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Articles by James Wright
Berlanga arrested on felony aggravated battery charge
Edgar Berlanga was arrested on a felony aggravated battery charge, ESPN reports. The super middleweight contender also faces one count of misdemeanor battery, according to the outlet. No details about the incident, arrest location, or timing have been disclosed. What Berlanga's Legal Trouble Means For His Career Berlanga, who fought Canelo Alvarez in September 2024, has not publicly commented on the charges. His team has not issued a statement.
Canelo Defends Against Mbilli: Key Data Points
Canelo Alvarez defends his WBC super middleweight title against Christian Mbilli on Saturday, and the numbers paint a picture of contrasting styles and experience levels. ESPN's statistical breakdown ahead of the bout highlights the Mexican champion's veteran ring IQ against the challenger's rising momentum at 168 pounds. Alvarez enters with a decorated resume across four weight classes, while Mbilli brings an undefeated record and knockout power that has carried him through his professional run.
Taylor Names Top 10 Opponents For Itauma Comeback
Moses Itauma will return to the ring in January 2027 somewhere in London, promoter Frank Warren confirmed, as the heavyweight attempts to rebuild after his August defeat to Filip Hrgovic. Warren told The Ring he wants Itauma to face a name in the comeback fight, which opens up a wide field of possibilities for the 21-year-old. Columnist Declan Taylor ran through 10 potential opponents for the bout, ranging from established contenders to safe rebuilding options.
De La Hoya Calls Garcia-Mayweather A 50/50 Fight
Oscar De La Hoya believes a fight between Ryan Garcia and Floyd Mayweather would be far more competitive than Garcia's critics might expect. The Golden Boy promoter told Bad Left Hook that he sees a potential Garcia-Mayweather matchup as nearly even. "It's almost like a 50/50 fight, to me," De La Hoya said. "Because Mayweather has the [savvy], he has the IQ inside the ring to just play with Ryan if he wanted to.
Why Beterbiev's 100% Knockout Rate Makes Him Boxing's Most Dangerous Puzzle
Artur Beterbiev stands alone in modern boxing: 20 professional fights, 20 knockouts, zero decisions. That perfect finishing rate has defined his career since 2013, yet the story behind those numbers is more nuanced than highlight-reel power suggests. At 39, the unified light heavyweight champion has turned what looks like brute force into a tactical system built on patience, ring geometry, and opponent deterioration. The knockout rate itself is deceptive. Beterbiev doesn't hunt early stoppages.
Bentley Ordered To Face Hernandez Or Vacate WBO Title
WBO middleweight champion Denzel Bentley has been denied his request to skip mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez and must commit to the bout within 24 hours or vacate his title. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri rejected Bentley's appeal for a voluntary defense, according to Bad Left Hook, forcing the British fighter to choose between facing Hernandez or losing the belt he inherited when Janibek Alimkhanuly failed a drug test and moved to super middleweight.
Hrgovic On Breaking Through As Heavyweight Champion
Filip Hrgovic says his upset win over Moses Itauma gave him something he'd been chasing for years: recognition as a legitimate heavyweight champion. The Croatian told Ariel Helwani that he felt his promoter never pushed him properly because he came from a small country without major TV networks behind him. He was brought in as an opponent for Itauma, expected to be knocked out quickly and forgotten. Instead, he weathered the early rounds and stopped the British prospect in nine.
White On Fisher's Next Fight After September Struggles
Dana White expects Johnny Fisher to reach a new level for his next fight after the heavyweight gassed in his Zuffa Boxing debut against Michael Pirotton in September. White told Sky Sports that Fisher looked strong early before fading over the final rounds, but credited the British prospect's mental toughness in pushing through to win the 10-round contest. White invited Fisher to train at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas ahead of his next outing.
Jai Opetaia Is Boxing's Most Undervalued Champion Right Now
Jai Opetaia holds every major cruiserweight title that matters, defended his crown against legitimate contenders, and just accepted a dangerous step-up fight against Deontay Wilder. Yet somehow, he remains boxing's best-kept secret. That needs to change. Opetaia isn't just a solid champion—he's one of the sport's most complete fighters, operating in near-total obscurity while lesser talents command ten times the spotlight. The evidence starts with how he won his titles.
Why Dmitry Bivol's Patient Blueprint Still Rules Light Heavyweight
Dmitry Bivol doesn't sell pay-per-views with knockouts or trash talk. The WBA light heavyweight champion sells them with a different product: rounds. Lots of them. His December 12 defense against Callum Smith will likely go the distance, just as his wins over Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez did. That's not a flaw in his game — it's the foundation. Bivol's approach is tactical minimalism wrapped in relentless output.
Bahdi's Promoter Files Protest Over Schofield Loss
Most Valuable Promotions has filed a formal protest with the Illinois Athletic Board over Lucas Bahdi's unanimous decision loss to Floyd Schofield in their WBA lightweight title bout on October 10. The promotion claims video footage reveals referee Benjamin Rodriguez missed knockdowns in rounds three, six, and nine at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Opetaia Enters Camp For Potential Wilder Clash
Jai Opetaia has begun training camp for a potential heavyweight debut against Deontay Wilder, ESPN reports. The move would mark Opetaia's first fight at the sport's marquee weight class and could land on what is being billed as the biggest night in European boxing history. The Australian cruiserweight has committed to a full camp despite the bout not being finalized.
Sebastian Fundora beats Ermal Hadribeaj by KO in round 12 at The Fight
Sebastian Fundora knocked out Ermal Hadribeaj in the final round at The Fight, stopping the previously unbeaten Albanian-American with one second remaining in their super-welterweight contest. Fundora, who improved to 27-1-1, delivered the finish at 2:59 of round 12 to hand Hadribeaj the first defeat of his professional career. The outcome marked Fundora's first stoppage victory and snapped Hadribeaj's 54-fight unbeaten streak.
Ben Whittaker beats Conor Wallace by UD on 3 October 2026
Ben Whittaker beat Conor Wallace by unanimous decision in their scheduled twelve-rounder at the Ben Whittaker vs. Conor Wallace event, moving to 13-0-1 in the light-heavyweight division. The unbeaten Whittaker controlled proceedings against the experienced Wallace, whose record dropped to 126-16-9 after the judges' verdict. How it ended All three scorecards favoured Whittaker after the final bell, reflecting his superiority across the championship distance.
De La Hoya On Ring Magazine Sale Rumors
Oscar De La Hoya believes Turki Alalshikh is exiting boxing. The Golden Boy promoter said rumors that Alalshikh is looking to sell The Ring Magazine — just two years after purchasing it from De La Hoya — indicate the Saudi advisor plans to step away from the sport, Bad Left Hook reports. De La Hoya made the comments in a social media video posted Thursday.
Hearn On Joshua's Vulnerability Ahead Of Fury Fight
Anthony Joshua enters his June showdown with Tyson Fury as a more vulnerable fighter than in his prime, but one who punches harder than ever, according to Matchroom president Barry Hearn. Hearn, speaking to ESPN, said the two-time heavyweight champion has evolved into a more relaxed version of himself heading into the all-British clash at Principality Stadium. That composure, he suggested, could prove decisive when the former champions meet in Cardiff. Joshua's Power vs.
Till Names Froch And Paul On Five-Fight Wish-List
Darren Till has identified Carl Froch and Jake Paul among five opponents he wants to face in boxing. The former UFC welterweight contender, who transitioned to boxing after leaving mixed martial arts, laid out his target list in comments reported by ESPN. Till included both the retired super-middleweight champion and the social media star turned prizefighter on his roster of desired matchups.
Hrgovic On Itauma Rematch After Upset Win
Filip Hrgovic says he would demolish Moses Itauma in a rematch after his upset victory last month made him heavyweight champion. The Croatian told The Stomping Ground he watched the fight back and immediately wanted another crack at the British prospect. "In the end it was a big win, big victory and big achievement but I feel like I can do better, like I should throw more and I should be faster," Hrgovic said, per Bad Left Hook.
Russell Jr Confirms Stevenson Talks But Questions Offer
Gary Russell Jr confirmed he is in active negotiations to fight Shakur Stevenson but says the financial terms haven't lined up yet. Russell Jr posted on social media that his team has been pushing for the matchup and disputes recent reports about the money on the table. "We are 110% in negotiation to try to make this fight with Shakur Stevenson," he said, per Bad Left Hook. He added that his camp originally pursued the bout before Stevenson's team indicated they wanted to go another direction.
Whittaker Maintains Hope For Benavidez Fight
Ben Whittaker has not given up on facing David Benavidez even after the Mexican-American moved to cruiserweight. The British light heavyweight told ESPN he remains interested in the matchup despite Benavidez abandoning the 175-pound division. Whittaker had previously called out Benavidez when both competed at light heavyweight.
Schofield Pursues Zepeda Unification At 135
Floyd Schofield wants William Zepeda next for a lightweight unification fight, the unbeaten prospect told Fight Hub TV in an interview published this week. Schofield, who recently secured a world title shot at 135 pounds, said he and his father are targeting Zepeda to begin a potential run at undisputed before jumping to junior welterweight.
Smith Calls Fury vs Joshua A Toss Up
Liam Smith believes Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua has become a genuine coin flip heading into their long-delayed heavyweight showdown. The former junior middleweight champion told Bad Left Hook that both men are past their primes and shopworn, turning what would have been a clear Fury victory five years ago into an even contest. "I think it's a toss up. I think it's a 50/50 fight," Smith said, per the outlet.
Hrgovic On Itauma's Training: 'Yes Men' Cost Him Title
Filip Hrgovic says Moses Itauma surrounded himself with the wrong kind of training team ahead of their August heavyweight title fight. Hrgovic stopped Itauma in the ninth round at O2 Arena on August 29 to claim the IBF belt. In the aftermath, questions swirled about how the 21-year-old from Kent prepared for championship rounds. According to The Ring, Hrgovic pointed to Itauma's entourage as the problem.
White Shoots Down Stevenson-Pacquiao Rumors
Dana White has shot down speculation that Shakur Stevenson will face Manny Pacquiao on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua undercard in Cardiff this December. The Zuffa Boxing chief was asked about the rumored matchup at a press conference following Johnny Fisher's win over Michael Pirotton at London's Copper Box Arena. "Yeah, that's not true. No," White said, per The Ring.
Inoue Holds Off Nasukawa In Tokyo Rematch
Takuma Inoue retained the WBC bantamweight title Saturday with a unanimous decision over Tenshin Nasukawa in their Tokyo rematch, weathering a seventh-round knockdown to repeat his November 2025 victory. The judges scored it 114-113, 116-111, and 116-111 for Inoue, who improved to 23-2 with five knockouts. Nasukawa dropped to 8-2 as a professional boxer, losing both attempts at Inoue's strap.
Johnny Fisher beats Michael Pirotton by MD in round 10 on 27 September 2026
Johnny Fisher edged Michael Pirotton by majority decision after ten rounds at Fisher vs Pirotton on 27 September, moving to 16-1 in his heavyweight career. The bout went the distance in a fight that required the judges' scorecards to separate the two men. How it ended All three judges saw the full ten rounds, with two scoring in favour of Fisher while the third returned an even card.
Johnny Fisher beats Michael Pirotton by MD in round 10 at Zuffa Boxing 11
Johnny Fisher edged Michael Pirotton by majority decision after ten rounds at Zuffa Boxing 11. The heavyweight bout went the distance, with Fisher doing enough to claim the nod on two of the three cards. The win moves Fisher to 16-1, whilst Pirotton drops to 0-1 in his professional debut. How it ended All three judges saw the full ten rounds, with two siding in Fisher's favour to deliver the majority decision. The contest offered few clear turning points, suggesting a competitive affair throughout.
Fury Calls Joshua A Stepping Stone To Usyk Trilogy
Tyson Fury has dismissed his upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua as nothing more than a route back to Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King told ESPN that the long-awaited domestic clash serves primarily as preparation for a trilogy with the Ukrainian, who holds two wins over Fury from their 2024 encounters. "It's a stepping stone," Fury said of the Joshua matchup, per the outlet.
Canelo-Mbilli Tops October Fight Rankings
Canelo Alvarez's potential showdown with Christian Mbilli leads October's slate of major boxing bouts, according to ESPN's rankings released this week. Parkinson evaluated the month's most notable matchups, placing the Mexican superstar's rumored meeting with the unbeaten Mbilli at the top of his list. Daniel Dubois defending his heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley ranked second among October's competitive offerings.
Brown Rejects Opetaia Shot, Plans Three-Fight Path
Pat Brown has no interest in rushing into a world title shot. The newly crowned British cruiserweight champion stopped John Hedges in six rounds at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday, then promptly told reporters he wanted more seasoning before facing Ring champion Jai Opetaia. Ring Magazine mapped out a three-fight blueprint that could position the 26-year-old for world-title contention by late 2027.
Fury-Joshua Timeline Shows Years Of Failed Negotiations
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have spent the better part of a decade as the two most marketable heavyweights in British boxing without ever sharing a ring. The pair have come close to finalizing a bout multiple times, only to see negotiations collapse over purse splits, mandatories, and timing. ESPN chronicled the history of failed attempts to make the fight, tracing the pattern of near-agreements that stretched from 2018 through the present.
Hearn Says Fury Afraid To Lose Joshua Fight
Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury is fearful of losing to Anthony Joshua and relies on mental warfare to shore up his own confidence. Hearn, who promotes Joshua, told Fight Your Corner that while Fury maintains public bravado, the former champion privately understands the physical threat Joshua poses when the two British heavyweights finally meet. "I wouldn't say fighters are ever scared but I think he's fearful of Anthony Joshua," Hearn said, per The Ring.
Dempsey On Tunney: The Greatest Fight At 100
Gene Tunney beat Jack Dempsey for the heavyweight championship one hundred years ago this week in front of 120,757 fans at Sesquicentennial Stadium in Philadelphia. The fight, which took place on September 23, 1926, saw Tunney win every round over ten frames against the defending champion, ending one of the most dominant title reigns in the sport's history. Dempsey had climbed from desperate poverty to boxing immortality.
WBA Orders Lopez To Face Catterall At Welterweight
The WBA has ordered Teofimo Lopez to defend his welterweight title against Jack Catterall, giving the two camps 30 days to reach terms for a mandatory fight that could derail Lopez's plans for a unification bout with Ryan Garcia. Lopez, who beat Rolly Romero for the belt last month, had been in talks to face WBC titlist Garcia in February or March, according to Bad Left Hook.
Lopez Ordered To Defend Title Against Catterall
Teofimo Lopez must defend his WBO welterweight title against Jack Catterall in his next fight, the sanctioning body confirmed Tuesday. The governing body issued the order this week, locking Lopez into a mandatory defense against the British contender. Lopez captured the strap at 147 pounds after moving up from junior welterweight, where he held multiple titles.
Opetaia maintains undisputed dream after IBF strip
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. Jai Opetaia still plans to become undisputed cruiserweight champion despite losing two titles without stepping into the ring. The Australian was stripped of the IBF belt in March after he outpointed Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas, then learned the WBC had declared its title vacant before his ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian on Saturday. Opetaia told The Ring's Rick Reeno that the setbacks have not changed his goal.
Groves On Itauma's Path After Hrgovic Defeat
Moses Itauma needs to develop into a 12-round fighter and step down in opposition after his IBF heavyweight title loss to Filip Hrgovic, according to former super-middleweight champion George Groves. Itauma, 21, was stopped in the ninth round by Hrgovic in their vacant title fight, fading badly after a strong start. Conor Benn suffered a similar setback when Ryan Garcia halted him in two rounds for the WBC welterweight belt.
Opetaia Maintains Undisputed Dream After IBF Strip
Jai Opetaia still plans to become undisputed cruiserweight champion despite losing two titles without stepping into the ring. The Australian was stripped of the IBF belt in March after he outpointed Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas, then learned the WBC had declared its title vacant before his ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian on Saturday. Opetaia told The Ring's Rick Reeno that the setbacks have not changed his goal. "I feel like it's gonna happen, honestly," he said.
Sheeraz Vacates WBO Belt Rather Than Face Janibek
Hamzah Sheeraz has relinquished his WBO super middleweight title rather than face mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly, the WBO confirmed Friday. ESPN reports that Sheeraz chose to vacate the belt instead of fulfilling the ordered defence against Alimkhanuly. The move leaves the WBO 168-pound division without a champion and raises questions about Sheeraz's immediate plans.
Benavidez Expects To KO 'Super Slow' Opetaia
David Benavidez believes he will knock out Jai Opetaia when the two cruiserweight champions collide next year. Benavidez watched from ringside at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday as Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian in nine rounds to defend his Ring and Zuffa titles and claim the vacant WBA 'regular' belt. The Phoenix fighter came away unimpressed, according to The Ring. "I'm surprised, but not in a good way," Benavidez told reporters after the fight.
Pitbull Cruz Faces Bravo In PBC Showcase Saturday
Isaac Cruz returns Saturday night looking to rebuild momentum at 140 pounds when he faces Nestor Bravo in a PBC main event on DAZN. Cruz, who holds the WBC's interim title at super lightweight, has gone 2-0-1 since losing to Jose Valenzuela in late 2024, according to Bad Left Hook. He picked up decision wins over Angel Fierro and Omar Salcido before drawing with Lamont Roach in a bout many observers felt Roach deserved to win.
Queensberry Wins Sheeraz-Alimkhanuly Purse Bid
Queensberry secured promotional rights to the WBO super middleweight title fight between champion Hamzah Sheeraz and mandatory challenger Janibek Alimkhanuly at Wednesday's purse bid, per ESPN. The bout will match Sheeraz, who claimed the vacant WBO strap against Tyler Denny in February, against Alimkhanuly, the former middleweight titleholder moving up in search of a second belt. Queensberry now controls the fight date and venue.
Ennis on Fundora fight: 'That's gonna stamp me'
Jaron Ennis wants Sebastian Fundora next, but he will likely have to wait. The WBA and WBO junior middleweight champion told YSM Sports Media that beating Fundora, the WBC titleholder who stands 6-foot-6, would prove his credentials once and for all. "That's one of the fights that's gonna stamp me," Ennis said, per The Ring.
Sheeraz On Janibek Mandatory: 'Let's Crack On'
Hamzah Sheeraz says he will fight Janibek Alimkhanuly as long as the money is right. The WBO super middleweight champion told The Ring's Rick Reeno on the Mr. Verzace Podcast that he accepts the mandatory defense ordered by the sanctioning body last month, despite his earlier objections to Alimkhanuly's status after a positive doping test. "We'll fight, we accept the fight. Let's crack on," Sheeraz said.
Ennis On Fundora Fight: 'That's Gonna Stamp Me'
Jaron Ennis wants Sebastian Fundora next, but he will likely have to wait. The WBA and WBO junior middleweight champion told YSM Sports Media that beating Fundora, the WBC titleholder who stands 6-foot-6, would prove his credentials once and for all. "That's one of the fights that's gonna stamp me," Ennis said, per The Ring.
Magsayo suffers decision loss to Cortes in Zuffa bout
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. Mark Magsayo dropped a unanimous decision to Andres Cortes on Sunday in his second outing under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The Filipino featherweight struggled to land his power punches as Cortes controlled distance and dictated the pace through twelve rounds.
Chuvalo On Ali, Frazier After Ranking Best He Faced
Late heavyweight contender George Chuvalo named Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman as the finest fighters he encountered during his Hall of Fame career, according to a 2014 interview republished by The Ring following Chuvalo's death on September 12 at age 89. Chuvalo, who finished 73-18-2 with 64 knockouts, assessed opponents across 10 categories in the feature.
Ryan Garcia beats Conor Benn by TKO in round 2 on 13 September 2026
Ryan Garcia beat Conor Benn by second-round TKO at Garcia vs Benn, moving to 29-2 in a welterweight clash that ended far earlier than the scheduled twelve rounds. The American's power proved decisive as he closed the show at one minute and twenty-five seconds of the second frame. Garcia now owns a knockout on his ledger for the first time, whilst Benn drops to 26-2. How it ended Garcia finished matters in round two, landing the telling blow one minute and twenty-five seconds into the session.
Jai Opetaia beats Noel Mikaelian by TKO on 13 September 2026
Jai Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian by technical knockout on the Garcia vs Benn card, claiming victory in his professional debut. The Australian cruiserweight overwhelmed the experienced German to move to 1-0 with one knockout, while Mikaelian dropped to 31-4. How it ended Opetaia forced the stoppage to announce his arrival in the paid ranks. Mikaelian, who entered with more than three dozen professional outings, could not withstand the newcomer's assault and the referee waved off the contest.
Magsayo Suffers Decision Loss To Cortes In Zuffa Bout
Mark Magsayo dropped a unanimous decision to Andres Cortes on Sunday in his second outing under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The Filipino featherweight struggled to land his power punches as Cortes controlled distance and dictated the pace through twelve rounds. Magsayo, who signed with Zuffa earlier this year after leaving Premier Boxing Champions, failed to make the necessary adjustments against an opponent who effectively shut down his offense.
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