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Unfortunately for the ‘Nightmare’, only one of the three judges had his back. The other two couldn’t agree either, combining to create a split draw, leaving Spain’s Cristobal Lorente as the retaining champ and both men still unbeaten.

By the time they reconvene, in Glasgow’s OVO Hydro this time, on April 17, either Liam Davies or Francesco Grandelli will have the now-vacant EBU strap in possession. Lorente will be left vying for Collins’ WBC ‘Silver’ bauble.

That’s assuming, of course, that Davies and Grandelli don’t also end up in a stalemate. The Collins deadlock was, after all, Lorente’s third career draw and his second in succession. The 29-year-old Catalonian likes to leave things open to interpretation. His initial title-winning effort over the aforementioned Grandelli, in December 2024, was also pretty tight.

That victory arrived seven months after Collins had beaten Grandelli, in a competitive 12-round tussle. The point being: there’s not much between all these fighters.

Which doesn’t necessarily bode well for the Scotsman’s world title aspirations - presuming he can first find a way past Lorente and take another shuffle up the career ladder.

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In their first fight, described by promoter Frank Warren as a “cracker”, Collins started strong, appearing on course to cruise home. Lorente had other ideas, implementing a relentless workrate to tighten things up.

As this rematch serves as a final eliminator, the winner will be due a crack at Bruce Carrington’s WBC 126-pound crown.

Collins believes he has learned the lessons of that initial encounter and I agree. Expect another narrow battle, with the Bearsden southpaw pacing himself to finish stronger down the stretch.

He may even look to box and move, letting go with a more economical output to preserve the gas tank. Either way, Collins will do just enough to get over the line this time, leaving Lorente shaking his head once more.

Image credit: Queensberry Promotions.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

It took Fury a few rounds to get warmed up in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he managed to find some semblance of rhythm and timing to work out the rudimentary head rushes of Russia’s Makhmudov.

The uppercut worked well for Fury, who mauled with the beast when necessary and outboxed him from both stances. Two of the judges gave it a shutout to Fury. One judge awarded Makhmudov a single round.

The winner beckoned Anthony Joshua into the ring. Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh grabbed the mic to sort of announce the fight between AJ and Fury. It was all a bit of a fluff job, still feeling distant and up in the air.

In the heat of the moment, boxing fans don’t really want to hear Joshua’s talk of contracts and negotiations. Fury won this round of PR.

“I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua,” boomed Fury, leering over the ropes, looking a bit like his dad, John Fury.

“Let’s give the fight fans what they want: the Battle of Britain! Here’s my challenge, I challenge you, Anthony Joshua, to fight me, ‘The Gypsy King,’ next! Do you accept my challenge? Let him say yes or no now.”

Sitting nonchalantly at ringside, Joshua looked at first like he wasn’t going to speak at all. Fury roared, “shit house,” at him, asking once more for an answer. AJ’s response was calm yet sketchy and didn’t match the energy of the moment.

“Tyson, you’re a clout chaser,” responded Joshua, who then referenced their sparring sessions as youngsters.

“After watching you tonight, I’ll punch you up again. With all due respect, tonight is your night.

“You ain’t gonna tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready you come and see me, tell me your terms and conditions and I’ll have you in the ring when I’m ready.

“I’m the boss. You work for me. I’m the landlord. Remember that,” he added curiously.

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Eddie Hearn and Paulie Malignaggi speak on Conor Benn display

In the chief supporting contest, Conor Benn entered the ring, flanked by his father Nigel (eager to grab a portion of the limelight), in time for an orchestral entrance.

Benn won on points and was paid a huge amount of money, but it wasn’t pretty. Cut across both eyes, the crowd not altogether invested, Benn was unable to get rid of a static former champion whose balance had gone.

Talk of fights with the likes of Ryan Garcia, Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney already sounded fanciful. Now those suggestions just seem like comedy. He troubles none of the top welterweights.

Former promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to Boxing News after the fact. Hearn wished him well and abstained from any scathing commentary, probably because he’s open to working with Conor again.

“It was difficult because Regis couldn’t really stand up. You could tell from even the first round that his leg wasn’t…you know…but, yeah, not the best,” mumbled Hearn.

“He’s had a lot to deal with and I wish him all the best. I think he’s better up at middleweight, to be honest. I don’t think he has any power down at that weight.”

Quite why Zuffa signed Benn to a one-fight deal, only to have next to no ringside presence or input on fight night, remains a mystery.

While Hearn played it safe, former world champ Paulie Malignaggi was less than complimentary when asked on TalkSport whether he watched the fight.

“You know what guys, I’m done, I’m done…this guy’s horrible, this guy’s terrible,” blasted Malignaggi.

In other undercard action, Richard Riakporhe became a two-weight British champion, picking up the heavyweight title with a fifth-round dismissal of champion Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva. Justis Huni secured a majority decision victory over Frazer Clarke after 10 intense rounds.

Retirement for Juan Francisco Estrada after Tenshin Nasukawa loss?

Japan’s Nasukawa is on the verge of another world title crack following a coming-of-age dismantling of the significantly smaller Estrada, who was made to look like a tentative old man in Tokyo. Southpaw Tenshin dominated proceedings before the Mexican’s corner found a compassionate route out.

Osleys Iglesias beats Pavel Silyagin, picks up vacant strap

A patient yet potent display from the Cuban who beat up Silyagin to win the vacant IBF super-middleweight title. Iglesias, who can punch and box, will be a handful for any of the other champions.

No fuss for Vito Mielnicki Jr., who locks out Omar Ulises Huerta

Nothing too stressful for Mielnicki Jr., as he sliced Omar Huerta’s unbeaten record with minimal fuss in Atlantic City. It was a professional performance from the well-supported youngster who is being linked with potential fights against Tim Tszyu and Denzel Bentley.

Other bits…

Brandon Adams vs. Caoimhin Agyarko was called off before fight night due to medical concerns over Adams. A huge shame for all parties involved, but Adams’ health is of greatest importance.

Looking ahead, on April 13 (Monday) in Tokyo, Japan, Thanongsak Simsri defends his IBF light-flyweight title against Sergio Mendoza.

Image Credits: Boxing Scene, screenshots.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Not many would’ve expected this battle between faded heavyweight punchers to last the distance. But it did, ending in a split decision victory for the American. Both men were having their 50th pro bout.

Each received counts during the fight. Chisora might’ve had two?! It’s hard to recall the exact particulars of this barroom brawl. Wilder had a point docked at some point from hard-working referee Mark Bates, who lost control of the contest at times.

Chisora looked knackered throughout and while Wilder’s power is no longer there, he took a shot well. Renowned ring constructor Mike Goodall got blasted post-fight by Del Boy, who blamed slack ropes for his troubles.

Chisora’s chief cornerman ran the gauntlet after rushing into the ring during a first-round melee. Overall, it was sloppy, fun and chaotic.

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Pat Brown Won TKO 8 Vasil Ducar

Sale cruiserweight Brown took his time, took a couple of return shots and eventually got rid of Czech plodder Ducar in eight. Competing in only his sixth fight, Brown brings a good crowd and gives them plenty of enjoyment. How far the Olympian can go is up for debate, but the ride will be exciting along the way.

Tim Tszyu Won Pts 10 Denis Nurja

Just what the doctor ordered for Tim, who keeps plugging away Down Under. His fight with Keith Thurman fell by the wayside, so he’s targeting Errol Spence instead. Goodness knows what that will look like.

Albanian opponent in Wollongong, Denis Nurja, wasn’t as good as his 20-0 record suggested. Dropped, deducted a point and outboxed thoroughly for 10 rounds, Nurja merely helped the Tszyu rebuilding process.

Lauren Price Won Pts 10 Stephanie Pineiro Aquino

After a tough 10 rounds repelling Aquino in Cardiff, Lauren Price faced off with Claressa Shields. The pair are expected to meet later this year. Sporting a bruised right eye and swollen, bloodied lips, Price’s face was hardly picture-perfect.

It’s sad that such a talent as Shields has to travel halfway across the world to beg for a challenge, against a fighter way down the weights from where Claressa is now competing.

Such is the nature of the women’s business. They should both get well paid if it comes to fruition, in the 160-pound weight range.

Rene Santiago Won Pts 12 Masataka Taniguchi

Puerto Rican pugilist Rene Santiago shows no signs of slowing down at 33. Now 16-4, ‘Chulo’ made a mockery of the odds last year to snatch Shokichi Iwata’s WBO light-flyweight belt.

He followed that up by claiming 10-0 Kyosuke Takami’s WBA title, becoming a unified champ. A third-time, still lucky visit to Japan on Friday evening saw the fairytale continue as Santiago outboxed and outmuscled Taniguchi over 12. Remarkable, fair play to the veteran.

Pedro Taduran Won KO 7 Gustavo Perez Alvarez

A comprehensive knockout, following four knockdowns, in favour of Filipino Taduran, who is maturing into a quality champion. Shout out to Tommy over at the Eight Count blog, who reminded me of this bout, on a Manny Pacquiao Promotion, after I initially skipped across it on the schedule.

It was well worth the watch. Taduran defended the IBF minimumweight title he took from Japan’s unbeaten Ginjiro Shigeoka on away turf. He even repeated the trick in the rematch to confirm his status as a legit world-class operator.

Later this evening, in Las Vegas, Andres Cortes takes on Eridson Garcia at lightweight, and in London, Caroline Dubois meets Terri Harper in a title unification bout.

Image Credits: BBC, screenshots.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

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Heavy-hitting southpaw Moses Itauma reinforced his position as a hot prospect by doing what nobody has done before: blast Jermaine Franklin into oblivion.

The usually durable Michigan heavyweight tried to soak up the shots and mix things up, which led to his downfall in round five. Franklin had already been dropped by a cuffing right hand in round three.

The fifth-round uppercut came out of the blue as Franklin switched off inside the pocket. Talk of a fight with Oleksandr Usyk is fanciful despite Itauma’s clear skillset and rapid rise.

Usyk is a generational great, although he might be tempted to put the young upstart in his place, or, more likely, drop a series of belts, leaving Itauma and the rest to fight for the scraps.

“I’ve got to thank Jermaine Franklin as well. It takes two to tango, so I appreciate it,” said Itauma.

“I tried to knock him out in the first and second round, trying to win a few people some dough. I just feel like, maybe not today.

“So, I went back to the basics, switch it, go down to the body. And then the knockout just came. I’m just a young boy chasing a dream.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “He’s [Usyk] got to defend his mandatories. That’s what they’re all there for, to be done. So, I’m pretty confident he’ll [Itauma] fight for the world title this year.”

On the Manchester undercard, Willy Hutchinson used his nous and skills to outwit Ezra Taylor over 10. Liam Davies bludgeoned Francesco Grandelli in six rounds to win the European title.

Brad Pauls was well behind when he scored a stunning ninth-round knockout over Sheffield’s Shakiel Thompson. Nathan Heaney’s career is on the ropes after he suffered a wide points reverse to Gerome Warburton.

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Sebastian Fundora Wins TKO 6 Keith Thurman

Once upon a time, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman was a unified world champion, riding high, trailing after a Floyd Mayweather fight. Inactivity, injury and general wear and tear have caught up with him.

Even though Thurman contested referee Thomas Taylor’s intervention in the sixth, it was a compassionate decision from the referee to halt the contest. Thurman had been beaten from pillar to post by the spidery Sebastian Fundora in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

Gigantic for the weight, Fundora stood off and used his long levers to punish Keith with jabs and uppercuts, slicing up Thurman’s face, making him look like an old man whose best days have long since passed.

Fundora retained his WBC super-welterweight title and is in prime position for unficiations. A fight with already-unified beltholder Xander Zayas would be an exciting brawl and would serve to push the division closer to an undisputed conclusion.

On the Las Vegas supporting portion, Kevin Newman II stunned former prospect Elijah Garcia with a majority decision upset. Yoenli Hernandez kept beating up Terrell Gausha until referee Allen Huggins stopped it in four.

Yoenis Tellez continued to rebuild following his first loss last year, defeating Brian Mendoza over 10 rounds. Jiggly heavyweight Gurgen ‘Big Gug’ Hovhannisyan stopped the significantly smaller Cesar Navarro in round five.

Image Credits: Queensberry Promotions, PBC/Amazon Prime.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Elsewhere, Liam Davies and Francesco Grandelli meet in Manchester for the European featherweight title. The continental crown was left vacant after champion Cristobal Lorente opted for a rematch with Nathaniel Collins. This fight is on the undercard of Moses Itauma’s heavyweight clash with Jermaine Franklin.

Davies was originally set to meet Zak Miller. When the Lancastrian withdrew, injured, this experienced Italian answered the call.

Rangy and busy, Davies uses his long levers to force exchanges and maintain a high pace. That mostly worked until he bumped into Shabaz Masoud.

The Stoke mover used Davies’ often wayward aggression against him, leading the Donnington boxer a merry dance for 12 rounds, securing a surprisingly split verdict in his favour.

Prior to the Masoud mingle, Davies had amassed a neat slate, beating the likes of Marc Leach and Ionut Baluta, moving into a three-fight KO streak, bringing the 122-pound EBU belt along for the ride. Victory here would make him a two-weight European king.

With talk gathering of a possible world title tilt, the Masoud loss was his final fling at super-bantamweight, pushing Liam up to feather. Davies defeated Lisburn’s undefeated Kurt Walker in the Nottingham Arena last May. Grandelli represents his next assignment at 126.

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Tight-guarded and patient, the Piemonte puncher will need a little encouragement to come inside and join Davies for a tear-up. In a 2024 loss to Nathaniel Collins in York Hall, Grandelli spent much of the early going skirting the ring looking for openings before taking the fight to the Scotsman. He busted Collins’ nose with a stray elbow, so Davies will need to be cautious when stepping forward.

Grandelli is hoping this will be third-time lucky in his quest for European glory. In 2023, he met Roma rival Mauro Forte in an all-Italian match-up that ended in a one-round KO loss.

Rebuilding from that shock early starching, Grandelli fared better in his second attempt, 18 months later. Fighting on home soil once more, it still wasn’t enough as marauding Spaniard Cristobal Lorente outworked him over 12 rounds.

Grandelli has proven to be fairly sturdy. Collins couldn’t get rid of him. The swift Forte defeat seems like an anomaly. That said, expect Liam Davies to get the job done within the distance. I envisage a fast start from Davies, whose body work will start to pay off down the stretch.

Grandelli may have a few fleeting moments, but he will be kept firmly on the back foot, ground down round after round. Look for Davies to raise the tempo and finish him off at some point after the 10th.

Image Credit: Queensberry Promotional.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

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In the flagship main event of the weekend, Dominican demolition man Adames had to settle for a wide points win over a tough, but outgunned, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.

Headlining in the Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida, Adames dropped Williams with a double right hand in the second, yet appeared slightly buzzed himself later in the session.

Williams was resilient. Adames was more experienced and effectively bullied the Florida resident, using his superior shot selection and durability to pick off the rounds round after round and retain his WBC middleweight title.

Adames was docked a point late on for low blows, but it mattered little. Overall, a good old-fashioned dust-up between throwback fighters, ending with a clear winner.

On the Florida undercard, Omari Jones used his size and weight advantages to dominate Christian Gomez over eight rounds.

Corey Marksman was too fast and sharp for southpaw Jaycob Gomez. Marksman claimed a unanimous decision and a Matchroom contract.

Teremoana Jr knocked out Curtis Harper in round one with a crisp right hand.

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Michael Conlan Lost Pts 10 Kevin Walsh

Heartbreak for Conlan, boxing in front of a minuscule Belfast crowd, beaten by a mediocre opponent. There was some debate after the event over the scoring, but even if Mick had got the decision, it was clear the old magic had gone.

At his peak, a fight with someone as basic as Walsh wouldn’t even have been close. This version of Conlan, now 34, struggled to pull the trigger or find his timing.

The bout was a dire spectacle, resulting in a split-decision win for American visitor Walsh, who has been backed by a good team, following early-life adversity, and deserves his moment in the limelight. He won’t, however, trouble anyone half decent.

George Liddard Won Pts 12 Tyler Denny

A really good learning fight for Liddard, who went home with his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles, plus an IBF fringe belt for ranking purposes following a points victory over Tyler Denny.

Going the full distance for the first time, Liddard sold a lot of tickets in the Copper Box Arena and at 23 years old is blossoming into a really nice fighter.

He was able to box early and was forced to fight late by West Midlands veteran Denny, a former European champion whose best days are behind him. Liddard was well worth his win, by scores of 116-112 across the board.

On the London undercard, classy southpaw Giorgio Visioli needed the full 10 rounds to overcome the stubborn resistance of Levi Giles. Visioli dropped Giles on the way to his English lightweight title victory.

Jimmy Sains had his hands full with Derrick Osaze, prevailing by majority decision. Emmanuel Buttigieg bounced back from point deduction adversity to stop Jake Goodwin in round nine.

Lester Martinez Won Pts 12 Immanuwel Aleem

Picking up the WBC super-middleweight Interim belt technically makes Lester Martinez the first world champion from his proud Central American nation.

We’ll not quibble over the title and, instead, let him enjoy his night after a quality win over the resurgent Aleem, who more than played his part in this raucous Pro Box affair.

The buzzing Guatemalan crowd was packed in close to the ring, giving off the feel of a fight from the past. Even in the quieter early rounds, they cheered every shot thrown by Martinez, whether it landed clean or scraped Aleem.

This was the first time Martinez had gone the full route; such was his punching prowess. He’ll be all the better for it when chasing down the likes of Canelo, Diego Pacheco, a Christian Mbilli rematch or other.

Image Credits: Boxing Scene, Breaking News dot ie

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

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Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Prior to that, Matchroom are keeping active with a domestic show as George Liddard looks for a credibility boost versus former European champion Tyler Denny. While all of that is of merit, we’ll focus here on a California clash between two super-middleweight contenders.

For Lester Martinez, boxing in a modest venue against an opponent who has arguably seen better days might feel like a bit of a step down, given his previous ring appearance. Last September, Martinez was part of the supporting cast for Canelo vs Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.

Boxing fellow-unbeaten Christian Mbilli to a highly competitive draw was unsatisfactory for both parties. As it turned out, neither man was heavily stung by the outcome.

Mbilli was later elevated to full WBC super-middleweight champion following Crawford’s unceremonious title stripping. Martinez now contests the same Interim crown he was unable to snag in Vegas.

The sensible option of an Mbilli rematch will have to wait as Lester looks to take care of business in San Bernardino this Saturday evening, live on Pro Box TV, against grizzled old stager Immanuwel Aleem.

In fact, the Orange Show Events Center is a relatively familiar venue for the Guatemalan who fought their just six months before the Mbilli matchup. On that occasion, Joeshon James suffered his first career loss as Martinez’s heavy hands sealed the deal in four.

A repeat here would send the expected strong crowd into raptures. Even though Martinez feels a bit like a prospect firing his way to the top, he’s now 30 and with little time to waste.

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Aside from the 10-round Mbilli sample session, quite how the man trained by Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre would fare against the top dogs at 168 remains to be seen.

This weekend’s opponent, Aleem, has been putting in the hours. The Virginia boxer has avoided defeat since 2021, amassing a neat little run of four wins and a technical draw since losing to Amilcar Vidal, then a reasonably valued prospect.

That glitch came off the back of a Ronald Ellis points reverse and, three fights after Aleem’s first stoppage defeat, a crunching knockout to Hugo Centeno Jr. ‘The Chosen One’ could’ve been forgiven for admitting he’d had a good swing at the sport before packing away the gloves.

Refusing to slide out as a loser, Aleem’s upturn in fortunes has led to a title shot. While he is strong, experienced and has boxed over 10 rounds numerous times, Aleem has yet to compete in a scheduled 12-rounder.

BoMac believes Martinez would’ve stopped Mbilli if their bout had been over 12 rounds, as it should have. Now he gets the chance to test out that theory for real.

I reckon Aleem will have enough to ride through any early dangers, ignore the lopsided energy of the crowd and reach the end. A wide, dominant points win for Lester Martinez, who will then be looking for challengers and/or challenges.

While the Mbilli rematch would make sense, the Frenchman might fancy a crack at Canelo first as the Mexican seeks to rebound and rebuild from the Crawford loss. The winner could then look at Martinez, who will hope to be in a stronger position.

Canelo might fancy the idea of getting one back on BoMac and the team following Crawford’s win in 2025. McIntyre will believe he has the blueprint to win again. Getting Crawford to carry it out and Martinez are two different things, however.

Image Credits: Chapin TV, Pro Box.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

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It now turns out, according to the WBC title challenger, in a recent interview with DAZN, that when it came to picking a route into the lucrative noble art, he wasn’t even targeting the Ukrainian master and consensus number one at all.

Check out the video above where Verhoeven reveals that Anthony Joshua was his first choice. After AJ suffered a horrific car crash in Nigeria, the team naturally started to look elsewhere.

The question for Usyk is: if not Rico, then who? Options are indeed thin on the ground. Usyk originally fancied a crack at Deontay Wilder, who is clearly unable to pull the once fearsome trigger.

Plus, Wilder is now locked into a do-or-die showdown with Derek Chisora next month. I can understand this line of thinking from Usyk, as Wilder has been a key player in the heavyweight era.

Usyk has comprehensively defeated the other two (Joshua and Fury, twice each), so having Wilder on the record would look good in years to come, with raw statistics barely telling the tale of Deontay’s physical fall from glory.

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Usyk has shown little interest in boxing Moses Itauma; he’s already beaten Daniel Dubois twice, so if Dubois defeats Fabio Wardley, there would be little appetite for a third showdown there.

Perhaps if Wardley wins, he could fight the Ipswich man, but despite Fabio’s immense improvements and relentless belief, he brings nothing to the table that Usyk has yet to encounter.

Now that Joseph Parker is out of the way (thanks to the aforementioned Wardley), that leaves Agit Kabayel. A dangerous body puncher who moves well, has a solid jab and can pack out a German arena. It’s a real high-risk, low-reward outing for Usyk, which is probably why he’s never been so fussed on accepting that route.

For now, AJ’s predicament and Turki’s delight at putting together crossover circus fights have led to Usyk vs. Rico in Egypt. The undeniable king of the division versus a man who has only ever had one pro fight and made his name in an entirely different discipline.

Like it or loathe it, we’re going to have to accept it.

About Steve…

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Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace is now a two-time world champion after outpointing Liverpool’s ‘Jazza’ Dickens by unanimous decision. It was a rowdy St. Patrick’s weekend in Dublin, where the ringside security, kitted out in high-vis vests, worked just as hard as the fighters to keep things within the Queensberry Rules

After 12 nip-and-tuck sessions, Cacace prevailed by scores of 115-113, 116-113 and 116-112 to become the new WBA super-featherweight champion. There seems to be some upset on social media about the verdict. I thought Cacace was a reasonable winner, although I listened without the commentary on, so not sure how they saw it.

Now 25-1 (9 KOs), Cacace has avoided defeat since 2017. It was long known in the gyms of Belfast that he had talent in abundance; it was just a case of him putting it all together in the ring. That has now happened on numerous occasions at a high level. The fight wasn’t pretty, but Cacace edged most of the key sessions for my money.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “He’s always had great skills and he showed everybody what it’s all about. He should be proud of himself for what he’s done.”

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Arnold Barboza Jr Wins Pts 12 Kenneth Sims Jr

After suffering his first career loss (to Teofimo Lopez last May), Barboza Jr. blamed the weight and said he needed to make some changes to the team. These are the kind of excuses you often hear at such a stage.

In this case, Barboza was probably telling the truth. Beating Kenneth Sims Jr by wide score margins in California last night, the 34-year-old looked fresh, focused and physically strong.

Golden Boy stablemate Alexis Rocha entered the ring to offer his services as the next challenge. I don’t mind that crossroads clash.

On the Barboza-Sims undercard…

Oscar Collazo had everything his own way before forcing Jesus Haro to retire at the end of the sixth round.

20 years younger than her opponent and with huge physical advantages, Gabriela Fundora retained her undisputed flyweight status by stopping Viviana Ruiz in round six.

Alexis Rocha returned from a lengthy layoff to inflict defeat number nine on the teak tough JoJo Diaz. Someone should have a look at the amount of punishment Diaz is taking these days.

Najee Lopez Wins TKO 8 Manuel Gallegos

Two light-heavyweights at different points in their respective careers went at it hard and heavy on Friday evening. Pro Box TV served up yet another cracker in Florida.

Unbeaten prospect Lopez, a Georgia puncher of Puerto Rican descent, was badly cut and dropped in the seventh. That said, this was no come-from-behind victory as he gave just as much as he received for the most part.

Wily Mexican Gallegos has upset prospects before (notably, Khalil Coe in 2024). He was caught flush in the eighth and suitably dispatched by Lopez. Cue wild ring celebrations - and why not? It was a great victory.

Image Credit: Queensberry Promotions

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

All three judges, Eric Cheek, Patricia Morse Jarman and David Sutherland, affirmed Opetaia’s dominance at the Meta Apex, handing in identical scores of 119-106.

Zuffa Boxing’s head honcho, Dana White, has created his own title belts, meaning the sanctioning bodies (IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA) are no longer required under his new regime.

Even though the bodies are mostly money-grabbing parasites, this sets a dangerous precedent of in-house fights with dwindling regulation from outside organisations.

The IBF was originally scheduled to be on the line, but they withdrew their support and stripped Opetaia, claiming their belt would not be “unified” with the Zuffa gimmick strap. Expect this issue to run and run. It could even get legal.

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Back in the ring, where the real disputes happen, Opetaia busted up Glanton’s face early and laid on the pain for 12 rounds. Glanton was docked a point in round six for holding.

Referee Allen Huggins deducted another point in the eighth for a low blow. Opetaia finally got his turn to be ticked off in the 12th and final round when Huggins took a point off him for holding.

It was academic as Opetaia had long since secured the victory. Glanton came to pro boxing late and has suffered defeats before (this was his fourth), but has never been stopped. The heavy-handed Georgian earned his corn.

As for the winner, he reiterated his desire to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez. ‘Zurdo’ might not even have those two belts after he boxes David Benavidez in May. One step at a time and one belt at a time for a man in his prime whose time to become undisputed champion is running out.

If the newly-won Zuffa belt is to be inserted into future contests, then expect other sanctioning bodies to reject it, causing even further distance between Jai and his fellow champions.

Image Credit: Fightmag.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

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Roy’s overall stint as a coach has been a mixed bag of underwhelming relationships. He has worked with relatively high-profile names like Chris Eubank Jr and Jean Pascal, but nothing has really stuck. Jones is expected to link up with Errol Spence ahead of Spence’s reported ring return versus Tim Tszyu later in the year.

In this short clip, Des explains how he would like to see Jones spend his time; rather than globe-trotting and seeking out new challenges in a sport he has dedicated the majority of his life to…

In an all-Mexican war, played out in Arizona, Emanuel Navarrete dished out enough damage on Eduardo ’Sugar’ Nunez to force an 11th-round stoppage.

Navarrete became a unified champ at super-featherweight, adding Nunez’s IBF belt to his own WBO strap. Nunez was extremely respectful in the build-up and boxed with even more respect in the ring.

Beforehand, I expected Navarrete’s long levers and unorthodox power punches to cause issues early, then Nunez to come back into it late with his pressure. Navarrete refused to let that happen, closing his foe’s right eye, adding a cut and prompting the doctor to call it off.

“I told him I was a fan and I admired him a long, long time and it was honour to go in and face him,” said Nunez. Navarrete described his win as a dream.

Owen Cooper Lost Pts 12 Constantin Ursu

I expected Worcester man Cooper to have too much experience for Ursu down the stretch. Wrong again. If the Plymouth-based Moldovan southpaw could punch a touch harder, he’d have forced a stoppage.

Ursu has been a bit of an underground sleeper to this point, wracking up quality domestic wins on Top Tier shows. He broke out in style on the Queensberry DAZN headliner in Derby’s Vaillant Live venue, adding the vacant British welterweight title to his Commonwealth crown.

Hard luck for Cooper, who had previously shown his worth in a barnstorming defeat to Ekow Essuman. This night was all about Ursu, who, at 25 years old, has options moving forward.

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In other weekend action…

On the Navarrete-Nunez undercard, Emiliano Vargas eventually forced Agustin Quintana’s corner to withdraw their man before the 10th. Quintana’s face was a mess, but he was enraged at the stoppage.

Unbeaten Philly hopeful Tahmir Smalls started strong but was outworked by veteran Abel Ramos, who grabbed a deserved split decision victory.

Jordan Martinez seemed to have done enough to beat Arturo Cardenas, but had to settle for an unpopular majority draw after 10 intense rounds.

Meanwhile, over in New York, Elijah Pierce was stunned by Lorenzo Parra in the second round of their rescheduled WBO International title clash. I haven’t managed to watch this one yet to fully assess the damage.

Supporting Cooper and Ursu in Derby were Ben Fail, Luke McCormack, Charlie Senior and Tony Curtis Jr., who all recorded wins of various significance.

Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Who said what?

Promoter Turki Alalshikh said, “It is not fun. It is dangerous fight.”

Mike Coppinger, part of the Ring Magazine PR machine, naturally agrees: “Indeed, kickboxers have had a lot of success in heavyweight boxing. Vitali Klitschko. Dillian Whyte...

“Big Baby Miller. Alexander Povetkin. This isn’t a wrestler boxing Usyk. It’s a man who has knockout power and stands up when fighting,” Coppinger wrote on X.

Boxing’s never-ending circus

This feels like the week of the celebrity circus. Conor Benn ditched Eddie and signed with Zuffa to fight Prograis. Mayweather and Pacquiao inked a rematch despite their advanced years.

It’s still boxing, but off-kilter. Usyk’s move feels the same. Don’t sleep on Verhoeven, though. He has previous boxing experience. Back in 2014, the Dutchman, now 36, blasted away Hungary’s Janos Finfera in round two. Finfera never fought again, ending his career 0-6 (all losses by stoppage), including a defeat to Hughie Fury in Romania.

Let’s hope Verhoeven’s nickname of ‘The Prince of Kickboxing’ enables him to at least offer some form of combative competitiveness in North Africa. Bizarrely, Usyk’s WBC heavyweight title will be on line in a voluntary capacity as the sanctioning body tries to curry favour with the Saudis.

What’s the social media verdict?

While the usual paid crowd are positive, unsurprisingly, the unwashed masses are not feeling it.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

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After ‘King Ry’ defeated Devin Haney, he later popped hot. Ryan returned last May following a year-long ban and looked terrible, losing to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero. His win over Mario Barrios at the weekend was comprehensive and impressive.

While Shakur has little interest in taking Garcia’ss newly-acquired WBC welterweight crown, he is insisting that certain stipulations are met should he fight his rival next.

In hindsight, this fight went exactly how you would expect. Of course, Ryan Garcia would be too fast and mobile for a one-dimensional plodder like Barrios. It all seems so obvious!

I got the pick badly wrong, thinking that Barrios, strong and dependable as he is, could weather any early storms and take over down the stretch, behind his strong, efficient jab. Not so. It turns out that Ryan had trained pretty hard.

Winning the WBC welterweight title, this was more like the version of ‘King Ry’ we know, rather than the dire doppelganger who snoozed to defeat versus Rolly Romero. Garcia used his surprisingly effective right hand to drop Barrios in round one. Suddenly, the man trained by Joe Goossen had more than the left hook to worry about. Only Barrios’ toughness kept him in it.

“If we fight, there better be VADA [PED testing],” joked Shakur Stevenson, knowing Garcia’s infamous failure after beating Devin Haney.

At the risk of making another incorrect prediction, I don’t think that even this punch-perfect version of Ryan has much to trouble an elite boxer like Stevenson.

Leigh Wood Wins PTS 12 Josh Warrington 2

Earlier in the evening, two dependable UK warriors tried to roll back the clock and give a reminder of what they once were. This tribute act was not short of effort and endeavour, but it fell flat.

The three scorecards of 119-110, 119-109 and 117-111, respectively, were perhaps a little harsh on Warrington’s efforts. The Leeds man spent long spells trying to claw back past memories of form.

Unable to let the shots go as frequently as before (remember the frenzied flurries of the early rounds of his fight with Carl Frampton?), even the ever-reliable headbutt was off target for the most part. Although Wood did end up with smatterings of blood at various stages.

Overall, Warrington has naturally slowed a lot since the glory days. Wood remains easy to hit, but his body work and ability to master the distance paid off. The fans loved it anyway. Wood might have a rematch with Conlan, assuming Mick wins next month. Warrington should retire. No more comebacks needed.

In other weekend action…

Richardson Hitchins was supposed to box Oscar Duarte, but Hitchins withdrew due to illness.

Gary Antuanne Russell’s WBA super-lightweight title defence did go ahead. The Texan outpointed Japan’s Andy Hiraoka, who was deducted a point for what I think is the lowest blow I’ve ever seen in round 10.

Frank Martin and Nahir Albright boxed to an exciting 10-round draw. All three judges scored it 95-95. Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Sena Agbeko in round seven.

Meanwhile, over in Nottingham, Cinderella Man Bilal Fawaz used his offbeat antics and strong engine to close out a win over Ishmael Davis. Fawaz picked up the British and Commonwealth super-welterweight titles for his efforts.

In a farcical heavyweight “fight”, Dave Allen came in at 271 pounds and swung repeatedly until 39-year-old French punchbag Karim Berredjem collapsed in round one.

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Image Credits: Bad Left Hook, Boxing.com

About Steve…

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Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Despite the current fallout, it’s unclear how long this Zuffa deal will run. Don’t be surprised to see Benn hook back up with Eddie Hearn after one or two fights with Dana White.

Hearn recently extended his streaming deal with DAZN. This is a blow to the broadcaster, but not to Turki Alalshikh, who has stakes in all the players and broadcasters.

Hearn infamously backed Benn during his PED scandal that caused the cancellation of Conor’s first fight with Eubank in 2022.

“It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined, and for their belief, support, and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse,” said Benn.

Will Eddie and Frank Smith now release the 300-page PED dossier that Benn claimed he had stored away during the two-year affair? Time will tell!

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Barrios’ new trainer, Joe Goossen, who once coached Garcia, stated: “Is there an extra incentive for me? No. My incentive is always the same for every fight — for my fighter to win.

“The bottom line is I have nothing against any fighter I’ve ever gone against. I don’t go to bed at night thinking about revenge or anything of that sort. I go to bed thinking how I can better my guy that I’m training.”

The Goossen factor adds an intriguing extra layer. Joe and Garcia had a few words for each other during the promotional press conference. Neither fighter is in amazing form. Barrios arrives off the back of two draws, including a summer stalemate with Manny Pacquiao.

Garcia lost to Rolando Romero last May, so it’s unclear why he’s even eligible for a title shot at all, especially at a weight he’s barely acclimatised to.

Barrios is a steady boxer. I believe his more predictable nature will lead him to do what he does best: leave with the belt by any means necessary; even another draw could be possible.

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Nottingham rematch for Wood and Warrington on Saturday

Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington resume their rivalry with a second instalment in the Nottingham Arena this weekend. Matchroom Boxing promote this 12-round affair, live on DAZN.

“If I go out there and do what I do, and what I've been doing in sparring, I'm on fire at the minute. It's not going to last as long as last time, no way,” said Wood, who declined an exact prediction.

These two first faced off in 2023. Wood won the first fight by seventh-round stoppage but was behind on the cards. Warrington claimed it was halted early and demanded a rematch. This is it.

Despite being former world champions, both men have seen better days. Warrington (Leeds) and Wood (Nottingham) boast sizeable, vocal fanbases, a factor that was emphasised on the road to their first fight. I’m picking Wood to win again, as I believe he is the slightly fresher of the pair.

Arnold Barboza vs. Kenneth Sims announced for California

Arnold Barboza and Kenneth Sims Jr meet at the career crossroads on March 14 in the Honda Center, Anaheim, California. Golden Boy Promotions are running this event to be streamed live on DAZN.

“My first loss didn’t break me, it built me,” roared Barboza. “Built a new team, new gym, new mindset yet still same purpose, same hunger, same goals. I heard the doubters get louder. I saw some opinions change yet nothing about me changed.”

That first Barboza loss came last May when he was outfoxed by Teofimo Lopez in New York. Arnold now tries his luck up at welterweight following reasonable title success at 140 pounds.

Sims, meanwhile, is also arriving off the back of a defeat, making this a must-not-lose for both men. Sims lost to Oscar Duarte by majority decision last summer, meaning three defeats as a pro for the Chicago 'Bossman'.

Expect a Callum Smith-David Morrell shoot-out

Callum Smith returns to Liverpool against David Morrell on April 18. Smith headlines live on DAZN at the M&S Bank Arena, defending his WBO Interim light-heavyweight title.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Callum has been on the road for the most part in his recent career, famously beating the likes of George Groves and facing greats such as Canelo (Alvarez) and (Artur) Beterbiev. Now he gets his much-deserved mega fight in his home city.”

This is a good matchup between two world-class punchers. Neither man has been particularly active of late. Smith was last seen beating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025, the same month as Morrell suffered his first career loss, to David Benavidez.

The Cuban bounced back in July with a win and I am going against the grain a little, picking him to get the job done in April, on away soil.

Heavyweights Sanchez and Torrez meet in title eliminator

Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr clash at heavyweight on the Fundora-Thurman undercard in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, on March 28. This “co-feature”, which is effectively the chief support, serves as an IBF final eliminator. PBC PPV/Amazon Prime Video will broadcast.

Big-punching Torrez said: “Frank is skilled, technical and dangerous, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been looking for. Great fighters don’t avoid tests; they run toward them.

“I’ve prepared for every moment of this fight, and when the bell rings, I’m coming to take over.”

A good clash of contenders here, with the winner moving towards a mandatory crack at Oleksandr Usyk (or more likely a vacant belt opportunity) and the loser being cleared out back to the bottom of the pile.

Sanchez has shown skill and patience in the past, but he can be ground down, as Agit Kabayel exhibited. Torrez is a front-foot, aggressive finisher who has never boxed in this class before now.

How will he fare if Sanchez makes him miss and makes him pay? I know more about the Cuban, so pick him to stop Torrez late.

Image Credits: Ring promotional, Matchroom, Golden Boy, Boxing Digest.

About Steve…

Current existence: Boxing writer, eLearning educator.

Previous lives: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine. Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.

Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com

Garcia has been beefing with Joe Goossen, latest odds, the Manny Pacquiao effect, and can Barrios make it three draws in a row?

Warning: this episode contains explicit language.