WBC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE VACANT FOLLOWING SHAKUR STEVENSON'S WIN AT 140

└Shakur Stevenson celebrates victory

Shakur Stevenson’s championship win at junior welterweight means he no longer has his world title at lightweight.

Stevenson dominated Teofimo Lopez this past weekend to capture the WBO title and the lineal and Ring Magazine championships at 140lbs, making him a four-division titleholder after reigns at 126, 130 and 135.

Stevenson entered the Lopez bout as the WBC lightweight titleholder, and he’d said that he had not decided whether he would remain at junior welterweight or return to 135 to defend there.

But the WBC’s latest downloadable monthly ratings update, released on February 3, shows the WBC lightweight title as vacant. As of February 4, so does the lightweight ratings section on WBC's website. 

Meanwhile, interim titleholder Jadier Herrera, who won that vacant secondary belt in January with a stoppage of Ricardo Nunez, has not been upgraded.

Nunez had previously been rated No. 1 by the WBC at 135lbs while Herrera was No. 3. The results of their match left a vacancy, and that allowed William Zepeda to move up from No. 2 to No. 1. 

Zepeda has been in this position before, dating back to fall 2024, before he beat Tevin Farmer in their first fight to win the WBC’s interim belt. Zepeda went on to beat Farmer in their rematch and then lost a clear decision to Stevenson last July.

Zepeda is followed in the WBC’s ratings at 135lbs by Lamont Roach Jnr, Andy Cruz, Dzmitry Asanau, Sam Noakes, Justin Pauldo, Nunez, Joe Cordina, Shu Utsuki, Bakhodur Usmonov, Lucas Bahdi, Jordan White, Alan Abel Chaves, Armando Rabi and Albert Bell.

- David Greisman

FORMER BRIT BOXING CHAMP JAILED OVER 'BITTING EX'S BREAST' AND PUNCHING WOMAN IN PARKING ROW

Former British boxing champion John Murray, who retired in 2014, has been jailed after attacking two women with one coming after a row broke out over a drive being blocked

John Murray is now behind bars after the attacks on two women (Image: Manchester Evening News)

A former British and European lightweight champion has been jailed over attacking his ex-partner and punching another woman after he blocked her drive.

John Murray, 41, originally from Levenshulme, Manchester, enjoyed a successful career in the sport before being forced to retire due to injury in 2014.

During his career, he took on stars such as Anthony Crolla, and fought on the undercard at the Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather world title clash in Las Vegas in 2007.

Minshull Street Crown Court heard how the former British and European lightweight champion was now working as a delivery driver in 2023, when the attack on one women occurred.

On January 20, Murray launched an unprovoked attack on a woman after a row broke out after he was accused of blocking her drive.

John Murray is a former British and European lightweight champion (Image: Supplied)

The victim had her two children in the back of her car when she was punched in the face after she challenged Murray and another woman, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Prosecutor Eleanor Myers said. "Her children were screaming 'get off my mum' as her partner came to help."

Murray then punched the woman again before driving off and reportedly hitting her car as he left, the court heard.

The woman was left with a broken nose and in a victim statement said said: "This changed me as a person, I do not feel like I am the same person I was. I cannot leave the house on my own any more."

Ms Myers told the court the second incident occurred on July 15, 2023, after he split with his former partner.

Murray reportedly went to her home to discuss a family issue and the victim was woken by banging at her door. This caused her to look through the window but she did not see anything.

The prosecutor said: "She didn't see anything outside that could have caused the banging, so turned her back. As she did, the defendant was coming in through the window.

"She ran from the room and he followed her to the bedroom. He walked up to her and strangled her with both of his hands around her neck. He held onto her for 45 seconds."

The court heard how the woman shouted at him and pleading for him to let go. But Murray grabbed her hair and repeatedly punched her in the head.

She ran downstairs and was followed by Murray. He then threw her on the sofa and jumped on top of her, before biting her breast.

Murray was working as a delivery driver at the time of once incident (Image: Manchester Evening News)

The woman attempted to calm him down, before punching her again and kicking in the stomach.

"She was gasping for air and begging him to stop," Ms Myers added.

After the attack, Murray said: "Look what you made me do - look at your neck." The woman ran outside as he shouted: "Get here you s**g."

A passer-by stepped in as Murray threw two unsuccessful punches at him. The woman suffered bruising to her breast, neck and face; and a cut to the back of her ear.

In a victim statement, she said: "This incident has really shocked me. I never expected him to be so horrible in my life, and I hope I don't have to again. I don't feel safe in my own home."

Murray, of Lichfield Walk, Romiley, earlier pleaded guilty to strangulation; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; and assault by beating. He was jailed for three years and banned from contacting his ex-partner for seven years under the terms of a restraining order.

- Simon Hamalienko & Amy Walker

JAKE PAUL CANCELS GERVONTA 'TANK' DAVIS FIGHT ACCUSATIONS AGAINST OPPONENT

Jake Paul has cancelled his fight with Gervonta Davis after the boxer was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping.

Jake Paul has called off his fight with Gervonta Davis (Image: Getty Images)

Jake Paul has pulled out of his fight with Gervonta Davis after 'Tank' was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping by an ex-girlfriend. The pair were set to face off in an exhibition match in Miami on November 14, despite Davis being a lightweight and Paul a cruiserweight.

The bout wouldn't have counted towards their professional records, but a winner would have been declared either by stoppage or by two human judges and an AI official if the fight went the distance. However, Most Valuable Promotions have now decided to find a new opponent for Paul, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer branding Davis 'an actual walking human piece of garbage'.

Davis has yet to comment on the allegations, but his trainer Calvin Ford dismissed them as "nonsense". According to the lawsuit, Davis attacked ex-partner Courtney Rossel at her workplace on October 27 and had previously threatened to kill her.

Ms. Rossel also claims Davis "physically assaulted and choked" her on at least four other occasions. She is seeking damages of $50,000 and a jury trial.

Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement: "Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly. While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025.

"Details regarding a new date, location, Jake's opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalised."

Paul took to social media to vent his frustrations, stating: "Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots. To the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits.

"If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit... I'm so sorry to everyone involved."

Ryan Garcia was initially suggested as a potential replacement for Davis, but promoter Oscar De La Hoya has dismissed this idea. He explained: "Let me tell you why this fight is not going to happen.

"Ryan Garcia fights for DAZN and Jake Paul fights on Netflix. Golden Boy has a contract with DAZN. Ryan Garcia has a contract with Golden Boy."

In the meantime, Eddie Hearn hasn't ruled out a surprise match between Paul and Anthony Joshua. Speaking to iFL TV, he said: "Just let me know where."

Hearn's comments followed his earlier suggestion that it was unlikely Joshua would return to the ring before the end of the year.

He stated: "I don't want to confirm it because you never know but I think it's very unlikely. At the moment, we're all working towards our February date which is getting very close to being confirmed.

"Now, would there be a run out in 2025? Again, never say never. What I will say to you is he's four or five weeks deep into camp so he's on me to fight.

"Previously he hadn't been training in camp with intensity. He wasn't really looking to fight other than February but now he's almost ready to go so I think realistically as we move into November, February will be the return date but never say never."

- Martin Domin

JAKE PAUL BLASTS 'SLUG' FANS OVER GERVONTA DAVIS FIX CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Jake Paul is taking issue with fans and critics already, with conspiracy theories on his fight with Gervonta Davis already taking a foothold.

Meeting with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis for the first time face-to-face overnight, Jake Paul shared the stage with the unbeaten puncher at a pre-fight press conference.

And slated to throw down, albeit in an exhibition match in November, the duo will compete over the course of 10 rounds.

However, amid much discourse on social media regarding the clash, Paul has hit back at critics who claim the fix is already in on his fight with the Baltimore star.

Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Jake Paul addresses ‘slug’ fans over Gervonta Davis fix claims

As is par for the course when Paul enters the ring, many speculate the outcome of the clash is already weighed in the Ohio native’s favor.

Namely, Paul was accused of fixing his December win over Mike Tyson, as well as numerous fights in the past, notably against the likes of Ben Askren, as well as his rematch win over ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley.

But with accusations once more leveled at Paul, the influencer has fired back, describing critics of him as “slugs”.

Reading tweets by these slugs saying Tank (Gervonta Davis) [is] going to take a dive… I’m really that f—— great that you all are making excuses already,” Paul posted on his X account.

“If I walk on water they will says (sic) it’s because I can’t swim.”

Jake Paul makes bold prediction for Gervonta Davis clash

Set to share the ring in ‘The Sunshine State’, Paul and Davis will duke it out in an exhibition showdown in Florida.

However, despite the nature of the pairing, Paul remains confident of turning in one of the biggest upsets in recent boxing history.

So much so, the former Disney Channel star launched his latest prediction, vowing to ditch the ruleset for these particular matchups.

- Ross Markey

SHAKUR STEVENSON BEATS WILLIAM ZAPEDA TO RETAIN WBC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

Shakur Stevenson took a clear win over William Zepeda Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a win over William Zepeda, and shouldn’t hear any calls that his fight was boring this time around.

Stevenson won on wide cards, scored 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109, but he passed a good test against a strong and capable Zepeda, who came forward all night but just couldn’t quite match Stevenson’s skill level.

Bad Left Hook unofficially scored the fight 116-112 and 117-111 for Stevenson.

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KO) has been heavily criticized for dull fights in the past, but he definitely had to fight a lot more in this one, as Zepeda (33-1, 27 KO) was there to throw a lot of punches and try to break him down.

Stevenson also said that he fought to prove a point to his doubters, and gave Zepeda credit for being a strong and tough opponent.

“It wasn’t the performance I was looking for because I came in here trying to prove a point, I was trying to fight,” he said. “So I took more punishment than usual. But at the end of the day, whatever it takes to get the job done. I got dog in me. I’m not no puppy, I’m not no poodle, I’m a tough guy. I’ve got dog in me, I fought.”

“I proved that I’m a dog. (Zepeda is) one of the toughest fighters at 135 lbs, I want a lot of people to get in the ring with him and see how tough he is. He came and pushed me to another level. I had to go in my bag. He just kept coming. He tried to pin me against the ropes, so I had to switch it up and not sit there too long. Zepeda’s a tough guy. I put a lot of punishment on him tonight.”

Stevenson said he wants to get physically stronger going forward, and didn’t call anyone out for his next fight. It’s certainly a performance that should win some new fans for him, and Zepeda, too, fought as well as he could have, good performances from both fighters.

- Scott Christ

JAKE PAUL AND JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. MAKE CRUISERWEIGHT LIMIT

Some of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s biggest fights have come against the scale, but the second-generation fighter didn’t have issues making the cruiserweight limit ahead of his 10-round clash against Jake Paul on Saturday.

Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) weighed 199.4 pounds, while Chavez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) tipped the scales at a career-high 198.4 pounds on Friday ahead of their fight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Paul and Chavez faced off without incident for MVP and Golden Boy’s co-promoted event, which will stream on DAZN PPV beginning at 5 p.m. PST.

Chavez came into the weigh-in having missed weight in high-profile fights (and losses) in recent years against Anderson Silva and Daniel Jacobs, and other times before that, in a career that started in 2003.

Chavez has been competing as a cruiserweight since 2021, and the besmirched boxer is 8-4 dating back to 2012, when he was an undefeated middleweight title holder at the time. But at 39, a faded Chavez is promising a rejuvenated version of himself to regain respect with a turn-back-the-clock-like performance.

Paul, meanwhile, is looking to use Chavez as a stepping stone to get ranked and chase a world title run.

In the co-main event, WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, weighed in at 199.8 pounds, while Miami-based Cuban challenger Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) weighed 198.6 pounds.

Ramirez seeks to cement his status in the division with his first stoppage win in the weight class as a possible unification fight looms against Jai Opetaia.

Weights for the rest of the Paul-Chavez Jr. undercard

Welterweights; 10 rounds

Raul Curiel (15-0-1, 13 KOs) 146.4 pounds; Guadalajara, Jalisco

Victor Rodriguez (16-0-1, 9 KOs) 145.2 pounds; Maldonado, Uruguay

Welterweights; 10 rounds

Avious Griffin (17-0, 16 KOs) 146.8 pounds; Chattanooga, Tennessee

Julian Rodriguez (23-1, 14 KOs) 146.6 pounds; Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Lightweights; 10 rounds

Floyd Schofield Jr. (18-0, 12 KOs) 134.8 pounds; Austin, Texas

Tevin Farmer (33-8-1, 8 KOs) 135 pounds; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

DAZN will stream the preliminary action to its subscribers beginning at 12 p.m. PST, and the non-PPV card will be headlined by former three-division champion and UFC champion Holly Holm, who is making her return to boxing after a 12-year break.

Lightweights; 10 rounds

Holly Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) 136.6 pounds; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Yolanda Vega (10-0, 1 KO) 136.8 pounds; Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

Welterweights; 8 rounds

Joel Iriarte (7-0, 7 KOs) 146.8 pounds; Bakersfield, California

Kevin Johnson (12-6, 8 KOs) 146.4 pounds; Las Vegas, Nevada

Bantamweights; 8 rounds

Alexander Gueche (7-0, 5 KOs) 124 pounds; Long Beach, California

Vincent Avina (8-1-1, 7 KOs) 120 pounds; Las Vegas, Nevada

Heavyweights; 6 rounds

Joshua Edwards (2-0, 2 KOs) 226 pounds; Houston, Texas

Dominic Hardy (6-3, 4 KOs) 251.4 pounds; Riverside, Illinois

Junior Lightweights; 10 rounds

Victor Morales (20-0-1, 10 KOs) 130 pounds; Vancouver, Washington

Renee Alvarado (34-16, 22 KOs) 129.6 pounds; Managua, Nicaragua

Junior Featherweights; 10 rounds

John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs) 119.8 pounds; Los Angeles, California

Josue Jesus Morales (33-18-5, 14 KOs) 121.6 pounds; Houston, Texas

- MANOUK AKOPYAN

TEOFIMO LOPEZ UPSETS JOSH TAYLOR TO WIN THE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

 

JOSH TAYLOR VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ | FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | WBO SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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KAMBOSOS BLASTED BY DAVIN HANEY AFTER MISSING WEIGH-IN

Kambosos was blasted vy David Haney for missing weigh-in and called him "not a true champion".

WHOA! | GERVONTA DAVIS RESPONDS TO ROLLY ROMERO

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. ROLLY ROMERO | HIGHLIGHTS

 

DAVIS VS. ROMERO | SHOWTIME PPV

LOMACHENCO VS. COMMEY | LIGHTWEIGHT BATTLE

 

HANEY VS. DIAZ JR. | WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE | DAZN

 

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BOXING: VASYL LOMACHENKO BEATS LUKE CAMPBELL ON POINTS TO ADD AND RETAIN WORLD BELTS

The brilliant Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenco has defeated British boxer Luke Campbell in a tough bout inside a sold out O2 arena...

BOXING: ANTHONY CROLLA LOOSES HIS WBA TITLE TO JORGES LINARES

WBA lightweight belt has been picked up by Jorges Linares as Anthony Crolla looses a thrilling action-packed bout...It was grueling battle inside the Manchester Arena and this was Crolla's 3rd defense of the tittle since he won the belt from Colombia's Darles Perez last November...

Linares from Venezuela was on point as he barraged his opponent with a fury of skilled punches but Crolla was no pushover as he was always charging Linares...

After the unanimous win Linares offered Crolla a rematch...Both Judges scored a unanimous decision but two Judges thought the fight was close with 115-114, 115-113, and 117-111 on the score cards.