Josh Kelly calls for unity by the fresh world champion

Published

5 months ago

February 3, 2026

Zayas became the unified WBO and WBA super welterweight world champion. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

After a sensational victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev, Josh Kelly has several options to become the IBF super welterweight world champion.

Kelly fell and stunned Murtazaliev to win his maiden world title in Newcastle on Saturday.

The 31-year-old had to get off the canvas himself in the ninth round, but he composed himself and decided by majority vote to win over the previously undefeated Russian.

Later on Saturday, Xander Zayas defeated Abass Baraou by split decision to become the unified WBO and WBA champion and called for a fight with Kelly.

“Kelly just won today,” Zayas said.

Zayas became the unified WBO and WBA super welterweight world champion. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“If he wants to do it by the summer, I would like to invite him to Puerto Rico or Fresh York.”

“PBK” has already signed a contract to fight the interim WBA champion, Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

Ennis is hoping to face Vergil Ortiz Jr, but has opened the door to a meeting with Kelly or Zayas if the meeting with Ortiz does not happen.

Kelly eliminated Murtazaliev en route to a majority decision victory. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“If I don’t get the Vergil fight,” Ennis told Matchroom Boxing.

“154 is mine.

“So everyone with a belt and him [Kelly] he has the belt, so he can get it.

“And anyone else.

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“Even the winner tonight with Xander and Abass Baraou.

“It doesn’t matter.

“154 is my division.

“I’m ready to take control.”

Kelly had to get off the canvas himself. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Kelly became Britain’s sixth energetic men’s world champion after victory over Murtazaliev, joining Lewis Crocker, Fabio Wardley, Dalton Smith, Nick Ball and Jazzy Dickens.

In addition to Zayas and Ennis, the Sunderland player will be closely watching WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, who will defend his title against Keith Thurman on March 28 in Las Vegas.

Matchroom chief executive Frank Smith claims he has contacted Sunderland AFC about arranging the fight for Kelly at the 49,000-seat Stadium of Lightweight.

The post Josh Kelly calls for fresh world champion to unite appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (fighter #1) – WBO

June 30, 2026

Re: Official Negotiation Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship Contest – Devin
Haney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)

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UPCOMING FIGHTS

JR. WEIGHT Championship

Bermudas
VS
Osorio

Osorio Won R

JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

Zayas
VS
Ennis

Ennis won R7

WEIGHT Championship

with Olascua
VS
Dominguez

R won

JR. BANTAM WEIGHT Championship

BANTAM WEIGHT Championship

Johnson
VS
Thorslund

R won

JR. INTERMEDIATE WEIGHT Championship

AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

Robinson
VS
Thibeault

R won

JR. AVERAGE WEIGHT Championship

The official record holder

Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide

Published

2 weeks ago

June 23, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.

Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.

The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.

“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.

The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.

Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.

Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.

Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing

Full Bet365 odds

The result of the fight

Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1

Round bets

Xander Zayas

Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1

Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position

Jaron Ennis

To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4

The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

UK Boxing

Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – large fight preview and predictions

Published

2 weeks ago

June 23, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.

Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.

Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.

Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.

Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.

In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.

The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.

Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

McKean meets Taliva

Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.

McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.

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The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.

Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.

Undercard remaining

At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.

Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.

Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.

Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).

The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.