Boxing
True or not boxing: Joshua vs. Paul? Can Pacquiao win the title?
Published
7 months agoon
Nick Ball is the third defense of his WBA featherweight title against Sam Goodman on August 16. While Ball is the second longest prevailing champion in the division, or he can win with Goodman, crowning him as a warrior No. 1 who beat 126 pounds?
Oleksandr Usyk is fresh from the impressive KO from the fifth round of Daniel Dubois on July 19, to unite heavyweight titles, but WBO has already ordered Utcun to face the mandatory pretender Joseph Parker. It is expected that Usyk will fight Tyson Fury in the trilogy next year, but if he first refuses to face Parker, he will have to give up the WBO belt and will no longer be the undisputed champion. What will Usyk do?
The unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who lost to Uyk twice, tries to return after losing KO in the fifth round of Dubois twice. He decided on the long -awaited fight with the English fury compatriot or a thunderous fight with YouTube, which is Jake Paul, who said that the fight would “take place”. However, the chance to fight Tony Yoka in a duel between British Olympic gold medalists from boxing is also very intriguing for Joshua. Will this fight be the melody he needs?
Another former Master, Manny Pacquiao, returned to the ring on July 19 after four -year retirement and fought with the WBA WBA HEADE Master Mario Barrios. The 46 -year -old Pacquiao looked impressive and after the fight he called WBA Master Rolando “Rome”. Can he win the title in a crowded 147-pound division?
And Master WBO Junior D WADZKA WEFRESIBLE Teofimo Lopez has the next IBF Richardson Hitchins champion. Can Lopez unite lanes and aim at other masters in the division, wanting to become the undisputed champion in the second weight class?
Here are the answers to those burning questions, offered to separate what is real and what is not.
Real or not: Oleksandr Usyk will fight Joseph Parker
0:42
Usyk breaks Dubois to become a heavyweight champion of unquestioning
Oleksandr Usyk breaks Daniel Dubois in round 5 to become the world champion again in ponderous weight again.
True. With the deep pockets of the Riyadh season Apparently uninterested In the staging of Usyk vs. Parker, a compulsory pretender WBO, Uyk must either take a salary with another promoter, or wait for the fury to return in 2026. If the Utyk was to wait, he would have to abandon the WBO belt so that the Ukrainian probably continues to fight Parker. A good idea may be to keep a fight at the indoor football stadium in Germany, closer to Ukraine than Riyadh.
Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, former heavyweight champions, who also come from Ukraine, had most of their fights in places in Germany, which borders with Poland, where there is a gigantic Ukrainian population. Usyk also fought many times in Great Britain, recently in the fifth round of KO from Dubois at the London Wembley stadium on July 19. But the place in Great Britain to fight Usyk-Parker would cause lower interest; It is challenging to imagine two non-British fighters attracting 60,000 people, even if Usyk is considered the best ponderous weight of the last two decades.
If Parker is his last opponent, do not be surprised if the fight takes place in Germany or Poland at the end of this year. Parker is the strongest current contender for Utyk and the best duel for the undisputed master.
Real or not: Nick Ball should be No. 1 in a featherweight
It is not real. In some divisions it is quite an uncomplicated call to who the boss is. Usyk in ponderous weight, Nayya Inoue at Junior Feather Wweight, Canelo Alvarez in Super Middle Wweight – there are no arguments there. But with a featherweight, it is debatable about who is sitting at the top.
Although there is a sturdy possibility that the ball retains its WBA title on August 16 against Goodman (Ball is a favorite, according to the ESPN plant), even KO would not be enough for the ball to be widely considered warrior No. 1 in the Penage Science Division. To achieve this status, he must defeat one of the other masters. Goodman accelerates the division and fought only once last year. The Australian is not a banner or former world champion, and Ball from Liverpool in England should make a third defense at a distance.
But some think WBO Master Rafael Espinosis, who won 23 out of 27 KO fights or the title owner of WBC Stephen Fulton Superior from Ball. Espinosis not only has a gigantic KO ratio, but at 6 feet-1, also towers over 5-2 ball. Espinosis is extremely high for a featherweight and in the last two fights, Stoppage over Robeisa Ramirez and Edward Vazquez wins. Ball must do more to get everyone voting as number 1 at 126 pounds.
Real or not: Another opponent of Anthony Joshu will not be Jake Paul or Tyson Fury
True. From northern London there are sturdy rumors that Joshua, a former world champion in ponderous weight, will face Tony Yoka – not Paul or Fury – then. Speculation has carried out that Joshua would face Paul, YouTube, who turned around, after Paul’s comments during the fight Uyk vs. Dubois.
“It will happen,” said Paul during an interview about Dazna. “So drink seat belts or anything else, and when I knock it out, I go to historical books forever.”
Eddie Hearn, promoter Joshua, held talks with the Paul team and excitedly spoke about the possibilities of a record number of income in the fight, which was ridiculous recently.
“AJ-Paul is never a fight we expected, and it is never a fight we targeted,” said Hearn Sky Sports News after the fight with Usyk-Dubois.
“But if you want Jake Paul to be a toasty -up for a fury – and you want to provide the opportunity to extinguish Jake Paul from the world of boxing – then Joshua would commit herself.”
Joshua, who is recovering after the elbow surgery, suggested that 2026 would be his last year in boxing, and his most critical priorities will finally secure the fight against Fury and Paul.
“I signed twelve years ago with you,” Joshua wrote in a post on social media directed in WW last week at Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. “And 12 years later I will throw the last blow with you.”
Joshua is coming down in September the defeat of the 5th round of Dubois, and the clash of contrary to Yoka – a colleague with the Olympic gold medalist heavyweight (Joshua in 2012, Yoka in 2016) – can restore his momentum.
This fight would also provide Hearn and Joshua, time to secure the contract with Paul at the beginning of 2026. It was an eye -catching event would pave the way to fight Fury in the second half of 2026.
Real or not: Manny Pacquiao will win the title fight again
2:05
Pacquiao ready to fight again
After the fight with Mario Barrios with most draws, Manny Pacquiao says he has not yet done.
Probably true. With proper creation, the Pacquiao boxing legend can avoid hazardous men in welterweight and fight the opponent that he can still overcome. When Master WBA, Jaron “Boots” Ennis up and ultimately leaves his title, there will be the possibilities of 46-year-old Pacquiao.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero, a regular owner of WBA titles, takes the best unanimous career, winning in Ryan Garcia in May and would be an opponent of high risk for Pacquiao because of his intensity and aggression. Pacman should also stay away from Brian Norman Jr., WBO master, taking into account his current form. Norman produced the best KO from 2025, when in May he recommended Jin Sasaki with his left hook. The rematch with WBC Master Mario Barrios, after their draw of July 19, would be another arduous task for Pacquiao, but one of the safer options. Pacquiao began well in this fight and was overtaken on the results cards, but lost the last three rounds against Barrios, who is 16 years younger than him.
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will fight for the free IBF title on September 13, and if Pacquiao can be set in a queue to fight the winner, it would be his best chance to become a champion again.
Nobody wants to see Pacquiao, the only eight -person world champion in boxing, ultimately like Sasaki, but if the Pacquiao team can lead him towards the IBF belt, there may be a fairytale ending of the extraordinary career of the Filipinos.
Real or not: Teofimo Lopez will unite titles against Richardson Hitchins
True. If Lopez, a WBO -secondary weight master, continues the form of his latest fight and improves his strategy, he should be able to defeat Hitchins, the IBF titles holder. If this struggle for the title of union occurs, Lopez must remain disciplined and break away from Witriol, which is already brewing on social media.
Leaving the round of George Cambosos Jr., Hitchins will try to lure Lopez to a fight. But if Lopez is able to stick to glossy movement and boxing, his quick combinations and original crime will give him enough rounds to win a decision against Hitchins.
Lopez returned to the best when in May he is not appointed by Arnold Barboz Jr. After a disappointing exhibition against Steve Claggett in June 2024, when Lopez boxes and moves as he did his time, and when he overtook Vasiliy Lomachenko (2020) and Josh Taylor (2023), he is a can beyond anyone, and he did not overtake Vasiliy Lomakenko (2020) and Josh Taylor (2023).
It is true that Lopez lost his divided decision from Cambosos in 2021, and Hitchins definitely coped with the Australian last month. But ordinary opponents are not always a reliable predictor, especially when it comes to inconsistent Lopez. Lopez will not have motivation in the fight against other Recent Yorker Hitchins, a hazardous opponent who, if he can impress, will not only win another belt, but also boost his profile and potential to become the most critical attraction of boxing.
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Boxing
Jai Opetai’s undisputed dream lives on as the IBF releases a fresh statement regarding the status of the title
Published
2 hours agoon
March 10, 2026
A fresh twist has been revealed in the story of Jai Opetai and the IBF cruiserweight title.
Last week it was reported that Opetaia was to be stripped of his IBF belt after the opening bell of his planned fight with Brandon Glanton on Sunday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, due to the fact that the fight was also for Zuffa’s inaugural belt.
Nevertheless, Opetaia continued his fight and declared a unanimous decision victory over Glanton extend their undefeated record to 30-0.
After the fight, Opetaia once again shared his desire to become undisputed in the cruiserweight division, and it appears he has been given the opportunity to do just that as – announced the IBF in a statement that they have not yet made a final decision to strip him of the title.
“Jai Opetaia made comments during the post-fight press conference that led the organization’s leadership to question whether his advisors fully and fully made him aware of the decisions he had to make in deciding to fight Brandon Glanton. The organization intends to take a closer look at this matter.”
The statement also included a mighty response to claims that they had decided not to sanction the fight due to feelings of “disrespect” in the run-up to the fight.
“The IBF categorically denies any suggestion or claim that it deliberately withdrew sanctions to cause harm. The IBF sanctioned the Opetaia vs. Glanton fight in good faith, expecting what was assured to happen.”
“The press conference held on March 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, made it clear that the inaugural Zuffa World Cruiserweight Championship would be held on March 8.
“The IBF, as previously stated on March 6, reserves the right to sanction title fights along with other sanctioning bodies that adhere to the same regulations that the IBF follows, and reserves the right to sanction title fights along with other fights that prepare the IBF cruiserweight title remains a subject of discussion.”
The final outcome as to whether Opetaia will indeed retain her title will be revealed in due course.
“It’s analyzing how the system works on this side of the wall, in the States, and then it will make its own move,” Nelson told iFL TV. “He only wants one belt.”
Turki Alalshikh has already become one of boxing’s most influential financial sponsors thanks to his involvement in major events. The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has helped finance several high-profile fights by working with promoters across the sport.
Nelson believes this approach could ultimately influence how the championship is organized.
For decades, boxing titles were distributed among several sanctioning bodies, with each group recognizing its own champion in the same weight class. The result is multiple belts in one category and constant debate about who is actually at the top.
Nelson indicated that Turki’s long-term interest may include simplifying this structure.
“He’s just sorting out all his ducks,” Nelson said. “He understands how everyone works.”
Turki has already shown a willingness to work with various promoters and networks in supporting major fight cards in Saudi Arabia. His involvement has helped unite fighters and promoters who often operate in separate business paths.
These partnerships included collaborations with competing promoters and broadcasters that had historically operated separately. The Saudi-backed substantial cards also attracted fighters from several promotional groups to the same event.
Nelson sees the current period as preparation for a bigger game.
Another question is whether a single-lane system could ever be implemented. The four main sanctioning bodies would continue to exist and their titles would continue to be recognized unless broadcasters chose to ignore them.
This kind of change would likely require networks like DAZN to focus exclusively on events built around the Ring Belt. For now, such a scenario seems arduous to imagine.
Turki has already become one of the main financial figures of sport. Turki has the resources to influence boxing, but turning a four-belt sport into a one-belt system would be a completely different fight.
Boxing
Derek Chisora makes his feelings clear about Conor Benn leaving Eddie Hearn for Zuffa
Published
6 hours agoon
March 10, 2026
Derek Chisora has shared his opinion on Conor Benn leaving Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and joining Dana White’s Zuffa promotion.
When it was announced last month, it was a huge shock Benn has parted ways with longtime promoter Hearn to join forces with the modern upstart company Zuffa, headed by UFC boss White.
Benn spent his entire career at Matchroom up to 2016, going through many ups and downs during that decade, including the infamous failed drug tests and two epic fights with Chris Eubank Jr last year.
He returns to action when he faces Regis Prograis in a 150 catchweight bout on April 11 at Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, for which he will reportedly receive a purse worth $15 million.
It is because of this number that heavyweight contender Chisora has no objection to Benn leaving Hearn. saying Playbook Boxing that his compatriot did the right thing.
“We both know the saying: If you want to be steadfast, you buy what? A dog. I’m not steadfast. No one is steadfast when someone comes along and says, ‘You know what?’ I will give you this much money. Come with me.”
“Let’s not try to tell ourselves that what this teenage man did was so bad. He made a good deal. If he turns it down, you’ll think, ‘Oh, you’re fools. Why did you turn it down? Oh, you’re steadfast to Eddie.’ No, fuck it, man.
Chisora must prepare for his own fight next month when he faces former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at the O2 Arena on April 4.
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