Boxing
Promoter Naoya Inoue points to two main fights that will start in February 2027.
Published
1 hour agoon
Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue’s future plans are starting to take shape after promoter Hideyuki Ohashi revealed that a large fight is already planned for February 2027.
“Right now we’re working on the December pairing. Then next February, if I say there’s a large fight, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. It’s already in the works. Then we’ll do another one in an amazing place,” Ohashi said to Yahoo Japan.
The comments included mentioning the opponent, but they will probably intensify speculation about the fight with Jesse Rodriguez. The undefeated American recently moved up to bantamweight and won the WBA title with a victory over Antonio Vargas.
Rodriguez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, has indicated that the plan is for Rodriguez to have one more fight before moving up to super bantamweight. Potential bantamweight opponents include WBA champion Seiya Tsutsumi and WBO titleholder Christian Medina, while Rodriguez is still looking for bigger opportunities.
While most of the attention will focus on the February schedule, Ohashi’s reference to another event in an “unusual location” suggests that discussions may already be underway about a second major appearance beyond the expected fight in early 2027.
Inoue defeated Junto Nakatani by unanimous decision in May at the Tokyo Dome, retaining his undisputed championship in a fight that attracted enormous attention across Japan. The victory improved his professional record to 31-0 and further strengthened his position as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters.
Ohashi’s latest comments represent the clearest indication yet that Inoue’s early 2027 schedule is already in the works, with plans moving beyond a single marquee event. Regardless of whether the February fight ultimately involves Rodriguez or another opponent, the promoter has made it clear that preparations are already underway for the next phase of Inoue’s career.
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
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Last updated: 23/06/2026 at 1:15
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Boxing
Floyd Mayweather says ‘I’m on my way’ as fight in Greece faces legal threat
Published
39 minutes agoon
June 23, 2026
Floyd Mayweather insists he is heading to Greece this week despite a growing legal dispute that could cast a shadow over the event.
The undefeated boxing legend sent a direct message to Greek fans on Tuesday amid ongoing preparations for his June 27 event against kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens.
“I want to thank everyone, I want to thank you for all the support. Greece, I’m on my way.
“Let’s have fun, let’s have fun and give the people what they want to see. Greece, I’m on my way.”
The news comes as a growing controversy surrounds several proposed Mayweather-related events involving Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather presses forward
The recently disclosed arbitration request involving plaintiffs Jaspreet Mathur and EMI Capital LLC focuses on contracts related to proposed Mayweather events involving Tyson and Pacquiao.
The dispute names Jona Rechnitz and entities affiliated with Frist Apex Ventures among respondents and fits into an increasingly complicated picture of Mayweather’s exhibition plans.
At the same time, social media related to the case publicly alleged that rights related to Mayweather’s planned return to professional boxing had been sold to separate event producers.
The claims remain allegations, and Mayweather has not publicly addressed the latest filing.
What he did was further promote Greece.
While the arbitration proceedings are ongoing elsewhere, Mayweather is acting as if the June 27 date remains on track.
Collision course
The exhibition in Greece is moving forward and the controversy surrounding Tyson and Pacquiao is gaining momentum.
It’s unclear whether these proceedings will ultimately impact any of the proposed events, but Mayweather shows no signs of changing course.
Just a few weeks ago, attention focused on whether shows featuring Mike Zambidis, Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson could co-exist on the same schedule.
The focus now is on whether these plans will survive the increasingly public battle over the broader project.
For now, Athens remains on the calendar, with only days left until the first bell.
Despite the growing controversy surrounding the feud, Mayweather appears determined to keep the event going in Greece.
His message to Greece remains unchanged.
“I’m on my way.”
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Boxing
Shane Mosley predicts PM Marvin Hagler vs PM Canelo: ‘I think he’s going to get him’
Published
3 hours agoon
June 23, 2026
Two-division world champion Shane Mosley predicted how the fantastic fight between Canelo Alvarez and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler would go.
Canelo ruled four weight classes, earning world honors between super welterweight and featherlight heavyweight and becoming the division’s first-ever undisputed champion in an iconic 11-month span.
The 35-year-old’s strength seemed to have waned recently, with him failing to win a single break since 2021. defeat to former lightweight champion Terence Crawford in his last fight.
That being said, his reputation will be able to be reclaimed in September when is fighting for the WBC super middleweight world title.
Still, as his career nears its final chapter, fans wonder where Canelo ranks among the greatest champions of his country, the contemporary era and of all time, wondering how he would fare against other iconic fighters in the division he ruled.
Speaking on Mi Gallo boxing podcasthosted by two-time middleweight title challenger Gabriel Rosado, Mosley selected middleweight fan favorite Hagler to emerge victorious in a fantastic fight against top-ranked Canelo.
“I think Marvin could get him.”
Hagler never boxed outside the middleweight division during his 67-fight career, reigning as undisputed champion for seven years and boasting the sixth-longest reign in division history; during this time he became notable for defeating Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns.
In total, Hagler won 62 of 67 professional fights, with his only three losses coming to Bobby Watts, Willie Monroe and Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as draws to Vito Antuofermo and Sugar Ray Searles.
Author: Sean Crose
“Whether it’s at Wembley Stadium, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas or outside my backyard, it’s still five years too tardy.” This is what Darshan Desai from Yahoo Sport claims in a recent column, in which he states directly that the supposedly upcoming Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua fight is already past its prime and has little significance. Let’s face it, this man is right. For whatever reasons, good or bad, Anthony, Joshua and Tyson Fury never had the opportunity to step into the ring while they were both in charge. And that, honestly, is very bad.
However, this could be a very good fight, worth saving. I say “maybe” because I’m still not convinced it will happen. People talk about things like location and little things like that. The truth is that these two came close to fighting, but they never did. Now their best days are behind them. There are more and more adolescent goats, Oleksandr Usyk conquered them twice apiece. What are these two fighting about… what exactly? Well, let me tell you: these two huge heavyweights are eager to fight because a brawl between them will answer the one question that makes boxing great: which one is the better fighter?
We still don’t have an answer to that question, so I’ll be fascinated to see how the Joshua-Fury fight ends if it actually happens. I’ll repeat: I’m not entirely convinced. One thing is certain, this is the last chance for this fight to become an vital event in the sport of boxing. Seriously, if it lasts beyond 2026, it will be an ancient man’s game…. At least that’s how some people will see it. It will certainly be seen as past its sell-by date.
Of course, if this fight does happen and turns into a thriller, the rematch will be widely seen on television or, in the parlance of the state-of-the-art world, streaming. People thought Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns had weakened before their rematch in the tardy 1980s, but the fight turned out to be a great fight, a classic worthy of the name. If such a match takes place between these two Englishmen, no one will care whether it is relevant or not. The emotions associated with the competition alone will make it vital.
It’s challenging to imagine that any of these men will actually have to fight each other or anyone at all at this point. They have made untold fortunes for themselves, and while boxers are known for leaking millions of dollars, none of them are expected to be on their doorstep anytime soon. However, warriors fight even when they are already at their peak, even when it is unsafe to continue fighting. There may be fewer of them than before, but both Fury and Joshua have a competitive spirit. And that still counts, even in an era where high-level players can go years without slipping between the ropes.
So yes, people will be interested in watching this fight. While the criticism is valid and well-founded, these two not-so-young men are adolescent enough to draw crowds. It won’t be vital. It certainly won’t be as it could be. But it will be something. And when it comes to fighting fans, sometimes something is just good enough. It shouldn’t be like this… but unfortunately it happens sometimes. Let’s hope the fight, if it actually happens, will be a doozy. It still has the makings of a great case.
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