MOSES ITAUMA AND FILIP HRGOVIC TO FIGHT FOR VACANT IBF TITLE, FRANK SANCHEZ PAID TO STEP ASIDE

Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic square up on June 22, 2026

Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic, set to collide on August 29 at London, England’s O2 Arena, will now be fighting for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.

No. 3-ranked Itauma, 14-0 (12 KOs), had been ordered by the sanctioning body to face leading IBF contender, Frank Sanchez, after the bout with Hrgovic had already been signed and announced. And with the Croatian rated fourth by the organization, it has been agreed that they can instead do battle for the belt on the condition that the winner meets Sanchez in their first defense.

“We paid [Sanchez] some money,” promoter Frank Warren told the BBC. “We said whoever wins the fight, you’re not losing out and you’ll get the opportunity to fight for the title against the winner.”

The 34-year-old Cuban, 26-1 (19 KOs), had achieved mandatory status with the IBF by knocking out Richard Torrez Jnr in two rounds in May.

Hrgovic, 20-1 (15 KOs), is riding a three-fight win streak – beating Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen – and is regarded as 21-year-old Itauma’s toughest test to date.

Presuming Itauma-Hrgovic isn’t a draw, it means that Warren’s Queensberry Promotions – who handle both Itauma and Hrgovic, as well as WBC boss Agit Kabayel and WBO beltholder Daniel Dubois – will promote three of the four heavyweight beltholders come the end of the month. The WBA titlist, Murat Gassiev, had previously been expected to face Itauma later in the year.

"A lot of people have high expectations of [Itauma] as I have, by the way," Warren said. "We signed him when he was 16. He was an amateur. We sponsored him, and he turned professional with us.

"And he's been amazing and sort of taken the world by storm.”

The influx of heavyweight beltholders can of course be explained by Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish his three titles in June. Though the 39-year-old is plotting one last fight – likely against Deontay Wilder – the Ukrainian’s days of fighting elite opposition are over, it seems.

Kabayel and Gassiev saw their statuses rise by virtue of Usyk’s decision to step down. Dubois defeated Fabio Wardley to claim his belt after Wardley was handed the championship when Usyk gave up the WBO title last year.

The winner of Itauma-Hrgovic will be the first to claim one of Usyk’s old belts in the ring.

- BoxingScene 

DEREK CHISORA MAKES 'EARLY' KO PREDICTION FOR DUBOIS VS WARDLEY REMATCH

Daniel Dubois is set to rematch Fabio Wardley before the year is out, and Derek Chisora only sees it going one way.

The first fight between these two British heavyweights came in Manchester back in May and saw Wardley defending his WBO title for the first time. He had not won the belt in the ring, but had been promoted to full champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it earlier in the year.

Wardley started fast and had Dubois down on the canvas twice in the early rounds, but then failed to capitalise on that success. As ‘DDD” got back into the contest, he began landing more and more of his ramrod jabs and big right hands, bloodying Wardley’s nose badly in the process.

Eventually, although Wardley was never put down, the referee stopped the fight in the 11th round, but the Ipswich man has since reactivated his rematch clause to take on his rival again.

Speaking to Seconds Out, fellow heavyweight contender Chisora sided with Dubois when the pair fight again.

“What is Fabio Wardley going to do that is different from the first fight? That’s what you have to ask yourself. The same thing is going to happen, his nose is going to pop, I think the rematch will end earlier than before.

“I love Fabio, from white collar boxing, to come in the game, become a heavyweight champion, but when he boxed a fighter that was on game, he lost. I don’t see him troubling Daniel right now. Again, he has to change something in his game completely to trouble Daniel. Daniel is going to improve and get better.”

Wardley had built up good momentum with stoppage wins over Joseph Parker, Justis Huni and Fraser Clarke, but Dubois is now the man in form and a two-time world champion, with their rematch expected for some time in the autumn.

- Kristan Caryl

JARON 'BOOTS' ENNIS DROPS XANDER ZAYAS THREE TIMES BEFORE SEVENTH-ROUND STOPPAGE

 

Before a sold-out crowd of more than 16,000 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, and Boots Promotions presented a stacked DAZN Pay-Per-View card headlined by Jaron “Boots” Ennis challenging WBA and WBO champion Xander Zayas. Ennis dropped Zayas three times before the champion’s corner threw in the towel in the seventh round.

Zayas (23-1, 13 KOs), of Puerto Rico, was making the first defense of his unified titles against former IBF welterweight champion Ennis (36-0, 31 KOs), of Philadelphia.

On his birthday, Ennis opened in the southpaw stance and wasted little time making an impression. Just over a minute into the first round, he landed a left hand on the chin that sent Zayas to the canvas for an eight-count from referee Harvey Dock. Ennis switched back to orthodox in the second round and continued landing clean right hands while Zayas tried to recover.

The third round produced Zayas’ best moment of the fight when he connected with a hard right hand that briefly forced Ennis to hold. It was one of the few rounds where Zayas had genuine success. By the fourth, Ennis had settled back into his rhythm, repeatedly finding the target with straight rights while both fighters exchanged late in the round.

A right uppercut midway through the fifth produced another knockdown. Zayas beat the count again but was clearly taking punishment, and Ennis continued landing hard right hands before the bell.

Zayas showed plenty of courage in the sixth, remaining competitive despite trailing badly. In the seventh, Ennis landed a left hand followed by a barrage of unanswered punches that dropped Zayas for the third time. Although Zayas got back to his feet again, his corner wisely threw in the towel to prevent further punishment.

Vargas Stops Mills

In the co-feature, Emiliano “El General” Vargas (18-0, 15 KOs) stopped Bryce Mills (22-2, 9 KOs) in the fourth round to retain his regional titles.

The opening two rounds were competitive. Vargas switched to southpaw at times and landed the cleaner shots, while Mills had his best moment late in the second when a right hand briefly stunned Vargas.

Vargas broke the fight open in the third, scoring the first knockdown with a right hook. In the fourth, he dropped Mills again with a lead left before another barrage sent Mills down a third time, forcing referee Ricky Gonzalez to stop the contest.

Tucker Wins Close Decision

Jahi Tucker (17-1-1, 7 KOs) earned a majority decision over 2020 Olympian Euri Cedeno (14-1-1, 12 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA, and WBO NABO middleweight titles.

The fight was closely contested throughout. Tucker started quickly, Cedeno rallied, and the middle rounds featured steady back-and-forth action. Cedeno used his reach well in the seventh and eighth before Tucker closed strongly over the final two rounds despite suffering a bloody nose and swelling under his left eye.

The scores were 95-95, 97-93, and 98-92.

Whittaker Impresses In U.S. Debut

Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker (12-0-1, 9 KOs) needed less than two rounds to stop Richard “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera (27-3, 20 KOs).

Making his U.S. debut, Whittaker dominated from the opening bell before dropping Rivera with a chopping right near the end of the first round. Early in the second, a left hook sent Rivera down again. Although Rivera beat the count, referee Michael Griffin took one look at him and decided he had seen enough, waving off the contest.

Thompson Escapes With Split Decision

Dennis “HFUP” Thompson (11-0, 6 KOs) won an eight-round split decision over Edwin Rodriguez (12-12-3, 5 KOs).

Thompson boxed well early, but Rodriguez refused to cooperate with the script, turning the fight into a rugged battle and looking far better than his record suggested. The final round was close, and the judges returned scores of 79-73, 77-75 for Thompson, and 77-75 for Rodriguez.

Juanmita Ends It Early

Juanma “Juanmita” Lopez (6-0, 4 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, needed just one round to knock out Alberto Motos (6-3).

Lopez controlled the action before a straight left landed flush on Motos’ chin. Motos went down and failed to beat the count as referee Ricky Gonzalez completed the knockout.

Williams Outpoints Baxter

Quincey Williams (8-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jerome “Thoroughbred” Baxter (8-3, 3 KOs) over eight rounds.

Williams controlled most of the fight with his jab and movement, while Baxter earned respect by continuing to press forward despite falling behind on the scorecards. All three judges scored the contest 79-73 in Williams’ favor.

Note: The night’s final officiating crew included ring announcer David Diamante—not referee David Diamante, who somehow found his way into the original report.

- Ken Hissner

OSCAR COLLAZO MAIN EVENT NOW A.NON TITLE

 

COURTESY OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

Another day, another turn for Oscar Collazo.

Informed early that his replacement opponent, Mexico’s Neider Valdez, had no chance of making the 105-lbs weight limit for Saturday night’s DAZN main-event minimumweight title bout at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, Collazo weighed in Friday at 110.6lbs while Valdez came in at 111.2lbs.

Collazo’s WBO and WBA belts will no longer be on the line, but the Puerto Rican will fight for the WBA International flyweight strap.

Who is Ruben Aguilar? And why should you follow his career… Share your thoughts 💭 below 👇 #Boxing

Valdez, 15-3-3 (12 KOs), was summoned this week after top-15 ranked original opponent Joey Canoy could not secure a travel visa to reach the U.S. from the Philippines and first-choice replacement opponent, Luis Castillo of Mexico, couldn't either.

Collazo, 14-0 (11 KOs), told BoxingScene Thursday he’s considering moving on from the 105lbs division to either seek the winner of the July 20 Shokicki Iwata-Erik Badillo WBC light flyweight title bout, or to make the bigger leap to flyweight and pursue fellow Golden Boy Promotions fighter and unified 112-lbs champion Ricardo Sandoval.

Collazo assured that his power will transfer up in weight, and now he’ll have the opportunity to prove that against Valdez, who has been knocked out twice in the past two-plus years.

- Lance Pugmire

RENOWNED TRAINER PREDICTS DAVID BENAVIDEZ COULD DETHRONE OLEKSANDR USYK IN FUTURE SHOWDOWN

Respected boxing trainer Robert Garcia believes David Benavidez could eventually defeat Oleksandr Usyk if the two fighters meet in the coming years.

Benavidez has continued receiving major praise following his successful move up to cruiserweight, where he defeated Gilberto Ramirez to capture WBA and WBO world titles on May 2 at T-Mobile Arena and strengthen his reputation as one of boxing’s elite fighters.

The victory has already sparked discussions about how far Benavidez could go in higher weight divisions, including the possibility of eventually moving up to heavyweight.

Garcia pointed specifically toward Usyk’s age as one of the major reasons he believes the matchup could eventually favor Benavidez.

“Usyk is nearly 40 already,” Garcia explained.

“So imagine two years from now, Benavidez beats him.”

Benavidez’s recent performances have significantly increased conversations surrounding his long-term future in heavier divisions.

Still unbeaten, the American star has already established himself across multiple weight classes. He became the first boxer to hold major titles at 168, 175, and 200 pounds.

What’s next for Benavidez and Usyk?

Agit Kabayel remains Usyk’s mandatory challenger, with the undefeated heavyweight reportedly expected to receive a world title opportunity later this year.

Before retirement, Usyk has already outlined a potential three-fight plan that includes a showdown against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, followed by a mandatory defense against Kabayel and a possible trilogy fight against Tyson Fury.

Recently, Fury responded to Oleksandr Usyk’s calls for a trilogy fight and admitted that he is interested in running it back for a third time. However, Fury also stated that his main focus right now is his reportedly signed showdown against Anthony Joshua later this year.

As for Benavidez, the unbeaten American appears more focused on other major opportunities in the near future. The cruiserweight champion has shown a strong interest in moving back down to 175 pounds for a potential clash against Dmitry Bivol or a catchweight bout. Benavidez has also continued expressing interest in long-discussed fights against Canelo Alvarez and Jai Opetaia.

A fight between Benavidez and Usyk remains purely hypothetical for now, but Turki Alalshikh seems interested in making this fight a reality, as he expressed on his X account, his desire to see them go head-to-head in the ring.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s comments add to the growing speculation surrounding how Benavidez’s career could evolve over the next few years.

- Ryan Fletcher

DANIEL DUBOIS BECOMES WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEFEARING FABIO WARDLEY BY 11TH ROUND KNOCKOUT

 

Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Daniel Dubois is now a two-time heavyweight world champion.

The 28 year old from Greenwich survived two knockdowns, the first after just 10 seconds, to beat Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a thrilling fight in Manchester. Dubois now holds the WBO version of the heavyweight title.

The professional boxer weathered the early onslaught and started to land some punishing shots of his own, leaving Wardley’s face bloodied and battered.

The referee ended the match at the start of the penultimate round.

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois during their WBO heavyweight title bout at Co-op Live, Manchester.
Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Dubois claims he called on his "warrior spirit" in the ring. He said:

“I had to get back up, bounce it off and come back harder. I’m a warrior.

“I had to pull it out the bag and rely on (the jab) and use all of my skills. What a great fight, what a great battle. But, I’m number one again.”

Dubois added, “I want to grow from this fight, improve and come back even better and go on a reign as champion again.”

The world champion halted Wardley’s fairytale run from white-collar boxer to WBO title holder, and quietened critics who have questioned his spirit.

Fabio Wardley lost out on his hopes of winning the title last night.
Credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

He faced accusations of “quitting” when he lost to Joe Joyce in 2020 and this week Dubois walked out of two interviews as he looked to get back into the win column after losing his IBF title 11 months ago.

A second defeat to heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium was followed by footage emerging of Dubois hosting a party at his house just hours before being taken out in the fifth round.

His trainer Don Charles, who Dubois fired and rehired since then, promised there would be no repeat of a pre-fight “gathering” after his charge was granted an immediate shot at winning another world title

- itv

FABIO WARDLEY AND DANIEL DUBOIS GETS INTO A HEATED ROW OVER 'BINDMAN' COMMENTS

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will not need all 12 rounds in their heavyweight title fight. Photo: Queensberry Promotions

Daniel Dubois accuses Fabio Wardley of being disrespectful

Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) addressed Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) over his disrespectful comments during yesterday's final press conference in Manchester, ahead of their May 9 world heavyweight championship clash, "By the way, I heard you call me the dust man, and I'm gonna collect the trash, boy!"

During a fight week interview, the WBO world heavyweight champion was asked to assign Dubois an occupation in a playful scenario where he wasn't a professional boxer. Wardley guessed that he would likely be a binman.

Dubois did not take the comment well, "Na, it's disrespect, so I'm going to put it right in the ring, boy. I'm gonna bust his bubble anyway. That's what I've got to do."

Wardley replied back, "What did you say, dustman? I didn't call you the dustman. Someone asked me what you might have as a job and I said, 'He might be a binman'.

"There was no negative with that, don't let other people get into your head and tell you what it comes across like," Fabio advised.

Dubois interrupted him, "Na, I heard what you said. It's disrespect."

"You didn't hear it," Wardley quickly replied. "You didn't hear what I said because you don't run your own social media. So you didn't hear it. You let other people talk to you and tell you what you should be like. It wasn't like that. I just asked what job you might have and I said a binman. I didn't say it was a bad job."

A former recruitment consultant, Ipswich's Wardley is unbeaten in 21 contests and has won English, British, Commonwealth, two Interim world titles, and a WBO World heavyweight title, which is remarkable considering he had just four white collar bouts behind him and didn't start boxing until his 20s.

Dubois is the opposite to that, he has been boxing since he was a kid, had a stellar amateur career winning 69 from 75 bouts, collecting national and international titles. He turned pro to much acclaim after famously dropping the reigning IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in sparring as a teenager. Promoter Frank Warren built him with the moniker #everybelt, which came to fruition as he currently has at least 14 titles in his trophy cabinet, which includes the WBA Regular and IBF World heavyweight titles.

Their collision this Saturday night in Manchester is set to produce fireworks with both explosive heavyweights sharing a powerful 95% HO ratio, hence why the event is called, 'Don't Blink'.

- Tim Rickson

WARDLEY VS. DUBOIS | SATURDAY MAY 9

 

FABIO WARDLEY VS. DANIEL DUBOIS | COMING SOON 🔥

 

FABIO WARDLEY TARGETED FOR SHOCK HEAVYWEIGHT MEGA FIGHT IN FIRST TITLE DEFENCE

Ipswich fighter Fabio Wardley is the newest champion in the heavyweight division.

Wardley did not win the belt in the ring in 2025, though he did put on two impressive displays following an impressive first-round KO of Frazer Clarke in their rematch in late 2024.

The first saw him come from behind on the cards, having been largely outboxed in the early rounds, to land some huge shots on Justis Huni and KO him late on.

When he stepped up to fight for a mandatory position to challenge Oleksandr Usyk against the in-form Joseph Parker, much the same happened. Wardley, who has only a white collar background in the sport, was falling behind on the cards as Parker boxed smart, but landed a big right hand late on and the referee was forced to stop the fight.

When undisputed champion Usyk vacated his WBO rather than defend against new mandatory Wardley, the Brit was elevated to full champion late last year.

He is now looking to make some big defences in 2026 and Boxing Scene has shared that former WBC ruler Tyson Fury is “up for challenging WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley” along with his latest post on social media claiming he is in for a big year.

“Big smoke for the GK after a long lay off could be an option for later in 2026 God willing.”

Fury was retired for all of 2025 following two consecutive losses to Usyk in 2024, but is now back in training and looking to return to the ring. Wardley has responded, expressing a keen interest in the match-up.

- Kristan Caryl

JOSEPH PARKER FACES POSSIBLE TWO YEAR SUSPENSION AFTER COCAINE APPEARS IN PRE FIGHT TESTING

A pre fight test collected on the day of the Fabio Wardley contest reportedly detected cocaine, creating uncertainty about Joseph Parker’s immediate future in the heavyweight division.

Joseph Parker - Image credit @joeboxerparker Instagram

Joseph Parker, New Zealand’s former WBO interim heavyweight champion, is facing a possible boxing suspension after a pre-fight drug test returned positive for cocaine. The sample was collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) on October 25, the same day Parker fought Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Traces of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine were detected. This substance can remain in the system for approximately four days, suggesting exposure occurred during fight week.

Parker’s promoter David Higgins and VADA have been contacted for comment. Parker is currently on holiday and has not responded publicly.

B-Sample And Regulatory Process

Parker can request his B-sample be tested, though historically these results match the A-sample. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency findings will be reviewed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Cocaine, classified as a recreational drug rather than performance-enhancing, could result in a maximum two-year suspension. If Parker proves no negligence or intent, the ban could be reduced to a shorter period.

The 33-year-old has a distinguished career, facing top heavyweights including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Dillian Whyte. Parker lost to Joshua and Whyte in 2018 but defeated Wilder in 2023.

Parker captured the WBO interim heavyweight title in 2024 by defeating Zhilei Zhang, recovering from two knockdowns to secure the decision. He was scheduled to fight then-IBF champion Daniel Dubois in February 2025, but Dubois withdrew due to illness. Parker instead defended his interim title against Martin Bakole, stopping him in two rounds.

Parker entered the Wardley fight as a favorite but was stopped in the 11th round. The result caused some controversy, as many believed the referee ended the bout prematurely, and Parker was leading on points at the time.

Prior to Wardley, Parker was positioned as a leading contender to face undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2026. His loss now complicates that trajectory.

Statement From Promotions

Queensberry Promotions, led by Frank Warren, released a brief statement regarding the failed test:

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association [VADA] last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on October 25 in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley. While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time.”

Parker’s positive test comes amid a period of resurgence. After a 2022 loss to Joe Joyce, he won six consecutive bouts, including victories over Wilder, Zhang, and Bakole, re-establishing himself as a top contender.

With Usyk recovering from injury and Wardley now emerging as a leading contender, Parker’s suspension could delay his return to title contention. Despite this setback, Parker has indicated he intends to continue competing once eligible, leaving the door open for potential high-profile matchups in the heavyweight division.

- Jake Blend

SHAKUR STEVENSON VS. TEOFIMO FLOPEZ COMING LATE.JANUARY 2026

 

JOSEPH PARKER VS. FABIO WARDLEY UNDERCARD: COMPLETE LIST OF FIGHTS BEFORE 2025 HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING MATCH

Queensberry/Leigh Dawney

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk looms large over Saturday's heavyweight showdown between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London.

Parker holds the interim WBO crown and, more pertinently, that sanctioning body is next on the rotation as Usyk's due mandatory defence.

The Ukrainian great is due to return to action in the first half of 2026 and Frank Warren, who promotes both Parker and Wardley under his Queensberry banner, said this week that Usyk intends to face the winner of this battle of the big men at the O2 Arena.

Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) has done everything asked of him, defeating Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole as part of a six-fight winning streak since losing to Joe Joyce in September 2022.

The 33-year-old New Zealander could simply have bided his time and waited for Usyk, but itchy knuckles have come into play. A two-round blowout against overweight late replacement Bakole in February — Parker was due to face then IBF champion Daniel Dubois before the Englishman endured a summer demolition under Usyk's fists at Wembley — is his only action since climbing off the canvas and going the distance with Zhang last March.

Parker and his trainer Andy Lee believed that was no preparation for Usyk, so they're putting their position up for grabs against Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs), whose explosive power was on full display when he lost almost every round against Justis Huni at Portman Road before laying him out with a sledgehammer right hand.

"I'm only getting into my prime now. Credit to Wardley for taking this fight, but it's the wrong time to be taking this fight because I'm going to smash him," Parker told a pre-fight press conference.

On the undercard, two cruiserweights jostle for their place in the world title mix, while two undefeated Brits put their 0s on the line.

Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley undercard 

Here's a breakdown of all the action on the Parker vs. Wardley card:

Juergen Uldedaj vs. Rolly Lambert

Division/Weight: Cruiserweight

Uldedaj record: 20-1

Lambert record: 18-3-1

Belts at stake: IBO Cruiserweight title (vacant)

The lightly regarded IBO strap is not the end goal for either of these men, with the undefeated Uldedaj starting as favourite.

Two stoppages in his past three fights show overdue evidence of the German-based Albanian sitting down on his punches. Cameroon's Lambert has gone the distance in all three of his career defeats and won his past two fights, so he should provide a good barometer of how Uldedaj's power is developing.

Ezra Taylor vs. Steed Woodall

Division/Weight: Light Heavyweight

Taylor record: 12-0

Woodall record: 20-3-1

Belts at stake: N/A

Woodall comes in as a late replacement for British and Commonwealth champion Lewis Edmondson, who suffered a hip injury during the final stage of his preparations.

Hopefully, that intriguing match can be remade as both men jostle for position in Britain's most talent-stacked division. The undefeated Taylor must avoid any slip-ups to make that a reality, while a ninth career stoppage would make a suitable statement.

Danny Quartermaine vs. Royston Barney-Smith

Division/Weight: Super Featherweight

Quartermaine record:13-0-1

Barney-Smith record: 14-0

Belts at stake: IBF and WBO European Super Featherweight titles

Quartermaine ventures out of his native Coventry to face a man seven years his junior, who has been carefully positioned by Queensberry.

Barney-Smith, AKA 'Sugar Boy Roy', has racked up the wins since turning pro as a teenager, but Quartermaine should be by far his toughest assignment to date.

Mitchell Smith vs. Arnie Dawson

Division/Weight: Lightweight

Smith record: 18-1-0

Dawson record: 8-0

It's been a tumultuous decade since Smith was named Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers' Club in 2015. A tilt at world honours felt inevitable, but a shock points defeat to George Jupp in December of that year began a downward spiral for the Londoner.

The former super featherweight has been in prison three times, battled drink and drugs and his weight ballooned to 110kg. Smith only boxed once between May 2017 and last December. Now, back down closer to his prime fighting weight, he faces his first significant bout since Jupp and a true test of this would-be boxing redemption story.

Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley tune-in info

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Location: O2 Arena, London

Time: 5 p.m. 

Main event start time (approx.): 10 p.m.

Live stream: DAZN PPV

The Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley fight card will be available via DAZN PPV at a price of $59.99.

Non-subscribers buying the PPV get seven days of free access to the entire DAZN platform. A new customer buying the PPV and a DAZN annual subscription will get the first month of their subscription free.

A DAZN monthly subscription is $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $29.99 month-to-month in the United States. The annual subscription is $224.99.

- DOM FARRELL

OSCAR DE LA HOYA AND BERNARD HOPKINS BOTH NAME THE SAME FIGHTER AS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins are two of the best fighters in recent memory, but both agree one man in the history books tops all others.

The legendary duo locked horns in a monumental showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas back in September of 2004, a fight that saw Hopkins become the first undisputed middleweight champion of the ‘four belt era’ when he stopped De La Hoya in the ninth round to add the WBO title to his unified WBC, WBA and IBF belts.

They have since partnered up for Golden Boy Promotions and continue to develop today’s talent with a view to creating the next big star – but who do they feel is the best of all time?

Speaking to ESNEWS, De La Hoya didn’t hesitate to name the late great Sugar Ray Robinson as the greatest fighter in history.

“Sugar Ray Robinson is the greatest of all time! That’s basically it, look at this here [his shirt] all the weight divisions, hardest puncher, best footwork, he would fight multiple times a month, took on the very best, took on the toughest challenges. Sugar Ray Robinson, he’s literally the GOAT.”

Hopkins shares the same views of his former rival turned business partner, once telling the media that he also believes Robinson is the very best fighter to have ever graced the sport.

“The best fighter ever is Sugar Ray Robinson. To me the best fighter after that is Muhammad Ali, and then the debate starts from on and on from there.”

Robinson fought on just over 200 occasions as a professional throughout the course of his storied 25-year tenure, which spanned between 1940 and 1965.

He became six-time world champion along the way, reigning as the world welterweight champion between 1946 and 1951 before he eventually made the move up to middleweight, capturing the world title five times within a 9-year period before his retirement.

- Kailem Lowe

USYK PREPARES FOR DUBOIS REMATCH WiTH ALL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLES ON THE LINE

Oleksandr Usyk will face Daniel Dubois in a rematch. (Photo: instagram.com/usykaa)

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk (23–0, 14 KOs), who currently holds the WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBO heavyweight titles, is set to face off once again against IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois (22–2, 21 KOs) in a high-stakes rematch.

Usyk is actively training for the July 19 bout, which will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

A new video circulating online shows Usyk in top form, sharpening his punches and drilling speed and technique in preparation for the highly anticipated fight.

Their first clash took place on Aug. 26, 2023, in Wroclaw, Poland. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a controversial low blow that was ruled illegal. The referee paused the fight to give Usyk time to recover, and the Ukrainian boxer ultimately secured a technical knockout victory in the ninth round.

Dubois has since promised a “surprise” for the rematch, fueling speculation about his strategy going into what could be a career-defining fight.

- Demian Shevko

OLEKSANDR USYK'S MOST LIKELY NEXT OPPONENT NAMED: "WE NEED TO DO IT"

Image credit: Queensberry

Oleksandr Usyk‘s next move is currently being decided.

The Ukrainian became undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time in July when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium to add his IBF belt to his WBC, WBA and WBO titles.

While that bout may have only taken place a month ago, attention immediately turned to who Usyk will face next, with the WBO ordering him to defend against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker.

Parker earned that right with victories over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder over the past 18 months, becoming interim WBO heavyweight champion in the process.

The two camps were given 30 days to negotiate before it went to purse bids, but Usyk has requested more time, citing the need to recover from injuries.

With no decision reached yet, and Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh declaring he doesn’t want the Parker fight next, fans have begun to speculate that Usyk may choose to vacate the WBO belt and instead take on another fighter, with the likes of Agit Kabayel and Moses Itauma mentioned as possible opponents.

Usyk’s Team Director Sergey Lapin has now provided an update, telling Boxing King Media that Parker still currently appears to be the frontrunner for the fight.

“We have the WBO belt, his first belt. We have rules. We need to speak with the team and next opponent is Parker. Is this fight not Saudi? We’ll see where we do it and the next step.”

Usyk’s first world title was the WBO cruiserweight belt in September 2016, before going on to become undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

It means the Ukrainian may have some loyalty towards the governing body, but it wouldn’t be the first time that he has lost his undisputed status by vacating a belt, after doing so with the IBF title in 2024.Toby Morgan

- Toby Morgan

SECOND BOXER FROM SAME TOKYO EVENT DIES FROM BRAIN INJURIES

 Hiromasa Urakawa has passed away after a bout with Yoji Saito

A second boxer has died from the same card in Japan (Getty Images)

Hiromasa Urakawa has become the second boxer to die from brain injuries sustained at the same event in Tokyo.

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) announced the death of Japanese boxer Urakawa at the age of 28 on Sunday following a bout with Yoji Saito on 2 August.

It occurred days after Shigetoshi Kotari, who fought out a draw with Yamato Hata on the same card in Tokyo, died due to injuries to his brain.

"The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo," a WBO statement read.

"This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."

Lightweight Urakawa fought 14 times as a professional (10-4, 7KOs), while Tokyo featherweight Kotari contested 12 bouts (8-2-2, 5KOs).

The Japanese Boxing Commission has since announced all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title fights will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.

- Independent, sports staff

OLEKSANDR USYK AGREES TO JAKE

Jake Paul and Oleksandr Usyk had an unexpected face-off following the Ukrainian’s win over Daniel Dubois.

Usyk once again became undisputed heavyweight champion by claiming a dominant fifth round knockout win over Dubois, reclaiming the IBF belt in the process and adding it to his WBC, WBA and WBO titles to cement his status as the best heavyweight on the planet.

Attention has already turned to who Usyk may take on next following the win, and despite most people expecting the likes of Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker to be linked, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has thrown his name into the ring.

Paul was last in action in June when he defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a cruiserweight bout, and has also been linked to a heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua in recent weeks.

It seems that Paul could now be targeting a shock battle with Usyk though, after facing off with the Ukrainian and posting a message on social media outlining his one condition for the potential match-up.

“Congrats to one of the greatest heavyweights of all time Usyk on a huge win. I respect you a lot. Now we do an MMA match for the world.”

Whilst team Usyk also agree that a boxing match could ‘never’ happen, they do agree that a bout inside the Octagon would be ‘perfect’.

“Well Jake Paul, you know, when it comes to Jake Paul we’re not talking about the boxing because we would be probably put in the jail for murder … we all understand we can’t put Jake Paul and Oleksandr in the ring for boxing, there is no way, and Oleksandr will never do that, but of course because Jake Paul was a wrestler and what I heard he was a good wrestler when he was growing up, he knows how to wrestle, he knows how to fight a little bit. I think MMA would be the perfect thing to do.”

 While Paul may have become one of the biggest names in the sport, a fight with Usyk is likely not one that many fight fans would want to see next, but as has been proven in combats sports for a number of years, anything can certainly happen.

- Toby Morgan

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

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