Boxing
Will Ryan Garcia win the title of world champion? What is the state of the 175 pounds ward?
Published
1 year agoon
The lightweight heavyweight department has been dominated by two fighters in the last few years, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. After two fights between them, the result is 1-1, so it makes sense to complete the trilogy. However, WBC ordered Bivol to fight the short-lived champion David Benavidez, a decision that prompted Bivol to give up this belt when he ends his competition with Beterbiv. So what is the condition of the 175-pound division? Will Benavidez get a shot in the undisputed championship?
On May 2, there is also a boxing card at Times Square in Fresh York, entitled Three great fights. Ryan Garcia will face Rolando Romero in the main event in the welterweight. The former champion of the welterweight champion, Devin Haney, rises up to face the former united champion Jose Ramirez. And the WBO Junior Master Internal Teofimo Lopez will face these short-lived champion Arnold Barboza Jr. Even with all these wonderful names on the card, can there be better duels? Garcia is this event, but he has never won or fought for a vast world championship title. Can one win?
Many good, newborn boxers climb the rankings in search of the possibilities of the world title, but who is the best of them that has not won the championship?
The unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has two good options for his next defense of the title. He could fight the short-lived letter WBO Joseph Parker or IBF champion Daniel Dubois, whom Usyk has already defeated KO in August 2023. Which duel is the best fight?
Andreas Hale and Nick Parkinson divide their thoughts on these topics.
What is the condition of a lightweight heavyweight division after dismantling Dmitry Bivol?
He got stuck in neutral.
You must feel bad with Benavidez. He did everything in his power to fight Canelo Alvarez in Super Middle Libra and it failed. When it became clear that Canelo was not interested in the fight, the “Mexican monster” moved to a lightweight heavyweight and defeated Oleksandra Gvozdyk and David Morrell to get the opportunity to face the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol Rematch. But this fight is not happening for Benevidez in the near future after Bivol decided to leave the title to continue fighting the trilogy with Beterbiew, not with Benavidez. This is simply not a good look for the best weighty division when Optics suggests that nobody wants to fight Benavidez.
While the rubber match between Bivol and Beterbiev is a great fight, it’s time to mix and let the deserved Benavidez face the best in the division. Blocking him from these possibilities, ignoring that he has rightly deserved to fight Bivol, does not bode well for the health of the division. What should Benavidez do while Bivol and Beterbiev come up with it? Then he could fight Callum Smith or Joshua Batsi, but this is a loss of his time. The lightweight division of heavyweight grounds the warrior with the huge potential of the star after escaping. Bivol and Beterbiev can have a third fight at any time, so let’s see what Benavidez is of what the rest of the division can move.
Would you like to see a better duel between the warriors on the Times Square card on May 2?
With the former heavyweight world champion, Tyson Fury, currently retired, Lopez and Garcia are probably the biggest mouth of boxing, and the duel between them would guarantee the entertainment construction and sale of Pay-Per-View.
But they meet with various opponents in Fresh York – and then they can be further. Garcia will face Romero in the main event, and Lopez defended his WBO welterweight belt before Barboza on the same unique card. The narrative is that if Garcia and Haney win, they meet in the October rematch in Saudi Arabia. But many fight fans would prefer to see Lopez vs. instead Garcia for the title of world champion. It would be a greater fight than planned for them on May 2.
Lopez vs. Garcia has the potential to be interested in the hardcore of sport. Boxing needs events to bring recent viewers, and this is one of the largest available fights to make.
Both, especially Garcia, have huge observations in social media: Garcia has 12.1 million followers on Instagram compared to 993 0000 Lopez. This is the east coast (Lopez comes from Fresh York) vs. West Coast (Garcia comes from California).
Lopez recently hit Barboza during a press conference to promote their fight, and asked what he would do if Lopez did the same, Garcia replied: “I would try to kill him.”
They will inevitably face each other – it’s a bit as a shame that this is not on the Times Square for such a memorable occasion.
Will Ryan Garcia ever win the title of world champion?
Yes.
Garcia had an intriguing career to see her slightly. Although he is much more known for his antics outside the ring, he is one of the few warriors with what I like to call the “Oscar de la Hoya mentality”, where he wants to fight the greatest and best available opponents. Of course, this did not work against Gervont “Tank” by Davis, and the jury still does not have how Garcia would cope in winning in the decision – later he changed to a lack of competition – against Haney, if he did not go on weight and could not be tested by drugs. But Garcia is only 26 years elderly and is still improving. His sports ability is impossible to overlook, and this destructive left hook is one of the worst blows in boxing.
He will probably have a huge rematch with Haney if their rivals win their fights on May 2. But even if he is not in the state of Haney, Garcia will probably find a fight for the title of world champion with someone who is not one of the best pound fighters for pounds in the world. Few expect Unified Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis long with 147 pounds, although it can extend his trip to fighting Garcia. But if Ennis leaves, Garcia should be favored against any of the current 147 pounds. Garcia will finally win the title of world champion; It’s just a matter of time.
Do you prefer to see Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker or Vs. Daniel Dubois?
Dubois introduces a higher knockout threat and better potential for pay sales than Parker than Parker, and is also a competing world champion. For these reasons, Dubois is a more attractive fight for Usyk in June.
Fighting Dubois gives Usyk the opportunity to become a heavyweight champion undisputed again – the owner of all four world titles. The Ukrainian had to give up the IBF belt last year to make a rematch with Tyson Fury, but he could regain it in a rematch with Dubois.
Although Usyk definitely won the meeting in August 2023. In the 9th round, Dubois complained that he should have won the knocking out earlier in the fight. Instead, it was said that Dubois threw a low blow in round 5, and Usyk could have been a long time to recover what he did, and then began to knock out Dubois. It was the second defense of the Usyk heavyweight title and said that he was planning another two fights before joining the Fury in retirement.
Dubois quickly enlivened his career after losing to Usyk, stopping Anthony Joshu in the first defense of the IBF belt at the best exhibition in September. But he had to withdraw from the planned fight with the Parker in February because of illness.
Parker is in good shape, with decision -making victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, but it contains opponents, instead of overwhelming them, and intends to miss the fight with Usyk the next.
Dubois began aggressively against Utyk in his fight, and then looked sensational, getting rid of Joshui last year. This is not only the title Londoner, which makes him the best warrior for Uyk Next.
The best warrior in boxing who has not yet won the title of the world is …
Andy Cruz.
I was tempted to go with an undefeated pretender to the super medium weight of Diego Pasteco, but it is complex to look beyond the amateur recognition of Cruz and what the newborn lightweight in her miniature professional career showed. Pakco has some defensive shortcomings – namely the stopping of the left hook – that he will have to improve. 29-year-old Cruz was extremely decorated in amateur ranks with a 140-9 record, including four wins over the current WBO Lightweight champion, Keyshawn Davis.
Cuban style Cruza also translated well in the ranks of Pro with good leg work, an lively stab with brisk reflexes and excellent range control. He waste little time to move in lightweight ranks, and the collision with Davis seems likely. He did not have the opportunity to test against the upper half of the division, but the rumor from Hironori Mishiro in the title IBF Eliminator may bring him closer to the fight for the title of world champion.
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Boxing
Who is Flora Pili? Everything you need to know about Katie Taylor’s latest opponent
Published
32 minutes agoon
June 5, 2026
Katie Taylor’s swan song opponent in Croke Park has left many scratching their heads wondering who exactly is Flora Pili?
The Irish phenom currently holds the IBF, WBO and WBA world titles, but as a “retired” WBC champion, she will also face Pili for the full green and gold belts.
This is because Sandy Ryan, currently the WBC champion on hiatus, will take a break from the sport during her pregnancy, giving Taylor a chance to become a three-time undisputed champion.
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old’s way to a successful farewell fight is Pili, who represents a somewhat unexpected opponent of one of the all-time greats.
Was Flora Pili a successful amateur?
Most importantly, Pili became a French youth champion and won the senior national title in 2015 and 2019 respectively, and also competed in several international tournaments during her amateur career.
Interestingly, she fought in the international round-robin tournament in Dublin, only to lose in 2017 to extremely talented amateurs Kellie Harrington and Irma Testa.
Pili also lost to Lucy Wildheart during her free campaign, only it was in 2016 and could not be used as ammunition against her professional credibility.
What are Flora Pili’s professional accolades?
Pili boasts a professional record of 12-0 (2 KOs), but most of her appearances have come against constrained opposition, at least compared to the level at which Taylor competed.
However, she overcame a split decision against Silvia Bortot to win the 2023 European title, and her last outing resulted in a majority points win over Jelena Janicijevic in December for the IBO belt.
Where does Flora Pili rank among the sanctioning bodies?
Pili is a top contender in both the WBC and IBF, while the WBA ranks her No. 4 in the super lightweight rankings.
The 28-year-old has clearly earned her high places in the rankings, overtaking Janicijevic, who showed a great performance in the 10-round fight.
Boxing
Zuffa Boxing 07 debuts in the UK: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki preview
Published
3 hours agoon
June 5, 2026
On Saturday, June 6, Zuffa Boxing will host its first event on British soil, when former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith will face Canadian Ryan Rozicki at the Bournemouth International Centre. The card, billed as Zuffa Boxing 07, airs live Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States and Canada. The main card starts at 7 p.m., with walk-ins scheduled for the main event at around 10 p.m.
The event is the first UK edition of Zuffa Boxing, a promotion created by TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment company Sela and run by Dana White, Nick Khan and General Entertainment Authority CEO Turki Alalshikh. according to ESPN. This follows a multi-year broadcasting deal between Zuffa and Sky Sports announced in March.
Main event
Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KO) returns to his hometown for his first fight in over a year. The Bournemouth fighter held the WBO cruiserweight title in 2023 and 2024 before losing it, and has fought at the Bournemouth International Center several times before. He is coached by Shane McGuigan, who stated in promotional materials released for the card that Billam-Smith is constantly improving. Billam-Smith also said a future meeting with cruiserweight champion Zuffa Jai Opetaia influenced his decision to sign with the promotion, telling Sky Sports the fight “will definitely happen.”
Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KO), of Sydney Forks, Nova Scotia, has one of the highest strike rates on the card. He has been a professional since 2016 and his record since 2016 is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts, with 18 of his stoppages coming within three rounds. The cruiserweight fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.
Cooperation and fight in the heavyweight division
In a 10-round cruiserweight fight, Jack Massey (23-3, 13 KO) will face Chev Clarke (11-2, 8 KO). In the preliminary stage of the gala, the return of two-time Olympic bronze medalist from Kazakhstan Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KO) heavyweight against undefeated Briton Harvey Dykes (7-0-1). The 180 cm elevated Dychko is fighting for the first time since his defeat to Jermaine Franklin in September 2025. Dykes turned professional in 2023 after winning super heavyweight gold at the English National Amateur Championships.
British signatures to the bill
The card also features several recent Zuffa signings making their debuts with the organization, including Scotland’s Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO), welterweight Alex MacMillan (3-0, 2 KO) and lightweight heavyweight Leon Hughes (4-0, 3 KO). Hickey won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as an amateur and turned professional under the guidance of Team GB performance director Rob McCracken.
Full card
- Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KO) vs. Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KO), cruiserweight, 10 rounds
- Jack Massey (23-3, 13 KO) vs. Chev Clarke (11-2, 8 KO), cruiserweight, 10 rounds
- Lee Cutler (15-2, 7 KO) vs. Aaron Sutton (19-2, 3 KO), middleweight, 10 rounds
- Stevie McKenna (15-1, 14 KO) vs. Casey James Streeter (15-3-2, 6 KO), middleweight, 8 rounds
- Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Todd Tompkins (4-0), middleweight, 6 rounds
- Harvey Dykes (7-0-1) vs Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KO), heavyweight, 10 rounds
- Leon Hughes (4-0, 3 KO) vs. Mario Vergiev (8-4, 5 KO), lightweight heavyweight, 6 rounds
- Alex MacMillan (3-0, 2 KO) vs. Tyler Rivers (6-3), welterweight, 6 rounds
The three-fight preliminary card begins at 5 p.m., with the main card following at 7 p.m.
Boxing
Ryan Garcia wants to train with Naoya Inoue in Tokyo and broadcast it live
Published
5 hours agoon
June 5, 2026
My plan in Tokyo is to do some training with Inoue. That would be great!!!!! And stream it
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) June 5, 2026
The proposed sessions would bring together two world champions from different weight categories. Ryan currently holds the WBC welterweight title and Inoue is the undisputed junior featherweight champion.
A notable part of Ryan’s post was his willingness to stream workouts.
One of the things Ryan mentioned in his X post was his desire to stream workouts. Ryan didn’t say whether he would bring the idea to Naoya to see if he agreed with it or not, nor did he give a date when he would train with the Japanese star.
At this stage, Ryan’s comments appear to reflect purpose rather than final findings. Although he has publicly outlined the plan, Inoue has not announced any potential training session.
If training takes place, they will bring together champions separated by more than 20 pounds in weight. Ryan is fighting in the welterweight division, and Inoue is building his championship streak in the junior featherweight division.
The idea remains one Ryan hopes to implement during his visit to Tokyo, with the added possibility of giving fans a glimpse of the session via livestream.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reports focus on the most essential fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.
Who is Flora Pili? Everything you need to know about Katie Taylor’s latest opponent
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