Conor McGregor took over James DeGale’s victory in his bare-knuckle debut, turning the Olympic champion’s hard-fought victory into a footnote.“
The Olympic gold medalist and former IBF world champion was thrown straight into a rancorous bloodbath with Matt Floyd in Manchester. There was hostility from the opening bell as both men threw punches with bad intentions and little respect for the rules.
Chaos and controversy in the Bareknuckle Ring
DeGale hit the canvas in the third round, just seconds after Floyd was docked two points for an intentional headbutt. The punishment didn’t end there. An overzealous referee then deducted two more points from Floyd for a sickening low blow that left the Londoner wincing.
Even as DeGale regrouped, the referee’s patience wore skinny, leading to a point deduction for DeGale himself in the fourth quarter. But the official’s repeated warnings most affected Floyd, whose resentment-fueled aggression repeatedly exceeded the boundaries of established rules.
Liverpool’s voices added fuel to the fire, with Lee Boyce and Tony Bellew shouting from opposite sides, adding fuel to an already toxic atmosphere.
After the final bell, the scorecards showed chaos: twice 48-43 and 47-44, which gave DeGale a unanimous decision and a 1-0 start in the bare-knuckle competition. It was a bloody and bruising initiation that showed the Olympic hero’s ability to survive in extreme conditions in which he was uncomfortable.
However, instead of focusing on DeGale’s resilience, BKFC co-owner Conor McGregor hijacked the post-fight narrative.
DeGale complained about Floyd’s soiled tactics, but his moment was drowned out by McGregor, who refused to allow anyone to speak. The UFC star shared a touching tribute to Ricky Hatton and was heard during interviews. He then took in the aftermath as if the night were his own.
Every time DeGale or Floyd tried to reference the brutal fight they had just had, McGregor would interject, reeking of a man desperately trying to keep every camera lens on him.
It was a winning but tainted debut for DeGale – a hard-earned victory that should cement his place in the BKFC spotlight. Instead, it became the latest chapter in McGregor’s relentless quest to dominate at every stage, even when the blood and sweat belonged to someone else.
The views expressed in this article are those of Phil Jay.
About the author
Phil Jay is a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing NewsJay has interviewed dozens of world champions AND reported at ringside during the most essential boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis will meet tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where two undefeated world champions will fight for the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles.
Zayas is defending his WBO and first WBA title for the second time, while Ennis is moving up from welterweight in a bid to become a two-weight ruler.
World Boxing News brings you live scores and updates from Brooklyn throughout the evening.
Live scorecards:
• Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cedeno
• Emiliano Vargas vs. Bryce Mills
• Ben Whittaker vs. Richard Rivera
• Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis (including round-by-round)
Scores by Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis
Times are local – ET
00:11
Jaron “Boots” Ennis defeated Xander Zayas in seven rounds to become the unified WBA and WBO super welterweight champion in Brooklyn.
Ennis dropped Zayas in the first round, then survived a dramatic rally in the third round in which the previously undefeated champion hurt him with several demanding shots.
The momentum dropped significantly in the fifth quarter when Ennis knocked out Zayas with a crushing uppercut.
After dominating the sixth puck, Ennis forced Zayas to kneel at the start of the seventh puck, prompting the referee to wave his hand and stop the fight.
22:43
Emiliano Vargas remained undefeated after stopping Bryce Mills in the fourth round after a dominant display in the shootout.
Vargas controlled most of the contest, although Mills had his moments in return. He won the first two rounds 10-9 before scoring a knockdown in the third and taking a frame 10-8.
The end came in the fourth period when Vargas dropped Mills twice to force a stoppage and seal an impressive TKO victory.
21:55
Ben Whittaker he defeated Richie Rivera with a crushing left hook in the second round after dropping “Popeye The Sailor Man” in the opening session.
Rivera has proven to be more than just routine work for the British lithe heavyweight, who now desperately needs a tougher test after another impressive stoppage win.
21:50
Ben Whittaker and Richie Rivera in the ring.
21:23
Jahi Tucker he achieved a majority decision victory over Euri Cedeno after ten rounds of competition, continuing his middleweight career.
Tucker took control early before Cedeno fought his way back into contention in the middle rounds. However, Tucker finished the fight as the stronger of the two, winning the final four rounds on the WBN card and securing a well-deserved verdict.
The official judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 98-92, giving Tucker the majority win. WBN cards 98-92.
20:53
A barnstorm is heating up for the first fight on the Pay Per View card between Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno.
19:56
Dennis Thompson defeated Edwin Rodriguez from Puerto Rico by split decision in a close fight. Thompson rose to a gripping challenge and earned the verdict after eight rounds.
The judges scored the fight 79-73 and 77-75 in his favor, while the third judge scored it 77-75 for Rodriguez.
The victory gave Thompson a 1-0 lead for Philadelphia over Puerto Rico.
19:43
Dennis Thompson and Edwin Rodriguez go toe-to-toe in their super bantamweight bout.
19:14
Quincey Williams they remained undefeated with a dominant 79-73 unanimous decision over the hard-wearing Jerome Baxter after eight rounds.
18:35
Quincey Williams 6-0 starts his fight against Jerome Baxter 8-1 in the welterweight division.
On the card too Juanma Lopez DeJesus it took just over two minutes to beat Alberto Motos.
Boxing in the match room
Announcement
Zayas and Ennis meet over twelve rounds for the WBO and WBA super welterweight world titles in one of the biggest fights of the year in boxing.
The undefeated champions will headline the highest level competition and boxing competition held at the Barclays Center under the jurisdiction of the Up-to-date York State Athletic Commission.
The main support will be Ben Whittaker’s defense of his WBC Silver lithe heavyweight title against Richard Rivera following his victory over Liam Cameron.
Undefeated Emiliano Vargas also returns against Bryce Mills, while Jahi Tucker and Euri Cedeno fight for the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA and WBO NABO middleweight titles.
Elsewhere on the card, Quincey Williams will face Jerome Baxter, Dennis Thompson will face Edwin Rodriguez and Juanma Lopez De Jesus will open the action against Alberto Motos.
Updates will be added below as the action unfolds in Brooklyn, with more live coverage on World Boxing News.
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. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported in-ring performances. Read the full biography.
Oscar Collazo remained undefeated and won the WBO International flyweight title on Saturday night with a devastating two-round victory over Neider Valdez.
The unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight champion improved to 15-0 with 12 knockouts after defeating Valdez three times before Mexico’s corner stopped the fight at 2:35 of the second round.
Making his final appearance at 112 pounds, Collazo showed his strength immediately transferred to the upper division, defeating Valdez from the opening bell at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
The Puerto Rican striker repeatedly found a home for his left hand and left no doubt about the outcome before the fight was called off.
“I felt great at 112 pounds. I love this division. In fact, I want to stay here for a long time,” Collazo said.
Knockdowns
Collazo admitted that he had already called for the fight to be stopped.
“After the third knockdown I was basically saying, ‘Never again, never again’. It was the right decision for his safety. His corner was well checked.
Cris Esqueda | Golden Boy
The victory added another belt to Collazo’s collection and enhanced his growing reputation as one of boxing’s most invigorating champions in the lower weight division.
Looking ahead, Collazo has made it clear who he wants next.
“The fight with Ricardo Sandoval definitely interests me. I really want that fight. I’m ready for gigantic fights. I’m ready to make history. That’s the fight I want next.”
Sandoval currently holds the WBA flyweight title, making this one of the most attractive fights available if Collazo continues his climb in weight.
The event was broadcast live on DAZN and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in partnership with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
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. Since 2010, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives and reported on ring performances. Read the full biography.
World Boxing News has archived the biggest boxing results from April 2026, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Conor Benn, Tenshin Nasukawa, Alycia Baumgardner, Ben Whittaker, Jarrell Miller and Skye Nicolson.
The month featured major action in the heavyweight division, title fights in multiple divisions, and several notable performances from emerging contenders and established world champions.
Below is the complete archive of WBN’s April 2026 boxing results, including links to fight reports, scorecards and live coverage where available.
April 29
Skye Nicolson defeated Mariah Turner UD
April 25
Jarrell Miller defeated Lenier Pero UD | Report and results
April 18
Ben Whittaker defeated Brian Sanchez KO1 | Scorecard and results
April 17
Alicja Baumgardner defeated Bo Mi Re Shin UD | Report and results
Lani Daniels defeated Shadasia Green TKO9 | Report
MMA2 days ago
uncategorized2 days ago
uncategorized2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
uncategorized1 day ago
uncategorized1 day ago
uncategorized1 day ago