Boxing

Canelo Alvarez Backs Ryan Garcia in Predicted Conor Benn World Title Fight: I Think Hes Special

Published

3 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Canelo Alvarez Backs Ryan Garcia in Predicted Conor Benn World Title Fight: "I Think He's Special"

Ryan Garcia is set for a defence of his WBC welterweight world title, taking on Conor Benn in six weeks’ time. Now, pound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez has revealed his prediction for the fight.

Benn was named as the WBC’s mandatory challenger earlier this year, despite having not fought at the weight since April 2022. Therefore, when Garcia dethroned Mario Barrios in February to claim the title, it seemed as though a meeting between the pair would inevitably come next.

Benn decided to first take part in a 150lb catchweight scrap with Regis Prograis, winning on points to allow him to push ahead with the title challenge.

It was confirmed earlier this month that Garcia vs. Benn will go ahead on September 12 – a notable date considering Garcia’s Latino heritage, with Mexican Independence Day being just four days later.

Mexican icon Canelo has fought in September for the last four years, but told The Ariel Helwani Show that he was happy for Garcia to take his slot following the postponement of his challenge for Christian Mbilli’s WBC super-middleweight world title.

“It’s very good [that he is fighting on that date]especially because I turned that date down now because I moved my fight. I think that he is good for fighting on that date. I think that he is the correct person to do it and the fight deserves that day.”

When discussing the fight itself, Canelo admitted that he is favouring his former stablemate, believing that Garcia is capable of beating anyone on his day.

“I like Ryan, he is very talented. When he is focussed, he can beat everybody.

“I know Conor too and I like Conor too, but I think that Ryan is a special fighter.”

Garcia-Benn will be staged at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia expected to compete in the co-main event of the bill.

Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk Eyes Dangerous Former Heavyweight Champion for Final Fight

Published

3 hours ago

July 29, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

"Oleksandr Usyk Eyes 'Dangerous' Former Heavyweight Champion for Final Fight"

Oleksandr Usyk is planning on just one more fight before hanging up the gloves and sailing off into the sunset, and the Ukrainian icon has confirmed who he is targeting for his ‘last dance’ and why.

Usyk’s achievements at both cruiserweight and heavyweight have seen him recognised as one of boxing’s all-time greats, having joined Evander Holyfield as the second man to claim the undisputed title in both weight divisions.

However, against Rico Verhoeven back in May, the 39-year-old showed signs that perhaps he’s starting slowing down and was somewhat fortunate to avoid an astonishing upset as a controversial round 11 stoppage spared his blushes.

During the aftermath, Usyk announced his decision to vacate all three of his heavyweight world titles and to have one last dance before retirement, with former WBC heavyweight ruler Deontay Wilder deemed by many to be the frontrunner for the opposing corner.

In an interview with All Out FightingUsyk confirmed that ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is his targeted opponent because he is a ‘dangerous guy’.

“This is a man who, in the last 10 years, has been a top fighter, a world champion. It’s a dangerous guy.”

Despite the fact that Wilder has lost four of his last seven contests, Usyk was unbothered by the suggestion that the American’s recent form could see him not receive credit from the fans for defeating him at this point in his career.

“I am not boxing for glory. For me, it is just my life.”

Usyk vs Wilder could be set to take place in either December 2026 or early 2027, as the Ukrainian calls time on an illustrious career.

Boxing

Tony Bellew Analyzes Anthony Joshuas Chin After Knockdowns by Kristian Prenga

Published

4 hours ago

July 29, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Tony Bellew Analyzes Anthony Joshua's Chin After Knockdowns by Kristian Prenga

Anthony Joshua was knocked down for the sixth time in three fights when he boxed Kristian Prenga on Saturday, and now Tony Bellew has shared his thoughts on the chin of the two-time heavyweight world champion.

Joshua was expected to convince fans that he was back to his best when he took on Prenga in Jeddah, but the outcome couldn’t have been further from the intended one, as ‘AJ’ was twice floored in the opening round, bringing his punch resistance into question.

To his credit, Joshua responded well in the second round and capitalised on a frozen Prenga, who was unable to build on the momentum he had generated in the opening three minutes before being stopped himself.

Joshua’s frailties has left some former fighters questioning whether Joshua’s showdown with Tyson Fury should still be pursued or if he should instead retire from the sport and prioritise his health.

Former WBC cruiserweight world champion Bellew has now had his say, as he told The Stomping Ground that he still believes Joshua’s chin to be ‘rock solid’.

“He has got a rock solid chin. How can you question someone’s chin when he has never been starched and he has never been flatlined, he always gets up. Even against Daniel Dubois, he always gets up.

“The fact that he gets up shows that there is absolutely nothing wrong with his chin.”

Fury vs Joshua is expected to go ahead in November and will be broadcast live on Netlfix.

Boxing

Fury vs Joshua Tickets Now Available for Highly Anticipated British Heavyweight Clash

Published

22 hours ago

July 28, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

"Fury vs Joshua Tickets Now Available for Highly Anticipated British Heavyweight Clash"

World Boxing News has found tickets for Tyson Fury’s long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua already being offered online despite no official confirmation that Britain’s biggest heavyweight fight has been signed.

Multiple ticket websites are advertising seats for the proposed contest, one complete with seating plans, pricing and availability, despite no official announcement from either fighter or their promoters.

The listingsfor a November 21 clash at Wembley Stadium have fuelled speculation that Fury and Joshua are finally on course to meet after both returned to winning ways this month.

Fury stopped Mariusz Wach in Thailand before Joshua recovered from two first-round knockdowns to halt Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.

Ticket Listings Raise Questions

One ticket marketplace is already claiming to be selling secondary seats, while another company is taking registrations despite acknowledging that key details are still to be confirmed.

The sale has naturally sparked excitement among fans desperate to see Britain’s biggest heavyweight rivalry finally settled after years of failed negotiations, retirement announcements and missed opportunities.

However, none of the major parties involved in the negotiations have officially confirmed the contest.

Still Plenty to Be Decided

How tickets can be on sale for a fight that isn’t even confirmed is anyone’s guess. While some websites are already advertising Fury vs. Joshua seats, there’s no guarantee any of the details prove accurate until the fight is officially announced.

The proposed staging also raises questions for one obvious reason: the British weather. Holding the biggest fight in UK boxing outdoors at that time of year would be a significant gamble given how unpredictable conditions can be.

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn proved a major late-autumn event can work when they fought at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. However, Fury vs. Joshua is on another level commercially, and risking Britain’s biggest heavyweight showdown in freezing temperatures or heavy rain would be a bold call.

If the fight does happen on British soil during that period, the safest option would surely be a stadium with a roof. That immediately brings Cardiff’s Principality Stadium into the conversation, offering organisers protection from the elements without taking the event away from British fans.

Even then, there remains a strong belief that the powers behind the event would still prefer the United States.

For now, the appearance of tickets is simply the latest twist in a rivalry that has frustrated British boxing fans for years.

Until Fury, Joshua and the promoters officially announce the fight, supporters should treat any ticket listings as speculative, no matter how convincing they appear.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.

Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.