Showing posts with label Deontay Wilder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deontay Wilder. Show all posts

Sunday, 26 April 2026

JARRELL MILLER DEFIES LOGIC WITH 1003 PUNCHES AT 305 POUNDS

Matchroom Boxing 


Jarrell Miller weighed 305 pounds on fight night — and then threw a staggering 1003 punches across twelve rounds in a unanimous decision victory over Lenier Pero in Las Vegas.

That number alone would stand out in any division. At heavyweight, and from a fighter carrying that kind of size, it borders on the absurd.

Miller’s relentless output helped him grind down the previously unbeaten Pero over twelve rounds at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, earning scorecards of 115-113, 117-111, and 117-111.

Miller overwhelms Pero

Lenier Pero entered the bout as a rising contender with a perfect record and a reputation for composure, but Miller’s approach quickly turned the fight into a test of endurance rather than control.

Throwing at a pace rarely seen from a heavyweight, Miller forced exchanges and maintained pressure throughout, refusing to allow Pero to settle into any sustained rhythm over the course of the contest.

The Cuban showed flashes of his ability in stretches as the pair traded leather continually, but the volume and consistency from Miller ultimately defined the outcome, particularly as the rounds began to add up.

By the final bell, the difference was clear enough on the cards, even if Pero remained competitive in patches despite Miller controlling the rounds.


Matchroom Boxing 


1003 punches at 305 pounds

Miller’s punch output became the story of the fight as the rounds progressed, with the American surpassing the 1000 mark across the championship distance despite tipping the scales at 305 pounds. He landed with 29% of those blows.

Heavyweights are not built to operate at that level of activity, especially not at that size, which made the numbers even more striking once they were confirmed.

It was not just about quantity either, as the sustained pressure forced Pero into a fight he could never fully dictate.

The numbers will also invite scrutiny, with Miller having previously served a near four-year suspension for performance-enhancing drug violations.

A Dangerous Jarrell Miller

Miller scaled 12 pounds lighter than his victory over Kingsley Ibeh, the infamous “toupee fight,” and was in the kind of shape he showed in his credible draw with former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.

Apart from some bumps in the road eighteen months after his return from a three-and-a-half-year absence, Miller has built a solid résumé and could yet capitalize with a belated world title shot.

His last attempt at a major belt sparked massive controversy when Miller tested positive for multiple banned substances, which saw his challenge against Anthony Joshua fall apart in the first half of 2019.

Since then, Miller has looked a danger to certain heavyweights without having the same explosive power he showed earlier in his career, but his output alone still makes “Big Baby” a handful for anyone in the division.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes a fight with Deontay Wilder could excite fans, while the New Yorker also has Murat Gassiev in his sights for a shot at a secondary WBA title, which may prove to be his most realistic route back into world title contention.

At 305 pounds and throwing over 1000 punches, Miller isn’t supposed to work like this — which is exactly why he’s still a problem.

Miller vs Pero Undercard Results

Chaves delivers knockout moment


Matchroom Boxing 

Earlier on the card, Alan Chaves produced a knockout-of-the-year contender with a single shot finish of Miguel Madueno in the third round.

The bout ended at 1:26 of round three, with Chaves extending his unbeaten record to 21-0 in emphatic fashion on his Matchroom debut.

The sudden ending stood in complete contrast to the main event, providing the kind of moment that prompts his promoter Eddie Hearn to declare a new superstar in the making.

Damian Sosa defeated previously unbeaten Freudis Rojas via unanimous decision over ten rounds, with Rojas suffering a knockdown in the sixth.

Nishant Dev continued his rise with a second-round stoppage of Juan Carlos Guerra Jr, who was dropped before the finish.

Angel Barrientes earned an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Luis Espinoza, while Phillip Vella also secured a points win against Edwin Rodriguez.

- Phil Jay

Sunday, 5 April 2026

DEONTAY WILDER SLAMS REF AFTER DEREK CHISORA FIGHT: "I WAS FIGHTING HIM TOO"

Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images


Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora by split decision on April 4, 2026, at The O2 Arena. The Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora fight went the full 12 rounds, with judges scoring it 115-111 and 115-113 for Wilder, while one judge scored it 115-112 for Chisora.

The contest featured heavy exchanges, a knockdown, and sustained pressure from both sides. Wilder improved his record with the win, but after the final bell, the focus shifted to his comments about officiating during the fight.

Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora Features Action Fight

The Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora bout began at a fast pace. Chisora pushed forward early, while Wilder used his reach to land clean punches.

In the opening rounds, Wilder connected with strong shots and appeared close to stopping the fight in the third round. However, the fight continued as Chisora stayed active and kept moving forward.

- DOGLI WILBERFORCE

DEONTAY WILDER REACT AFTER WIN OVER CHISORA


 

DEONTAY WILDER CONFRONTS ANTHONY JOSHUA AFTER FIGHT | 'LETS DO THIS'

DEONTAY WILDER VS. DEREK CHISORA | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS


 

DEREK CHISORA VS. DEONTAY WILDER | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS


 

Friday, 16 January 2026

OLEKSANDR USYK COULD FIGHT DEONTAY WILDER IN FRONT OF WORLD-RECORD CROWD

The Ukrainian has been enjoying the last few months with his family, but has recently been spotted training ahead of a return to the ring this year


Oleksandr Usyk could fight Deontay Wilder this year(Image: )


Oleksandr Usyk's comeback fight could take place in front of a record 150,000 fans.

The 38-year-old has not fought since his destructive fifth round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois in July at Wembley Stadium. Ahead of his clash with the Brit, the Ukrainian hinted that 2026 could be his last year as a professional boxer. However, just a few months removed from his win over 'Triple D,' Usyk made a stunning revelation that he intends to retire at the age of 41.

"I train every day. Yesterday morning I arrived and immediately went to the training hall. I train with the goal of entering the ring next year and, with God's help, winning," he said. He added: "I will box until I am 41. And then I will build a Sports Academy and train there, and I will train there."

Usyk was seemingly due to fight Ipswich star Fabio Wardley next after the latter scored a brutal knockout win over Joseph Parker back in October. But the 38-year-old stunned fans after he gave up his WBO title just days after Wardley's triumph in London. Usyk is now expected to return to the ring this year and is eyeing up a fight with Deontay Wilder, as he looks to wipe out a generation of heavyweight superstars.

The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion has already defeated Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice, and is now hoping to add 'The Bronze Bomber' to his CV with San Francisco planning to stage a world-record boxing event. The largest crowd for a boxing event is 135,132 and was set back in August 1941 when Tony Zale fought Billy Pryor at Juneau Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

YouTube is spearheading plans for a boxing show that could set a new record crowd of nearly 150,000 fans. The project, which will be formally announced today, will form part of the ‘Iconic’ series, set to include a wide range of events throughout the year from IVisit Boxing.

The promoters are pushing for Usyk to be involved - despite the fight card not being finalised yet. Organisers are expected to turn San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza into an 'open-air boxing arena,' with the ring constructed in front of the City Hall. Much to the delight of fans, the vast majority of tickets are set to be available at no cost.

IVB chief Ed Pereira told the Mail: “We are open to working with all promoters, managers, content creators and fighters, so of course we’d be open to speaking to boxer of that calibre, who wouldn’t want Usyk on their card? It’s going to be more than just a fight. What attracted us to YouTube, and YouTube to us, was that commitment to cultural moments.

“It’s all about creating a cultural moment – a cultural moment in the city of San Francisco, a cultural moment in California, and a cultural moment for the world. Anybody can go and put a show on and just produce it live on their own YouTube channel… but we are doing exactly the same as what the NFL did.

“This partnership with YouTube puts us in the next league. Boxing fans want to see the biggest fights and they want to see the biggest fights on the biggest stages. But, ultimately, I want to make it accessible to the casual fan… and everyone has YouTube on their phones.”

- James Evans

Saturday, 28 June 2025

BOXING RESULTS: DEONTAY WILDER'S DISAPPOINTING COMEBACK: SHELL OF FORMER SELF IN TKO WIN OVER HERDON


Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 43 KOs) looked like a shell of his former self in knocking out journeyman Tyrrell Anthony Herndon (24-6, 15 KOs) in the seventh round in his comeback on Friday night at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Wilder landed two clubbing right hands to the head of the exhausted Herndon in the seventh, prompting referee Ray Corona to stop the fight. The time was at 2:16 of round seven.

WILDER’S POWER, SPEED GONE

Herndon, 37, was down in rounds 2 and 6. The knockdown in round two was from a left hand by Deontay that caught Herndon when he was jumping in to land a shot. In the sixth, Wilder caught Tyrell against the ropes and clubbed him with shots, knocking him down with a right uppercut.

Deontay’s deterioration

  • Loss of hand speed
  • Power is gone in the right hand
  • Poor accuracy
  • Timid

Wilder couldn’t land with any degree of accuracy, even with Herndon standing still right in front of him. Repeatedly, DEONTAY the would miss with his right and left hands.

What was noticeable was the loss of hand speed, power, and accuracy with Wilder. His right hand was a lot slower than it used to be, and it didn’t possess the same crushing power as it used to. He’d said in an interview this week that he’d been dealing with a right shoulder problem which had affected his power in that arm.

He said that the injury had healed. However, Deontay’s lack of power and loss of hand speed with his right showed that the injury was still there. If this is a permanent situation, Wilder isn’t going to do well against any heavyweight from the top 15. Herndon isn’t a top-tier fighter.

Wilder Must Fight Joshua Now

It would be a good idea for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ to try to make the fight with Anthony Joshua as soon as possible. It would be too risky for Deontay to off that fight because he can’t keep fighting low-level opposition like he did tonight without fans criticizing him.

WILDER’S LEFT HAND SHINES

Tonight, Deontay’s best weapon was his left hand. His jab and left hook appeared as good as it was in the past. However, that wouldn’t be enough for Wilder to beat good heavyweights. The way he looked tonight, he’d lose to the bottom feeders ranked #15 in the division.

Thursday, 19 June 2025

DEONTAY WILDER CALLS FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: "LET'S GET IT ON"


Deontay Wilder could be set for a massive clash in the near future.

Wilder returns to action for the first time in over a year on June 27 when he takes on Tyrell Herndon at the Charles Koch Arena in Kansas.

It sees ‘The Bronze Bomber’ attempting to get his career back on track after four defeats in his last five fights, having previously been the WBC heavyweight champion from 2015 to 2020.

One man that Wilder was continuously linked with during his time as champion was Anthony Joshua, who held the WBA, WBO and IBF belts at various stages during that same time period.

Despite huge clamour from boxing fans to see the heavyweight showdown, negotiations could never be agreed, but there is renewed optimism that it could potentially still take place provided Wilder wins his comeback later this month.

Those hopes have been given a boost after Wilder recently spoke on Inside Boxing Live, explaining that he would be more than willing to have the clash with ‘AJ.’

“I’m in it to win it. The heavyweight division is a small division so all of us can fight six, seven times because it’s so small. I’m in it to fight whoever, whenever, wherever. I’m a fighter. I have a fighter mentality. I have a king mentality. I don’t shy away from fights.

“As long as he’s in the division and I’m in the division, I’m always willing to fight whoever no matter what the situation is.”

Wilder than had a final message for Joshua.

“Let’s get it on.”

Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery and is expected to return before the end of 2025, meaning a fight could potentially indeed happen later this year. 

- Toby Morgan

Saturday, 14 June 2025

FRANCIS NGANNOU MAKES UFC RETURN SINCE RELEASE AMID POTENTIAL U-TURN ON COMEBACK


Francis Ngannou made a first appearance at a UFC event since leaving the promotion - to support friend Kamaru Usman.

Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 and was stripped of his heavyweight title, as he failed to agree a new deal with Dana White's promotion.


Ngannou returned to the UFC stage to support friend Kamaru UsmanCredit: Getty


The Cameroon star didn't leave on entirely good terms and has barely batted an eye at the UFC since signing with rivals PFL.

But his coach Eric Nicksick recently hinted that he would be open to a comeback to the roster, despite previously suggesting he would never return.

Jon Jones issued a call-out to Ngannou and hinted that the fight could get made, but Dana White didn't budge on a new signature of his former champion.

Although now relations appear to have improved again, with Ngannou attending the UFC Atlanta weigh-ins.

It was the 38-year-old's first arrival at any UFC event since 2023.

He even came up on stage as friend and former UFC champion Usman took to the scales to weigh in for his huge showdown with Joaquin Buckley.

Ngannou received a rousing reception from fans, as his status as a hugely popular fighter has clearly been retained.

And it sent the MMA fraternity into a frenzy, with many demanding he faces either Jones or Tom Aspinall.

But his coach Nicksick believes right now he would likely struggle to exit his deal with the PFL.

On his debut at his new home, Ngannou became the heavyweight champion beating Renan Ferreira last year.


Ngannou received a warm welcome up on stageCredit: Getty


But he has yet to fight since, and has even teased a return to boxing after two outings against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A more likely option than a UFC comeback could be a two-fight deal with Deontay Wilder.

And the 'Bronze Bomber' insists talks are still ongoing.

‘Yeah, I'd love to fight Ngannou. It’s a lot of things going on," he said.

"I think that fight is still stirring up. We’re still talking about it. Certain things have been laid out.

We do one fight boxing and one fight MMA, fair is fair. We’re just trying to figure out how we want the segment to go with me and Ngannou. I’m definitely interested; he is as well.


Ngannou last fought in the UFC in his win over Cyril Gane in 2022Credit: Getty


"I guess it’s just a matter of time, time is always the matter, and then when you execute that you always get a place and a date, and then you can start the promotion.

"I think that’s something that’s looking to be created, something that is looking to be done.

"People are going to look forward to that, I’m going to look forward to that. Stay tuned."

- Ben Davies

Saturday, 19 April 2025

BOB ARUM NAMES THE ONLY HEAVYWEIGHT WHO COMES CLOSE TO EQUALLING GEORGE FOREMAN'S POWER


Legendary promoter Bob Arum has worked with a number of legendary heavyweights throughout his career, including the late, great George Foreman.

The 93-year-old’s first championship promotion was with Muhammad Ali back in 1966, when he defended his heavyweight title against George Chuvalo in Toronto, Canada.

Arum went on to establish Top Rank in 1973, where he has played an instrumental role in promoting over 500 world title bouts across five decades. As well as working alongside Ali, the 93-year-old has promoted fighters such as Foreman, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao to name just a few.

Arum promoted Foreman’s incredible 1994 victory over Michael Moorer, which saw ‘Big’ George become the oldest heavyweight champion in history when he captured the WBA and IBF titles with a tenth round stoppage over the previously unbeaten heavyweight star.

In an interview with Sean Zittel, Arum was asked how he believes the heavyweight icon would have fared against the stars of today, before saying former that former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is the only fighter who comes close to carrying the level of punching power that ‘Big’ George did.

“I think quite well, because I don’t know any heavyweight around who had the ring savvy that he had and the punching power that he possessed. Of heavyweight fighters with punching power, the one that came close was Wilder, but Wilder didn’t have the defensive skills that George had and couldn’t take a punch the way George did.”

Foreman picked up 76 victories throughout his tenure, with 68 of those coming via stoppage. Perhaps one of the most famous wins of his career came in January 1973 when he dropped Joe Frazier six times before knocking him out in the second round of their bout to become the world heavyweight champion for the first time.

Wilder has 43 knockouts from his 43 wins and believes himself to be the biggest puncher the sport has ever seen. After back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, the 39-year-old is making a low-key comeback this June before one last crack at the top level.

 - Toby Morgan

Saturday, 1 February 2025

BOXING'S BIGGEST PUNCHER IS NOT DEONTAY WILDER OR MIKE TYSON


The debate will rage on for centuries about who the hardest-punching boxer of all time is. Is it Deontay Wilder or Mike Tyson? Today, WBN puts forward its candidate in Ernie Shavers.

All the talk seems to be of Wilder and Tyson from the last two generations as knockouts get into the boxing debate regularly. However, it’s one man from a golden era who also makes the Shavers case.

Alongside Ron Lyle and Joe Louis, the oldest heavyweight champion of all time, George Foreman listed the three men as ones he wouldn’t have liked to receive a hook from in anger.

Forever bashful, and not one to put himself in that category – even when many would, Foreman sees Shavers, Lyle, and Louis as the frontrunners.

“1 Joe Louis, 2 Ernie Shavers. The others did hit me: Ali, Liston, Frazier, and Lyle,” said Foreman when asked to name the boxers who carry the highest velocity.

Alongside those – possibly without Ali, Wilder and Tyson may come somewhere in the top ten. But without the depth they enjoyed in the division, it’s hard to place either any higher than those three.

Shavers, Lyle, Louis, Foreman, Wilder, and Tyson could be joined by Larry Holmes, Sonny Liston, Rocky Marciano, and Lennox Lewis as ten of the most concussive punchers ever.

Adding Lyle in there would come at Foreman’s request. ‘Big George’ has long championed the destructive nature of the former world title challenger.

“I didn’t get a taste of Ernie Shavers punch. But Lyle gave me a taste of “Space Travel.” Afterward, I could have become a consultant for NASA,” he once joked.

Promoter Lou DiBella gave his case for Wilder when the pair worked together. But like George, Shavers was a constant for both.

“(Deontay Wilder has) Arguably the greatest one-punch power ever. Up there with Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Ernie Shavers. The hardest punchers in heavyweight history,” said DiBella.

Avid boxing fan and Hollywood actor John Cusak was undoubtedly firm about who he sees as the top knockout artist.

“The one thing all the greats agree on somehow is whenever you ask a heavyweight who had the hardest punch, it’s always Ernie Shavers,” he pointed out.

Retiring in 1995 after a failed comeback and another further down the line not counted on his pro record, Shavers stopped 68 of his 74 victims.

He may have had a fearsome punch, but Shavers could also be hurt. He lost seven times via stoppage from fourteen losses.

But that’s what made a Shavers fight a must-see event. You didn’t know which way it could go at times.

Despite not winning the top division crown, Shavers will surely be happy with his place in history with the tag every heavyweight wants to own.

Even being placed in the same sentence as Wilder and Tyson is a testament to the legend of the man.

- Phil Jay

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

ANTHONY JOSHUA HAS SEVEN-MAN SHORTLIST FOR NEXT FIGHT AFTER TUSON FURY RETIREMENT

Anthony Joshua has no fight planned (Image: Getty Images)

Anthony Joshua has been left in limbo following Tyson Fury's shock retirement - but has a number of possible options for his next fight, according to Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn has insisted Anthony Joshua is not short of options for his next bout, even if Tyson Fury remains retired.

In a stunning turn of events on Monday, Fury announced he was stepping away from boxing. The 'Gypsy King' chose to retire following his defeat in the rematch against Oleksandr Usyk last month in Riyadh. "Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet," Fury declared. "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing, it has been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it and I'm going to end with this; Dick Turpin wore a mask."

This move by Fury scuppers any hopes for a much-anticipated all-British clash with Joshua. Nonetheless, speaking to The Sun, Joshua's promoter assured fans that 'AJ' has a wealth of potential contenders for his forthcoming fight. Among the names mentioned are Martin Bakole, Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, and Joseph Parker. Joshua suffered a knockout at the hands of Dubois in their September showdown.Since then, 'Triple D' has expressed interest in a rematch with 'AJ', which seemed set for February. However, Hearn has indicated that Joshua isn't ready for the rematch just yet due to minor injuries sustained in their initial encounter.

Dubois is now set to clash with Parker in Riyadh on February 22 in a much-anticipated duel. This heavyweight encounter has the potential to pave the way for one of them to face Joshua next. Post their 2018 match-up, Parker would relish the chance to even the score with 'AJ' should he prevail against 'Triple D'. Meanwhile, Bakole issued a blistering challenge to Joshua and is now seen as a possible opponent for the Watford-born pugilist.

The two have sparred previously, and at 31, Bakole cements his top-contender status after defeating Jared Anderson. He taunted Joshua, saying: "Anthony Joshua, I called you out. I wanted to knock you out," and "Now you're talking s**** to say Ajagba is going to beat me. "Shame on you. How many times did I call you out? How many times did I ask you to fight in Africa? You should be ashamed of yourself. I want to fight you. I want to knock you out. Look at Daniel Dubois, I broke his nose twice. He knocked you out cold. If you fight me, I'll knock you out in the first round.

"You're talking about Ajagba. Ajagba is a baby. Wait till you see how I knock him out. I invite you to be there. You're talking s***. I want to fight you. Stop talking nonsense. Now you're saying you're Nigerian. You're not British anymore? I'll knock you out. I'm an African giant. I'm an African warrior. After knocking out Ajagba, I will knock you out as well."

A rematch with Whyte could be on the cards, as boxing enthusiasts believe it would be the ideal warm-up fight before taking on the division's top stars. A match with Wilder would be fascinating given their long-standing feud. 'The Bronze Bomber' is aiming for a comeback and one significant victory could enhance his chances of another high-profile bout. Both Zhang and Kabayel are set to face off next month for the WBC interim title - with the belt ensuring them a shot at Usyk's title or the opportunity to be promoted should the Ukrainian relinquish the gold strap.

- JAMES EVANS

Monday, 13 January 2025

5 OF TYSON FURY'S MIST MEMORABLE FIGHTS AS HE ANNOUNCES LATEST RETIREMENT

Tyson Fury is a former WBC heavyweight champion (Bradley Collyer/PA)


Two-time world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has announced his latest retirement from boxing.

Here, the PA news agency looks at five of Fury’s most memorable fights, following a decorated career in which he won 34 of his 37 contests, losing only to Ukrainian rival Oleksandr Usyk twice.

Wladimir Klitschko, November 2015, Dusseldorf – UD win


Tyson Fury (right) defeated long-reigning world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (Simon Cooper/PA)


Few gave the young British upstart much of a chance against another Ukrainian in Klitschko, who came into the bout unbeaten in 11 years and with 19 successful defences as world champion. However, he was deposed as WBA, IBF and WBO titlist by Fury, who proved too slick and elusive across 12 scrappy rounds.

Deontay Wilder I, December 2018, Los Angeles – draw


Deontay Wilder (right) and Fury fought to a draw in Los Angeles (Lionel Hahn/PA)

Fury was again the underdog in his first serious test after 30 months out of action. He survived being dropped in the ninth then rose to his feet – resembling WWE wrestler The Undertaker – after seemingly being knocked out in the 12th to hear the final bell. Fury seemed the superior boxer in many, if not all, of the other rounds but was denied a victory for the ages and Wilder’s WBC title by the judges.

Deontay Wilder II, February 2020, Las Vegas – TKO-7 win


Fury (right) overpowered Wilder in their second meeting (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Wilder’s reputation as one of the hardest all-time heavyweight hitters held no fear for Fury. Deciding his best course of action was to bully the bully, Fury used his 40-plus pound weight advantage to back up Wilder, sending him crashing to the canvas in rounds three and five. The American was put out of his misery when his corner threw in the towel as Fury claimed victory by a means no one saw coming.

Deontay Wilder III, October 2021, Las Vegas – KO-11 win


Wilder (right) was once again no match for Fury (Bradley Collyer/PA)

A trilogy no one wanted – and only mandated by an arbitration judge – produced a jaw-dropping epic, featuring five knockdowns but with Fury still on top of the world. Fury looked set for an early night when he put down Wilder in the third but was then dropped twice in the next round by Wilder’s trademark big right hand. Fury wore his opponent down and ended their rivalry with a chopping right of his own.

Oleksandr Usyk, May 2024, Riyadh – SD loss


Oleksandr Usyk (left) ended Fury’s unbeaten record as a professional (Nick Potts/PA)

The undisputed heavyweight title was on the line for the first time of the century – and first in the four-belt era. Fury, who boasted significant height, reach and weight advantages, looked to be in control at the halfway point after sustained body attacks buckled his foe. But Usyk stormed back, with Fury given a standing count at the end of the ninth and saved by the bell after being sent reeling around the ring. A barnstorming finish ensued but Usyk was given the nod on the judges’ scorecards.

- PA Sport Staff

Sunday, 1 September 2024

TYSON FURY MAKES U-TURN AND IS NOW WILLING TO FIGHT THE ONLY MAN HE SAID HE 'NEVER' WOULD

Tyson Fury is back in the ring this December when he tries to avenge his only career defeat.




Back in May ‘The Gypsy King’ was dethroned as the number one heavyweight on the planet when he was beaten by the former cruiserweight undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

The fight lived up to the hype with both men having periods of success but ultimately it was the Ukrainian who got his hand raised via a split decision, having scored a huge 10-8 round in the ninth where Fury was out on his feet.

In the build up to the first fight Fury spoke about his desire to carry on boxing until he can’t anymore, and named ten potential opponents he could still face. One of those was Joseph Parker, the in-form former heavyweight champion who is a close gym buddy of Fury’s and the man he previously said he would never fight because they were ‘too close’.

“Definitely not. No. I’d rather give him the belt than fight him for it. We’re too close for that fight, and there’s plenty of heavyweights out there. I don’t want to get beat up, sorry.”

However, the former WBC champion seems to have had a change of heart, telling Pro Boxing Fans that he would now be willing to face his friend, if it provided him with ‘life changing’ money

“Joseph Parker, Well listen, if it’s going to make him life changing money and help his family and kids I’m sure he will.”

Fury and Parker have been close friends and training partners for some time now, with the Brit even bringing the New Zealander out to Morecambe for full camps. He was also instrumental in Parker’s link up with coach Andy Lee which has proven to be an excellent move.

Parker is currently coming off the best two wins of his career, having beaten Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang and is positioning himself for a shot a title if the belts become more fractured after the Fury-Usyk rematch.

- Toby Morgan

Monday, 1 July 2024

DEONTAY WILDIER THROWN COMEBACK LIFELINE IN THE FORM OF SHOCK


 Deontay Wilder is on the verge of retirement after back-to-back losses in Saudi Arabia.

The American heavyweight previously held the WBC World Title between 2015 and 2020 before coming up against Tyson Fury in their second bout of three and getting knocked out.

Wilder would lose the trilogy in a similar fashion and take a year out of the ring before returning with a one-round blow out of former sparring partner Robert Helenius. Another year of inactivity followed before he decided to pursue the one big-money bout left for him – Anthony Joshua.

To get it, he would have to beat Joseph Parker, but failed to do so, losing wide over the twelve round distance. He had another chance to set up the ‘AJ’ fight with a win against Zhilei Zhang this June whereas a loss, according to Wilder himself, could spell the end of his career. He was knocked out in the fifth.

The 37-year-old hasn’t officially commented on his status in the sport but a number of fighters and pundits have called on him to make good on the retirement promise. One who hasn’t is WBC Bridgerweight Champion Lawrence Okolie, who said he would happily put his belt on the line against ‘The Bronze Bomber.’

Okolie won the relatively new title from Lukasz Rozanski via first round demolition. Bridgerweight fills the gap – albeit one few in the sport believed was there – between cruiser and heavyweight with a limit of 224lbs. Wilder has regularly weighed in comfortably at around 215 throughout his career.

Given the Bridgerweight ranks are sparse for now, the WBC’s President Mauricio Sulaiman has now cleared the path for Wilder to accept Okolie’s challenge by saying the sanctioning body ‘would approve’ it. Should he want to add another weight class to his legacy before retiring, this is now a very real option.

I am sure that if Wilder wishes to fight vs the Bridgerweight champion the WBC would approve but we have not received anything from our dear Deontay camp https://t.co/bDoLgVaKiU

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) June 30, 2024


- Kerr Ferguson 

Sunday, 2 June 2024

ZHILEI ZHANG FINISHES DEONTAY WILDER IN 5TH--ROUND TKO

Zhilei Zhang scored a fifth-round TKO win over Deontay Wilder, who said before the fight that a loss could mean "the final goodbye." Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images


 Zhilei Zhang scored the biggest win of his career Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and might have effectively ended former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder's run in the process.

China's Zhang, 41, connected with a perfectly timed counter right hook that spun Wilder in a daze. With Wilder defenseless, Zhang (27-2-1, 21 KOs) sprinted in and smashed him with another right hand that planted the American hard on the canvas.

Wilder, 38, somehow was on his feet before the count of 10, but his legs were unsteady and the referee wisely waved off the fight at 1:51 of Round 5.



"I blocked a few punches, but hell yeah, he punches hard," Zhang, speaking through an interpreter, said of Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs), who is regarded as one of the most powerful punchers in heavyweight history.

"I give him a lot of respect. He's a heavy puncher. ... I successfully took his right hand away."

Wilder has lost four of his past five fights, including a decision defeat to Joseph Parker in December along with a pair of losses to Tyson Fury in their heavyweight championship trilogy. Wilder said before the fight that if he lost, "this could be the final goodbye, the farewell of Deontay Wilder."

Zhang, too, was reeling from a decision defeat to Parker, the former heavyweight titleholder. Zhang floored Parker twice in March but still lost on the cards.

Now, he is back on what he called the "road to the champion." That's currently Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Fury last month in Riyadh for the undisputed championship.

Zhang closed as the -150 favorite against Wilder, according to ESPN BET. He is ESPN's No. 6 heavyweight, and Wilder entered the ring at No. 7. Zhang won a silver medal as a super heavyweight at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing while Wilder claimed bronze in the heavyweight division.

They appeared to be in different weight classes Saturday, too, as Zhang outweighed Wilder by 68.2 pounds -- at 282.8 compared with Wilder's 214.6. There is no weight limit in boxing's heavyweight division.

Zhang used that size advantage to bully Wilder and smother him on the ropes. A southpaw, Zhang was able to connect with right hooks that scored time and again as Wilder cocked his vaunted right hand back but rarely let it go.

In Round 5, Zhang finally began to unload his best weapon. Wilder had just scored with a chopping right hand when he threw yet another right that was countered by Zhang for the finish.

The victory made it a clean sweep for Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, which was squaring off with rival U.K. promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing in a unique 5 vs. 5 team concept created by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority.

After Zhang's TKO win, Alalshikh presented Warren with a large check worth $3 million.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

Saturday, 4 May 2024

ARTUR BETERBIEV INJURED, TITLE BOUT VS. DMITRY BIVOL POSTPONED


 Artur Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus and his undisputed light heavyweight championship fight vs. Dmitry Bivol on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed, it was announced Friday.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, told ESPN a replacement opponent is being sought for Bivol on the June 1 card.

Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will undergo knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined until at least September, sources said. The hope is for Beterbiev-Bivol to be rescheduled later this year.

Alalshikh announced that the stacked undercard that features five boxers promoted by Matchroom vs. five Queensberry fighters will proceed June 1 as planned.

The series of fights is highlighted by a bout between former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang. Both boxers are coming off losses to Joseph Parker. Wilder needs an impressive performance to move on to a planned Aug. 3 bout with Jared Anderson in Los Angeles.

Filip Hrgovic will meet Daniel Dubois for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, and Ray Ford will defend his WBA featherweight title against Nick Ball. The other two fights are Ammo Williams-Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson-Craig Richards.

But the most anticipated fight of all was the long-awaited summit meeting between Beterbiev and Bivol.

Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) is ESPN's No. 5 pound-for-pound boxer while Beterbiev is No. 6. Bivol owns a victory over boxing's top star, Canelo Alvarez, and holds the WBA title at 175 pounds.

Beterbiev, the WBO, WBC and IBF champion at 175 pounds, is ESPN's No. 1 light heavyweight (Bivol is No. 2).

Beterbiev, 39, and Bivol, 33, both are from Russia, though Beterbiev now lives in Quebec. That's where he returned in January with a seventh-round TKO victory over former super middleweight champion Callum Smith, a win that kept him on a collision course with Bivol.

The victory came in Beterbiev's first action since January 2023, when he scored a seventh-round TKO over Anthony Yarde.

Beterbiev is boxing's only champion with a 100% KO rate.

Bivol, though, owns the most impressive win between the pair with his May 2022 decision victory over Alvarez. It was a dominant performance that displayed Bivol's elite jab, footwork and ring smarts. Beterbiev also possesses an excellent jab and is arguably boxing's most dangerous picker.

The matchup is among the most anticipated in the history of the light heavyweight division and presents a fascinating clash of styles: Bivol is a classical boxer, Beterbiev is a boxer-puncher.

Bivol's last fight came in December in Riyadh, where he scored a shutout decision over Lyndon Arthur.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN

Saturday, 9 March 2024

JOSEPH PARKER STAYS IN TITLE PICTURE WITH WIN OVER ZHILEI ZHANG

Joseph Parker, right, has rebounded from his 2022 knockout loss to Joe Joyce with victories over top-five heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing via Getty Images


 Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang but otherwise outboxed his foe for large stretches of the heavyweight fight to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

One judge scored it 113-113 but was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder via decision in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker's second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN's top five and completes a shocking turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.

Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Round 11 of their September 2022 meeting and was practically written off as a heavyweight contender.

But following three wins over domestic-level opposition last year, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a major upset. And now, Parker is positioned for another crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of another upset win.

"This is a great win," said Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. "Zhang is a tough man, knocked me down twice. ... I'm very happy. .... We have a rematch [clause], so we're gonna do it again."

Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Round 3 after a straight left hand connected flush. Parker, 32, beat the count with a bloody and busted up nose and then continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.

Parker consistently beat Zhang to the punch with his superior speed and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ pounds while Parker was 247½. And while there was far more pop behind Zhang's shots, there wasn't nearly enough activity.




That was until Zhang caught Parker again, this time with a sharp right hook that produced the knockdown in Round 8. But Parker again rose to the canvas with a clear head and returned to his jab and movement.

Parker was able to split Zhang's guard with quick one-twos and used his feet to circle around the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool before Round 12, his corner instructed him to score another knockdown. Instead, Zhang landed zero punches in the final round.

Zhang, though, will be afforded another crack at Parker due to the rematch clause. ESPN's No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang's previous loss was a controversial decision defeat to contender Filip Hrgovic in 2022, another bout where he scored a knockdown in defeat.

Following the setback, Zhang scored back-to-back inside-the-distance wins over Joyce, including a spectacular third-round KO in the September rematch. The pair of wins solidified Zhang as ESPN's No. 5 heavyweight, and he was favored to defeat Parker, too.

Instead, it's Parker who is now regarded as the best heavyweight after Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

Parker won a heavyweight title in 2016 when he scored a majority-decision win over Andy Ruiz. Parker made two successful defenses before he dropped the belt to Joshua via decision in 2018.

Parker lost his next fight, too, a decision setback to Dillian Whyte that seemed to end any hope of a future title shot. But now, Parker is well-positioned while the trio of top heavyweights settle bragging rights as he looks toward another bout with Zhang.

Ball floors Vargas twice but settles for draw

Rey Vargas had to get off the canvas twice to hold on to the WBC featherweight world title after his fight with Nick Ball was scored a split draw.

Ball overcame an 8½-inch height disadvantage to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, but it was not enough to win his first world title.

Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first defense after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.