Phil Jay
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Editor-in-Chief, World Boxing News (WBN)
Reporting and publishing boxing news since
Boxing writer, analyst, scorer, and exclusive interviews for fifteen years.
Articles by Phil Jay
Zuffa’s Matchmaking Promise Exposed by ‘Embarrassing’ Fight
Zuffa Boxing came under fire following a one-sided main event as Carlos Adames cruised past Gerome Warburton, leaving fans questioning the promotion’s promise to deliver the best fighting the best. WBC middleweight champion Adames faced Welsh contender Warburton in a ten-round contest at 165 pounds, with his world title not on the line. The Dominican was expected to dominate, and that is exactly what happened as Warburton spent much of the contest on the back foot, offering little in return.
Real-Life Rocky Battered by 2-0 Heavyweight on Zuffa Debut
Heavyweight Brandon Colantonio, the fighter known as “The Real Life Rocky,” suffered a brutal defeat on his Zuffa Boxing debut after being overwhelmed by an unbeaten opponent with just two professional victories to his name. Colantonio, who entered the contest with an 8-2 record, faced Uzbekistan’s Jakhongir Zokirov at Zuffa Boxing 13 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, November 14.
Bruno Surace vs. Kamil Bednarek Live Scorecard
World Boxing News provides a live scorecard as Bruno Surace faces unbeaten Kamil Bednarek in a ten-round super middleweight contest at Zuffa Boxing 13. Surace enters the contest with a 26-1-2 professional record, looking to secure another victory against an undefeated opponent. Bednarek brings a 17-0 record into the fight, with the opportunity to claim a significant victory over the experienced Frenchman. The pair meet on a card headlined by Carlos Adames against Gerome Warburton.
Zuffa Boxing 13 Live Results: Adames vs. Warburton
World Boxing News provides live results from Zuffa Boxing 13, with Carlos Adames facing Gerome Warburton in the main event. WBC middleweight champion Adames (25-1-1) meets Welsh contender Warburton (18-2-2) over ten rounds at a contracted weight of 165 pounds, with the world title not at stake. Former bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney (29-4) faces Andres Teran (19-2) in the co-feature, while Bruno Surace (26-1-2) meets unbeaten Kamil Bednarek (17-0).
KO’d by Mike Tyson in 39 Seconds, Later Shot and Killed a Man
One of Mike Tyson’s earliest knockout victims shot and killed a man more than 30 years after their fight, with the incident eventually featuring in the acclaimed true-crime podcast Serial. Ricardo Spain was a little-known heavyweight when he faced the 18-year-old Tyson in Atlantic City on June 20, 1985. The contest marked Tyson’s national television debut on ESPN, with Spain introduced as an undefeated fighter holding a 7-0 record with five knockouts.
Boxing Coach Arrested, Gym Shut Over Felony Child Sex Charges
A boxing coach at a police-backed gym in Texas has been arrested on two felony child sex charges, prompting the temporary closure of a program that has helped thousands of young people. Agenis Apdul Santos, 42, was arrested at his home in Garland on November 11 following allegations involving a 15-year-old student.
Winless Heavyweight KO’d 14 Times in Round 1 Is 0-18 in MMA
Russian heavyweight Ivan Aratsky’s extraordinary 0-14 boxing record is only part of the story, as World Boxing News has uncovered an MMA career stretching back to 2016 without a single victory. The 30-year-old from Moscow was the subject of a WBN investigation on Thursday after it emerged that all 14 of his professional boxing appearances had ended in first-round stoppage defeats.
Katie Taylor: Claressa Shields So Far Ahead, Needs 50-50 Rival
Retired boxing legend Katie Taylor believes Claressa Shields is so far ahead of her competition that the American is missing one crucial ingredient in an otherwise remarkable career. The Irishwoman enjoyed some of women’s boxing’s biggest rivalries, including her trilogy with Amanda Serrano and two memorable encounters with Chantelle Cameron. Shields, meanwhile, has dominated across multiple weight divisions, collecting world titles without finding a rival capable of consistently challenging her.
Heavyweight, 61, Ranks 86 Places Above Tyson Fury’s Last Foe
Former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall is still competing at 61, but his latest BoxRec ranking has produced a remarkable statistic when compared with Tyson Fury’s most recent opponent. McCall, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis to become WBC heavyweight champion in 1994, recently extended his career with another victory at an age when almost every other heavyweight has long since retired.
Heavyweight KO’d 14 Times in 14 Minutes, Never Sees Round 2
Russian heavyweight Ivan Aratsky has spent eight years pursuing a professional boxing career that has produced one of the most astonishing losing records in the sport. The 30-year-old from Moscow has continued stepping through the ropes despite never having his hand raised in victory since making his debut in November 2018.
WBC Interim Champion “Not at Canelo’s Level”
WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez has been told to wait for his shot at Canelo Alvarez after president Mauricio Sulaiman suggested the unbeaten challenger may not be at the Mexican superstar’s level. Martinez went to the WBC Convention expecting to make his case for a mandatory title fight. Instead, he left without an order to face Canelo, despite holding the interim championship.
Dana White Takes Fury vs Joshua Undercard, Eddie Hearn Out
Dana White appears to have snatched control of the Fury vs Joshua undercard from long-time promotional rival Eddie Hearn. The UFC boss has put his Zuffa Boxing fighters center stage in Cardiff while the Matchroom chairman distances himself from the supporting bill. After months of arguing over who would promote the December 11 heavyweight blockbuster, White has two Zuffa-linked fighters on the card, while Hearn admits he had nothing to do with assembling the bouts.
Bam Rodriguez Looks Huge as WBC Confirms Naoya Inoue Talks
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez has noticeably piled on weight in recent images as the WBC confirmed negotiations are underway for a potential superfight with Naoya Inoue in 2027. Rodriguez looks considerably heavier than his usual fighting weight, with the undefeated American seemingly already carrying enough pounds to compete at super bantamweight. His actual weight has not been confirmed, but the difference in his appearance is clear. The extra poundage may not be the problem come fight night.
Gervonta Davis Cites Mayweather Over 878-Day Winless Drought
Gervonta Davis has dismissed concerns over his lengthy absence from boxing by pointing to ex-mentor Floyd Mayweather, despite going 878 days without a victory. The Baltimore puncher has not won a fight since knocking out Frank Martin in June 2024. His last appearance came against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025, when he escaped with a controversial majority draw.
Mayweather vs Garcia Confirmed, 253-Day Record-Breaking Chance
Floyd Mayweather could make boxing history by 253 days after Ryan Garcia announced their fight for February 6, 2027, in Las Vegas, with the WBC confirming the boxing legend is eligible to challenge for its welterweight title. The reigning WBC welterweight champion made the announcement during a Kick livestream, insisting the showdown would be a professional fight rather than an exhibition.
Darius Fulghum Expects No Credit for Beating Diego Pacheco
Darius Fulghum believes he will receive little credit if he becomes the first man to defeat Diego Pacheco on November 14, claiming the boxing world will simply turn against the unbeaten contender. Fulghum faces Pacheco in Carson, California, knowing victory would put him firmly back among the leading super middleweight contenders. Pacheco has won all 26 of his professional fights and is being tipped for a world title opportunity.
Heavyweight Showboats Like Ali, Gets Knocked Out Cold by One Punch
American heavyweight Rydell Booker spent almost an entire fight clowning around like Muhammad Ali before one devastating punch left him flat on his back in Germany. The 45-year-old veteran repeatedly looked into the crowd, rolled his arm in an Ali-style gesture and attempted the famous rope-a-dope against Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat.
Claressa Shields Says MVP Is Blocking Chantelle Cameron Fight
Claressa Shields has accused Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions of blocking one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing in an exclusive statement to World Boxing News. The current unified middleweight and undisputed heavyweight champion has responded to the ongoing dispute between MVP and her promoter, Dmitriy Salita, after negotiations for a showdown with Chantelle Cameron reached an impasse.
Adrien Broner Unresponsive, Wheeled Out Amid $100K Robbery Claim
Adrien Broner left a Los Angeles concert in a wheelchair after appearing unresponsive, before allegations emerged that a bag containing up to $100,000 had been stolen. The former four-weight world champion sparked serious concern on Saturday night, November 7, when footage from rapper Blueface’s livestream showed him slumped over on a couch backstage. Broner appeared unable to leave the venue without assistance as friends and emergency medical personnel helped him down a flight of stairs.
Angel Perez Talks November 13 Fight, Calls Out Emiliano Vargas
Unbeaten super lightweight Angel “Sharpie” Perez has called out Emiliano Vargas in an exclusive interview with World Boxing News as he prepares to face the man who defeated Giovanni Marquez. Perez, who holds an 11-0-1 record with eight knockouts, returns to action against Wesley Ferrer at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena on November 13. The 24-year-old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, believes he is ready to challenge for a title but admits his achievements have yet to earn him the recognition he deserves.
Fury vs. Joshua Decision Costs Heavyweight Champion Title Status
Murat Gassiev has found himself in a difficult position following the WBA’s decision to sanction Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua for its heavyweight Super title on December 11. The Russian puncher has effectively lost recognition as a principal world champion despite holding a championship awarded by the very organization responsible for the decision.
Heavyweight Loses Tooth, Promoter Injured as Fans Storm Ring
Heavyweight Mourad Aliev reportedly had a tooth knocked out during the violent scenes in Istanbul on Saturday night, while promoter Ahmet Öner was also injured trying to protect him from an angry crowd. German newspaper BILD and boxing outlet BOXEN1 have revealed further details of the mass brawl that followed Aliev’s WBC Silver heavyweight title victory over previously unbeaten Umut Camkiran.
Boxing Belt Free-For-All as Eighth World Title Fuels Chaos
Boxing’s world title confusion has reached another level after the International Boxing Association again promoted its IBA.PRO championship as a world title, potentially bringing the number of belts carrying that description to eight. The organization has announced that two-time Olympic gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov will face Roderick Bautista of the Philippines for the IBA.PRO world title on December 4 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Shields vs Cameron: Deleted Tweet, Ship Sailed, Fight in Limbo
The Claressa Shields vs. Chantelle Cameron negotiations have taken another damaging turn after MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian declared that the ship has sailed on the proposed fight, despite both fighters expressing their desire to make it happen. The latest public exchange has also brought Bidarian’s conduct into focus after he aimed fresh criticism at Shields promoter Dmitriy Salita, accusing him of interference and bringing up fighter pay on a previous Shields event.
Floyd Mayweather Names Stunning Rematch on Four-Fight Hit List
Floyd Mayweather has surprisingly named Oscar De La Hoya among four potential opponents for a blockbuster fight in 2027, opening the door to a rematch almost 20 years after their first meeting. Manny Pacquiao also gets renewed hope of finally securing another shot at his old rival, while Ryan Garcia and Conor McGregor complete a four-strong hit list that Mayweather revealed over the weekend.
Salita: MVP Wanted $25K Jake Paul Fine in Shields-Cameron Talks
Claressa Shields’ promoter Dmitriy Salita has accused Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions of demanding a $25,000 penalty every time the undisputed heavyweight champion made negative comments about Paul or MVP. The allegation emerged as the dispute over a proposed fight between Shields and Chantelle Cameron intensified, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown in negotiations.
Crawford’s Boxer Best Friend ‘Almost Dies’ at Kanye Concert
Terence Crawford’s longtime friend and sparring partner Steven Nelson says he almost died at a Kanye West concert after suffering a severe asthma attack that he blamed on smoke from the pyrotechnics. Nelson, a professional boxer and US Army veteran, revealed that emergency medical personnel were called after he began struggling to breathe. The Omaha fighter has survived military deployment, being shot and an explosion involving an improvised explosive device.
Heavyweight Attacked After WBC Win, Mass Brawl Erupts
French heavyweight Mourad Aliev won the WBC Silver title in Istanbul on Saturday night, but his victory over previously unbeaten Umut Camkiran was overshadowed by a mass brawl as furious fans stormed the ring and attacked him. Aliev defeated the Turkish heavyweight over twelve rounds at Ülker Sports Arena, ending Camkiran’s 25-fight unbeaten record on a night that descended into chaos. The trouble began after the final bell when Aliev appeared to make an obscene gesture toward the crowd.
Mayweather Ringside as Perez, Taduran, Oberlton and Taylor Win
Abraham Perez continued his remarkable comeback from a near-fatal drowning accident that left him in a coma two years ago, retaining his WBA interim flyweight title with a dominant victory over Yankiel Rivera in Albuquerque on Saturday night. Fighting in front of his hometown supporters at Kiva Auditorium, Perez dropped Rivera in the second round and controlled the contest on his way to a unanimous decision.
Doctor Stops Title Fight as Boxer ‘Looks Like Elephant Man’
A British title fight left boxing fans wincing on Saturday night after Zak Miller suffered horrific facial swelling that left him looking like the Elephant Man. Miller’s face became almost unrecognizable as swelling spread around his eyes and forehead following a clash of heads during his British featherweight title fight against Gully Powar in Manchester.
Zuffa Boxing 12 Results from London
World Boxing News provides results from Zuffa Boxing 12 at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, November 7, with Denzel Bentley facing Shane Mosley Jr. in the ten-round middleweight main event. Bentley enters with a 22-3-1 record against Mosley Jr., who has won 23 of his 28 professional contests. Both men are looking to strengthen their positions in the middleweight division.
Buatsi vs Hutchinson 2 Live Results and Scorecard
World Boxing News provides results from A Point 2 Prove at Manchester Arena on Saturday, November 7, headlined by Joshua Buatsi against Willy Hutchinson for the vacant WBC light heavyweight world title. The Queensberry Promotions event also features Jack Rafferty against Hovhannes Martirosyan for the vacant IBO welterweight world title, alongside Zak Miller and Gully Powar battling for the vacant British featherweight championship.
Heavyweight Hits Downed Opponent, Jumps Into Crowd Swinging
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomona sparked controversy after smashing Paul Gallen with a final punch while his opponent was down before jumping out of the ring and appearing to swing at a spectator in the crowd. The former rugby league star, nicknamed “Big Nasty,” produced a brutal first-round knockout of 45-year-old Gallen in Sydney on Friday night, but what happened in the closing seconds and immediately afterward overshadowed the victory.
Dana White’s Heavyweight Goes From 151lb Kid to 231lb KO Monster
Dana White believes he has found America’s next great heavyweight in a 21-year-old who has gained almost 80 pounds in four years to become a 231-pound knockout machine. The Zuffa Boxing founder has backed undefeated Da’Mazion Vanhouter to become a major name in the division, despite the American having just 13 professional fights. Vanhouter weighed just 151¾ pounds for his second professional contest in August 2022.
Mike Tyson Trainer Needed 400 Stitches as Knife Missed Jugular
Mike Tyson’s former trainer Teddy Atlas has recalled how a horrific knife attack left him needing 400 stitches and almost cost him his life. Atlas, who helped train Tyson during his teenage years under Cus D’Amato, was slashed across the face during a street fight in Staten Island, New York. The wound required 200 stitches inside his face and another 200 outside, leaving the scar that boxing fans have recognized for decades.
Heavyweight Champ, 61, Takes Huge Shots 29 Years After Breakdown
Former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall took repeated heavy shots to the head at 61 during his latest victory, almost 30 years after his infamous in-ring breakdown against Lennox Lewis. McCall returned to the ring against 54-year-old Jeremiah Williams at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville on Tuesday, extending a professional career that began in 1985.
Boxing Champion Dies at 36 Despite Parachute Opening
Former Australian boxing champion Josh Frederiksen has died aged 36 after a skydiving accident in Queensland despite his parachute reportedly opening correctly. Frederiksen, who held the Australian light heavyweight title during a 20-fight professional career, suffered fatal injuries during a jump at Toogoolawah, northwest of Brisbane, on Wednesday. The experienced skydiver had completed more than 100 jumps before the accident, which occurred as he approached the ground.
Mike Tyson Cocaine Photo Faked Years Before Netflix Documentary
Mike Tyson has become the subject of a fresh cocaine allegation after a digitally altered photograph from a 1997 celebrity party resurfaced in a social-media post questioning his new Netflix documentary. The image, which appears to show the former undisputed heavyweight champion with white powder around his nose and upper lip, has circulated online for more than a decade.
Lomachenko Commits Multiple Years to Undisputed Comeback
Vasiliy Lomachenko has committed to a multi-year promotional agreement at 38 as the Ukrainian boxing legend prepares to chase the one achievement that has eluded him throughout his professional career: becoming undisputed world champion. The three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist has signed a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank through his newly formed Loma Power Promotions, with his comeback scheduled for early 2027.
Deontay Wilder ‘Saving’ Heavyweight Boxing Against Cruiserweight
Deontay Wilder has promised to bring heavyweight boxing back to life, despite choosing a cruiserweight opponent when other options could have offered a greater reward for his heavyweight legacy. Wilder will face Jai Opetaia on December 11 in Cardiff, Wales, on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard, with Netflix confirming the contest this week. The 41-year-old recently declared the heavyweight division dead, even though his next opponent is moving up from cruiserweight.
60 Boxing Tragedies That Can Never Be Forgotten – Part 3
World Boxing News continues its 60 Tragedies Boxing Can Never Forget series with ten more stories, including two Japanese fighters who died after competing on the same card and world champions who suffered fatal injuries in the ring. Part 3 also remembers an Irish Olympic medalist whose professional career was cut short, a former British boxer murdered by his carer, and some of the most disturbing incidents in boxing history.
Scott Fitzgerald Trains for Last Chance as Prison License Expires
Former British champion Scott Fitzgerald says his prison license ends this month as he prepares another attempt to revive a boxing career repeatedly derailed by troubles outside the ring. The unbeaten Preston fighter is back training and hopes to regain his professional boxing license after more than five years without a fight.
23-0 Knockout Artist Pulled From Oliver McCall Card After Weigh-In
Unbeaten cruiserweight Craig Parker was forced to withdraw from the Oliver McCall card in Nashville after suffering an unexpected health issue following the weigh-in. Parker, 36, who holds a perfect 23-0 record with 22 knockouts, was scheduled to compete on Tuesday night’s Country Box event but pulled out after receiving medical treatment and continuing to experience symptoms.
Oliver McCall Finally Dropped at 61 After 77 Bouts, Ref Says No
Former world heavyweight champion Oliver McCall came close to losing his remarkable record of never being knocked down at the age of 61, only for the referee to rule that he had slipped. McCall returned to action against 54-year-old Jeremiah Williams in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday night, continuing a professional career that began in 1985.
Terence Crawford Trolls Canelo in Plain Sight Over Rematch
Terence Crawford has been enjoying himself on social media since Canelo Alvarez publicly called for a rematch, with the undefeated American seemingly finding new ways to get under the Mexican superstar’s skin. Canelo made his intentions clear after defeating Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, aiming to entice Crawford out of retirement for another blockbuster event. “Hopefully, yes. Hopefully, yes. We would honestly love to have that rematch, like I’ve told you.
Oliver McCall, 61, Stuns with Lightest Weigh-In in 22 Years
Former WBC heavyweight champion Oliver McCall has weighed in at his lightest in almost 22 years as the 61-year-old prepares for another professional fight in Nashville, Tennessee. The ex-world titleholder has noticeably slimmed down in recent fights after looking overweight during the early stages of his remarkable comeback. McCall tipped the scales at 251¼ pounds in November 2024, admitting at the time that he needed to lose around ten pounds.
Opetaia Risks Benavidez Fight as Wilder Confirms Fury-AJ Clash
Jai Opetaia risks losing a blockbuster fight with David Benavidez after agreeing to face Deontay Wilder on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard on December 11. The unbeaten Australian has a Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown with Benavidez lined up in Las Vegas next May, but his heavyweight ambitions put that lucrative cruiserweight clash in jeopardy.
Oliver McCall, 61, Faces Heavyweight Who Lost First 8 Fights
Former world heavyweight champion Oliver McCall is set to fight again at 61, this time against an opponent who lost his first eight professional bouts before finally recording a victory. McCall returns to action on November 3 against Jeremiah Williams at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville, Tennessee, continuing a remarkable career that shows no signs of ending.
Scrappy Ramirez Admits He Wasn’t Ready for Loss, Wants Revenge
John “Scrappy” Ramirez has admitted he was not ready when David Jimenez handed him his only professional defeat, as the top contender faces another delay to his WBA super flyweight world title opportunity. Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, Ramirez opened up about his April 2024 defeat and the frustration of waiting for a rematch after earning the number one mandatory position. Jimenez was elevated to full WBA champion in June following Jesse Rodriguez’s move to bantamweight.
Canelo Fight No-Show Sparks IBF Title Demand
Arthur Biyarslanov has demanded answers after losing his world title shot on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard, with his team now awaiting an IBF decision following Lindolfo Delgado’s withdrawal. The unbeaten contender spent 12 weeks preparing for the vacant IBF super lightweight title fight in Riyadh, only for Delgado to remain in the United States amid security concerns and travel problems.
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