Boxing
The next step in boxing? Super Bowl halftime fight
Published
7 months agoon
Boxing is already making its way onto the sport’s biggest stages, but its next move could be the most ambitious ever.
After appearing alongside Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX, the sport has entered territory that few would have thought possible even a few years ago. The involvement of unified super welterweight champion Xander Zayas and rising prospect Emiliano Vargas raised an obvious question.
Could boxing take the next step and organize a fight during the break of the largest sporting event in the world?
Is it possible?
The Super Bowl halftime lasts about 30 minutes, much longer than the standard NFL halftime, but remains tightly controlled. This window typically allows for a performance of 12 to 14 minutes after staging and breakdowns are taken into account.
The boxing setup presents a different challenge – and potentially a more productive one. The ring can be transported to site, secured and cleaned more quickly than a full concert production with streamlined logistics.
They would likely have to be removed or significantly reduced unless the NFL grants an extension. Under current conditions, only low format competitions would fit into the existing break structure.
What might work
A conventional ten or twelve round fight would be unrealistic. A full-length fight would require at least an hour, taking into account rounds, breaks and broadcast commitments.
However, the shorter format is profitable. Competitions consisting of four rounds and two-minute rounds can be easily conducted in the current window.
By special dispensation, this may include a fight consisting of eight rounds and two-minute rounds. At this rate, the fight itself would last about 16 minutes. Reducing the breaks to 30 seconds brings the total time closer to 20 minutes.
Add five minutes for preparation, and by entering the ring simultaneously instead of conventional exits, the entire sequence could realistically fit into a 30-minute break.
In such a scenario, a tightly choreographed exhibition or star fight becomes not only possible, but also practical – provided the NFL is willing to adapt its structure to accommodate special presentations.
A precedent during the break
Combat sports have already touched the Super Bowl stage. WWE once held a match to coincide with the break, offering a version of what boxing could try if a live fight in an arena proved unfeasible.
The event, known as , aired on January 31, 1999 during Super Bowl XXXIII, after being taped a few days earlier at the Tucson Convention Center in Arizona.
Even then, the match was not broadcast live in the stadium. With halftime advertising time valued at millions of dollars, the main barrier is economics alone. The fact that WWE only tried this idea once suggests that the limitations are not only logistical, but also commercial.
In the case of boxing, this leaves an alternative. If the fight cannot take place in the arena, it can still be scheduled to coincide with the break, providing the same turning point without these restrictions.
The bigger picture
Boxing has already shown a willingness to move beyond conventional disciplines. As Saudi Arabia investigates events in places like Times Square, Alcatraz and even the Pyramids of Giza, the boundaries of where fighting can take place are rapidly expanding.
Against this backdrop, the Super Bowl becomes an obvious goal, not an outlandish idea.
The key question remains whether the NFL would ever allow the fight to be made available on its global platform. However, from a logistical point of view and with the right format, the concept is now within reach and at the right opportunity.
It may simply be a matter of time, and the first grave test may come sooner than many expect.
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.
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Boxing
Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama
Published
3 hours agoon
October 13, 2026
Daniel Dubois seeks a repeat victory over Fabio Wardley in their WBO heavyweight title clash on Saturday, and ahead of the action, fellow British heavyweight Derek Chisora has offered his final prediction for the bout.
Wardley was elevated to full WBO world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence against ‘Triple D’ at Co-Op Live in Manchester, who had lost his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in his prior outing.
Despite being floored twice in the opening three rounds, Dubois was able to bring Wardley’s reign to an early end as he bounced back to dominate proceedings, battering Wardley until referee Howard Foster waved the contest off in round 11.
Wardley absorbed an enormous amount of punishment, but he was still quick to activate his rematch clause and initiate an immediate second meeting with Dubois, in the hopes of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.
Although, whilst pursuing a win that could define his career, Chisora told talkSPORT that he believes a second encounter with Dubois could turn out to be Wardley’s career finale, anticipating an early stoppage win for the reigning WBO heavyweight champion.
“I think that this is Wardley’s last fight. I don’t think that he wants to box anymore. This is his cash out.
“After three rounds, Daniel’s going to win it by knockout.”
All will be revealed when Dubois vs. Wardley II takes place this weekend at the O2 Arena in Londonwith Michael Gomez Jr set to challenge for Louie O’Doherty’s British lightweight title in the co-main event.
Boxing
Tyson Furys Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing
Published
7 hours agoon
October 12, 2026
Paulie Malignaggi likes Tyson Fury’s style against Anthony Joshuabut only if the Gypsy King’s legs still hold up to control range. He points out that Joshua must close the distance, yet doubts AJ has the footwork required to get there.
Fury’s movement creates the main problem. If he keeps Joshua following his lead and constantly resets AJ’s rhythm, Joshua risks spending the entire night chasing shadows instead of landing meaningful shots.
“AJ has to obviously get in close,” Malignaggi told Boxing King Media. “It’s not easy against a guy with the footing of Fury, but who knows, maybe Fury’s old legs are a little slower.”
That lingering doubt stops Paulie from locking in a definitive pick. Fury understands how to dictate distance against AJ, but executing that plan across twelve rounds takes functional wheels.
If Fury has lost a step, Joshua gets a direct route into punching range without burning energy on pursuit. AJ does not need sudden speed if Fury can no longer skip away. Joshua simply has to capitalize whenever Fury sits in the pocket.
At the same time, Malignaggi remains skeptical about Joshua’s mobility.
“I think AJ’s feet are a bit cumbersome, though. So, I think the size of the ring and things like that will also matter in the fight.”
A larger ring hands Fury extra space to glide and forces Joshua to cover real estate. A tighter ring gives AJ a clear path to trap his rival, though he must cut off the ring instead of trailing behind.
Paulie’s breakdown hinges entirely on Fury’s mobility. If the legs work, Joshua’s heavy feet could leave him swinging at air. If those legs fade, AJ suddenly finds a manageable target. Malignaggi spots the stylistic edge, but he refuses to assume Fury can still pull it off. He is analyzing a long-gone version of Tyson Fury from ten years ago, not the lumbering heavyweight who actually steps into the ring today.
That 2015 night in Düsseldorf against Wladimir Klitschko might as well belong to another century. Ever since the Usyk beatdowns, the slow-motion survival against Wach, and that labored outing against Makhmudov, Fury has looked completely grounded.
The twitch reflex is gone, the lateral bounce has vanished, and his upper-body slips look like they are running through wet cement. When heavyweight legs check out, no amount of altitude running or motivational talk in Morecambe brings them back.

About the author
Boxing 24/7 Wire
Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.
Boxing
Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelos Commitment
Published
9 hours agoon
October 12, 2026
Nakisa Bidarian believes Canelo Alvarez could lose his purse if he withdraws from the October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, but might still get paid if the organizers cancel. His theory offers a financial explanation for Canelo’s commitment to fighting despite the security concerns.
“My read: Canelo is due a lot of money. If he pulls out he is no longer due that money. If the event is cancelled he is probably also due that money. Tough situation,” said Bidarian on X.
Turki Alalshikh says Canelo remains committed to fighting Mbilli in Riyadh following deadly attacks on the city’s international airport. Reuters reported that a Saturday strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with another attack on Sunday killing one person.
Bidarian’s reading gives Canelo’s willingness to proceed another possible explanation beyond the “he fears nothing” message. Under that theory, Canelo could protect his payday by remaining ready to fight and letting the organizers decide whether the event can proceed.
That would put Canelo in an awkward position. He could have concerns about traveling without wanting to formally withdraw and potentially give up a huge purse. Saying he’s available would make financial sense even if he privately preferred a postponement or a different location.
However, Bidarian hasn’t presented Canelo’s contract or identified a cancellation clause. His wording makes clear that this is his interpretation. Whether Canelo would receive payment after a cancellation remains unconfirmed.
His post also doesn’t establish that money is driving Canelo’s decision. But the public declaration that he’ll fight tells us little about the contractual consequences of refusing to travel.
There’s also an entire card to consider. Canelo saying he’s willing to fight doesn’t settle the safety and travel questions facing Mbilli, the undercard fighters, their trainers, and the event staff. They all have to get there, prepare, and work through fight week.
The organizers still have to explain how they intend to stage the event safely. Canelo’s commitment gives them a willing headliner. It doesn’t answer those questions.
About the author
Boxing 24/7 Wire
Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.
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