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Maxi Hughes Plans Steel City Revival

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Maxi Hughes

The road to success in boxing is full of obstacles and Maxi Hughes knows this better than anyone.

His road to Las Vegas, where he was supposed to fight the undefeated and brutal Mexican William Zepeda in March, was made even more hard by a paperwork error that cost him valuable time and forced him to travel thousands of air miles for the upcoming fight.

Lightweight Hughes travelled from Doncaster to Sin City two weeks before his date with Zepeda, only to be sent straight back to the UK by Homeland Security agents who told him his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) did not allow him to be paid to work in the US. They turned out to be wrong, but not before Hughes flew back to London, then to Belfast for a meeting with the US consulate and, once his right to fight was confirmed, back to the States.

William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes

All of this took up the better part of a week, meaning Hughes had to say goodbye to his acclimatisation and most of his preparation for his last fight. However, in a testament to his character outside the ring that matches his reputation in the ring, Hughes refused to give up and does not blame the situation for the defeat that followed.

“I could operate that as an excuse and pull out of the fight,” he says. “But I chose to go in there to fight, so I feel like I can’t operate that as an excuse. It would have been postponed because it was a fight that the WBA and IBF ordered. So I had the right to pull out, but I put so much into it.

“It was my body that gave out. My mental state was good. I kept telling myself, ‘It’s going to be okay, you have enough strength to beat Zepeda, this travel thing and everything that happened won’t wear you down.’ But it ended up doing a little bit of that.”

The frustrations surrounding Zepeda’s preparation and fight were compounded by the feeling that if not for the controversy surrounding his previous competitions, it could have turned out very differently.

In July 2023, Hughes lost a controversial decision to George Kambosos Jr. in an IBF lightweight eliminator. Kambosos moved on to box Vasiliy Lomachenko for the IBF title on home soil in Australia. While Hughes is reluctant to explain his defeat of Zepeda (l rtd 4), Kambosos’ decision still doesn’t sit well with him – especially in the context of what could have been.

Maxi Hughes and George Kambosos trade blows in Oklahoma

“I’m not saying I would beat Lomachenko, because he’s probably one of the best in this era,” Hughes says. “I just would love the opportunity. My goal was to fight for one of the four major titles and if that was the end of it, that would be my chance, and they took it away from me from a business perspective.” [in Hughes’ opinion] because they wanted to go to Australia.”

Lomachenko dominated Kambosos in May, stopping him in the 11th round in Perth. “It was frustrating watching George because he didn’t belong there and he had no chance of winning,” Hughes says. “That was obvious; he just filled in. Whereas I feel like I’m not saying I could beat Lomachenko, I have better feet, I know how to box a lefty, I can be cautious and cunning. I like to think I could have made it very hard there and had a better chance.”

Two consecutive losses, one controversial and one painful, haven’t dampened Hughes’ desire, though. Boxing News asks him if, at 34, he’s considered giving up on a career that currently stands at 26-7-2, 5 KOs. “I always knew I was going to keep going,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, it hurt and it was tough, but it wasn’t enough to make me give up.

“I still have my goals. I’m focused on fighting for one of the four major world titles or just fighting for more money. I know I’m still a world-class fighter and I have something to offer. I still feel like I’m at the top of my game.

“If I felt like I was slipping and not being able to perform in training, I’d like to think I’d be open and straightforward with myself and say, ‘yes, your time is up.’ But because I’m still feeling good, I figured there’s money to be made and there’s no way I’m going back to the construction sites. I’ll stick to boxing for now.”

Hughes is due to fight a six-round boxing bout in Sheffield on September 27, when he will appear at the GBM event at the Park Community Arena, where he will face Shakiel Thompson, Tysie Gallagher and Hughes’ team-mate Reece Mould.

“I’m elated to box anywhere, I don’t care what card I’m on,” he says. “The nice thing is it’s close to home in Yorkshire and I can get more people there.”

With GBM being one of the up-to-date faces on the British promotional scene, Boxing News asks if Hughes’ involvement is a one-off or part of a longer-term partnership. “I wouldn’t rule anything out,” he says. “I’m grateful that Izzy [Asif, founder] and GBM gave me a chance. I signed with Lou DiBella, who doesn’t have any broadcasting deals. My last two fights, one was on Golden Boy and one was on Top Rank. Even though Lou is not my promoter, he is more of an advisor or manager, so he is the one who goes out looking for fights. I can end up on any show, which is not a bad thing because it opens doors.

“I feel like my skill level is high enough that I can get it [a world title shot]but again, it’s about whether the business side of things works out. It’s about whether Lou DiBella can get me a chance to fight for one of them. He’s a well-connected guy and very good at his job; he’s been in the game a long time. If anyone can do it, he can support me get there.

“It’s the first step next month. I’m not going to take it lightly, even though it’s a six-round fight. At this point in my career, every fight is tough. I’m going to want to go in there and do a really good job and look good. It’s my first step – I have to win so I can get back into title fights or eliminations – but whoever I get [for a title shot]“I would be written off again!”

With just six days to go until his next fight, Hughes will be at Wembley Stadium on September 21 for the UK season debut in Riyadh, headlined by Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois. He will be there for two reasons – firstly, to support his stablemate Josh Warrington, who will be fighting Anthony Cacace for the IBF super featherweight title, and secondly, to keep an eye on his potential rival and try to work his way back into the gigantic world.

“The other fight in this bill that interests me is Mark Chamberlain’s fight [against Josh Padley]. At some point he has to prove himself. I like Mark; he’s a nice guy and I talk to him sometimes. He just fights whoever is in front of him. But as a domestic fight, maybe an eliminator, it’s something that could happen as soon as I have another fight at the end of September.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, which is behind the Riyadh Season, will be in London and Chamberlain is one of his favourite players – a fact that did not escape Hughes’ notice.

“It would be nice to go in there and get a piece of that pie,” he says.

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Manny Pacquiao remains the favorite to win the title against Mario Barrios

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Manny Pacquiao vs Barrios

WBN understands that despite alternative options emerging, it is more likely that Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios next.

Bob Santos, coach of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he is currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he had spoken to Pacquiao or representatives of any other challenger, Santos replied: “Yes, Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao might happen next, he added: “It’s challenging to say. We’ll have to see how this plays out.”

WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative to Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension following two positive drug tests, is keen to return to competition.

Benn showed favor with the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, the WBC Evaluation Committee and during an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. “The Destroyer” is ranked second in the rankings at 147 pounds, despite less than solid opponents during his time in exile, during which Benn competed twice in the United States while his career in the United Kingdom was in doubt.

As he battled to clear his name and with the British Anti-Doping Authority finding no evidence that Benn had intentionally taken ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career took a pointed nosedive. Despite this, he remains highly rated and at least one step away from fighting for an eliminator or one of the remaining championship titles.

However, Pacquiao remains Barrios’ favorite. Now it’s up to the boxing legend and Hall of Famer who got the first votes to secure his shot. WBN believes a July date – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is the most realistic date for a Nevada swan song.

Pacquiao could extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can secure a huge victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46 years antique, such a scenario remains unlikely, but he can never be compared to one of the greatest players of this generation.

Unlike heavier boxers and his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in great shape despite his advanced age. Everything is set for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can manage his political ambitions, which are expected to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could find himself in the summer finals and become the all-time champion, regardless of the result.

Barrios is based in the city, where he trained with Santos, and would be the perfect opponent to see out the career of one of the greatest fighters in history.

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A report about Deontay Wilder retiring at the age of 39 has been confirmed as false

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Deontay Wilder masked up

Deontay Wilder has not retired from boxing at the age of 39, and the former WBC heavyweight champion has not issued any official statement.

World Boxing News can confirm that reports circulating on social media are false and originated from a imitation account on Up-to-date Year’s Day. As of January 2, 2025, WBN has had no word from Wilder that he plans to hang up his gloves.

As usual, WBN also asked Shelly Finkel for comment. However, Finkel has repeatedly said in the past that Wilder is not retiring. This case seems to be no different.

The last time Wilder spoke publicly was while promoting a mental health app, the Brown Bomber was unveiling plans to return to the sport.

He said: “The push-up protocol has been disabled. Strengthen your body and train your mind; no paid subscription required! It’s not about money. It’s about a mission to strengthen mindsets and improve mental health for all.
To everyone: operate your services and achieve greatness.

“There will be people who tell you, ‘No, you can’t.’ [No] People trying to stop you or putting up stop signs. [No] People who want to bring you down and keep you down. But you can’t give up.

“No matter how many times you fall, no matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s a resilient mind, a confident mind, a powerful mind that gets back up and keeps moving forward to achieve your greatness.

“Apply your service. Achieve your greatness,” he added.

Deontay Wilder could announce his retirement tomorrow if he changed his mind, but at the time of the report, there was no truth to it.

When Zhilei Zhang knocked him out on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, the formidable top-flight contender needed time to assess his situation. WBN understands that Wilder has received offers, including contact from Francis Ngannou, regarding a possible boxing match with the MMA star.

The Wilder vs. Ngannou fight only makes sense for an American his age. Many voluntary positions [of which Wilder is WBC number 13] are occupied by threatening opponents who would start each clash as favorites.

Meanwhile, the Ngannou fight is winnable with less risk and more rewards, meaning Wilder can still earn a significant payday before hanging up his gloves for good.

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Paddy Donovan is looking forward to his clash with Lewis Crocker on March 1

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Crocker vs Donovan

Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KO), the current World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight continental champion, had to withdraw from his scheduled December “stay busy” fight due to a minor injury but now is preparing to fight his biggest rival in what may be the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history.

The All-Ireland fight between Donovan, who fights in Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KO) of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is scheduled for March 1. “Point of Pride” will headline the Matchroom Boxing card, which will be broadcast live on DAZN from the SES Arena as part of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. Just two fights away, Donovan could win a world title if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger.

“There is something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I will be next,” Donovan declared. “I think turning pro at 19 and now 25 has required a lot of life changes since I turned pro. What matters most is what I learned in the gym, because it was the ups and downs in life – being a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me improve. I improved as a person, which helped me become a better fighter.”

A true fighter from the past, Donovan is currently rated by three of the four major sanctioning bodies: WBA No. 5, IBF No. 6 and World Boxing Council No. 14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven years senior.

“I’m in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head coach/co-manager) and (Up-to-date York lawyer) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I’m where I need to be. To be ranked so high on three major sanctioning bodies is great. I know I won’t stop until I become world champion.

“I’m always at the gym thinking about the next challenge. I say it’s time. I love what I do. I am very grateful to God for being in this situation. I believe in God’s plan for me to become world champion.”

“It’s definitely going to be an explosive fight,” commented Up-to-date York attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, resilient Irishmen who have a lot to prove to the world. We were worried about the injury, but we are sure it will not be a problem during the March 1 battle. Paddy is locked down and training difficult under the watchful eye of coach Andy Lee.

Donovan has dedicated several of his recent fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity, which provides mental health services across Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, at 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as support for those grieving as a result of suicide.

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