Boxing Wire

Category: News

  • Oleksandr Usyk Decision Could Block Kabayel-Itauma WBC Title Fight

    Oleksandr Usyk Decision Could Block Kabayel-Itauma WBC Title Fight

    Oleksandr Usyk might be the only obstacle preventing Moses Itauma from securing the fastest route to a WBC heavyweight title opportunity. The unbeaten British contender could find himself a step away from championship contention this summer. However, that is possibly only if the division’s current ruler decides against facing the mandatory challenger next.

    Usyk holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles with an undefeated record of 24-0 with 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian champion is ranked number one pound-for-pound by both The Ring and ESPN.

    WBC Interim Title Picture

    Agit Kabayel currently holds the WBC interim heavyweight championship. A potential matchup between Kabayel and Itauma for the interim title could take place in Germany if Usyk opts to face a different opponent for his next defense.

    Moses Itauma recently broke into ESPN’s top five heavyweight rankings after his knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin Jr. The rising contender has positioned himself as a legitimate threat in the division.

    Title Path Depends on Usyk

    According to World Boxing News, Usyk’s decision on his mandatory challenger will determine whether the Kabayel-Itauma fight moves forward. If Usyk chooses to face Kabayel next, the interim champion would be elevated to full challenger status, removing the opportunity for Itauma to compete for the interim belt.

    The WBC heavyweight division remains in flux as Usyk weighs his options for his next title defense. Any announcement from the undisputed champion’s camp could reshape the immediate future for both Kabayel and Itauma.

  • Sky Sports Becomes UK Home of Jake Paul’s MVPW Women’s Boxing Platform

    Sky Sports Becomes UK Home of Jake Paul’s MVPW Women’s Boxing Platform

    Sky Sports has agreed a multi-year deal with Most Valuable Promotions to become the exclusive UK and Ireland broadcaster of MVPW, the new global women’s boxing platform co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.

    The agreement, announced Tuesday, guarantees at least two all-female UK fight nights per year on Sky Sports and NOW. The partnership launches this Sunday, April 5, with MVPW-01 at London’s Olympia, featuring a double main event headlined by Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores.

    A New Home for Women’s Boxing in the UK

    The Dubois-Harper contest is a 10-round WBO and WBC lightweight unification bout, with Dubois (12-0-1, 5 KOs) facing Harper (16-2-2, 6 KOs). In the co-main, unified super-bantamweight champion Scotney (11-0) puts her belts on the line against Mexico’s WBA titleholder Flores, with a victory making Scotney the UK’s youngest undisputed champion of the four-belt era.

    Sky Sports’ Chief Officer UK and Ireland, Jonathan Licht, said the agreement underlines the broadcaster’s “ambition to showcase the very best in women’s boxing to sports fans and new audiences.” Sky accounted for 79 percent of all televised women’s sport coverage in the UK in 2025, with viewing up 25 percent across more than 4,000 hours of broadcasts.

    Global Reach Through ESPN and Sky

    The Sky deal runs alongside MVP’s existing multi-year partnership with ESPN as the U.S. home of MVPW events through 2028. Sky Sports will also air selected MVPW US events, beginning with MVPW-02 on April 17 from the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, headlined by unified junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner defending against Bo Mi Re Shin.

    Paul and Bidarian said the Sky partnership “marks a major milestone for MVPW and women’s boxing globally,” adding that the goal is delivering “unforgettable nights for fans across the UK and beyond.” MVPW-01 airs live on Sky Sports this Sunday at 5 p.m. BST.

  • Frank Warren Says Moses Itauma Is Better at 21 Than Hatton or Hamed Were

    Frank Warren Says Moses Itauma Is Better at 21 Than Hatton or Hamed Were

    Frank Warren has witnessed a lot of young fighters come through his promotion over the years. Ricky Hatton, Naseem Hamed, and plenty of others who arrived with big reputations and delivered.

    However, ahead of Saturday’s fight in Manchester, Warren says Moses Itauma stands apart from all of them. Warren told DAZN News:

    “I have to be very, very honest with you, I’ve had a lot of young, really good, talented young fighters at an early age work for me,”

    “Ricky Hatton, Naz, all of them. And as a heavyweight at his age, I mean, he’s 21 now. At his age, he is without a doubt the most talented and the best I’ve seen at this moment in time.”

    Moses Itauma is ‘Unbelievable’

    The praise doesn’t stop there. Warren pointed to how rare it is for a heavyweight to turn pro in his teens (citing Mike Tyson and Daniel Dubois as the few who’ve done it) and suggested Itauma is already on a comparable trajectory.

    “I think he’s unbelievable for his age,” Warren said. “I would really, really like to see him fight for a world title this year.”

    Warren acknowledged the step up in opposition.

    “He’s in with an experienced guy who’s going to take the fight to him,” he said. “This is by no means a foregone conclusion.”

    Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs), headlines the Queensberry Promotions Magnificent 7 card at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on March 28th, live on DAZN.

    He faces Jermaine Franklin, a 24-2 American veteran who went the distance with both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte in previous UK appearances. For Itauma, it’s a credibility test: Franklin is the first man brought in specifically to challenge him rather than be dismantled.

  • Terence Crawford Believes He Has ‘A Little Bit of All’ of Four Kings Era Boxers

    Terence Crawford Believes He Has ‘A Little Bit of All’ of Four Kings Era Boxers

    Terence Crawford recently commented on comparisons between himself and the legendary Four Kings of 1980s boxing. The retired champion, who hung up his gloves in December last year with a flawless 42-0 record, shared his perspective on how he measures up against the iconic quartet.

    The Four Kings era of the 1980s featured some of boxing’s most memorable rivalries. The legendary group engaged in epic battles with one another that boxing fans continue to debate more than 30 years later.

    Crawford opened up on his own career while speaking to The Ring, and was asked how he believes he shaped up compared to each of Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran.

    “To be honest, I had a little bit of all of them. I wouldn’t say I only had one of their styles because I do so much in the ring.

    “Like Marvin Hagler, I’m a southpaw. Like Sugar Ray Leonard, I can box on my toes. Like Roberto Duran, I can roll with the punches, catch, shoot, and throw from underneath. With Tommy Hearns, I can fight from the outside with a good, sharp jab.

    I’m all of that in one. … [I would fight] any of them – just pick one of them.”

    Crawford’s Historic Career

    Crawford retired as one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history. He won 18 major world championships across five weight classes, including undisputed titles at light welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight.

    The Omaha native became the only boxer to hold The Ring magazine title in four divisions. He is also one of just three four-division lineal champions in the sport’s history.

    Unmatched Dominance

    Crawford’s final fight came on September 12, last year, when he defeated Saul Alvarez by unanimous decision over 12 rounds in Las Vegas. The victory secured the WBA, IBF, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles, capping a remarkable career spanning 2008 to 2025.

    Throughout his career, Crawford was never knocked down. He compiled an 11-fight consecutive knockout streak in world title fights and finished with 31 knockouts in 42 victories.

  • Isis Sio in Medically Induced Coma After First-Round KO

    Isis Sio in Medically Induced Coma After First-Round KO

    Isis Sio, a 19-year-old women’s boxer from North Dakota, is in a medically induced coma after suffering a first-round knockout loss on Saturday night in San Bernardino, California. ProBox TV confirmed her condition in a statement released Sunday.

    “On behalf of CEO Garry Jonas and the entire ProBox family, we are praying for a speedy recovery for Isis Sio,” the organization posted to its social media channels. “Ms. Sio is currently in a medically induced coma. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this very difficult time.”

    Sio was competing in the opening bout of a ProBox TV card at the National Orange Show Event Center when she was stopped by Jocelyn Camarillo (6-0) at the 1:18 mark of round one. According to reports, Camarillo landed two body shots before following with a series of head punches that dropped Sio. She was seen convulsing as medical staff attended to her at ringside before she was stretchered from the arena. Sio was transported to Loma Linda University Health medical center, where she is being treated in the ICU.

    Quick Turnaround Under Scrutiny

    The incident has raised questions about fighter safety protocols. Sio had suffered a stoppage loss just 50 days earlier, on January 30, when she was stopped by body punches from

  • Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte 2? Matchroom Downplays Fight Possibility

    Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte 2? Matchroom Downplays Fight Possibility

    Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte might not be heading for a rematch anytime soon, as Matchroom Boxing is downplaying the possibility of the fight happening later this year. Matchroom is prioritizing Joshua’s physical and mental readiness before scheduling a fight.

    Speculation arose after Joshua posted images of himself back in training with Oleksandr Usyk and trainer Igor Golub. Joshua last fought in December, securing a sixth-round finish of Jake Paul.

    A Joshua vs Whyte rematch was scheduled for August 2023 but was cancelled due to Whyte’s failed drug test. Whyte has not fought since being stopped in the first round by Moses Itauma in August. Dillian Whyte wants a third fight with Derek Chisora in Q1 2026, but Chisora is the obstacle.

    Matchroom’s Perspective

    Matchroom’s Frank Smith addressed the speculation, stating to Boxing Scene:

    “Not really. I mean, I don’t believe so, [that Whyte could be next]. Anything can happen in boxing, but I don’t believe so.”

    Smith emphasized that Joshua’s well-being and readiness are the top priorities, not rushing into a fight. He added:

    “The key is getting him into a position to actually know when he’s ready, rather than picking a date before we know that. That’s the focus right now.”

    “It would be great to get him back out in the summer, but he’s back in full training now, so that’ll be how he gets himself back in there. He’s obviously been ticking over, but it’s very different to what he’s been doing. He’s got to be right, he’s got to be prepared and ready, so hopefully we get some news soon on that.”

    For now, a rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte appears unlikely, with Matchroom Boxing focused on ensuring Joshua is fully prepared before committing to any return date. While speculation will continue, the priority remains his physical and mental readiness rather than rushing into a high-profile bout.

  • Terence Crawford Reveals Boxer Who Truly Hurt Him

    Terence Crawford Reveals Boxer Who Truly Hurt Him

    Terence Crawford, who retired late last year with an undefeated 42-0 record (31 KOs), has revealed the one boxer who truly hurt him during his career. Crawford retired as a five-division world champion, ending his career after defeating Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

    Crawford announced his retirement on December 17, 2025, via a video on his YouTube channel. He held undisputed titles in three weight divisions: junior welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight. Crawford was stripped of the WBC super middleweight title earlier in the month before his retirement announcement due to failure to pay a sanctioning fee.

    Crawford Was Hurt

    Speaking to Daily Mail Boxing, two-weight world champion Regis Prograis conveyed Crawford’s words about being in trouble against former Olympian Yuriorkis Gamboa, believing he was susceptible to the Cuban’s shots due to cutting weight.

    “Terence Crawford went up two divisions and he still took shots from Canelo. He said ‘the only time I’ve been hurt was by [Yuriorkis] Gamboa and that was when I was at 135, I was too small. I’ve been in the gym, sparring these big guys and the punches don’t do nothing.’ So, really the extra weight is a benefit.”

    Crawford had clashed with Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2014 as the first defence of his WBO lightweight world title. It was certainly a tricky test for any new champion, given the Cuban’s skillset and impressive amateur pedigree.

    The champion scored four knockdowns in total on his way to a ninth-round stoppage. In that final round, he was caught and wobbled himself. Gamboa then went for the final strike but was ultimately punished for it when Crawford survived the storm.

  • Shakhram Giyasov Calls Out Garcia After Haney vs Romero Fight Rumored

    Shakhram Giyasov Calls Out Garcia After Haney vs Romero Fight Rumored

    Shakhram Giyasov (17-0, 10 KOs) recently called out Ryan Garcia following the announcement that Devin Haney (33-0, 15 KOs), the WBO welterweight champion, will face Rolando “Rolly” Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), the WBA welterweight champion.

    The Haney vs. Romero welterweight unification fight is in a late ‘serious’ stage for May 30th in Las Vegas.

    With Haney’s next fight mapped out, Ryan Garcia, who is the WBC welterweight champion after defeating Mario Barrios on February 21, is left without a confirmed opponent.

    Giyasov, reacting to Garcia’s recent win over Mario Barrios, praised the performance and made it clear he wants a future meeting between the two.

    Shakhram Giyasov Aims For Ryan Garcia

    Speaking with World Boxing News, Shakhram said:

    “Garcia did a great job, he did everything beautifully and clearly. I hope we’ll meet again. I’d like to fight him.”

    The unbeaten Uzbek also stressed that he is willing to face any leading name in the division, with his focus fixed on titles rather than opponents.

    “I’m ready to fight my favorite guy, who has a belt. It doesn’t matter to me who the opponent is, the main belt, and the big name.”

    Giyasov is the WBA mandatory challenger for Romero’s welterweight title and has not fought since April, waiting for his mandatory title shot.

  • John Fury: My Relationship With Tyson Is ‘Destroyed’

    John Fury: My Relationship With Tyson Is ‘Destroyed’

    John Fury has publicly confirmed that his relationship with heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is broken — and says he will not attend the April 11 fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov, speaking on the Playbook Boxing YouTube channel.

    “Destroyed it completely,” John said bluntly. “He hasn’t showed me enough respect to say, ‘You know what, me dad could be right.’”

    Blood vs. the Entourage

    At the heart of John’s grievance is a sense that Tyson has consistently chosen his entourage over his own father — and that doing so crosses a line John cannot forgive. He drew a stark contrast between himself and the people he sees profiting from his son.

    “He’s broke the golden rule with me as a man,” John said. “He can keep going with his plastic friends. But he’ll want me before I’ll want him. And don’t forget — at 60 year old, we ain’t got much time left, have we?”

    John was equally clear that money plays no role in his position.

    “If you can’t show your father respect when it’s needed, keep going. I don’t need you. I don’t need him and his millions. I need nothing off him. I wish him well. But he’s put those people before me — his blood father. That’s it.”

    ‘If He Gets in Trouble, He’s Dead’

    John’s refusal to attend or follow the April 11 Netflix card is not simply the product of a family falling-out — it’s also tied to his genuine fear for Tyson’s safety without him in the corner. In a separate part of the interview, John went further, detailing his belief that Tyson is a physically diminished fighter whose best years were left behind in the Wilder trilogy.

    “Will I be at the fight? No. Will I listen to it? No,” he said. “If I had have been in his corner and he was in trouble, he wouldn’t be dead. If he gets in trouble with them in his corner, he’s dead or brain damaged for life.”

    He acknowledged Tyson will likely win the bout — “which he probably will” — but stressed that his last two performances leave serious questions unanswered heading into the contest.

    The Warning to Paris Fury

    With his voice no longer reaching Tyson directly, John said he has taken his concerns to Tyson’s wife, Paris, urging her to intervene before it’s too late.

    “I even said to his wife: ‘You’re going to have to be a bit more forceful with this guy, because you’re going to end up by yourself. What good’s a shell of a man who’s took too many punches when he should have ended his career?’”

    When asked if the relationship can be repaired, John offered no certainty but stopped short of closing the door entirely. “I don’t know. It is what it is. I love my son — but there’s too many people patting him on the back and telling him he’s Tarzan when he’s not Tarzan.”

    John also used the interview to call out Jake Paul and KSI over unpaid bets and reveal that son Tommy Fury has a major fight close to being signed.

  • John Fury Calls Jake Paul and KSI ‘Welshers,’ Tommy Fight Near

    John Fury Calls Jake Paul and KSI ‘Welshers,’ Tommy Fight Near

    John Fury made a pointed public accusation against Jake Paul and KSI in a Playbook Boxing interview on March 19, claiming both owe him money from public bets and have refused to pay up — while also revealing that a major fight for son Tommy Fury is close to being finalized.

    Jake Paul: ‘A Welsher’

    John was characteristically unfiltered when the topic of Jake Paul came up, accusing the influencer-turned-boxer of failing to honor a £3 million public bet. He added that KSI — who fought Tommy Fury in October 2023 — is guilty of the same.

    “Jake Paul bet me 3 million quid. He didn’t pay us. KSI bet me 200 grand. Never got that off him either. I’ll never let it go. I’ll tell everybody — Jake Paul’s a Welsher and so is KSI. Keep your money. I don’t need it. But you’re Welsh, the pair of you.”

    On the long-awaited Tommy-Paul rematch, John said his side has been willing to do a deal — but Paul’s team keeps backing away. “We tried to do a deal. They run when they get near a deal. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll meet you in the middle.’ Radio silence. That’s the truth of the matter.”

    Tommy Fight ‘Imminent’

    Despite the rematch impasse, John said something significant is in motion for Tommy’s next fight. He stopped short of naming the opponent but made clear a deal is close.

    “There’s something big in the pipeline, but I can’t discuss it. Let’s just say the ink’s on the way to the contract. It’s not there yet. But it’s imminent — we’ll see Tommy in the ring again in a big fight.”

    He credited Tommy’s continued success to one key difference between his two sons: Tommy still listens. “Tommy’s at a stage where the difference is — Tommy will listen. I’ve not steered him wrong. He’s made loads of money. He’s unbeaten. He’s not been hurt. He’s been in some good positions. That’s good business.”

    Five Years With One Hand

    John also offered some important context for Tommy’s career record, revealing that his son has been dealing with a serious hand injury throughout his professional run — one that required major surgery.

    “Tommy had one hand for five years. He’s had a major operation. And yet, they still won’t want to fight him.”

    John also claimed credit for the broader crossover boxing model that has since been adopted across the sport. “We open the door. Saudi Arabia — first ones there. And they all thought, ‘Oh no, it’s a mismatch.’ We got no end of flack for it. ‘Oh, they’re bringing boxing into disrepute.’” He added that he now believes traditional boxing is losing the entertainment battle — “it’s sad to say because I’m a purist — I think it’s on its way out.”

    The Jake Paul and Tommy comments came in the same wide-ranging interview in which John declared his relationship with Tyson Fury completely destroyed and said he will not attend the April 11 fight. He also gave a detailed breakdown of Tyson’s physical decline since the Wilder trilogy, including a never-before-revealed detail about Tyson breaking down in sparring before the first Usyk fight.