Boxing Wire

Category: News

  • Lerrone Richards After Controversial Loss: ‘How Will I Feed My Family?’

    Lerrone Richards After Controversial Loss: ‘How Will I Feed My Family?’

    Lerrone Richards believed he had just changed his life. After 12 rounds against undefeated Albert Ramirez in Canada, the British fighter stood in the ring convinced he had become interim world champion, only for two judges to hand the WBA interim light heavyweight title to his opponent.

    Now Richards is left asking a far more basic question: how does he feed his family?

    For a fighter who can only land one bout a year, the controversial split-decision loss is more than a bad night, it is a potential career-altering injustice.

    Almost everyone watching believed Richards was a clear winner but two of the three ringside judges scored the contest in favor of Ramirez.

    The result caused uproar in the UK, with fans slating the decision on social media. Locals in Canada were also unhappy with the verdict.

    Richards, 19-2 (4 KOs), felt in complete command throughout against Ramirez, now 23-0 (19 KOs).

    “I was doing what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted,” Richards told BoxingScene.

    “Ramirez was trying to apply pressure and I nullified it, beating him from a distance, beating him inside.

    “I just took each round as they came. I didn’t look too far ahead and each round I felt like I was building momentum. After the bell rang in the 12th round, I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be interim world champion.’ There were no nerves. I knew I was going to win the fight. I won it so clear. I just had my hand up and wanted to hear it announced.”

    The Moment The Cards Were Read

    Richards had been dreaming about the win for weeks. Then came the scorecards.

    “Then when I heard 115-113 to him and 116-112 to me, and after that when they said, ‘115-113 and still…’ honestly, my heart, everything, my whole body, just no energy left my body,” he said.

    He recalled walking through the crowd in a blur, fans shouting that he had won, before reaching the changing room.

    “I walked up the stairs, the doctor wanted to have a look at me, and I remember not really wanting to see the doctor because I hardly got hit,” Richards said. “Then I went upstairs, walked to the changing rooms and I just broke down. I’ll be honest, I’m not going to lie, I broke down.”

    According to Richards, even Ramirez admitted he had been fortunate to keep his belt and unbeaten record.

    “He spoke to my coach and, to be fair to him, told my coach, ‘I didn’t win that fight. Richards has won. I’m sorry,’” Richards said. “I watched the fight about five times and you can tell he knew after that fight. He was almost like, ‘Whoa, I’ve won?’ He almost didn’t look happy.”

    No Man’s Land

    Richards has long been a forgotten man of British boxing, struggling to land top names at super middleweight and light heavyweight, with significant gaps between major fights rather than a consistent annual schedule. The Ramirez loss leaves the 33-year-old in no man’s land.

    “This is people’s lives, man. People’s mental health. People don’t realise what it does to people,” Richards said. “People didn’t want to fight me before. They just saw me school one of the top guys in the division. Who wants to fight me now?

    “If no one wants to fight me, how am I going to get my income to provide for my family? Because as fighters, we have to fight to earn money. If there’s no fight, there’s no income. There is no money. How am I going to put food on the table for my family?”

    Richards revealed his team is working on an appeal with the WBA.

  • NSAC Sets New Date For Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch

    NSAC Sets New Date For Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch

    The Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch has its first piece of official third-party paperwork, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s events calendar now listing Manny Pacquiao Promotions at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, September 25.

    The listing marks the first time a specific date for the long-rumored second meeting has appeared on an official document, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The September 25 date represents a shift from the originally floated plan of Saturday, September 19 at The Sphere, and confirms a move toward an MGM-owned venue.

    A formal announcement of the rematch is not expected before Mayweather completes his exhibition against Greek kickboxing star Mike Zambidis at the OAKA Olympic Complex in Athens on June 27. The Mayweather-Pacquiao announcement is expected to follow once that commitment is fulfilled.

    Mayweather’s professional comeback was unveiled four months ago, ending a nine-year hiatus. Major boxing record sites including BoxRec do not currently list a sanctioned professional bout between the two, and neither is recognized as a reigning world champion. Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record, while Pacquiao remains the only fighter in history to win world titles in eight weight divisions.

    September 25 would mark 11 years since their first meeting.

  • Katie Taylor Says September 5 Bout Will Be Her Last

    Katie Taylor Says September 5 Bout Will Be Her Last

    Katie Taylor has confirmed in her own words that her September 5 fight at Dublin’s Croke Park will be the last of her career, framing the homecoming as “the perfect way to end it.”

    The bout offers her the chance to retire as a three-time undisputed super lightweight champion in front of more than 80,000 fans at Ireland’s national stadium.

    With the event now official, Taylor will defend her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine super lightweight titles against undefeated French contender Flora Pili, according to Matchroom Boxing. The vacant WBC title is also on the line, giving Taylor the opportunity to become undisputed once again.

    “This seems like the perfect way to end it, by becoming Undisputed Champion again in our national stadium, which has such a special place in Irish hearts,” Taylor said. “I’m so grateful that it’s happening, and I can’t thank the people of this country enough for the support I have received over the years.”

    Taylor enters the bout with a 25-1 record. The event will stream live worldwide on DAZN.

    A Historic Night At Croke Park

    The September 5 card will mark the first professional boxing event staged at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali fought Alvin Lewis there in 1972. The venue has returned to prominence in major boxing circles, also serving as the reported site for Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua later this year.

    Taylor made clear she is not overlooking Pili, who brings an unbeaten 12-0 record into the biggest fight of her career.

    “I’m under no illusions that Flora will present a very tough challenge; she’s undefeated as a professional and has a good amateur pedigree, so I have the utmost respect for her,” Taylor said.

    The Icing On The Cake

    For Taylor, closing her career at Croke Park carries a meaning beyond titles.

    “I’ve been blessed to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed in this sport, but fighting at Croke Park really is the icing on the cake,” she said. “I hope it’s the kind of event that will inspire a whole new generation to take up sport and follow their passions.”

    Tickets go on sale June 12 through Ticketmaster, with pre-sale access beginning earlier in the week. The fight streams on DAZN, whose relationship with Matchroom has drawn recent attention across the broadcast landscape.

    If successful, Taylor would walk away as a three-time undisputed champion. Other women’s stars have circled her name, with Alycia Baumgardner among those calling for a superfight, though Taylor has set her sights firmly on a Dublin send-off.

  • WBC Confirms Usyk’s Next Mandatory Defense Options

    WBC Confirms Usyk’s Next Mandatory Defense Options

    Oleksandr Usyk faces mandatory defense requirements to retain his WBC heavyweight title.

    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed whether he will honor Agit Kabayel’s position amid Oleksandr Usyk’s controversial victory over Rico Verhoeven.

    The Ukrainian champion’s next steps have been the subject of recent discussion within boxing’s governing bodies.

    Usyk successfully retained his WBC world title on Saturday but many believe that professional boxing novice Verhoeven was wrongfully stopped in round 11.

    The 37-year-old was ultimately stopped in round 11, where referee Mark Lyson called a halt shortly after Verhoeven survived a heavy knockdown. Many feel that the stoppage came too early and raised questions on why the referee waved it off at the sound of the bell.

    WBC President Makes Announcement

    Sulaiman addressed questions about Usyk’s mandatory challenger obligations in the heavyweight division. The WBC president’s comments come as the sanctioning body evaluates the title picture at heavyweight.

    He told Pro Boxing Fans that Verhoeven will not be permitted to jump WBC ‘interim’ champion Kabayel in his pursuit of a second title shot.

    “Kabayel is the mandatory contender [to Usyk’s belt]. [But] Rico is going to get ranked [by the WBC], for sure. And he deserves to fight again for the WBC world title.”

    Usyk currently holds recognized championship status in the heavyweight division across multiple sanctioning bodies. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion has established himself as one of the sport’s elite heavyweights since moving up in weight.

  • Jake Paul Proposes Rico Verhoeven vs. Francis Ngannou

    Jake Paul Proposes Rico Verhoeven vs. Francis Ngannou

    Jake Paul recently proposed a fight between kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. The social media personality and professional boxer floated the matchup idea in recent comments.

    Paul, who has built his boxing career around high-profile crossover fights, sees potential in pairing the Dutch kickboxing star with the Cameroonian knockout artist. Both fighters have competed in combat sports at the highest level, though in different disciplines.

    MVP MMA co-owner Jake Paul has been very vocal with his thoughts that Verhoeven was the biggest winner from the fight and is now the best boxer in the world.

    “Rico vs Francis MVP / MVP MMA,” Paul said in a post on X.

    Francis Ngannou Reacts

    Ngannou responded with an emoji, connoting that he would be interested in that clash.

    Verhoeven holds multiple Glory Kickboxing heavyweight titles and is widely regarded as one of the top kickboxers in the world. Ngannou transitioned from the UFC to professional boxing in 2023, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts.

    The proposed matchup would represent another crossover event in combat sports, a format Paul has championed throughout his promotional ventures. No official discussions or negotiations have been reported between the camps of either fighter.

  • Jake Paul Claims He Has $200 Million Ready For Canelo Alvarez Fight

    Jake Paul Claims He Has $200 Million Ready For Canelo Alvarez Fight

    Jake Paul claims he has a $200 million offer ready for Canelo Alvarez and says the Mexican star expressed interest during a phone call. Paul posted a video on social media making the announcement.

    “Canelo, I have the $200 million for you, easy money. Jake vs. Canelo, let’s get it done. This is what the fans have been waiting for. This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in boxing.”

    Paul said the conversation with Canelo went well.

    “Canelo said he’s down on the phone. So, we’re going to make it happen. I have the $200 million. I think that’s going to be the next fight. Sign the contract, Canelo. Much respect to you. Let’s make the biggest fight in boxing happen.”

    The claim was met with immediate skepticism. Paul was stopped in six rounds by Anthony Joshua last December and later revealed he suffered a broken jaw requiring surgery. A $200 million guaranteed purse would be virtually unprecedented even for Saudi-backed mega-events, which typically structure paydays around site fees, sponsorship deals, streaming rights, and pay-per-view revenue rather than one guaranteed sum.

    Timing also complicates the picture. Canelo is expected to return in September against Christian Mbilli, leaving little room for a sudden pivot.

    Paul is no stranger to boxing promotion tactics, and the mention of Canelo’s name alone generates immediate headlines and social media debate regardless of how close any negotiations actually are.

  • Vasiliy Lomachenko Coming Out Of Retirement This Year

    Vasiliy Lomachenko Coming Out Of Retirement This Year

    Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming out of retirement less than a year after stepping away from the sport.

    The three-weight world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced his retirement in June 2025. He has now reversed course and is planning to fight again this year, The Ring reports. His contract with Top Rank expired this month, leaving him a promotional free agent.

    Lomachenko, 38, last fought in May 2024, stopping George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round to improve his record to 18-3. He had been in talks with Gervonta Davis before retiring, citing a back injury and lack of motivation. He is now said to be fully fit.

    His team is expected to announce his next move in the coming weeks, with no promoter confirmed yet. The bigger names from his era have largely moved up in weight — Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney are no longer at lightweight — while Davis has been inactive since his January arrest on charges including battery and attempted kidnapping.

    No opponent or division has been confirmed.

  • The One Answer Oleksandr Usyk Gave About Retirement That Changes Everything

    The One Answer Oleksandr Usyk Gave About Retirement That Changes Everything

    Oleksandr Usyk says he plans to retire after three more fights, but he is not locking that in as a certainty.

    Speaking with DAZN Boxing, Usyk said his plan calls for fights against Rico and two more opponents before he walks away. When pressed on whether that was definitive, he left room to maneuver.

    “I said I have three fights. Rico and two more, and I finish,” said Usyk. When asked if there was any chance of a fourth or fifth fight, he replied: “Not 100%.”

    He elaborated: “Not 100%. When I say 100%, I not back because if I say, ‘Not back. Listen, I back because.’ No. Three fights and I finish.”

    Tyson Fury, whom Usyk refers to as “Greedy Belly,” remains the name Usyk keeps bringing up publicly. Turki Alalshikh has also floated David Benavidez as a possible heavyweight opponent for Usyk in 2027. Benavidez this month became unified cruiserweight champion with a knockout of Gilberto Ramirez, and a move to heavyweight is already being discussed.

    Daniel Dubois has also re-entered the picture as a major name after stopping Fabio Wardley.

  • Derek Chisora Predicts Daniel Dubois vs Moses Itauma Next

    Derek Chisora Predicts Daniel Dubois vs Moses Itauma Next

    Derek Chisora says Daniel Dubois is the favorite to beat Moses Itauma if the two heavyweights meet.

    Dubois won the WBO heavyweight title Saturday, stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round at Co-Op Live in Manchester after twice being knocked down. Itauma, 21, is expected to be named the WBO’s mandatory challenger, putting a Dubois defense on the table.

    Speaking to Seconds Out, Chisora gave Dubois the edge.

    “Right now, with the odds, the favourite is Daniel, he is the world champion. So, I think Daniel [will win], but we know Itauma and how he is.”

    Any Dubois vs. Itauma fight would likely land in 2027 at the earliest. Itauma is expected to fight August 8 at the O2 Arena before a U.S. debut later this year. The matchup could also be bypassed entirely depending on whether Oleksandr Usyk vacates or defends the other heavyweight titles.

  • Daniel Dubois Reflects On Fabio Wardley’s Power After Epic War

    Daniel Dubois Reflects On Fabio Wardley’s Power After Epic War

    Daniel Dubois has silenced every question about his heart and determination, climbing off the canvas twice to stop Fabio Wardley in the 11th round and claim the WBO heavyweight championship in what Frank Warren described as one of the best fights he has ever promoted.

    The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester witnessed a genuine war. Dubois was dropped in the opening round by a right hand on top of his head, recovered in round two, and was knocked down again in round three before finally finding his rhythm and gradually taking control of the fight.

    From there, Dubois used his jab and footwork to work his way back into contention, overcoming Wardley’s effective counter-punching through the middle rounds with superior boxing as the fight progressed. The finish came at 28 seconds of round 11 when referee Howard Foster intervened with Wardley’s right eye badly impaired and blood pouring from his nose.

    Dubois was emotional and direct in his post-fight comments.

    “That was a war, thank you Fabio. I know I’ve got heart — I’m a warrior. Early it was just flash knockdowns. I had to get back to my boxing.”

    Warren matched the moment with his own assessment.

    “That’s the best heavyweight fight I’ve ever put on.”

    DAZN commentator Wade Plemons posted on X that the fight was one of the greatest heavyweight world title fights he had ever witnessed.

    Dubois is now a two-time world heavyweight champion and the first man to defeat the previously unbeaten Wardley professionally. It was his first fight since Oleksandr Usyk knocked him out at Wembley Stadium in July last year. WBO mandatory challenger Moses Itauma is among the names expected to shape the title picture around Dubois when both parties are ready to return.