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Royston Barney-Smith wants to win the world title in 2027

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Barney-Smith is one of Queensberry's brightest young prospects (photo: Frank Warren X)

Royston Barney-Smith is hoping to fight for the world title in 2027 before his next test against Conor McIntosh.

Barney-Smith’s fight with McIntosh for the vacant British and Commonwealth super featherweight titles will be his first since claiming victory on the undercard in October Fabio Wardley won against Joseph Parker.

He faced WBO European super featherweight champion Danny Quartermaine, who was undefeated before the fight, his only disadvantage being a draw with Jack Bateson after a cut.

Barney-Smith is one of Queensberry’s brightest adolescent prospects (photo: Frank Warren X)

Barney-Smith handled the fight with ease, winning most of the rounds handily, with the judges’ scorecards reading 98-90 and 100-88 in the remaining two.

The 22-year-old shared his thoughts on the fight and I honestly told how challenging it was.

“I prepared for a much tougher fight than what it was,” Barney-Smith told proboxing-fans.com.

“If I hadn’t prepared the way I did, it wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Barney-Smith will face McIntosh on the undercard of Friday’s rematch between Nathaniel Collins and Cristobal Lorente in Glasgow.

“I feel good, I’m a bit skinny, but I can’t complain.

“I expect everything and more, but at the same time I know that I have prepared as best as I could.”

The athlete from Dorset wants to fight for the world title in 2027 and dreams of fighting in America.

“St Mary’s Football Stadium or MGM [Grand in Las Vegas].

“I would like to become British, Commonwealth and European champion and early next year I would like to fight in an eliminator or for the full world title.”

The rising super featherweight was a standout amateur before turning professional and revealing some of his most notable achievements.

Barney Smith has been impressive since the photo was uploaded. Photo credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images
Barney Smith has been impressive since the photo was uploaded. Photo credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images

“I won two European gold medals, a European bronze medal, fought 28 international fights for England and won 27 of them.

“It’s really almost like a racehorse, right from the start you want to push and go all the way, but you need a jockey to hold him back and tell him when to go.

“This is where your coaches and promoter have to hold you back.

“Every boxer wants to go as swift as possible. They [promoters] discover the full scope of what you can do and they will nurture your talent until you achieve it.

“It’s challenging, but at the same time I’m grateful.”

The post Royston Barney-Smith wants to win the world title in 2027 appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Eddie Hearn’s verdict on Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Rico Verhoeven

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Oleksandr Usyk was the heaviest in his career, ahead of Rico Verhoeven. Source: Mark Robinson/Boxing on Matchroom

Eddie Hearn detailed Oleksandr Usyk’s stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.

Verhoeven pushed Usyk until the 11th round, causing many to question the Ukrainian’s preparation. However, Hearn disagreed.

Last weekend, he became the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion of the world returned during a historic event organized by Turki Alalshikh and The Ring magazine in front of the historic Giza Pyramids.

Usyk faced kickboxing icon Verhoeven in a fight that many thought would be straightforward for the champion, but it wasn’t.

The Dutchman gave a phenomenal performance and, in the eyes of many people, gave Usyk the toughest test of his career so far.

Oleksandr Usyk was the heaviest in his career, ahead of Rico Verhoeven. Source: Mark Robinson/Boxing on Matchroom

Hearn spoke to Fighting Hub TV and praised the challenger’s performance.

“You can’t take anything away from Rico, what he did was amazing.

“He was so unconventional, that’s one of the arduous things for a boxer, but normally Usyk would adapt to the style and find a way.

“I thought he was behind after 10 rounds. I thought the break was early, I thought the bell rang.

Oleksandr Usyk fought for 11 rounds with Rico Verhoeven. Photo credit: Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson
Oleksandr Usyk fought for 11 rounds with Rico Verhoeven. Photo credit: Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson

“He was unbelievable, so astute against the smartest in Usyk. It was great.”

Controversy surrounding the victory emerged already during the break. Verhoeven was ahead on many people’s scorecards and was eliminated in the 11th round with just 10 seconds left.

Usyk set up a series of attacks and referee Mark Lyson stepped in to stop the fight, even though the final shots appeared to have been thrown after the buzzer.

Although Hearn believed Verhoeven was in danger and could have been stopped in the final round, he believed the referee’s decision was wrong.

Rico Verhoeven was ahead on the scoreboard in the match against Oleksandr Usyk. Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Rico Verhoeven was ahead on the scoreboard in the match against Oleksandr Usyk. Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“I think he probably would have stopped him in the 12th minute, but we were robbed of finding out about it and Rico deserved to see what he could do in the 12th.”

Many questioned the winner’s preparation and whether he had taken Verhoeven seriously beforehand. Hearn provided insight into what could have changed during this camp.

“I think Usyk will always take it seriously, but the reality is he’s a guy who values ​​legacy and this was a money fight.

“It wasn’t a fight he asked for, it was a fight that was presented to him and they said, ‘Yes, we’ll take it.’

Usyk defeated Verhoeven in the 11th round Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Usyk defeated Verhoeven in the 11th round Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“The others talked about legacy, about becoming a two-time, three-time undisputed world champion.”

Following Usyk’s victory, his next step remains unknown, but the promoter has outlined what he believes the ideal route will be before the 39-year-old finally leaves the sport.

“If I were Usyk, I would have a rematch with Rico Verhoeven right away in the Netherlands and probably end my career there.

“I don’t think he has to fight Kabayel, who is a great fighter, but what does he have to prove?”

The post Eddie Hearn’s Verdict on Oleksandr Usyk’s Rico Verhoeven Victory appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

O’Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford – Substantial Fight Preview and Predictions

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Foster pushed Ford on Tuesday. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

On Saturday in Houston, Texas, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC super featherweight world title in a hard-fought clash with former world champion Raymond Ford.

Foster will face Ford at the Fertitta Center, live on DAZN worldwide.

The two exchanged words throughout the build-up, and their rivalry ended on Tuesday when Foster pushed aside his rival as they came face-to-face for the first time during fight week.

Ford returned the favor at Thursday’s final news conference by shoving his compatriot before security separated them from further altercations.

Foster (24-3, 12 KO) reigns for a second time as the WBC super featherweight world champion, regaining the belt after losing it in a controversial split decision loss to Robson Conceicao.

Foster pushed Ford on Tuesday. Photo: Matchroom Boxing

The 32-year-old defeated Conceicao in an immediate rematch and was scheduled to defend his title against Stephen Fulton Jr. in December.

However, after Fulton missed weight, the pair instead fought for the WBC interim lightweight title, with Foster winning comfortably on points.

The Texan vacated the belt to keep the 130-pound belt, which he defends on Saturday.

Ford (18-1-1, 8 KO) was previously the WBA featherweight world champion, winning a dramatic result last round stoppage over Otabek Kholmatov in 2024 to take the crown.

Foster outclassed Fulton. Photo: Premier Boxing Champions
Foster outclassed Fulton. Photo: Premier Boxing Champions

“Savage” was defeated a split decision in his first defense against Nick Balla failure that encouraged him to gain weight.

The 27-year-old Modern Jersey native has since won three straight games, surpassing Abraham Nova in his last appearance in August.

Ford dismissed Nova in August. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Ford dismissed Nova in August. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Sheehy comes face to face with Teran

Rising lightweight Charlie Sheehy looks to continue his undefeated streak against Nike Theran.

Sheehy (12-0, 7 KO) is undefeated in 12 professional fights, and Theran (20-2, 14 KO) retired after seven rounds against Justin Pauldo when the two shared a card in November.

Jones is back

Olympic bronze medalist Omari Jones (6-0, 4 KO) returns to action, and the super welterweight prospect can break Diego Osuna Zuniga’s (9-0, 6 KO) record with a points victory.

Omari Jones is back. Photo: Zachariah Delgado/Matchroom Boxing
Omari Jones is back. Photo: Zachariah Delgado/Matchroom Boxing
Undercard remaining

Former world title challenger Miguel Flores (29-5-1, 13 KO) should have enough strength to defeat Javon Woodard Jr (3-3, 2 KO) at the distance in the featherweight division.

Newark southpaw Zaquin Moses (6-0, 3 KO) should remain undefeated with a points victory over Travis Crawford (7-6, 2 KO) at 130 pounds.

18-year-old super featherweight prospect Julian Montalvo (6-0, 4 KO) could become the first man to stop Maximus Moya (3-3, 2 KO), and Frank Espinoza (3-0, 3 KO) could do the same against middleweight Bryce Blackwell (4-2, 1 KO).

Jahyden Franklin Britton (8-0, 5 KO) can stop Najee West (9-2, 4 KO) in a super middleweight fight.

The post O’Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford – Substantial Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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Rolando Romero casts doubt on Ryan Garcia’s fight with Conor Benn

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Garcia's victory over Haney was changed to a no decision. Photo: Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda

Rolando Romero didn’t mince his words when discussing a possible Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn clash later this year.

Romero expressed doubts about signing the Garcia vs. Benn contract, even though the American claimed that the fight was sealed.

Recently appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, “King Ry” stated that he has signed a contract to fight the Briton On September 12, during the first defense of the WBC welterweight title.

He won the belt in his last fight against Mario Barrios, defeating him in the first round before winning by unanimous decision.

Garcia has been linked to several fights over the past 12 months, including Benn, a rematch with Devin Haney and an immediate second fight with Romero himself.

Garcia’s victory over Haney was changed to a no decision. Photo: Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda

“Rolly” passed Garcia last May and spoke to professional boxing fans on her behalf CampoBet AND Betinia about the 27-year-old withdrawing from the rematch.

“Ryan Garcia is the guy who calls everyone out and does nothing.

“How many people did Ryan Garcia draft last year?

“The only guy he hasn’t called out is me because he knows I’ll basically beat him up.”

He also didn’t hold back when discussing Garcia’s claim of a September 12 comeback and called him one of the worst figures in sports.

Ryan Garcia collapsed en route to a unanimous decision loss to Rolly Romero in Times Square. Photo: Haney defeated Ramirez. Photo: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom Boxing
Ryan Garcia collapsed en route to a unanimous decision loss to Rolly Romero in Times Square. Photo: Haney defeated Ramirez. Photo: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom Boxing

“Ryan Garcia is one of the worst.

“Do you believe the guy who literally fought an incredibly exhausted, burnt out Barrios?

“Can you believe a guy who says he’s never taken steroids?

“The whole boxing world is amazing, but Ryan is one of the worst.”

Romero then presented his predictions for how a possible fight between the pair would play out and gave “The Destroyer” little chance of dethroning Garcia.

Ryan Garcia says he will fight Conor Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas. Photo: Golden Boy Promotions/Mark Robinson
Ryan Garcia says he will fight Conor Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas. Photo: Golden Boy Promotions/Mark Robinson

“Do I believe that Ryan Garcia really wants to fight Conor Benn and dislocate his jaw because Conor Benn is the easiest fighter in boxing? Yes.”

“Anyone would take free meat.”

Romero has been out of the ring for over 12 months and also opened up after the fight that ended between him and Benn.

He claimed that the fight was to take place on May 30, when he defended his WBA title for the first time.

Conor said he was going to fight me.

“We agreed on May 30.

“We had already finalized the transaction.

“Dude is a fan of mine. He sends me selfies when he’s bored.

“He does what he has to do. He has to support his family.”

The post Rolando Romero casts doubt on Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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