Connect with us

Boxing

The must-see Gary Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka set for 2026

Published

on

Image: Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin, Russell vs. Hiraoka, Scotney vs. Flores: Full Netflix Undercard for Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis

A duty that hasn’t gone away

Russell, 29, was scheduled to fight Hiraoka last November at the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis event. However, this fight was canceled in November due to Tank’s legal problems.

When Jake was scheduled to fight Anthony Joshua on December 19, 2025, the Russell-Hiraoka fight was not on the card. In hindsight, the Russell vs. Hiraoka fight could have been seen on the card as there were many fan complaints about the lackluster fighting surrounding the main event. It looked like a skeleton crew.

Despite the delay, 29-year-old Japanese Hiraoka is still the mandatory challenger for Russell’s WBA title. So the fight will take place if the WBA does not make a up-to-date decision,

The official date for the Russell-Hiraoka fight is still known as early 2026.

Hiraoka is not well known in the U.S. to casual boxing fans, as most of his 24 career fights took place in his native Japan. So the Americans didn’t have the opportunity to see it in action.

Russell’s preferred options elsewhere

Russell would rather fight one of the huge name fighters at 140 pounds like Richardson Hitchins. He repeatedly called for IBF champion Hitchins for a unification fight and was ignored each time. Hitchins lost to Antuanne four times in amateur competition. No wonder he showed no willingness to take up challenges.

Another player Russell called up is Lamont Roach. Although he expressed interest in fighting him, his failure to defeat WBC interim welterweight champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz on December 6 delayed any chance for Roach to fight Russell. Roach and Cruz fought to a 12-round draw.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Boxing

Bill Haney commented on the Keyshawn Davis situation, says Shakur Stevenson’s fight is the most significant

Published

on

Image: Bill Haney Addresses Keyshawn Davis Situation, Says Shakur Stevenson Fight Comes First

“This man said he wanted the number 144,” Bill told Fight Hub TV. “He said, ‘We’ve got to sit down like businessmen and make this happen,’ right? Well, we’ve already sat down like businessmen. We’re ready to make it happen.”

Elder Haney also rejected suggestions that the catchweight proposal would represent a sudden change of plans.

“It’s not so sudden. 144 is a welterweight. Are you crazy or what?” Haney said. “At welterweight, we range from 140 to 147.”

As the conversation turned to Keyshawn Davis and his position as a top contender for the WBO title, Haney repeatedly pointed to what he believed to be a better opportunity.

“What is the most significant boxing fight going on right now?” Haney asked. “Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney.”

Haney acknowledged that Davis remains part of the bigger picture, but pointed out that Stevenson’s matchup has been years in the making.

“This case has been brewing for seven, eight, nine, 10 years, whatever it was,” Haney said. “Just rest and we’ll get it done. He’s on the list. He was on the list before he was on the list, and he’ll stay on the list.”

Time will tell if the fight comes to fruition, but Bill Haney’s comments were perhaps the strongest indication yet that Team Haney is sedate about racing Stevenson at the proposed catchweight of 144 pounds.

The situation could become more complicated if the WBO formally orders Haney to fulfill his mandatory obligation to Davis. Until then, it appears the Haneys are turning their attention to what they believe is the biggest fight available.

Youtube video

Continue Reading

Boxing

Oscar De La Hoya says Gervonta Davis doesn’t deserve to have an undefeated record before her comeback

Published

on

Oscar De La Hoya says that Gervonta Davis does not deserve undefeated record ahead of comeback

Oscar De La Hoya believes Gervonta Davis’ professional record should see a loss ahead of his potential comeback fight.

It is said that the 31-year-old is in negotiations for a fight for the WBA lightweight title with Floyd Schofield Jr, offering “Tank” the opportunity to regain his elderly belt.

Davis defended his world title after: controversial draw with Lamont Roach in March 2025, but has since become the sanctioning body’s “halt champion” at 135 pounds.

This is partly due to his passivity, but also to the American’s problems outside the ring, where he faced accusations of domestic violence.

However, it currently appears that Davis could return to action soon, with a potential fight with Schofield set for September or October.

These negotiations involve Schofield’s promoter, Golden Boy boss De La Hoya, who insists that “Tank” should suffer his first professional defeat in the match against Roach.

Their match ended in a draw after referee Steve Willis ruled against a knockdown in round nine when Davis clearly touched the canvas following a shot by Roach.

As a result, De La Hoya said Fighting Hub TV that Roach should have back-to-back victories over “Tank” and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, whom he boxed in December to a less controversial draw.

“Roach is a great fighter in his own right. He has some really good wins under his belt. I say he wins because I think he really won against ‘Tank’ Davis and I think he did a great job against ‘Pitbull.’

If Davis and Schofield’s respective teams are unable to reach an agreement by June 22, their mandate quarterback will be sent to a bidding hearing.

Continue Reading

Boxing

Shakur Stevenson accuses Devin Haney of ‘false public negotiations’ after £144 settlement

Published

on

Image: Shakur Stevenson Accuses Devin Haney of "Fake Public Negotiations" After 144-Pound Agreement

Potential negotiations between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have taken another public turn after Stevenson accused his rival of engaging in “false public negotiations” following Haney’s latest comments on social media.

Haney appeared frustrated after previously agreeing to Stevenson’s proposed catchweight of 144 pounds, suggesting that even accepting those terms did not bring the fight any closer to becoming a reality.


“144 is not enough…I still don’t want to fight! Damn…@ShakurStevenson,” Haney wrote X.

Shakur later responded by dismissing this public exchange as a impoverished reflection of how main event fights actually unfold.

“The same thing you all did with Rolly. All those counterfeit public negotiations… The real negotiations take place offline.” I am the truth that you will see when you stand before me!!” Shakur posted.

Shakiur previously considered 144 pounds to be a fair compromise in a potential showdown with Haney, who has competed at welterweight in his most recent outings. Haney then signaled his willingness to accept the catchweight offer, sparking optimism that one of boxing’s most talked-about fights could gain momentum.

The latest exchange came shortly after the WBO confirmed that Haney must either defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis or risk losing the belt. While neither Haney nor Stevenson directly addressed the situation in their recent posts, the article did add another note to any future negotiations involving the former two-division world champions.

With Haney facing a WBO title decision and Shakur insisting that stern negotiations will take place behind closed doors, the pressure is now on both camps to determine whether the fight can go beyond an online exchange.

Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter

Related boxing news:

Categories Devin Haney, Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson

Last update: 2026/06/12 at 21:45

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