Boxing Wire

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Shakur Stevenson Calls Out Conor Benn Again: “Not on my level”

    Shakur Stevenson Calls Out Conor Benn Again: “Not on my level”

    Shakur Stevenson is not impressed with Conor Benn, and he wants to prove it in the ring.

    After Benn’s unanimous decision victory over Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, WBO super lightweight champion Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) took aim at the British welterweight in an interview with Ariel Helwani. Stevenson had just dominated Teofimo Lopez on the same Netflix card and used his post-fight platform to call Benn out directly.

    “There’s a fighter in here right now, and he motivated me, too,” Stevenson said from the ring after his win. “Where’s Conor Benn? Hey Conor Benn, we can get it banging, boy.”

    Stevenson continued:

    “I’ve been told y’all I’m better than him. I’ve been told y’all he’s not on my level. I’ve been told y’all that his skills is not up to par with mine. Like I said, if he’s ready to fight, tell him to stop going on social media and making up lies, saying that I said, ‘Oh, I won’t fight that weight class.’ I said I will. I said, with a rehydration clause, because he did it to Eubank. He’s not on my level. I’ve been said this, and I will beat the holy sh*t out of Conor Benn.”

    Benn Fires Back

    Conor Benn has scoffed at the idea that Stevenson at his level.

    Back in January, following Shakur Stevenson’s decisive win over Teofimo Lopez, Stevenson called out Benn, who was ringside. “You’re too small for me, boy,” Benn repelied. “You’re tiny, bro. You can’t punch. You can’t keep me off you. I’ll fuck you up. I’ll put you down.”

    The exchange sets up an intriguing potential matchup between two of boxing’s most prominent young fighters. Stevenson holds the WBO belt at 140 pounds and has been looking for signature fights after his dominant win over Lopez. Benn, now a free agent at 29, is operating at 150 pounds and plans to campaign at welterweight going forward.

    A weight discrepancy could complicate negotiations. Stevenson has fought his career at junior welterweight and below, while Benn’s natural size gives him a clear physical advantage at 147.

    Still, Stevenson’s willingness to call out a bigger man speaks to his confidence after a career-best performance against Lopez.

    For now, Benn appears locked in on Garcia for a September WBC title fight. But if that matchup stalls in negotiations, Stevenson’s name will remain in the conversation as a high-profile alternative.

  • Imane Khelif Shoulder Injury Postpones April 23 Fight

    Imane Khelif Shoulder Injury Postpones April 23 Fight

    Imane Khelif has been forced to postpone her next professional fight after injuring her left shoulder during training over the weekend.

    The bout was scheduled for April 23 in Paris. ESPN first reported the injury on Sunday, confirming that Khelif sustained the shoulder problem while preparing for the fight.

    No new date has been announced. The specifics of the injury and a timeline for Khelif’s return have not been disclosed.

    Khelif became one of the most recognizable figures in boxing after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was at the center of a widely discussed gender eligibility controversy. She turned professional following the Games and has been building her career in the paid ranks since.

    The postponement is a setback for Khelif’s momentum as a professional. Further updates on a rescheduled date are expected in the coming weeks.

  • Conor Benn Targets Ryan Garcia for WBC Title

    Conor Benn Targets Ryan Garcia for WBC Title

    Conor Benn is a free agent with one name on his lips: Ryan Garcia.

    Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) defeated former two-time junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis (30-4, 24 KOs) by unanimous decision on Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. All three judges scored the bout 98-92 in Benn’s favor in a 10-round catchweight contest at 150 pounds.

    The fight was Benn’s first under the Zuffa Boxing banner after his split from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing earlier this year. He completed a one-fight deal reportedly worth upwards of $10 million and is now free to negotiate with any promoter, though Zuffa is expected to be the frontrunner moving forward.

    Benn Calls for September Showdown

    Benn wasted no time calling out WBC welterweight champion Garcia after the fight. “Garcia, I want my belt! Keep my belt warm,” Benn said. “September. Let’s go. Any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. 10 rounds, easy. Garcia, you’re next.”

    Garcia, who won the WBC title with a decision over Mario Barrios in February, responded on social media the same night. “I’m down. Garcia vs. Benn. Let’s do it!” Garcia wrote.

    The 29-year-old Benn plans to return to 147 pounds for the fight after competing above the welterweight limit in his last three bouts, including two middleweight fights against Chris Eubank Jr. He was back in the gym by Monday morning, posting a treadmill video with visible swelling around both eyes from accidental head clashes during the Prograis fight. He indicated he would be ready to fight by July or August.

    Prograis Retires After the Loss

    Prograis, 37, announced his retirement in an interview with Ring Magazine after the fight. The loss was his third in four outings since losing the WBC junior welterweight title to Devin Haney in 2023.

    Benn controlled the early rounds with his jab and movement before Prograis found some success in the middle rounds as accidental head clashes opened cuts around both of Benn’s eyes. Benn dug deep with body work in the championship rounds and swept the final five rounds to secure the decision.

    With Benn now positioned as the WBC mandatory challenger at welterweight, the Garcia fight carries both a title and a massive commercial draw on both sides of the Atlantic. Other potential opponents include Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and Rolando Romero, but Benn has made clear that the WBC belt is his only priority.

  • DAZN, TNT Launch Monthly “The Fight” Boxing Series on July 4

    DAZN, TNT Launch Monthly “The Fight” Boxing Series on July 4

    The Fight TNT Sports, DAZN

    DAZN and TNT Sports have announced a new monthly boxing series called The Fight, set to debut on July 4 with fights airing on TNT in the United States and on DAZN.

    The series will feature fighters from Matchroom Boxing, Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, bringing together the four major promotional stables that have consolidated under DAZN’s umbrella in 2026.

    A Broadcast Partnership Years in the Making

    The deal pairs DAZN’s streaming platform with TNT’s linear cable reach in the U.S. for the first time on a dedicated boxing series. DAZN has secured agreements with Top Rank, Golden Boy, Matchroom and Queensberry, making it the central broadcast home for the majority of major boxing promotions this year.

    Top Rank and DAZN announced their multi-year deal in late March, bringing Bob Arum’s entire roster, including Xander Zayas, Keyshawn Davis, Abdullah Mason and Emanuel Navarrete, onto the same platform as Matchroom and Queensberry. Golden Boy’s deal with DAZN was also confirmed around the same period.

    The partnership with TNT Sports gives DAZN a free linear television outlet for The Fight series, potentially reaching audiences beyond its paid subscriber base. TNT Sports’ U.S. portfolio includes multi-platform partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR and other major sports properties, making it one of the most prominent homes for live sports on American cable.

    What It Means for Boxing

    The shared platform removes one of the historic obstacles that complicated major fights: television rights conflicts between rival networks. With Matchroom, Top Rank, Golden Boy and Queensberry all on DAZN, cross-promotional matchups become logistically simpler than they have been in years.

    Specific fight cards and locations for The Fight’s July 4 premiere have not yet been announced.

  • Richardson Hitchins, Edgar Berlanga Sign Multi-Fight Deals With Zuffa Boxing

    Richardson Hitchins, Edgar Berlanga Sign Multi-Fight Deals With Zuffa Boxing

    IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) and super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs) have signed multi-fight promotional deals with Zuffa Boxing. ESPN Both fighters are expected to make their promotional debuts this summer. Yahoo Sports

    Both fighters are managed by Keith Connolly, who also brokered Conor Benn’s move from Matchroom to Zuffa earlier this year. Boxing Insider

    “This is a major step forward in my career,” Hitchins said in a statement. “With Zuffa Boxing in my corner, I’m going to show the world that I am a pound-for-pound, generational fighter.”

    Born and raised in Brooklyn, Hitchins captured his first world title in 2024 with a victory over then-unbeaten Liam Paro in Puerto Rico. Before turning pro, he represented Haiti in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Sky Sports His most recent outing was a dominant eighth-round stoppage of George Kambosos Jr. last June. ESPN

    Zuffa recognizes eight weight classes and the 140-pound division isn’t among them, meaning Hitchins will likely need to vacate his IBF belt and move up to welterweight. The Ring Hitchins is also on the clock to defend his title against mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado, leaving Zuffa to either negotiate with Top Rank or risk a purse bid. Bad Left Hook

    Berlanga, meanwhile, arrives as a free agent. He has not fought since a fifth-round stoppage loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in July 2025, a result that followed his decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez the previous September. Boxing Insider The 28-year-old Brooklyn native said Zuffa is “changing the game” and called the move the start of “a special journey.”

    Zuffa’s language about reclaiming contender status signals the promotion intends to build Berlanga back through activity rather than throw him immediately into another world-level fight. Boxing Insider

    Both fighters will appear at a live Q&A with Zuffa Boxing’s Max Kellerman ahead of the UFC 327 weigh-ins at the Kaseya Center in Miami at 4 PM ET on Friday, April 10. The Ring

  • Canelo Alvarez Enrolls at University of San Diego

    Canelo Alvarez Enrolls at University of San Diego

    Canelo Alvarez has enrolled in college courses at the University of San Diego while recovering from elbow surgery. The Mexican boxing star is using his recovery time to pursue higher education, with plans to return to the ring in September.

    The multi-division world champion is currently sidelined following elbow surgery. Rather than simply waiting for his return, Alvarez has chosen to further his education at the San Diego-based institution.

    Return to Boxing Planned for September

    According to ESPN, Alvarez is targeting a September comeback to the ring. The timeline suggests the elbow procedure was successful and recovery is progressing as planned.

    The enrollment marks an unusual move for an active elite-level boxer. Alvarez has consistently emphasized the importance of education and personal growth throughout his career.

    Balancing Education and Boxing Career

    The University of San Diego enrollment demonstrates Alvarez’s commitment to development outside the ring. The specific courses or degree program he is pursuing have not been disclosed.

    Alvarez remains one of boxing’s biggest draws and highest-paid athletes. His decision to pursue college coursework during his recovery period reflects a broader perspective on life beyond his fighting career.

    H/T: ESPN Boxing

  • Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Preview: Fights, How to Watch

    Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov Preview: Fights, How to Watch

    Tyson Fury ends his fifth retirement on Saturday, April 11, stepping into a sold-out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the heavyweight division. Arslanbek Makhmudov has finished 19 of his 21 opponents. This is not a tuneup.

    What to know:

    • Main Event: Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, heavyweight, 12 rounds
    • Co-Main: Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis, 150-pound catchweight
    • How to Watch: Netflix, included with all standard plans — no pay-per-view cost
    • Stakes: Fury says a loss means immediate retirement. His career hangs on a 16-month comeback.

    The Fight

    Fury carries a 34-2-1 record (24 KOs) into this one, but the losses matter. Both defeats came against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, the second by unanimous decision in December. That back-to-back slide ended his reign as a two-time heavyweight world champion and prompted what he called his final retirement. It lasted about a year. A family holiday to Thailand in December turned into a training camp, which turned into a signed contract. As Fury put it to Sky Sports: “I had zero intentions of making a comeback when I came here in December, none, I was happily retired. And then the sunshine, a bit of training and one thing led to another.”

    Makhmudov is no soft return. The 36-year-old Dagestani stands 6-foot-6 and carries a 90 percent stoppage rate — 13 of those 19 knockouts came in the first round. He stopped four straight opponents in 2023 before running into Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello in back-to-back TKO losses. Since then, he has rebuilt steadily, winning the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Dave Allen in October 2025. He enters this fight as the WBA’s No. 5-ranked heavyweight.

    The stylistic contrast is sharp. Fury’s entire career has been built on evasion, distance management, and breaking pressure fighters down over 12 rounds. Makhmudov works the opposite way — forward, constant, punishing. He needs to land early and often before Fury settles in. If this fight reaches the championship rounds, the edge shifts significantly to the returning champion.

    The wild card is the 16-month layoff. Fury trained in Thailand, focused on recapturing the elusive footwork of his younger years rather than the power-punching style he drifted into during his later fights. He also made the unusual decision to enter camp without a traditional corner trainer. At the press conference in February, Fury predicted a right-hand KO in round six and physically tickled Makhmudov at the face-off. The Gypsy King is clearly motivated. Whether his reflexes and chin hold up after more than a year away is a different question.

    Fury has been direct about what a loss means. “If he beats me, then it’s curtains,” he told The Ring. “There’s no other fights after that. I’m done.” He has outlined a three-fight plan for 2026 that leads to Anthony Joshua, but that only works if he gets through Saturday. Fury has spoken openly about concerns over his own decline, and the rift with his father John — who refuses to attend the fight and has been vocal about wanting Tyson to stop — adds another layer to an already complicated comeback narrative.

    Makhmudov, for his part, is under no illusions about what he’s walking into. Speaking to The Guardian, he called Fury “a legend, one of the best heavyweights in history” but added: “I don’t know how I will beat him, but of course I believe I will win.”

    Full Fight Card

    MatchDivision / Title
    Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek MakhmudovHeavyweight (12 rounds)
    Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis150-pound catchweight
    Jeamie Tshikeva vs. Richard RiakporheBritish Heavyweight Title
    Frazer Clarke vs. Justis HuniHeavyweight
    Troy Williamson vs. Simon ZachenhuberSuper Middleweight
    Felix Cash vs. Liam O’HareMiddleweight
    Elliot Whale vs. Tom HillHeavyweight
    Hector Avila Lozano vs. Sultan AlmohammedSuper Featherweight
    Mikie Tallon vs. Cristopher RiosBantamweight
    Breyon Gorham vs. Eduard GeorgievHeavyweight

    How to Watch

    • Date/Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026 — Main card 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
    • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
    • Streaming: Netflix (worldwide) — included in all standard plans, no PPV cost

    Don’t Miss BoxingWire Coverage

    Stay tuned to BoxingWire.com for live results, round-by-round updates, and post-fight analysis from Fury vs. Makhmudov.

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Full Fight Card Announced

    Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Full Fight Card Announced

    Oleksandr Usyk defends his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Ring Magazine announced the full eight-bout lineup for the historic event they are promoting.

    The undefeated Usyk (24-0) has captured undisputed championships in two weight divisions during his professional career. The Olympic gold medalist enters fresh off six consecutive fights against three opponents, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois twice each.

    Verhoeven brings his longtime GLORY heavyweight kickboxing championship pedigree to the boxing ring. The Dutch fighter attempts to shock the combat sports world in his crossover bout against one of boxing’s elite champions.

    Championship Bouts Lead Stacked Card

    Hamzah Sheeraz battles Alem Begic for the vacant WBO middleweight title in the co-main event. Jack Catterall faces Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA regular welterweight title in the featured contest.

    Frank Sanchez meets Richard Torrez Jr in a heavyweight clash. The card also features Mizuki Hiruta vs Mai Soliman, Basem Mamdouh vs Jamar Talley, Mahmoud Mobark vs Michael Kalyalya, and Omar Hikal vs Ali Ssurunkuma.

    The event marks a rare crossover opportunity for Verhoeven, who dominated the kickboxing heavyweight division for years. Usyk seeks to continue his reign as one of boxing’s most accomplished champions across multiple weight classes.

  • Wilder Edges Chisora by Split Decision in London Slugfest

    Wilder Edges Chisora by Split Decision in London Slugfest

    Deontay Wilder won a split decision over Derek Chisora on Saturday at The O2 Arena in London, taking their 12-round DAZN pay-per-view main event by scores of 115-111, 112-115, and 115-113.

    It was the 50th professional fight for both men, and the bout lived up to its billing as a power-punching heavyweight brawl. Chisora, who weighed in at 266.7 pounds on Friday, pressed the action throughout, working the body and throwing wide hooks. Wilder used his reach and jab to control distance but struggled to find clean shots early.

    Wilder scored knockdowns in the fourth and eighth rounds, both with his trademark right hand. The eighth-round sequence was the fight’s defining moment, as Wilder backed Chisora into a corner and unloaded. Chisora survived both times and continued fighting back. Wilder also had a point deducted during a chaotically officiated bout.

    The win was only the second decision victory of Wilder’s career, moving his record to 45-4-1 (43 KOs). Chisora drops to 36-14 (23 KOs).

    Wilder Calls for Compassion, Eyes Title Run

    Post-fight, Wilder said he pulled back in the later rounds after noticing swelling around Chisora’s temple. “Too many lives have been lost in this ring, nobody gives a damn about us,” Wilder told DAZN. “Us fighters have to look out for each other.”

    Wilder also said he is targeting another title run, calling the fight “magnificent” and inviting Chisora to go fishing in Alabama. With back-to-back wins now under his belt, a potential matchup with Anthony Joshua could be next on the radar.

    Chisora Teases Retirement, Leaves Door Open

    Chisora had said before the fight that this would be his final bout, but he declined to commit to retirement afterward. He thanked fans for supporting his career since he arrived in the UK at age 16 and started boxing, but stopped short of saying it was over for good.

    Full Card Results

    • Deontay Wilder def. Derek Chisora, split decision (115-111, 112-115, 115-113)
    • Viddal Riley def. Mateusz Masternak, unanimous decision (118-110, 118-110, 119-109) — wins European cruiserweight title
    • Denzel Bentley def. Endry Saavedra, TKO Round 7 — wins WBO interim middleweight title
    • Matty Harris def. Franklin Ignatius, KO Round 2
    • Amir Anderson def. Jordan Dujon, TKO Round 8
    • Ashton Sylve def. Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez, unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 78-74)
    • Jermaine Dhliwayo def. Jake Morgan, TKO Round 7
    • Dan Toward def. Misael Da Veiga, TKO Round 3
  • Wilder vs. Chisora Preview: Full Card, Odds, How to Watch

    Wilder vs. Chisora Preview: Full Card, Odds, How to Watch

    Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) collide Saturday, April 4 at the O2 Arena in London. It’s the 50th professional fight for both men, and the stakes couldn’t look more different. For Chisora, it’s a farewell. For Wilder, it’s supposed to be a relaunch.

    The main card streams on DAZN PPV beginning at 2 p.m. ET. Ring walks for the main event are expected around 5 p.m. ET (10 p.m. BST).

    What’s at Stake

    Chisora has called this his retirement fight, and he’s earned the right to frame it that way. The 42-year-old Londoner rides a three-fight win streak into his home arena, with decision victories over Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin giving him legitimate momentum heading into his final bout.

    Wilder, 40, needs this fight to mean something beyond a payday. The former WBC heavyweight champion has gone 2-4 since losing the title to Tyson Fury in 2020, with losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang raising serious questions about what’s left. His June 2025 stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon got him back in the win column, but the level of opposition didn’t answer much.

    A convincing win could set up a potential summer fight with Oleksandr Usyk, who has publicly expressed interest in adding Wilder to his resume before he retires. But Wilder would need to look the part, not just survive.

    The Matchup

    The dynamic is straightforward. Chisora pressures, throws volume, and wears opponents down over 12 rounds. Wilder hunts for one shot. If the fight goes long, it favors Chisora. If it doesn’t, Wilder probably found the right hand.

    Wilder has a new head trainer in Don House, who replaced Malik Scott ahead of the Herndon fight. Wilder described Scott as a “brother” and credited him for helping through a difficult stretch, but the change signals a desire for a fresh approach. House has trained over 28 champions across boxing and MMA.

    The concern with Wilder goes beyond the record. His punch output has dropped significantly in recent fights, he absorbed heavy punishment against Zhang, and at 40 years old, the physical decline is harder to reverse. Even Chisora has acknowledged the toll the Fury trilogy took on Wilder.

    Betting Odds

    Chisora is the favorite at -190 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Wilder is the underdog at +150. The over/under is set at 8.5 rounds, with the over at -125 and the under at -110. A knockout finish is expected by most books regardless of the winner.

    Full Fight Card (DAZN PPV)

    Main Event: Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder, Heavyweight, 12 rounds

    Co-Main: Viddal Riley (13-0) vs. Mateusz Masternak (50-6), IBF World Cruiserweight Title Eliminator

    Undercard:

    Denzel Bentley vs. Endry Saavedra, Interim WBO World Middleweight Title

    Matty Harris vs. Franklin Ignatius, Heavyweight

    Amir Anderson vs. Jordan Dujon, Middleweight

    Dan Toward vs. Misael Da Veiga, Super Welterweight

    Jermaine Dhliwayo vs. Jake Morgan

    Ashton Sylve vs. Tony Galaviz, Super Lightweight

    Tom Welland vs. Alexander Morales

    How to Watch

    The event streams exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view. In the U.S., the main card starts at 2 p.m. ET. A DAZN subscription is required. The fight can be accessed via the DAZN app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, game consoles, and web browsers.