UK Boxing
GBM “The Heist” is back and global
Published
6 months agoon
British boxing organization GBM Sports has signaled its international ambitions by announcing a major global partnership that will see a one-day tournament concept called The Heist hosted on four continents in 2026.
The Sheffield-based company has joined forces with Backan Australian sports medicine brand founded by orthopedic surgeon Dr Steve Andrews in a collaboration that underlines both organizations’ intention to operate on a global stage. Together they plan to export a format that has already proven its commercial and sporting appeal in the UK, combining high-risk competition with a forceful focus on the performance and recovery of elite athletes.
Launched in November 2025, The Heist marked a departure from classic boxing event structures. Instead of dragging fight cards and sequential paths to the title, the concept offers a one-night, single-elimination tournament in which fighters must win multiple fights in one night to secure victory – and a hefty cash prize.
The launch event, hosted at Connexin Live in Hull and broadcast live on DAZN, created a scarce sense of threat and urgency, winning praise for both intensity and clarity.
Now GBM intends to apply this formula worldwide.
Kicking off in Dubai in April, the 2026 tournaments will travel to Mallorca, the UK, Australia and the US, with each stop tailored to the needs of local audiences while retaining the tournament’s defining structure. The rollout places GBM among a tiny group of UK promoters who are trying to establish a consistent international footprint beyond one-off overseas appearances.
At the center of the expansion is Rygg, whose commitment goes beyond branding. The company’s science-based performance and recovery products will support athletes throughout the series, reflecting the growing focus on athlete well-being in high-intensity formats. Rygg’s offering ranges from pre-training muscle performance solutions to post-fight recovery applications, all designed to meet elite sports certification standards.
For GBM CEO Izzy Asif, the partnership represents both validation and escalation. “‘The Heist’ proved in its debut that one-day tournaments are the future of boxing,” he said, adding that the cooperation with Rygg will allow the promotion to scale responsibly while maintaining competitive credibility. “This is the next level for GBM Sports and boxing around the world.”
Asif clearly outlined the philosophy behind The Heist. Rather than gradually selecting players, this format embraces risk – for both players and promoters – in the pursuit of immediacy and spectacle. “One-night tournaments are the future of boxing,” he said, describing a product designed to remove filler and put consequences at the forefront.
From Rygg’s perspective, the partnership provides exposure in a fast-paced, performance-oriented environment. Dr. Andrews described the combination as a natural one, positioning the brand alongside athletes operating at the limits of endurance and recovery while benefiting from GBM’s growing international platform.
Broadcast arrangements for the series for 2026 have yet to be confirmed, although global partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming months. Competitor lineups and venue details will be announced later, with organizers promising elite fights and increased incentive prizes as the concept develops.
In an era where boxing continues to search for formats that can attract novel audiences without undermining the sport’s credibility, “The Heist” represents a calculated risk. With global expansion underway – and the presence of a major sports science partner – GBM is betting that speed, simplicity and consistency is a combination that can work.
The post GBM ‘The Heist’ Is Back and Going Global appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
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UK Boxing
Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
Published
3 days agoon
July 2, 2026
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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
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UK Boxing
Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 23, 2026
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.
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.

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

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 agoon
June 23, 2026
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.
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.

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.
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.
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