Noakes (18-1, 16 KOs) is looking to rebound from the first defeat of his professional career after dropping a competitive decision to Abdullah Mason last November in Saudi Arabia. The entertaining contest earned Fight of the Year consideration, but it also halted the momentum the 28-year-old had built toward a world title shot.

He returned in May for a low-risk outing, stopping Benito Sanchez Garcia in two rounds at York Hall.

Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) would represent a step up from that assignment, although he’s hardly entering the fight with momentum of his own. The 38-year-old Ukrainian hasn’t fought since suffering a fourth-round stoppage loss to Keyshawn Davis on February 14, 2025, when he lost the WBO lightweight title.

While Berinchyk’s experience and former world champion status add credibility to the matchup, both fighters are coming off losses, taking some of the shine off what otherwise could have been an intriguing lightweight clash.

From a matchmaking standpoint, however, the fight makes sense. Berinchyk offers Noakes a respected name without the risk that comes with facing one of the division’s younger contenders. A matchup against an unbeaten prospect such as Alan Chaves may have generated more interest, but it also would have posed a far more dangerous assignment for a fighter trying to rebuild after his first professional setback.

If the fight is finalized, it would serve as a solid keep-busy bout for Noakes while giving him the chance to put himself back in the lightweight conversation with a victory over a former world champion.

The Hall of Famer says a Texas showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr. would generate more interest and revenue than an immediate fight with the unified junior middleweight champion

Roy Jones Jr believes Errol Spence Jr should postpone any fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis if he defeats Tim Tszyu on July 25. Instead, the Hall of Famer says Spence should pursue a Texas showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr., calling it the biggest fight available at junior middleweight.

Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) returns from a three-year absence on July 25 when he faces former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu.

Jones believes a victory should lead directly to an all-Texas clash with Ortiz rather than a title fight against Ennis.

“The biggest fight right now, for that division, is Errol Spence if he beats Tszyu vs Vergil Ortiz in Dallas,” said Roy Jones Jr. on ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT. “They’d sell out Dallas Stadium.

“You don’t throw that away chasing Boots; you let Boots go and fight Fundora first – you wait and see what happens in the Errol Spence fight, if you’re smart.

“You’d make way more money right there in Dallas Stadium.”

Jones is looking at the commercial value of the matchup as much as the boxing side. Spence and Ortiz are both Texas natives and came through the amateur ranks in the state, making the fight an easy sell to local fans.

Ortiz is coming off a career-best win over Israil Madrimov and remains one of the leading contenders at 154 pounds. Ennis currently holds the WBA and WBO titles, while Sebastian Fundora owns the WBC belt, giving the division several major fights if Spence can get past Tszyu in his long-awaited return.

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The 35-year-old contender knows most of the attention surrounding the fight has centered on Joshua’s future rather than the opponent standing across the ring from him. He warned that looking ahead to Fury would be a costly mistake.

“It’s not a good idea he make plans to fight Tyson Fury,” Prenga told Ring Magazine. “I think I’m going to break his plan.”

Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) is coming off a sixth-round knockout of Jake Paul last December, a comeback victory after suffering a damaging fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. A win over Prenga would keep him on course for one of the biggest fights in British boxing against Fury, who is also scheduled to return the day before against Mariusz Wach.

Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) enters with an eye-catching record, having knocked out every opponent he has beaten. While those victories came against modest opposition compared to Joshua’s resume, the Albanian believes his punching power gives him everything he needs to produce a major upset.

Joshua is still a heavy favorite, but Prenga represents a different type of opponent than some of the former two-time heavyweight champion’s recent rebuilding assignments. Unlike Jermaine Franklin or Otto Wallin, Prenga is an aggressive puncher whose confidence comes from finishing every one of his victories inside the distance.

Overlooking an opponent with that kind of power could be an expensive mistake for Joshua. A knockout win for Prenga over one of boxing’s biggest names would instantly transform his career while destroying the plans for the blockbuster Fury-Joshua meeting.

Fury issued a direct challenge in the clip.

Fury: “I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, ‘The Gypsy King’, NEXT!”

AJ: “I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m the landlord, remember that.”

Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | July 25 | Esports World Cup Fight Week pic.twitter.com/vXzU6Hbjbz

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 8, 2026

Neither quote is new, but their reappearance comes as anticipation continues to build for a fight that has eluded boxing fans for years.

Before any agreement can become reality, both men have business to take care of. Fury is scheduled to face veteran Mariusz Wach on July 24, while Joshua meets unbeaten Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga the following night.

DAZN’s decision to recycle the exchange suggests the broadcaster is already looking beyond those contests and toward one of the biggest fights available in the heavyweight division. The social media post also included a link directing fans to purchase the Joshua-Prenga pay-per-view.

Joshua is expected to defeat Prenga and move one step closer to finally sharing the ring with Fury, but the unbeaten Albanian has made it clear he has no intention of playing the role of a tune-up opponent. Prenga, who owns a 20-1 record with 20 knockouts, has already vowed to derail the blockbuster plans by stopping the former two-time heavyweight champion.

Unbeaten boxer Merari “La Dinamita” Vivar has been shot while helping her family sell on Whittier Boulevard, just months after improving her professional record to 9-0.

The 24-year-old bantamweight from Los Angeles is now recovering at home after what New Generation Boxing Academy described as a “senseless shooting.”

Vivar, who trains out of NGBA in Lynwood, California, last fought on March 8, when she defeated Sarah Click by unanimous decision at Bishop Mora Salesian High School in Los Angeles.

That victory moved Vivar to 9-0 as a professional, continuing an unbeaten run that began in September 2020.

Merari Vivar Shot

NGBA first confirmed that Vivar had been shot while helping her family sell on Whittier Boulevard.

“Today, our champion, our fighter, and our stablemate, Merari ‘La Dinamita’ Vivar, was tragically shot while helping her family sell on Whittier Blvd,” the gym stated.

“Please keep Merari and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she fights through this. We are praying for her strength, healing, and a full, speedy recovery.

“Stay strong, Dinamita. We’re all behind you.”

A further update confirmed Vivar is now home recovering but faces time away from boxing.

“While we’re thankful she’s alive, her road to recovery will take time, and she’ll be unable to fight and earn a living,” NGBA added.

Unbeaten Career Halted

Vivar has built her career across California, Mexico, and Costa Rica, winning all nine of her professional bouts.

Her only stoppage came in February 2021, when she halted Francis Paulete Macias Salazar in the second round in Jalisco, Mexico.

Since then, Vivar has continued her unbeaten run, winning decisions over Keren Mendez Ochoa, Elizabeth Tuani, Johana Lizbeth Diaz Contreras, Griselda Tumax, A-line Mayblee Gonzalez Pardo, and Click.

Now, instead of preparing for another fight, Vivar faces an enforced spell away from boxing as she recovers from being shot.

“Never imagined I’d be sharing this. I was recently shot,” Vivar stated.

“By the grace of God, I’m still here, and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I’m focusing on recovering for now. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, checked on me.

“I can’t wait to heal, get back in the ring, and do what I love. Thank you for standing with me. God is good.”

NGBA will hold a fundraiser for Vivar on Saturday, July 11, at New Generation Boxing Academy in Lynwood, featuring live sparring, food, drinks, and raffles.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.

Daniel Dubois could secure another domestic dustup, possibly against a fellow champion, if he comes through his expected rematch with Fabio Wardley.

The pair collided for Wardley’s WBO title in May, with the defending world champion scoring heavy knockdowns in rounds one and three.

Dubois, however, was able to regroup in round four, using his thudding jab and superior footwork to gain control and start building a handy lead.

By the end, proceedings had become increasingly one-sided as the 28-year-old engineered an 11th-round stoppagecementing himself as a two-time heavyweight champion.

Since then, though, Wardley has activated the rematch clause in their contract, with the 31-year-old expected to land an opportunity to reclaim his WBO title later this year.

For Dubois, meanwhile, there could be yet another all-British clash on the horizon, as heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma believes their encounter is almost inevitable.

First, the Queensberry stablemates must come through their respective next outings, with Itauma squaring off against Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29.

If Itauma emerges victorious, then the 21-year-old has told IFL TV that he would aim to collect a title before entering a potential unification match with Dubois.

“I think me and Dubois will definitely happen at some point this year, next year or the year after. Only because it’s two Brits and he doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down and I feel like I’m speeding up.

“I feel like it’s definitely going to happen but, if it does, it will be after I’ve got a belt and he’s got a belt, or we’ve got two each.”

Should he beat Hrgovic, Itauma may land a world title shot against Frank Sanchez, for instance, as the pair have already been ordered to collide for the vacant IBF strap.

Johnny Nelson believes Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic is a “great fight”, but one where the Queensberry Promotions golden boy must prove his world-class capabilities.

While having not yet crafted the resume of an elite champion, many believe that Itauma is destined to become the next long-reigning heavyweight king.

More than likely, the No.1 spot will become vacant once Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning lineal champion, sails into the sunset after his next outing.

In order for Itauma to reach a status of such significance, however, he must first come through his toughest assignment on paper.

This will arrive in the form of a clash with Hrgovic on August 29, with the Olympic bronze medallist attempting to halt the Itauma hype train at London’s O2 Arena.

The 34-year-old comes off a third-round finish over Dave Allen in May, but has previously claimed more meaningful wins against the likes of Zhilei Zhang – albeit via a contentious decision – and David Adeleye.

His only defeat, meanwhile, came against current WBO champion Daniel Dubois in June 2024, when Hrgovic was stopped while wearing a mask of cuts in round eight.

While speaking with talkSPORTthough, former long-reigning cruiserweight champion Nelson said the Croatian’s sporadic lack of focus could cost him against a sharpshooter like Itauma.

“I think it’s a great fight. If [Itauma’s] as good as we think he is, he should get the job done. But it’ll be a good learning fight for him.

“[Hrgovic’s] performances have been consistent. He’s a tough, consistent guy. At times, he loses interest mid-fight. You can’t fight like that against somebody like Itauma.

“That’s why he’s perfect for Moses. It’s a safe one because [Itauma’s] got loads of gears. It’s the safest big risk out there.”

Itauma’s most impressive victory thus far came in March, when he scored a fifth-round stoppage over the typically durable Jermaine Franklin.

Tony Bellew has admitted to feeling uncomfortable and furious, seemingly in equal measure, while watching 12 chaotic rounds between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora earlier this year.

The two heavyweight veterans squared off in April, entering their respective 50th professional outings, with Chisora insisting that this would be his last dance.

Prior to their showdown, the Brit had claimed back-to-back points victories over Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce, perhaps indicating that he was enjoying something of a purple patch.

Given the beatdown he endured against Tyson Fury in 2022, however, it could be said with certainty that, even back then, Chisora was far removed from his prime.

But the same, of course, could be said of Wilder, who had suffered punishing defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Much like with Chisora, though, many suspect that the American’s third encounter with Fury – which resulted in a gruelling 11th-round stoppage defeat in 2021 – was what ultimately put him on a steep decline.

Yet the 40-year-old nonetheless scored two knockdowns and defeated Chisora by split decisionkeeping himself in the mix for another lucrative opportunity.

As for Chisora, former world champion Bellew has told BBC 5 Live Sport that witnessing his close friend in Manchester was a particularly low point of 2026.

“Without a shadow of doubt, the low point’s Wilder and Derek. I wasn’t comfortable. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like what I [saw].

“[Chisora’s] gonna kick off at me; he’s gonna go mad at me when he sees this, but I was furious on the night. That wasn’t Derek Chisora in that ring.”

While Wilder, too, is well past his best, it seems the former WBC champion is nonetheless closing in on a clash with Oleksandr Usyk.

“I love Keyshawn. I think he’s hard to beat. When he’s on point, no one can beat him,” Mora said to Fighthype. “Devin Haney has a better resume. Devin Haney, every time I think that he’s going to come up short, he surprises me. What he did with Brian Norman was incredible. I would have to edge out Haney because of that, because of the resume, because he keeps proving people wrong, because of that jab, because Davis is inconsistent. He can be red hot or he can be cold, but when he’s red hot, he’s pound for pound.”

While Mora offered his prediction, it’s unclear whether Haney and Keyshawn will ever share the ring.

The WBO has ordered Haney to defend his title against Keyshawn, but the bout still must be negotiated. A sanctioning body order does not guarantee a fight will happen, particularly when financial terms have yet to be discussed.

Bill Haney has spent the past week publicly pursuing bigger-money fights against Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, suggesting those remain the preferred options if they can be made. If neither materializes, Keyshawn could become the fallback choice, but even then, there is no assurance an agreement will be reached.

Haney’s proposed fight against Rolly Romero serves as a recent reminder that negotiations can collapse even when a matchup appears close. If the economics don’t work for both camps, the Keyshawn fight could suffer the same fate.

Mora’s prediction remains just that, a prediction on a fight that may never move beyond the negotiating table.

While both fighters remain recognizable names, the announcement has already prompted criticism over how the title fight came together.

Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) is moving up to welterweight after losing his WBO junior welterweight title in a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January. Rather than facing a contender in his new division, the former unified lightweight champion will go straight into a world title fight with the opportunity to become a three-division champion.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), meanwhile, will be making his first defense roughly 15 months after upsetting Ryan Garcia to win the WBA welterweight title. During that span, he was linked to potential fights with Manny Pacquiao and Devin Haney, but neither materialized.

Some fans have questioned why Romero was allowed to hold the title for so long without making a mandatory defense, while others have argued Lopez should have been required to earn his opportunity by defeating a leading welterweight contender before challenging for a world championship.

One name frequently mentioned is WBA No. 1-ranked Raul Curiel, who many believe should have been next in line for a title opportunity or, at minimum, the type of opponent Lopez should have had to beat before receiving a shot at Romero’s belt.

Despite the debate surrounding the matchmaking, the August 22 clash brings together two of boxing’s most recognizable personalities in a fight that could have major implications for the welterweight division. An official launch press conference is scheduled for July 9 in Los Angeles.