UK Boxing

“Not Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury or Daniel Dubois – he’s the one who packs the hardest punch.”

Published

2 months ago

May 9, 2026

Heavyweight boxer Kevin Johnson has proven himself against some of the most recognizable names in boxing during his long career. The 46-year-old American has previously fought Anthony Joshua for the WBC international heavyweight title and has also lost to Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois on British soil, but he overlooked all three when it came to deciding who he thought had the strongest punch.

This honor did not even go to Vitali Klitschko, who in 2009 handed Johnson the first defeat of his career in a title fight. Instead, it’s Australian player Alex Leapai who nods to all these household names. “Alex Leapai is the physically strongest boxer I have ever met in my life,” Johnson told Russian newspaper Sport Express. “Not just in fighting – then I came back to Australia, lived there for a while and we sparred every day. He’s powerful.” The rating is consistent with what Johnson previously told iFL TV. “The worst punch I ever felt was Alex Leapai. And don’t f**k me, he was stronger than Vitali,” he said.

Johnson and Leapai met in the ring in Brisbane in 2012, with the former winning by TKO. At the time, Johnson had not been stopped by an opponent in nearly 30 fights, a record until his TKO loss to Joshua in 2015.

Leapai won 32 of his 44 career fights, including 26 by knockout. He failed to win the world title against Wladimir Kiltschko in 2014, and his last fight ended in defeat against Joseph Parker in 2019.

Johnson retired from boxing after his loss to Joshua, but returned to the ring in 2017. The American had already lost to Fury by unanimous decision in 2012, and his loss to Dubois came after his return.

Dubois, who will face Fabio Wardley this weekend, was just 21 at the time of the clash in Leicester but won on points, handing over to Johnson for what was then his third defeat in the series. The Greenwich-born fighter is now 22-3 in his career, with 21 of his wins – including against Joshua in 2024 – coming by knockout.

However, there were some doubts as promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that Joshua’s defeat to Kristian Prenga could prompt a change of plans. “There is no doubt and this is the risk we are taking,” he said.

“We know it’s perilous, but if you can’t beat this guy then you don’t really deserve to fight Tyson Fury. I think in AJ’s case it’s a fair assessment and he understands that too.”

UK Boxing

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

Published

1 week 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

UK Boxing

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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Post shared by Demsey McKean (@demsey.mckean)

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.