduled vacant super lightweight title fight against Arthur Biyarslanov, according to multiple reports. The unbeaten contender declined to travel for Saturday's Mexico vs The World card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, per Bad Left Hook.
Arum On Lomachenko-Foster Plans After Navarrete Win
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum outlined a mid-2027 timeline for Vasiliy Lomachenko to face O'Shaquie Foster following Foster's decision win over Emanuel Navarrete this weekend. Arum told Bad Left Hook that Lomachenko plans to return against Charly Suarez before pursuing the Foster matchup. "Well, they are going to fight other people and Loma will fight probably Charly Suarez and then hopefully in mid-year they can fight each other," Arum said.
O'Shaquie Foster beats Emanuel Navarrete by UD in round 12 on 25 October 2026
O'Shaquie Foster beat Emanuel Navarrete by unanimous decision after twelve rounds at O'Shaquie Foster vs. Emanuel Navarrete, moving his record to 1-0-0. Navarrete, who entered 44-2-1, slipped to 44-3-1 in a bout that went the distance. Foster controlled enough of the championship rounds to earn the nod on all three scorecards. How it ended The fight reached the final bell with both men still standing, sending the outcome to the judges.
Foster Routs Navarrete To Unify Titles At 130
O'Shaquie Foster unified three 130-pound world titles Saturday night, flooring Emanuel Navarrete twice in the final round to cap a one-sided performance. The American now holds the WBC, IBF and WBO belts after a decisive victory, ESPN reports. Navarrete, moving up from featherweight where he held multiple titles, could not solve Foster's movement and timing over 12 rounds. The Mexican fighter absorbed the two knockdowns in the closing frame but survived to the final bell.
Foster Dominates Navarrete In Unification Win
O'Shaquie Foster unified the IBF, WBO and WBC super featherweight titles with a commanding unanimous decision over Emanuel Navarrete, winning by scores of 115-111, 118-108 and 118-108. Foster controlled the fight from the opening bell, using sharp counters and constant movement to frustrate Navarrete throughout the night. The Houston boxer landed cleanly early and often, never allowing the Mexican champion to impose his usual high-volume style, according to Bad Left Hook's live coverage.
Lomachenko Confirms Return At 130 After Retirement
Vasiliy Lomachenko will end his retirement and return to the super featherweight division in 2027. The Ukrainian former champion confirmed his plans during a live DAZN broadcast from San Antonio on Friday night, according to Bad Left Hook. Lomachenko said he intends to fight at 130 pounds for the first time since he stopped Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2017, with his sights set on the winner of Emanuel Navarrete and O'Shaquie Foster for their three world title belts.
Three Fights Michael 'Venom' Page Should Take Next
Michael "Venom" Page's departure from the UFC leaves one of MMA's most unique strikers at a crossroads. The karate stylist went 2-2 in the Octagon, his highlight-reel techniques offset by conservative gameplans from opponents who refused to engage. At 37, Page still has the reflexes and showmanship to headline cards — he just needs opponents willing to meet him in open space. Here are three fights that make sense, ranked by upside. 1.
Top Rank Releases Keyshawn Davis After Title Snub
Top Rank has released Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis from his promotional contract with one fight still remaining on the deal. Bob Arum confirmed the split to Joe Profit of the O.S.O.S. podcast, as Bad Left Hook reported. Arum said Davis requested the release and Top Rank granted it without pursuing legal action. The lightweight had turned down more than $2 million to face Devin Haney for the WBO welterweight belt despite Top Rank securing him a mandatory challenger spot.
DAZN Officially Announces Haney Signing
DAZN has signed welterweight titleholder Devin Haney to an exclusive multi-fight deal, the streaming platform confirmed Thursday. The announcement comes after negotiations for a bout with Shakur Stevenson collapsed, according to Bad Left Hook. Haney holds the WBO welterweight strap after stopping Brian Norman last November but has been inactive since. What Haney's DAZN Deal Means For Future Fights Haney told the platform he wanted to remove any barriers to landing the sport's biggest fights.
Haney Signs DAZN Deal, Targets Biggest Fights
Devin Haney has locked in a multifight agreement with DAZN, the streaming platform announced this week. The former undisputed lightweight champion told ESPN he wants "the biggest challenges and the fights the fans want to see." Haney returns to DAZN after his controversial majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia in April. The result — later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for ostarine — was Haney's first career defeat on paper.
Bentley faces WBO strip after appeal denied
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. The WBO has rejected Denzel Bentley's appeal to postpone his mandatory title defence, giving the middleweight champion 24 hours to agree to face Yoenli Hernandez or be stripped of his belt. Bentley had petitioned the sanctioning body to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7 in London instead, arguing that Mosley holds the No. 6 ranking and that he would face Hernandez immediately after.
Bentley Faces WBO Strip After Appeal Denied
The WBO has rejected Denzel Bentley's appeal to postpone his mandatory title defence, giving the middleweight champion 24 hours to agree to face Yoenli Hernandez or be stripped of his belt. Bentley had petitioned the sanctioning body to fight Shane Mosley Jr. on November 7 in London instead, arguing that Mosley holds the No. 6 ranking and that he would face Hernandez immediately after.
Arum On Zuffa Boxing After Saudi Pullback
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes Zuffa Boxing's aggressive run in the sport has stalled now that Saudi money appears to be drying up. Arum, speaking to Fight Hub TV after recovering from knee surgery, said the Gulf state's financial support allowed Zuffa to offer massive purses to fighters like Shakur Stevenson. "The Saudis are clearly pulling back," he said, per Bad Left Hook.
Haney Confirms Paro Unification Before Year's End
Devin Haney has reportedly agreed to face Liam Paro in a welterweight unification bout before the end of 2026. According to Mike Coppinger, the WBO and IBF champions have agreed to meet on U.S. soil by December, bringing an end to what Bad Left Hook described as Haney's often frustrating search for his first welterweight title challenger.
Cordina Agrees Terms To Fight Pacquiao
Former two-time world champion Joe Cordina has accepted terms to face Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff, promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN. The Welsh boxer agreed to the bout with the Filipino legend as part of the stacked June 14 card at Principality Stadium. Hearn confirmed the deal is locked from Cordina's side, though Pacquiao's team has yet to finalize its end.
Liam Smith faces GBH trial after alleged tower attack
Former WBO light-middleweight champion Liam Smith appeared at Manchester Crown Court facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged attack on a concierge worker in September. The BBC reports that Judge Tom Gilbart referenced CCTV footage during the hearing, stating that part of the recording shows Smith delivering strikes to the head of someone on the floor who could not stand.
Foster On Navarrete's Weight Bullying Ahead Of Unification
O'Shaquie Foster believes Emanuel Navarrete has built his record on opponents who could not match his size — and the American says that advantage disappears when they meet for unification. Foster told Ring Magazine that Navarrete struggled against naturally bigger fighters like Oscar Valdez's conqueror Robson Conceicao and Ukrainian technician Denys Berinchyk, both of whom tested the Mexican at 130 and 135 pounds.
Dubois On Being Boxing's New Top Heavyweight
Daniel Dubois has emerged as a leading candidate for boxing's top heavyweight with Oleksandr Usyk likely stepping away from the division. Bad Left Hook's Scott Christ argued that Dubois holds the clearest claim among active contenders, noting his ability to bounce back from defeats. "He bounces back from defeat exceptionally well, doesn't seem to let it bother him, and just goes back to work and returns better than he was before," Christ wrote.
Fury Credits Dubois As Best Heavyweight At 29
Tyson Fury believes Daniel Dubois has emerged as the top heavyweight in boxing after his dominant rematch victory over Fabio Wardley earlier this month. The former two-time world champion told Bad Left Hook that the 29-year-old IBF titleholder has developed into perhaps the division's best fighter, crediting both Dubois and trainer Don Charles for the transformation. "Daniel's done absolutely fantastic in his career," Fury said, per the outlet.
MVP Appeals To WBA For Bahdi After Schofield Loss
Most Valuable Promotions has formally appealed to the WBA on behalf of Lucas Bahdi, claiming multiple officiating errors cost the lightweight a title victory over Floyd Schofield earlier this month. Jake Paul's promotional company submitted evidence to the sanctioning body arguing that uncalled knockdowns and other mistakes altered the outcome of the fight, according to Bad Left Hook.
Dubois Eyes Five Potential Fights After Wardley Win
Daniel Dubois has a crowded list of potential opponents following his title defense against Fabio Wardley last Saturday at London's O2 Arena. The WBO heavyweight champion could target unification bouts or high-profile voluntary defenses as he maps out 2027. Ring Magazine broke down five realistic options for the 27-year-old Londoner, who has fought twice in five months and may rest through year's end.
Adames Dodges Mandatory For Zuffa Debut
WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will make his Zuffa Boxing debut against unranked Gerome Warburton in a non-title bout on November 14th in Riyadh, according to Dan Rafael. The matchup sidesteps Meiirim Nursultanov, who has been waiting nearly three years for his mandatory shot. Per Bad Left Hook, the WBC ordered Adames to face Nursultanov less than a month ago, calling it the Kazakh's "golden opportunity," then quickly approved the catchweight fight above 160 pounds instead.
La Motta would dominate current middleweights
Jake La Motta would beat the current middleweight field handily if transported to the modern era, according to Bad Left Hook managing editor Scott Christ. In the site's latest mailbag column, Christ addressed a reader question about how the former champion would stack up against today's barren 160-pound division. Despite La Motta's modest physical dimensions — 5-foot-8 with a 67-inch reach — Christ believes the late fighter's toughness and skill would translate across eras.
La Motta Would Dominate Current Middleweights
Jake La Motta would beat the current middleweight field handily if transported to the modern era, according to Bad Left Hook managing editor Scott Christ. In the site's latest mailbag column, Christ addressed a reader question about how the former champion would stack up against today's barren 160-pound division. Despite La Motta's modest physical dimensions — 5-foot-8 with a 67-inch reach — Christ believes the late fighter's toughness and skill would translate across eras.
Bentley Appeals WBO Mandatory, Signs Mosley Jr Fight
WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley has appealed to the sanctioning body to make a voluntary defense instead of facing mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, according to a Bad Left Hook report. Bentley signed with Zuffa Boxing and will fight Shane Mosley Jr on Nov. 7 in London. Bentley became full WBO champion after Janibek Alimkhanuly moved up from middleweight.
Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren: Preview & Betting Tips
Osleys Iglesias meets Oliver Zaren in a super-middleweight collision of unbeatens that pits Cuban southpaw craft against Danish volume and durability. Iglesias enters with a 15-0 ledger and a three-centimetre height advantage; Zaren counters with a 20-0-1 slate and a proven chin. The market sides heavily with Iglesias, but Zaren's draw on his record suggests he's been tested in deep water. The fight takes place on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
Fury Rejects Joshua's Landlord Claim Ahead Of Cardiff
Tyson Fury dismissed Anthony Joshua's claim to be Cardiff's landlord ahead of their heavyweight clash, telling his rival he won't be paying rent when they meet in Wales. The two British heavyweights appeared together at a pre-fight press conference Wednesday, where Fury rebuffed Joshua's suggestion that the Principality Stadium belongs to him. "I'm not paying," Fury said, per ESPN.
Joshua Took £10M Pay Cut For Fury Fight In UK
Anthony Joshua accepted a pay reduction exceeding £10 million to ensure his heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury takes place in the United Kingdom, promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN. The two-time unified champion walked away from a significantly larger purse that would have come with staging the fight overseas, Hearn said. Joshua prioritized keeping the event on home soil despite the financial sacrifice, which Hearn pegged at more than $13 million.
Fury Meets Joshua Face-to-Face At London Presser
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua faced off in London on Wednesday for their first joint appearance ahead of a heavyweight clash both fighters have pursued for years. The news conference, held at 6 p.m. BST (1 p.m. ET), marked the initial head-to-head between the two British champions as they build toward one of boxing's most anticipated domestic matchups, according to ESPN.
Whyte Reveals Fractured Foot In Itauma Loss
Dillian Whyte entered his one-round loss to Moses Itauma in August 2025 with a fractured foot, according to the British heavyweight. Whyte told Sky Sports he first hurt the foot during a run, then suffered a clean fracture later that day when he stepped backward awkwardly while sparring. He refractured it in the dressing room warming up before the Saudi Arabia bout, at which point a doctor advised him to pull out. Whyte refused.
Kabayel Confirms Hysa Fight After Pullout Claim
WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel will defend his title against undefeated Nelson Hysa on November 28th at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, according to multiple reports. Hysa, who turned pro at 37 in 2022 and carries a 25-0 record with 23 knockouts, last fought on the Itauma-Hrgovic card last month where he stopped Thomas Narmo. After that win, he confronted Kabayel ringside before promoter Frank Warren said the Albanian had backed out of a planned meeting.
Fury Tells Joshua Camp To Stop Making Excuses
Tyson Fury believes Anthony Joshua is desperately looking for a way out of their heavyweight clash. Per Bad Left Hook, Fury told fans that Joshua's camp has been shifting the goalposts since signing the contract, first over venue disputes — Ireland, then Las Vegas, London, New York, Cardiff — and now over Dana White's involvement as a third-party promoter. "Yesterday afternoon, this time, they were booking me my plane tickets back to London for the press conference on Wednesday," Fury said.
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