Boxing
The opponent claims that James DeGale had six sparring knockouts before winning with his bare knuckles
Published
7 months agoon
Matt Floyd claims James DeGale knocked out six sparring partners before their bare-knuckle fight, offering another look at the former world champion’s winning debut.
DeGale defeated Floyd by unanimous decision in a tumultuous BKFC fight last September, but Floyd says the performance was not representative of the level his opponent had achieved in pre-fight camp.
Six sparring knockouts
“I respect James DeGale as a boxer. He is one of the greatest boxers England has produced – an Olympic gold medalist and world champion,” Floyd said.
“Kedu Uchegbu, who managed our fight, later told me that DeGale had knocked out six sparring partners in camp and looked the best he had ever been in our fight.”
From Floyd’s account, DeGale was in great shape, even if it didn’t show that evening.
Floyd’s view of the fight
DeGale ultimately secured a unanimous decision in a brutal and often violent clash with BKFC that was shaped by point deductions, fouls and constant hostility between the two.
The Londoner fell during the fight and Floyd was disciplined multiple times because the fight threatened to go beyond the rules. Still, DeGale did enough on the scorecards to get his hand raised in his debut.
Floyd insists it was more due to his own style than any lack of sharpness on DeGale’s part.
“But because of how clumsy I am and the fighting style I pride myself in, I make the best fighters look average. Not because they are, but because of what I bring to the ring,” he explained.
“James DeGale wasn’t average tonight. I just made it look that way.”
Floyd maintained this view as he reflected on the performance.
“And I will continue to make the best fighters in the world look average. I will make the best fighters in the world not want to be there with me.”
The ambition remains
The Australian’s confidence extended beyond the fight with DeGale. Floyd recently posted a photo in which he claims to have offered identical terms to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Billy Joe Saunders and Tommy Fury as he continues to pursue high-profile opponents.
He previously told World Boxing News that a fight with Fury had been agreed for March, although the fight has yet to materialize.
Floyd also unusually pursued a showdown with Saunders, even going to a British pub to get involved in a proposed parking lot collision that never happened.
It’s unclear where Chavez Jr. fits into this equation, but Floyd’s willingness to attack established names is obvious despite DeGale’s defeat.
Confidence remains unchanged
The Australian also made it clear that the result did not change how he viewed his level.
“Not only do I make it uncomfortable – I will also beat anyone they put in front of me like I beat James DeGale and I will continue to make it look simple like I did with Chunky.”
This indicates that DeGale is in much better condition than the fight itself suggested, despite the victory.
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
6 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
10 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
11 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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