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Avtandil Khurtsidze: From prison rampage to Brooklyn tie

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Avtandil Khurtsidze Brooklyn Draw

World Boxing News can reveal that Avtandil Khurtsidze – once one of boxing’s most feared middleweights – has resurfaced for a second time, years after a brutal prison stabbing that almost ended his life and career.

The Georgian veteran, former world-famous fighter, fought a six-round draw in Brooklyn at Danny Garcia’s farewell gala, beginning the next chapter in one of boxing’s strangest and most cautionary comeback stories.

Stabbing in prison and criminal connections

In 2017, a few days before the planned fight for the WBO world title with Billy Joe Saunders, Khurtsidze’s career collapsed. He was arrested along with 26 others as part of a federal crackdown on the so-called Shulaya Enterprise – an alleged organized crime network operating throughout the United States.

The player himself later became a victim. Reports describe a “knife rampage” at the Brooklyn Detention Center, where Khurtsidze and Razhden Shulaya were hospitalized after a confrontation with a Latin American gang. Court documents confirmed that Khurtsidze “suffered multiple stab wounds to his face,” which left the former “Mini Mike Tyson” scarred and sidelined for years.

Killing the FBI

The US Department of Justice he described Shulaya as “vor v zakone” – Russian for “thief”, a high-ranking figure from the underworld. Prosecutors have charged the group with crimes ranging from extortion and identity theft to illegal gambling, drug trafficking and casino fraud.

For Khurtsidze, it meant the demise of a promising career and reputation buried under headlines about organized crime and prison violence. Instead of fighting for the WBO title, he spent years behind bars, watching the world cope without him.

Return

Interestingly, Khurtsidze returned in May 2024 for his first fight since prison, scoring a stunning first-round knockout that suggested his legendary strength and timing had survived the lost years. Heading into Saturday’s fight, his record was 34-2-2 (23 KOs), a stark reminder of what could have been.

Against Guinean newcomer Andres Martinez in Brooklyn, the 46-year-old fought to a close draw. While the result was met with polite applause, what was more vital was his presence at all – a convicted felon turned comeback contender sharing the spotlight on one of boxing’s biggest nights.

Ed Diller

From pretender to cautionary tale

Khurtsidze’s fall remains one of the most dramatic collapses in sports. Once a fierce challenger known for punishing hooks and relentless pressure, he now fights in the shadow of his past – a man whose life has led from world title contention to courtroom interrogations and prison violence.

His years behind bars may have slowed him down, but his return – scarred, defiant and still full of energy – highlights the ruthless nature of boxing. While he may never again reach the global level that was once deemed inevitable, Avtandil Khurtsidze’s story is no longer about titles. It’s about survival, resilience and getting back into the ring against all odds.

About the author

Phil Jay is experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global combat scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most vital boxing evenings in the ring were reported.

[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

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Roy Jones Jr Says He’ll Return to Fighting One Fighter If He Gets an Eight-Figure Salary: ‘It’ll Make Me Prepare’

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Roy Jones Jr says he’ll return to fight one man if he gets paid eight figures: “It would make me prepare”

Roy Jones Jr has announced his price and is demanding an eight-figure purse if he is to make it through the ropes.

At his peak, the American became one of the best players to ever grace the sport, and his breathtaking speed and overall physical prowess made him seem almost unbeatable.

After winning world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and airy heavyweight, Jones even moved up to heavyweight and dethroned John Ruiz to win the WBA belt in 2003.

The pound-for-pound legend retired in 2018, when many thought his best days were behind him, only to take it to the next level exhibition match with Mike Tyson in 2020

Although it was a non-contest, many believed that Tyson outplayed Jones, who then returned professionally against Anthony Pettis and lost an eight-round decision to the former UFC champion in 2023.

Since then, the 57-year-old has remained on the safer side of the competition, but is now eyeing another comeback, this time against Misfits boxer Tommy Fury.

Having delved into the power side of the sport following previous professional victories over Jake Paul and KSI, Fury is now preparing to face former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall.

I’m talking to Betting showroomJones said he would only be willing to challenge the 27-year-old if he was handsomely rewarded for his troubles.

“Is me vs. Tommy Fury dead? Nothing is dead forever. Roy Jones is still alive. Tommy Fury is still alive. Who knows? For the right money, it would make me go to the gym to get ready.”

“If they give me $10 million of course. Ten and more, yes. If they don’t give me $10 million and more, then no, I’m not wasting my time.”

Fury’s six-round exhibition match with Hall will take place later today at the Manchester Arena, although the result will not affect his professional record of 11-0 (4 KO).

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Hamzah Sheeraz should fight Osleys Iglesias first

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Image: A High Cost: The Humiliation That Will Define Canelo's Next Two Fights

“There are a confined number of fights and he can’t fight every fighter. So why don’t you consider that [Iglesias and Sheeraz] think about who wants to be at the front of the line,” Kellerman said on InsideRingShow.

Kellerman rejected the idea that Canelo was firing any of the fighters.

“He’s not saying he’s ignoring Sheeraz and Iglesias. In fact, he just gave them a path. He said, ‘I’m fighting Mbilli.’ You are fighting each other. This is not a duck. This is about business,” Kellerman said.

Sheeraz has already made it clear that he has no interest in following the route proposed by Canelo. Responding to a suggestion from an earlier interview, the British fighter said he respected Alvarez but would not allow another boxer to dictate his career decisions.

A fight between Sheeraz and Iglesias could answer many of the remaining questions about both men.

Canelo is preparing to fight Mbilli, a fighter widely viewed as one of the most threatening fighters in the division due to his constant pressure and furious attacks. Meanwhile, Sheeraz has had two fights since moving up to 168 pounds, a fight against Edgar Berlanga, who he stopped in July 2025 after Canelo had already beaten him a year earlier, and 39-year-old Al Begic for the vacant WBO title.

A fight between Sheeraz and Iglesias could eliminate many of the questions that still haunt both men. Sheeraz would have the opportunity to silence critics who believe his super middleweight resume is slim, while Iglesias could reaffirm a growing reputation that has led some fans to consider him the division’s boogeyman.

The winner would pose a bigger and more marketable challenge. Instead of facing Sheeraz immediately after his victory over Begic, Alvarez could face an opponent who had a decisive victory over another world champion, adding more significance to what could be one of the final marquee fights of his career.

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Errol Spence Jr puts himself in line for an All-American main event if he wins his comeback against Tszyu

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Errol Spence Jr lined up for major all-American fight if he wins comeback against Tszyu

Errol Spence Jr gained additional motivation to defeat Tim Tszyu, knowing that the winner of the upcoming fight could face a potentially more lucrative opportunity.

The two former world champions will face each other on July 25 in Australia, with Tszyu having the home advantage and looking to rejoin the world stage.

To do this, the 31-year-old must defeat a credible opponent and prove that despite losing three of his last six fights, he remains one of the top super welterweight fighters in the world.

Ideally, he would have fought Spence at 154 pounds, but given his opponent’s three-year layoff, Tszyu ultimately agreed to fight at the catchweight of 158 pounds.

Before the long break, Spence lost the WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles to Terence Crawford, who defeated his rival with a surprisingly one-sided ninth-round stoppage.

However, even before his loss to “Bud,” many believed that “The Truth” would be better suited to the 154-pound division, where he plans to make his mark after his triumph over Tszyu.

If such a plan comes to fruition, Spence could enter into a national feud with Jermell Charlo, who has not fought since unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023

According to Mike Coppinger of Ring MagazineCharlo could very well face Tszyu if the Australian wins the fight against Spence.

“I was told he would be lined up to win [Spence-Tszyu]. Of course, nothing has been done yet. I’m told that behind the scenes, Charlo is being lined up for this fight, which will take place at 154 pounds.[lbs]”

Before the 168-pound fight with Canelo, Charlo became the undisputed super welterweight champion by dethroning Brian Castano by a 10th-round stoppage in 2022, less than a year after his controversial boxing draw.

The 36-year-old achieved this ambition by training under Derrick James, who is also Spence’s former head coach.

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