Boxing Wire

Category: News

  • Eddie Hearn Fires Back at Dana White, Zuffa Boxing: ‘Ain’t Out The Garage Yet’

    Eddie Hearn Fires Back at Dana White, Zuffa Boxing: ‘Ain’t Out The Garage Yet’

    Eddie Hearn recently responded to Dana White’s criticism of him and Zuffa Boxing, dismissing White’s claims of creating successful boxing shows and arguing that Zuffa Boxing hasn’t achieved anything significant yet. The exchange follows White’s comments at the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference.

    Hearn slammed Zuffa Boxing’s events as ‘bang-average’ or ‘absolute dog crap’ compared to his Matchroom Boxing shows, noting mismatches and poor quality.

    White had previously downplayed Hearn as a rival promoter, calling him a manager. The public back-and-forth has included suggestions of resolving differences in a boxing match.

    Hearn Blasts White’s Boxing Venture

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on March 9, 2026, Hearn responded to White’s claims, stating:

    “He’s sitting there and spinning the narrative like he’s creating these unbelievable blockbuster shows in stadiums. He ain’t out the garage yet. Literally, four shows in, and absolute bang-average content… They have done nothing at all. And Dana coming out, losing his rag, blood pressure going through the roof, calling me this and calling me that, but not actually doing anything… Show me what you are doing is special.”

    Hearn believes that Zuffa Boxing has provided fans with “bang-average content,” so White has nothing to be proud about as he and his very own boxing promotion are not even “out of the garage yet,” as sell-out stadium shows can’t be compared to events at the Meta APEX.

  • Mike Tyson Talks Ali Boxing Reform Act, Dana White, Donald Trump

    Mike Tyson Talks Ali Boxing Reform Act, Dana White, Donald Trump

    Mike Tyson has always been more than just a fighter — he’s a cultural figure with strong opinions on food, power, loyalty, and the business of boxing. In a revealing interview with Ring Magazine’s Manouk Akopyan, Tyson spoke candidly on topics ranging from ultra-processed food to President Trump, Dana White, and his personal philosophy on fighter pay.

    On Dana White: “I’m Pro Boxing”

    Tyson pushed back on perceptions that he’s a Dana White loyalist, framing his support for the UFC president’s move into boxing with Zuffa Boxing as purely sport-driven advocacy.

    “Everybody thinks that I’m pro Dana. I’m just pro boxing.”

    Tyson said he believes White should be in boxing, but made clear the endorsement isn’t personal — it’s about bringing more competitive infrastructure and money into the sport.

    Open Markets Over Regulation

    On the subject of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act and fighter protections, Tyson took a free-market stance, describing the legislation as being in its early stages during his career and advocating instead for open competition to drive up fighter pay.

    “I want to have open markets. Whoever’s going to pay me the highest bid.”

    For Tyson, the answer to boxing’s systemic problems isn’t more regulation — it’s more competition, more clubs, more fights, and more legitimate money flowing to the fighters who earn it.

    One Word on Trump: “Loyalty”

    Asked what makes President Donald Trump a unique figure in his life, Tyson kept it short: “Loyalty. Loyalty.”

    The two go back decades. Tyson recalled the heyday of Trump’s Atlantic City casino era as a golden period for boxing — and for both men personally. “The whole world focused in on us every time we fought in Atlantic City at Trump’s casino.”

    He offered a stark contrast when asked about Atlantic City today: “I went there to do a show. I was nervous. I thought I was going to get shot.”

    On what boxing might look like if Trump had stayed more directly involved in the sport, Tyson was straightforward: “Boxing would be a lot better, and most boxers would perhaps have more money as well.”

    The Fight Against Ultra-Processed Food

    Tyson, who appeared in a Super Bowl advertisement promoting healthier eating choices and once weighed 350 pounds himself, didn’t exempt himself from criticism on this front.

    “I’m guilty of it too. We have to stop ultra-processed foods. It tastes so good because it’s so addicting — it’s a narcotic. Everything the FDA [approves] is narcotics.

    It’s normal for us to eat it, especially if you’re in a low-income neighborhood. Processed, ultra-processed food is a necessity to us. We’re so happy to have that because it tastes good — and that’s how they get us.”

    The remarks aligned Tyson with a broader national conversation about food policy and the health impacts of the modern American diet, particularly in underserved communities.

  • Zuffa Boxing Moved on Anthony Joshua, AJ Staying Loyal to Matchroom

    Zuffa Boxing Moved on Anthony Joshua, AJ Staying Loyal to Matchroom

    Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing allegedly approached Anthony Joshua about leaving Matchroom Boxing, but the former two-time unified heavyweight champion shut it down immediately — forwarding the message to promoter Eddie Hearn within seconds of receiving it.​

    Hearn revealed the approach during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, saying:

    “AJ had an approach about a couple of weeks ago. Do you know how quickly he sent me the message, the screenshot? Seconds. ‘Let me know what you want to reply.’”

    The move came shortly after Conor Benn made a high-profile defection from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing in February, signing on to co-headline the April 11 Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Benn signing was described as a painful blow for Hearn, who had financially backed Benn through a two-year doping suspension.​

    White has made clear that Zuffa’s ambitions go well beyond Benn, telling reporters at a recent press conference that he’s “in the market to sign everyone” and predicting the promotion will look “impressive” by year’s end. Zuffa — co-owned by TKO Group (which also owns UFC and WWE) and Saudi entertainment company Sela — has 12 shows scheduled for 2026 with deals in place on both Paramount+ and Netflix.​

    Despite the aggressive push, Joshua remains under a career-long promotional agreement with Matchroom signed in 2021. Hearn noted the two are firmly aligned: “We’re a team, mate. Until the wheels come off, we are a team. And I’ve got your back, always.”

  • Sammy Contreras Signs With Top Rank: ‘This Is Only The Beginning’

    Sammy Contreras Signs With Top Rank: ‘This Is Only The Beginning’

    Sammy Contreras, a 21-year-old undefeated lightweight prospect from Los Angeles, has inked a multi-year promotional deal with Top Rank Boxing. Bob Arum expects a “limitless” future for the young boxer.

    Top Rank Boxing has faced challenges in 2026 without a broadcast partner, leading to the departure of several talents. The signing of Contreras, who is 5-0 with 2 KOs professionally, signals a renewed effort to build their roster.

    Following the deal, Contreras said:

    “This moment means everything to me. All the hard work and sacrifice I’ve made every day have led me here with Top Rank. But this is only the beginning. I’m going to keep working, keep sacrificing, and continue proving that I belong here.”

    Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum spoke highly of the talented boxer, saying:

    “Sammy Contreras is a talented young lightweight with the ability to go very far in this sport. His future is limitless. He has ties to multiple communities, and that will allow him to connect with a wide range of fans. Los Angeles has produced many great fighters and champions, and we expect Sammy to carry on that tradition.”

    Contreras’ Amateur Pedigree

    Contreras is a 14-time national amateur champion. He began his boxing career at eight and competed in more than 200 amateur bouts, facing the likes of Abdullah Mason, Emiliano Fernando Vargas and Dedrick Crocklem.

    He represented the Mexican national team at the youth level in 2016 and represented El Salvador at the 2023 Pan Am Games and 2024 Olympic qualifiers. He has also sparred with Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios. Contreras is trained and managed by his father, Sam Contreras.

    He is scheduled to fight Cesar Canti in a six-round bout on March 21st, 2026, at the Orange Show Convention Center in San Bernardino, California, on a ProBox TV show.

  • Devin Haney Fires Back at Rolando Romero’s Ryan Garcia Comparison

    Devin Haney Fires Back at Rolando Romero’s Ryan Garcia Comparison

    Devin Haney recently dismissed Rolando “Rolly” Romero’s ‘triangle theory’ regarding a potential fight between them, following claims involving Ryan Garcia. The WBO welterweight champion Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) snubbed Romero’s reasoning, which used Garcia’s results as proof that Romero would defeat Haney.

    Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), the WBA welterweight titleholder, defeated Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision on May 2nd, 2025. Romero’s theory suggested that because he beat Garcia, he would also beat Haney.

    Haney responded on X, stating:

    “Triangle theories don’t work in boxing. Rolly will get bodied by me.” Haney countered with his own chain: “Rolly got bodied by Barroso, Barroso got bodied O’Hara Davies, Davies got bodied by Josh Taylor, Taylor got bodied by Teo, Teo got bodied by Kambosos, all leads back to ME.”

    Haney vs. Romero Unification Fight?

    A unification fight between Haney and Romero has been discussed for later this year, with negotiations currently ongoing. Haney recently secured the WBO welterweight title with a win over Brian Norman Jr. in November last year.

    Haney is also the former undisputed lightweight champion. Romero, however, has an overdue WBA mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov.

    Ryan Garcia is targeting a July 2026 return and is pushing for a rematch with Haney.

  • Seifeddine Letaief Calls Out Arbnor Jashari For Swiss Boxing Match

    Seifeddine Letaief Calls Out Arbnor Jashari For Swiss Boxing Match

    Seifeddine Letaief has called out Arbnor Jashari for a boxing match in Switzerland. Letaief, a Swiss boxer, is eager to settle a growing rivalry with Jashari, who is also a professional boxer.

    The potential fight arrangement awaits Jashari’s response. The potential fight would take place in Switzerland.

    Letaief is ranked No. 1 in Switzerland in his division, while Jashari holds the No. 2 position. This sets the stage for a match between two undefeated fighters from Switzerland.

    The tension has grown between the two through social media exchanges, FaceTime conversations regarding a potential fight, and verbal back-and-forth.

    Letaief Ready to Fight Jashari

    In an interview with World Boxing News, Seifeddine Letaief said that he is ready to settle a growing rivalry with fellow unbeaten fighter Arbnor Jashari in the ring.

    According to Letaief, the rivalry escalated to the point that Jashari attempted to involve the SwissBoxing committee. The 23-year-old:

    “At one point, he even tried to have me banned through SwissBoxing, claiming I humiliated him on social media.”

    Letaief insisted that the situation is simple from his perspective. He stated that he is ready for the battle and believes the matchup should happen now.

    “I’m ready to fight and settle everything in the ring,” he explained.

    Both fighters are currently undefeated. Letaief turned professional in September 2024 and has a flawless 6-0 record, including a couple of knockouts. He has already fought several times in the Zurich region while establishing himself as one of the country’s emerging prospects.

    Meanwhile, 25-year-old Jashari made his debut in April 2022 and holds a 7-0 record with two knockouts.

    With both fighters undefeated and ranked at the top of their division in Switzerland, a potential showdown between Seifeddine Letaief and Arbnor Jashari could quickly become one of the most talked-about domestic matchups in Swiss boxing.

  • Thomas Narmo’s 14 Knockouts Turn Heads in Heavyweight Division

    Thomas Narmo’s 14 Knockouts Turn Heads in Heavyweight Division

    Thomas Narmo, a heavyweight boxer from Norway, has achieved 14 knockouts in 26 rounds. The ‘Last Viking’, has quickly gained attention in the boxing world for his impressive knockout rate.

    Narmo’s boxing career began on February 26th, 2022. All 14 of his professional boxing bouts have ended in knockouts. In addition to boxing, Narmo holds a professional MMA record of 4-5-0. The 31-year-old stands at 6’7″ and previously played professional hockey. He currently trains at Novus Academy.

    Narmo’s Potential in Heavyweight Boxing

    Boxing has been seeking a knockout artist. Thomas Narmo might be far from that level yet, but his record speaks for itself. The heavyweight division still has champions and contenders.

    At present, the buzz in the heavyweight division revolves on unbeaten prospect Moses Itauma, the teenage prodigy carefully developed by promoter Frank Warren into one of Britain’s most talented prospects.

    Itauma’s ascent has grabbed the attention. However, Narmo emerging from the European circuit with a perfect knockout record is quite impressive.

    Currently, Narmo’s most notable triumph is arguably against Mark De Mori, a seasoned campaigner who once lasted only 131 seconds against a half-injured David Haye more than a decade ago.

    In a division always hungry for power punchers, Thomas Narmo is beginning to build a reputation that is hard to ignore. If the Norwegian can continue extending his knockout streak while stepping up the level of opposition, the ‘Last Viking’ could soon find himself moving from an under-the-radar prospect to a legitimate contender in the heavyweight scene.

  • Jai Opetaia Defeats Brandon Glanton To Win Zuffa Cruiserweight Title

    Jai Opetaia Defeats Brandon Glanton To Win Zuffa Cruiserweight Title

    Jai Opetaia emerged victorious over Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision on March 9th in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 04. With the triumph, ‘The Cruiserweight King’ clinched the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship.

    During their outing at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Opetaia landed a variety of heavy punches to Glanton’s head and body in Round 10. However, his opponent refused to break. Glanton was badly hurt after a straight left hand and combinations. But he managed to survive to the final bell.

    The judges scored the bout 119-106 across the board. Glanton (21-4, 18 KOs) had a point deducted twice by the referee.

    “It was all right,” Opetaia said. “I knew Brandon was going to be tough as nails. I’m happy I got the win and enter this next chapter as the Zuffa champion.”

    Opetaia’s Cruiserweight Victory

    Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) becomes the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Champion. Opetaia entered the fight as the IBF cruiserweight champion but was stripped by the IBF before the fight for participating. He also holds the Ring cruiserweight title.

  • Ryan Garcia Blasts UFC’s BMF Title After Dull Oliveira-Holloway Fight at UFC 326

    Ryan Garcia Blasts UFC’s BMF Title After Dull Oliveira-Holloway Fight at UFC 326

    WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia didn’t hold back after watching Saturday night’s UFC 326 main event — and he made sure everyone knew it.

    Following Charles Oliveira’s unanimous decision over Max Holloway in the BMF title fight, Garcia took to X to unload on the UFC’s prized belt, questioning whether a grappling-heavy shutout performance had any business being associated with the belt.

    Garcia suggested that Oliveira’s takedown-focused approach was a mismatch for the title’s identity.

    “BMF or it’s just not on the ground the whole time,” Garcia posted,

    Garcia wasn’t done. He added:

    “I was expecting the UFC BMF card to be better — not going to lie,” he continued, adding a pointed jab at UFC brass before signing off with a “Make America proud type shit” message.

    A Performance That Drew Widespread Backlash

    Oliveira controlled Holloway almost entirely on the mat, earning a shutout 50-45 across all three scorecards. Many fans and fighters defined the fight as one-sided and slow — a far cry from the action-packed slugfest the BMF title is meant to celebrate.

    Garcia was far from alone in his criticism. The result reignited the ongoing debate over whether the BMF title has lost its identity, with many calling for it to be scrapped or significantly reformed.

    Garcia Fresh Off His Own Dominant Showing

    The 27-year-old is riding high after capturing the WBC welterweight strap on February 21st, defeating Mario Barrios by dominant unanimous decision in Las Vegas. Judges scored the fight 119-108, 120-107, and 118-109 in Garcia’s favor. It was a statement performance that cemented his status as one of boxing’s biggest names.

    With the title around his waist and an apparent appetite for stirring the pot, Garcia looks ready to make plenty of noise in 2026 — inside the ring and out.

  • Claressa Shields Defends Claim She Can Outbox Rolly Romero

    Claressa Shields Defends Claim She Can Outbox Rolly Romero

    Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields appeared on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson to defend her viral claim that she could defeat WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero in a sanctioned boxing match — and the conversation got heated fast.

    The Viral Claim That Started It All

    The controversy ignited after a clip from Shields’ appearance on the #RESPECTFULLY podcast with Justin Laboy went viral, in which Shields stated she could beat Romero based on her size advantage and superior boxing skills.

    “I didn’t say I’mma go in there and knock Rolly out. I didn’t say I can overpower him. I said I can outbox him,” Shields clarified.

    Shields also pointed to her physical edge, noting she walks around at 185 lbs while Romero competes at 140–147 lbs.

    Sharpe Pushes Back Hard

    Shannon Sharpe wasn’t buying it. The Hall of Fame tight end stood firm on the position that testosterone and raw physicality give male fighters an insurmountable advantage, regardless of skill level.

    Sharpe also called out Shields for what he viewed as a cheap shot online, setting a combative tone for the episode. He argued that skill cannot fully compensate for natural physical disparities between men and women in combat sports .

    Shields’ Case: Two Decades Sparring Men

    Shields leaned heavily on her experience training alongside men throughout her career. She detailed how she has sparred with men for two decades as part of her fight preparation, including for her bout against Franchon Crews-Dezurn, arguing that her technical proficiency and fight IQ translate across gender lines.

    “Boxing is not MMA,” she explained. “I get off on men and piece them up… because I’m a very serious boxer.”

    She also addressed the one time she was dropped in sparring, alleging her opponent used gloves with inadequate padding — a claim that added fuel to the ongoing debate.​

    Romero’s Response

    Rolly Romero himself chimed in, delivering a response that was equal parts diplomacy and shade.

    “I believe her. I believe she can beat me,” Romero said calmly, before adding that she’d knock him out, because he doesn’t hit women.

    Shields vs. Cyborg: Another Beef Surfaces

    The episode also surfaced a brewing conflict between Shields and MMA legend Cris Cyborg. Shields took aim at Cyborg for publicly challenging her to a boxing match while simultaneously using gym facilities that Shields herself had provided — a move Shields characterized as disrespectful and opportunistic.

    Ocho Steps Up

    In a lighter moment, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson proposed a sparring session between himself and Shields — which Shields promptly accepted.

    The debate over Claressa Shields and male opponents goes back to 2019, when she name-dropped Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, and Gennady Golovkin as fighters she felt she could beat.