Connect with us

Boxing

Figueroa is looking at Inoue-Nakatani, not Espinoza

Published

on

Image: Brandon Figueroa Eyes Inoue-Nakatani, Not Espinoza

Figueroa currently holds the WBA featherweight title, and one of the available fights in his division is against Rafael Espinoza, the WBO 126-pound champion. This fight has been discussed, but at this stage it is not treated as a leading option.

Rodriguez said that while the fight against Espinoza, known as “Divino,” remains undecided, it is not a priority for Figueroa’s team. All indications are that attention will shift elsewhere, depending on how events unfold in Japan this weekend.

Inoue vs. Nakatani has ramifications for multiple weight classes, especially if either fighter wants to move up or change position after the result. Figueroa’s interest suggests he could weigh a future opponent depending on that outcome, rather than finalizing a featherweight unification.

As a result, Espinoza may have to look for alternative opponents for his next title defense if Figueroa goes in a different direction.

While the natural unification target at 126 is Rafael Espinoza, Brandon Figueroa’s team is clearly hoping for a bigger match. Focusing on Saturday’s super fight Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome suggests Figueroa is positioning himself as the welcome vehicle for Inoue’s eventual jump to featherweight.

Inoue clears out the 122-pound division (most recently defeating Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia). If he beats Nakatani, moving up to 126 pounds would be the only logical progression. Figueroa, with his continued strength and WBA belt, is probably the most fan-friendly style of Inoue’s featherweight debut.

No official information has been announced about Figueroa’s next fight or schedule. The focus remains Saturday’s result in Japan and how it could reshape the 126-pound option.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Boxing

Thomas Hearns ranks one world champion above all the legendary Four Kings

Published

on

Thomas Hearns ranks one world champion above all of the legendary Four Kings

While Thomas Hearns’ most memorable battles may have been against other members of the Four Kings, he claims his greatest rival ever was someone else entirely.

Hearns is one of the most popular fighters of all time, and his knockout power and action-packed style make him a favorite of many boxing fans.

He became the first boxer in history to win world titles in five divisions, from welterweight to lightweight heavyweight, and in these divisions he participated in epic fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns.

The quartet of boxing icons were known collectively as the Four Kings, and Hearns claimed a knockout victory over Duran, but suffered losses due to stoppages to Hagler and Leonardalong with a controversial draw with Leonard in the rematch.

Despite these legendary fights, “Hitman” believes that another rival in his career is superior to each of the above-mentioned names, after revealing himself in a feature film with Ring that he considers Wilfred Benitez the best player he has ever faced.

“Wilfred Benitez was very good… skillful and very cunning… He moved well and fought all over the ring.”

Hearns fought Benitez in December 1982, winning by majority decision after a 15-round fight for the WBC welterweight title.

Benitez was a world champion in three weight classes and the youngest world champion in the history of the sport, winning the WBA welterweight title at the age of just 17.

In addition to Hearns, Benitez also faced two other members of the Four Kings during his career, defeating Duran but falling tiny against Leonard.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Dillian Whyte calls for a trilogy fight with Derek Chisora

Published

on

Image: Queensberry Boxing Faces Tough Choice: Does Young Moses Itauma Risk Career Derailment Against Usyk?

Whyte says he would take the fight immediately if Chisora ​​is grave.

“If Derek is grave, he knows where I am. I will fight Derek Chisora ​​tomorrow,” Whyte told Sky Sports Boxing. “He doesn’t like me, I don’t like him. He doesn’t want to lose to me, I don’t want to lose to him.”

The rivalry dates back to 2016 and 2018, when Whyte won a split decision in the first fight and then stopped Chisora ​​in the 11th round of the rematch. Both fights were tough and Whyte is once again leaning on that history to try and rebuild it.

“I already slept with him once. I gave him one of the best dreams he’s ever had in his entire life,” Whyte said. “It’s always going to be a great fight because we’re going to stand and trade.”

Chisora ​​has been linked with retirement following his recent defeat to Deontay Wilder, but Whyte believes a chance for revenge could bring him back.

Whyte has said his aim is to make a quick turnaround and wants a trilogy this summer.

“I would like this fight to take place in the next few months. I will be ready in May or June. If he wants it, I will be ready,” Dillian said.

In addition to Chisora, Whyte named former champions Andy Ruiz Jr. and Wilder as the opponents he will take on, as well as lesser-known names linked to the rankings. Still, the Chisora ​​fight is one he keeps coming back to.

At this point, it feels less like unfinished business and more like one last credible sale for both of them.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren give different dates for Joshua vs. Fury superfight

Published

on

Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren give contrasting dates for Joshua vs Fury super fight

A fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has been agreed, provided that “AJ” wins in his July return. However, promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren have given different time frames for the highly anticipated fight.

Fury made his ring return earlier this month, he overtook the Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov claiming his first victory since 2023 before demanding a fight with arch rival Joshua, who was sitting at ringside.

“AJ” has yet to fight since a tragic car crash in Nigeria that killed two close friends, but the former unified world champion has vowed to continue boxing and eventually face “The Gypsy King” after a warm-up fight in the summer.

It was revealed on Monday that the Londoner would face Albanian Kristian Prenga in Riyad on Saturday, July 25, and that it had been agreed that Joshua would face Fury before the end of the year.

Interview with The Punch podcastJoshua’s promoter Hearn said the event would take place in November.

“We will come back in July against Kristian Prengi and then, if everything goes well, we will fight Tyson Fury in November. Everything has been signed on our side and ready.

“Fury has said he has signed a contract as well, so touch wood, in the end it will be undoubtedly the biggest fight in British boxing history, maybe even close. [the biggest ever] also on a global scale.”

However, in an interview with talkSPORT BoxingFury’s longtime promoter Warren stated that he expected the fight to take place “sometime in October.”

“It’s signed. Tyson signed up for it a few months ago, we were waiting for AJ and now he has done it. So the fight will continue and it looks like it will take place sometime in October.”

As a result, it appears that further details of the deal still need to be worked out, including whether Fury will have an additional “tune-up” ahead of the blockbuster fight.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending