Sitting on the ropes and doing mid-fight dances may earn impressions, but Ben Whittaker's final-round holding on Saturday evening didn’t leave much of a positive impression at all.

Some were calling for referee Kieran McCann to issue a few counts. Indeed, two knockdowns would’ve pushed Conor Wallace across to the win column on one judge’s card.

Unfortunately for Wallace, he had little left in his own tank, so he was unable to capitalise. As for Ben, sometimes you’ve just got to do whatever is necessary to get the win and get out of there, unbeaten record intact. Those lunges towards the end, however, were reminiscent of the panic of the first Liam Cameron fight.

Eddie Hearn’s 29-year-old golden child, Ben Whittaker, scrapped and scrambled his way over the line in Birmingham, outpointing Conor Wallace over 12 rounds in their IBF light-heavyweight title eliminator.

Headlining at the Utilita Arena, Whittaker, 13-0-1 (9 KOs), successfully defended his WBC Silver 175-pound strap. The judges’ scores came in at 117-111, 116-11 and 115-113. Wallace, 17-2 (12 KOs), may rue this as a missed opportunity.

Trading on durability and more ring craft than many gave him credit for, you could tell early on that Wallace was pretty slow and operating in defensive mode. Staying on his heels and throwing a few pawing shots before looking to escape, Wallace was trying to win a boxing match when he needed a pressure game.

Refusing to play the game, appease the promoters, and the consistently awful DAZN commentators, the Irishman, now based in Australia, knew what he was doing.

Refusing to hang his chin out to dry and engage, Wallace created no pace at all, which made the final few rounds so alarming for ‘The Surgeon’. He was hardly made to work like a demon for nine sessions.

Before the fight, Whittaker was wearing a T-shirt covered in dollar bills. Those same dollars floated around on the screen as he entered the ring. Going down the “I’m still making loads of money, haters” route felt like the latest play of a fighter unsure of his identity, who deep down knows his capabilities and limitations.

Body shots helped save Ben’s bacon

One early investment Whittaker made that paid off was the right hand to the body. When Wallace needed some extra juice in the final rounds, he was unable to land that one telling shot to change his life.

Referee Kieran McCann came in for some stick late on. I didn’t mind his managing of the final round (although there’s a strong argument for at least one count, as Whittaker bear-hugged his way to victory) as much as his untimely lecture in the 10th.

Wallace was landing the left hand at will, and in his efforts to break free of Whittaker’s frightened tentacles, he landed some illegal blows. No different to what Whittaker had done in the fourth round (“One man wants to fight and another wants to break free”, grumbled the commentary team) or in Whittaker’s win over Richard Rivera earlier in the year.

Next up, they hinted at a Wallace rematch. Perhaps someone like Anthony Yarde could be drafted in as he looks ready to be taken. Following the Yarde blueprint is probably an option. Make their way to the top via a path of least resistance. Might as well lose to someone for big money than get picked off by an Ezra Taylor or Willy Hutchinson, eh?

In conclusion, there’s no way Whittaker is ready for anyone like Dmitry Bivol. His team, promoter and handlers will all know this. The stamina drop-off is alarming. As is the panic that sets in when Ben is under pressure (see photographic evidence above).

First the Liam Cameron ring-fall escapade, and now the holding on for dear life after being well in control. The confidence-building fights after that first Cameron meeting are over. I think we have seen the kind of fighter Whittaker is and exactly what will happen when he’s placed in dangerous situations.

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Wins for Uddin, Fawaz and Sulaiman on the Whittaker-Wallace undercard

Walsall flyweight Hamza Uddin brings a bit of glamour to the depths of the lower weights. Opponent Sean Bruce is a sturdy professional, but he could not live with the flashy shots and power of Uddin, who is now British and Commonwealth flyweight king. If Uddin can brush up on the naughty stuff, he could go far.

Unorthodox yet never boring, Bilal Fawaz got to grips with the taller Eithan James, dropped him twice, then helped him back to the corner. Both were bleeding. James can box but can’t punch. Fawaz has limitations but is a strong British and Commonwealth super-welterweight champion.

Birmingham southpaw Ibraheem ‘Spider’ Sulaimaan fought through a gut check to retain his undefeated slate and English super-featherweight title against plucky Essex slugger Sonny Hardy.

Omari Jones WON TKO2 Alan Sanchez

Jones put on an impressive display in Florida, dispatching an overmatched opponent just like you’re supposed to. Like any prospect, we won’t really know everything about him until he’s truly tested.

You could tell from early on that Sanchez had little physical definition and even less of a chance. Jones commanded centre ring, showing from the opening bell that he was the dominant fighter

Boxing very much as the man on the way down, straining to close the levels gap, Sanchez knew his role from the start. As did referee Christopher Young, who could’ve maybe dished out a second-round count as Sanchez slumped on the ropes, but that would’ve delayed the inevitable.

As soon as Jones stopped playing and unleashed the heavy shots, there was no coming back for Sanchez. What’s next? Having a little look at BoxRec, picking out some names, I see Brian Mendoza, Damian Sosa and other fringe-of-the-fringe operators.

Realistically, it’ll likely be a couple of guys around the Alan Sanchez level before they let the Olympian loose. He is only 23 years old, after all, so that’s perfectly fine for now.

Other boxing bites…

Keep an eye out for Osleys Iglesias, who defends his IBF and IBO super-middleweight titles in Canada on October 8. Danish opponent Oliver Zaren is also unbeaten, but he’ll have his work cut out trying to tame a Cuban tornado who has only gone the distance once in 15 wins, against Isaac Chilemba (obviously).

Image Credits: Fight footage screen grabs.

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.

Inoue’s joy had returned by the end of the contest as he won their rematch by unanimous decision, retaining his WBC bantamweight title, leaving the ever-popular Tenshin in floods of tears.

You really can’t beat a good Japanese show. This one had some incredibly well-matched fights. On the undercard, Australia’s Sam Goodman boxed well at times and brawled when necessary to repel Ryosuke Nishida at super-bantamweight.

South Africa’s Ricardo ‘Magic Man’ Malajika used the open scoring information to raise his energy levels and win the vacant WBC super-flyweight title over Japan’s touted Tomoya Tsuboi.

Ryusei Matsumoto won a competitive 12-round decision against Mexico’s Russell Acosta in their WBO Interim minimumweight title tussle.

It wasn’t always pretty and it wasn’t just as fun as usual, but Johnny Fisher got over the line in the Copper Box, beating Michael Pirotton by majority decision.

Not quite as gung-ho as in the past, Fisher has clearly spent the last nine months trying to hone his craft a little, resulting in a bit of a jab, a touch of head movement and more patience than we’ve seen before.

Fisher is being lined up to fight Dillian Whyte next. The Brixton fighter was once a potent force around the fringes of world class, but in his last fight he was bowled over mercilessly by Moses Itauma. If Whyte can still stand up straight and swing, he has a chance of beating Fisher.

The version we saw last August was a mere shell. Fisher, meanwhile, managed to keep Belgian boxer Pirotton at bay for long enough spells last night. While the visitor had decent fundamentals and threw a nice left hook to the body, he couldn’t crack an egg.

Even when Johnny tired and started dropping his head towards the canvas, Pirotton, who managed to ride out a badly cut left eye, could not take full advantage.

Zuffa will need to match Fisher incredibly carefully. Talk of a fight with Deontay Wilder is dangerous, let alone fanciful. The popular ‘Romford Bull’ is an honest, likeable lad, who brings a crowd and can spark out lesser foes. However, anything beyond British title level is far too much of an ask.

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Kaladjzic and Richards mesh for an exciting light-heavyweight rumble

In a well-matched supporting contest, Radivoje Kalajdzic used his world level experience and commendable engine to topple Craig Richards.

All three scores of 97-92 in his favour were accurate, taking into account a fatigue-driven final round knockdown as Richards tried desperately to turn things around.

Further down the Copper Box card, Lee Cutler outpointed Louis Greene over 10 rounds. Leo Ruiz upset Cesar Tapia, also over 10. Rogelio Romero stopped Aurel Ignat.

Liam Davies WON RTD 7 Nathaniel Collins

They may not have been the main event pairing, due to Nathan Heaney’s ability to shift a monster amount of tickets, but Liam Davies and Nathaniel Collins combined for a quality domestic matchup in Birmingham. While Collins’ bravery meant that he was still “in” most of the rounds, it was, in all honesty, mostly one-way traffic for the seven rounds it lasted.

Retaining his European featherweight title, after Collins’ corner team decided their man needed to be saved from himself, Davies set the tone with a first-round knockdown and never let control slip away.

The right hand that dropped Collins remained a constant weapon throughout for Davies, who now looks strong at feather, using his lengthy levers to good effect.

Collins never stopped trying, but he was taking too many shots and his eye was damaged beyond immediate repair. Nathaniel’s coach, Joe Ham Sr, made the right call removing him from the contest, resulting in a second straight loss for the Scottish fighter.

Wins for Warburton and McCormack on the Davies-Collins undercard

While you never really know for sure, in a sport where paydays can appear from unexpected angles, Nathan Heaney is expected to retire following his rematch defeat to Gerome Warburton.

It wasn’t the send off his huge army of fans was hoping for. Heaney has made the most out of his career, winning a British title and creating plenty of memorable moments for a dedicated Stoke following. Welshman Warburton refused to follow any scripts, winning a deserved unanimous decision. Have we seen the famous Heaney walk out for the final time?

One half of the fighting brothers, Luke McCormack picked up the vacant British super-lightweight title with an uppercut finish of Kay Prospere in the 10th.

Morecambe prospect Nelson ‘The Sexy One’ Birchall enhanced his credentials as a finisher by getting rid of Walsall’s Lewis Morris in round three.

Bradley Goldsmith won the middleweight battle of Coventry punchers, pounding Amir Abubaker to a seventh-round defeat.

Thanongsak Simsri WON TKO 2 Mark Vicelles

Defending his IBF light-flyweight title for the second time, Thai puncher Simsri made short work of Japanese-based Filipino Vicelles.

Simsri dropped his southpaw challenger a couple of times before unleashing the heavy hands, prompting referee Koji Tanaka’s intervention.

The winner has already made his intentions clear: unifications at 108 to enhance the legacy. He may be obliged to defend his title first against mandatory challenger Regie Suganob who scored an impressive knockout over Sivenathi Nontshinga recently.

Image Credits: Fight footage screen grabs.

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.

Pat Brown picked up the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles with a sixth-round stoppage of John Hedges. The bout headlined at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Brown started off slowly, but once he discovered his jab and timing, it quickly became one-way traffic.

Once Brown found Hedges’ weak spot around the ribs, he dropped the Essex man with a left hook. Returning to the source of joy, Brown landed another left hand soon after, and Hedges could not recover. The southpaw seemed overawed by the occasion and offered little beyond backhand swings and hugging.

“Pat Brown, world championship, Old Trafford. I see it,” hummed promoter Eddie Hearn in the post-fight dissection. The Matchroom man cheekily suggested that 26-year-old Brown could knock out Eddie’s former employee, Jai Opetaia, in the future.

Brown can draw a crowd, is an exciting puncher and will be in some fun fights. Whether he aspires to world level is another matter. I think he gets hit a bit too much to survive and thrive.

British promoters are desperate to find stars following the decline of Anthony Joshua, Conor Benn (his name at least) and Moses Itauma. Wherever Brown ends up, the ride (or journey, as they described it on DAZN) will be entertaining.

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Wins for Masoud, Jeffers and O’Regan on the Pat Brown undercard

Skilled Stoke enigma Shabaz Masoud has all the tools but doesn’t bring much excitement when he’s expected to force a fight and impress. Argentine slugger Ckari Cani Mansilla tried to bring the same heat he used to score a shock KO win on a Misfits show last year. Masoud was far too cute, winning every round on every card.

In a super-middleweight battle between two domestic operators needing to wheeze some life into their respective careers, Mark Jeffers was breathing a little easier on Sunday morning.

The Chorley man welcomed Kieron Conway up to 168 pounds with defeat number five of the Northampton man’s professional journey. Jeffers did little to complicate things, using his strength and aggression to prevail over 10 rounds.

Two fights after suffering a damaging knockout defeat to fast-rising Jack Rafferty, Leeds man Cory O’Regan stepped in at short notice to hand out a boxing lesson to ‘Wigan Warrior’ Joe Howarth.

Southpaw O’Regan picked up the English super-lightweight title by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 (twice).

Isaac Cruz WON KO 6 Nestor Bravo

Isaac Cruz found just enough time to land some clean punches and stop Nestor Bravo in a foul-filled affair at Pechanga Arena. Boxing for the first time since a late 2025 draw with Lamont Roach Jr, ‘Pitbull’ made another successful defence of his WBC Interim super-lightweight belt.

Bravo took a count in round one following a sprawl on the canvas. He was docked a point in the second round and received another telling off from referee Thomas Taylor for a wrestling lift.

Mixing up the indiscretions, Bravo landed a couple of low blows in the third before receiving another point off in the fourth for a throw down. Fighting with his usual bulldozer style, Cruz’s left hook was a good weapon whenever he broke free of Bravo’s spidery arms.

That exact shot caught the Puerto Rican napping and stumbling down on his trunks in the sixth. Bravo pretended to rise but couldn’t lift himself up at the tail end of Taylor’s count.

“My next fight is for you. Come on, Ryan!” Cruz shouted in Ryan Garcia’s direction after the win. The Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello winner could also be an option.

On the San Diego undercard, Daniel Blancas pummelled portly Sergio Jimenez until referee Ray Corona intervened during a round seven barrage.

Olympic silver medallist and current unbeaten prospect Marco Verde was levels above 7-0 rival Guillermo Hernandez, scoring a fifth-round stoppage. Hernandez was dropped in the third.

Filipino middleweight puncher Eumir Marcial set a fierce pace to stop Mexico’s Omar Huerta in the third round.

Image Credits: Fight footage screen grabs.

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.

Ryan Garcia successfully defended his WBC welterweight title with a second-round stoppage of overmatched Brit Conor Benn in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

There was much discussion in the build-up as to whether Benn could back up his chatter and compete at world level. Garcia’s lethal fists answered those questions across barely two rounds.

Benn tried to duck and weave his way through a tough opener. Once Ryan rediscovered his timing in round two, it was as good as over. A backfoot right hand left Benn sprawling for a count from referee Thomas Taylor.

The near-20,000 strong crowd buzzed as Garcia pinned Benn to the ropes and unloaded, prompting Taylor’s intervention. I would’ve liked to have seen a conclusive finish, but the writing was on the wall. The American’s extra class had already shone through.

Improving to 26-2 (21 KOs), Garcia later said, “147 pounds is my division. I’m here. You can trust me as a champion.”

Paying brief tribute to his fallen foe (now 25-2 with 14 KOs), Garcia called Teofimo Lopez into the ring. Security had other ideas, physically stopping his entry, leading to a minor scuffle. It all added to the drama.

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Wins for Opetaia, Vanhouter and Cortes

In the chief supporting contest, Jai Opetaia sent out a message to ringside rival David Benavidez by finishing former world champion Noel Gevor Mikaelian in nine rounds.

Sporting a badly damaged left eyelid, Mikaelian actually had some success with the right hand in the seventh. Once Opetaia composed himself and started lashing downstairs, it became unbearable for the Armenian.

Opetaia sees himself as the dominant cruiserweight. Benavidez would dispute that claim. If they cannot sort out a fight, one or both could move up to heavyweight.

Aspiring heavyweight contender Da’Mazion Vanhouter annihalated Nigerian punching bag Raphael Akpejiori in one round. Vanhouter appeared to damage his shoulder during the blitz, but still left Akpejiori flat on his back.

Opening the televised portion, Andres Cortes remained undefeated with a 10-round UD over Mark Magsayo. All three judges scored it 97-93 in favour of the 29-year-old, who claimed a body shot knockdown along the way.

Image Credits: Fight footage screen grabs.

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.

I joined Rob, Justin and Danny for a Friday night call to break it all down and try and avoid a breakdown of our own.

Warning: Contains some edgy language, questionable themes and potentially embarrassing analysis.

Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor bowed out of the sport in front of 83,000 people on Saturday evening. Flanked by her loyal team and promoter Eddie Hearn, draped in a flag, Taylor made an emotional final speech to the Croke Park crowd.

This came shortly after MC David Diamante announced her formal victory over Flora Pili. Scores of 100-90 (twice) and 98-92 confirmed the win. Frenchwoman Pili played her part as a willing victim. Pili’s record was strong enough on paper to be the fall girl, but her skills were lacking. Therefore, she was unable to cause too many issues for the 40-year-old Bray woman.

Minus the workrate and engine of old, Taylor barely left first gear to tame Pili, whose slapping technique and inability to get into range let her down. Only in the final 10 seconds did Katie finally throw in a typical two-fisted frenzy.

It mattered little as she improved to 26-1 (6 KOs), leaving town with all the titles at super-lightweight; an undisputed queen of the division and, in my opinion, best of her generation. Pili fell to 12-1 (2 KOs), losing her IBO belt in the process.

The atmosphere was so special. I kept saying this was beyond my wildest dreams. It was an unbelievable night, an amazing night. The atmosphere was insane.

It’s been an absolute dream. I started off this career with a dream of becoming Olympic champion and I achieved that, but these last 10 years have been beyond my wildest dreams - Katie Taylor

At the fight’s end, Katie left her gloves in the ring and soaked up the adulation of a crowd she finally got to address after 10 years of professional toil. Laying down the belts was poignant, though the tacky Lidl sponsor added a touch of comedy to the ritual.

As it happened. Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili watch-along

I jumped on a call with my pals Justin, Des, Matty, Rob and Danny to call the chief support and main event as they rolled through. Give it a listen if you have a spare moment.

Dave Allen sends Carty flying out of the Irish undercard

On the Croke Park undercard, Dave Allen’s supporting act against Thomas Carty ended in farcical circumstances. Weighing 20 stone, Allen hit the Irishman with a shot to the back of the head that sent Carty spinning through the ropes.

Or, perhaps, Carty launched himself out of the ropes. It’s open to debate. Either way, after less than a round completed, it ended in a no-contest.

In a one-sided welterweight affair, Paddy Donovan opened a nasty cut across Tyrone McKenna’s right eye that prompted the doctor to stop it in four rounds.

Taylor Bevan dropped Emmet Brennan five times on the way to a sixth-round stoppage that was starting to become a little dangerous.

Liverpool’s Joe McGrail stopped Irish champion Matty Boreland in round five.

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Andy Ruiz Jr LOST PTS 12 Damian Knyba

As the Ruiz-Knyba heavyweight attraction reached the midway point, I suddenly wondered whether we would see history repeat itself. Headlining in New York, the crowd was well into it, as a sizeable Pole dished out a boxing lesson on a better-known name…

Golota-Bowe anyone? Instead of doling out low blows, Knyba landed the combination of the fight in round seven, forcing the referee to wave it off, then change his mind as Ruiz thudded to the canvas.

Affording the rotund ‘Destroyer’ a bunch of precious recovery seconds, remarkably Ruiz came out in round eight as a reinvigorated figure. Landing hard to the body, finally getting in range for a few rounds, as he tired down the stretch, the more disciplined Knyba resumed his boxing lesson.

There was nothing fancy. Just a standard jab, one-two, hug and hold. Classic Eastern European heavyweight tactics to see out a thoroughly deserved victory.

“Damian Knyba won and it wasn’t even close,” commentator Todd Grisham said at the end. Well, two of the judges scored it 114-113 in his favour, so if he hadn’t scored a knockdown it would’ve been a majority draw.

Sounds pretty close to me. How on earth did they come to that ridiculous conclusion? Ruiz had been out for two years and was probably being lined up for a big fight had he won here.

Fighting with strands of sweaty hair plastered to his face and a hulking frame sucked downwards into his shorts, Andy cut a sorry figure. He was moaning afterwards about the holding, but this was Knyba’s night, despite the official scorers doing their best to take it away.

Vito Mielnicki has far too much for brave ‘Ammo’ Williams

Vito Mielnicki had to fight through a few touches of adversity, but mostly had things his own way, outpointing Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams 98-91 on all three cards.

Boxing at middleweight, Vito dropped Williams in round one with a solid left hand. Williams weathered the early storm and inflicted some nose damage late on. It was not enough as Mielnicki dominated the final round, seeking a stoppage that he could not quite find.

The courage of hard-punching Alan Chaves, his corner and the referee combined to help ‘Veneno’ hear the final bell after Eridson Garcia dished out a sustained beating.

Chaves hit the deck four times in total at the fists of a resurgent Garcia, who suffered a daft knockdown himself along the way despite no clear punch landing. Back to the drawing board for Chaves. Onwards and upwards for Eridson Garcia.

Zaquin Moses opened the DAZN broadcast with a fifth-round retirement of Mexico’s Angel Antonio Contreras.

Lenar Perez WON TKO 8 Thabiso Mchunu

Cuba’s Lenar Perez put a beating on South African veteran Mchunu, eventually removing him in round eight of their Montreal main event. I enjoy these Eye of the Tiger shows.

Perez has dabbled in the IBA boxing scene, but his skills transfer to any ring. Sustained pressure saw smaller Mchunu crumble for a sixth-round count.

A straight right hand in the eighth had him down again. Teetering on stilts, eyes puffing up, Mchunu slumped once more and the referee decided he’d seen enough.

It feels like Mchunu has been around for ages. Maybe it’s time for the 38-year-old to call it a day after suffering pro defeat number nine. Perez, meanwhile, is a useful addition to the cruiserweight circuit.

Other boxing bites…

On September 2, in Kanagawa, Japan, there was exciting double world title action. Takeshi Ishii picked up the vacant WBA minimumweight title with a one-round thumping of Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Mendez.

Competing in only his fifth fight, Daiya Kira stopped Venezuela’s Carlos Canizales in seven rounds to win the vacant WBA light-flyweight crown. This was an especially solid win considering that Canizales stopped the long-reigning Petchmanee CP Freshmart in his last outing (albeit over a year ago).

Golden Boy Promotions announced that their October 10 show in Chicago will feature two world title matchups. Floyd Schofield meets Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight title.

Unified minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo moves up two divisions, no less, to tackle unified flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval.

Image Credits: Fight footage screen grabs.

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.

That gave the California Commission time to watch it back on instant replay. Soon, they were giving the ref instructions to end matters.

The fan favourite was a huge puncher, but Castro can dig a bit himself. Round nine showed just how hard and accurate…

Later on, during the post-fight interviews, promoter George Rose lost his temper with the crowd and offered anyone booing outside for a scrap.

Boxing as part of the famous fighting family, 28-year-old Tszyu admitted afterwards that he didn’t do enough to win. Danny Green, on commentary, thought otherwise. Seeking to follow in the footsteps of his father, Kostya, and brother, Tim, ‘Butcher’ Nikita must make improvements if he is to reach world-class.

Mikaela Mayer arrived in Birmingham with the WBA and WBC super-welterweight titles wrapped around her waist. The 36-year-old left with nothing but plaudits for her efforts after 10 rounds of give-and-take with Chantelle Cameron.

Not that Cameron gave her much appreciation. It was a bad-tempered affair, as the Northampton boxer barged into the American at the close of the first round. Mayer’s jab was a potential difference-maker, so it was surprising to see her abandon it so freely in the middle rounds.

That allowed Chantelle opportunities to fire off her faster hands. Trainer Jamie Moore kept her loose, relatively relaxed and on point as Mayer upped her work rate in the seventh round. It felt close as the final three rounds zipped into view. Cameron suffered a cut in the ninth round.

Two of the judges scored it 97-93 and the third 96-94, awarding Cameron a unanimous decision. The pair carried on their beef after the decision, exchanging verbals, calling for a rematch over three rounds.

Caroline Dubois WON PTS 10 Amelia Moore

As expected, Dubois was too strong and boxing savvy for Moore, setting out her stall early to win by scores of 99-90 (twice) and 98-91. There was never any doubt over the result as Dubois retained her WBC and WBO lightweight world titles.

Dubois, who dropped Moore in round five, entered into some jousting with Alycia Baumgardner after her win. Baumgardner has moved up in weight, and if she manages to get past the heavy-handed Elif Nur Turhan on November 8, a unification rumble is on the cards.

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Nikita Tszyu DREW PTS 12 Ben Mahoney

Boxing in a welterweight world title eliminator, Nikita Tszyu might’ve expected that he just needed to turn up and outhustle unbeaten yet unfancied foe Ben Mahoney in Queensland. But that wasn’t the case.

Bleeding in round three, troubled by Mahoney’s sneaky right-hand successes, Tszyu cut a disconsolate figure as one judge awarded him nine rounds. Overruled by a drawn card and one in Mahoney’s favour.

“I gave the fight to Ben. It was a close fight, but I thought he edged it,” said Tszyu with commendable honesty.

In the chief support, Callum Peters laid a beating down on Blake Wells, scoring an eighth-round stoppage. Only Wells’ unbelievable toughness allowed him to last as long as he did.

Corey Marksman WON PTS 10 Christian Barreto

Florida’s Marksman nudged his way closer to the top 25 at lightweight by posting a classy 10-round points win over previously undefeated Christian Barreto.

The 25-year-old headlined in his home state and built on an impressive win over fancied prospect Jaycob Gomez in March at the same venue. This card was part of a Matchroom Rising Stars series.

I only watched the main event (annoyingly interrupted by technical issues), so check out Tommy G. Robins’ review for a more complete rundown.

Mauricio Lara WON TKO 2 Carlos Ornelas

Former world champion Lara got the win in Jalisco, in controversial circumstances.

This one started fast and ended quickly. The pair clashed heads within seconds. Lara touched the canvas for a knockdown, was clearly buzzed and then dropped Ornelas - all in the opening round!

The second round promised to follow suit, until a potential clash of heads or an elbow left Ornelas with a horrible cut across the left eye. He alerted the referee to the issue, only for the third man to wave it off.

Replays first suggested that a bundle of punches caused the cut, and Ornelas’ in-fight complaint was classified as a withdrawal. Follow-up footage seemed to show a headbutt. Bizarre all round.

Lester Martinez WON TKO 10 Luka Plantic

Just a result drop on this one, as I must confess I haven’t watched it yet. Been a bit of a busy weekend, as you know! Suffice it to say, Plantic could not replicate the success of his countryman Hrgovic.

Martinez called for the winner of Canelo-Mbilli (he has already drawn with Mbilli) after stopping Plantic in round 10 of their Los Angeles clash on Pro Box TV.

Other boxing bites

During the Itauma-Hrgovic broadcast, Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley faced off in the ring to announce their rematch on October 17.

Also, Anthony Cacace and Nick Ball will clash in Belfast on December 19 at super-featherweight, and Joshua Buatsi will run it back with Willy Hutchinson in the Manchester Arena on November 7.

Buatsi won their first fight. This one will be for the vacant WBC Interim light-heavyweight title.

Image Credits: Fight screen grabs.

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.

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Moses Itauma, Ben Davison and the perpetually seething Frank Warren will all tell you that this morning.

Boxing, by its very nature, is wildly unpredictable. Heavyweight boxing especially. In London’s O2 Arena last night, Itauma was well on his way to picking up the vacant IBF world title, cementing his growing reputation as the newest Mike Tyson and embarking on a reign as the dominant force post-Usyk.

And then, suddenly, he wasn’t. Filip Hrgovic, it turns out, had some grand plans of his own. Soaking up intense punishment for eight rounds, the Croatian veteran hung in there, shaking off a second-round knockdown to take full advantage of Moses’ swift and monumental collapse.

The warning signs were there, of course. Hrgovic was cut (obviously) and relied on his chin to absorb unrelenting bombs from both hands. None of this deterred a man renowned for resilience.

Perhaps enjoying a second wind around the seventh, southpaw Itauma emptied the tank in desperation, wondering why the kind of shots that had annihalated lesser foes weren’t having the same impact on this sturdy old oak tree.

“It was really not my strength, it was the Holy Spirit. He gave me strength in this camp to endure everything and have the best camp of my life,” the winner added curiously. He is contractually obligated to defend against Frank Sanchez next.

Aged 34, Hrgovic improved to 21-1 (16 KOs) while Itauma, 21, lost for the first time, dropping to 14-1 (12 KOs). The official time of the stoppage was 2-27 of round nine as referee Howard Foster and Itauma’s corner combined to save the exhausted Brit. The three unused judges were Oliver Brien, Phil Edwards and Daniel Sandoval.

Discussion points for Itauma’s shock defeat

On Friday, things got a little heated as Itauma shoved the surly Croat at the weigh-in. Despite his hot-headed reputation, Hrgovic remained cool and composed on the night, opting against his usual fast start, instead letting the younger man fizz away most of his energy. When the opportunity for attack arose, Hrgovic pounced.

Confusion reigned at the end of the contest as reports varied over the extent of Itauma’s physical damage. He was taken to hospital for examinations. Rightly so, whenever exhaustion stoppages are concerned.

Promoter Frank Warren later told news outlets that his man had suffered a leg injury.

I watched the entire card with the sound muted, as I can’t listen to Adam Smith’s inane ramblings. Therefore, I missed what Itauma’s corner were telling him between rounds.

Surely someone explained around the eighth that Hrgovic wasn't going anywhere and their man would need to pace himself for the championship rounds?

The knockout would’ve been a big statement, but there came a point when Itauma was so far ahead that taking a breath, pushing away those ingrained fighting instincts and boxing clever for the win seemed a more logical course of action. Easier said than done in the heat of battle, granted.

Becoming the first heavyweight world champion from Croatia, Hrgovic had whipped himself into stellar shape under the tutelage of trainer Abel Sanchez.

Coming in at just over 236 pounds, it was his lightest weight since a 2019 win over Mario Heredia. Lately, Hrgovic has moved around the 240s, weighing over 250 pounds in his 2025 victory over Joe Joyce.

Early in his career, he regularly weighed within the 220-pound mark. Remarkable for such a big man.

Itauma, meanwhile, came in just under 242, only ounces heavier than when he defeated Jermaine Franklin earlier in the year. His weight has fluctuated across a three-year career. Touching the 250-pound mark is too heavy for him, in my opinion. 241.7 felt reasonable.

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Wins for Noakes and Hysa on the Itauma-Hrgovic undercard

Supporting the big men in Greenwich, there wasn’t a great deal to get excited about. Sam Noakes huffed and puffed his way past the smaller and increasingly more negative Denys Berinchyk over 10 rounds. Noakes is physically strong and can punch at a level; probably European.

He’s too one-paced and one-dimensional to trouble the top fighters beyond an honest effort. How Berinchyk ever beat Emanuel Navarrete is beyond me. I suppose time moves on and styles make fights.

In a battle of two terrible heavyweights, Albania’s Nelson Hysa blasted away Thomas Narmo in round two. The novice-like Norwegian was Misfits level. Hysa landed a chopping right hand, leaving his bearded victim requiring oxygen.

The WBO Global title was on the line, even though there’s no planet where these two should be contesting any reasonable bauble. Perhaps the Flat Earth title? WBC take note.

Plymouth-based switch-hitter Constantin Ursu successfully defended his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles with a round eight TKO over Ben Vaughan. Both were cut, but Vaughan’s slashed right eyelid led to some painful moments as the significantly bigger Ursu began to dominate.

In a messy heavyweight tussle, Italy’s Guido Vianello drew with Welshman Moses Jolly over eight rounds. Referee Amy Pu couldn’t split them at 76-76. I later learned that Vianello was being lined up as a future defence for Itauma had both men jumped over their respective hurdles.

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley rematch confirmed

Before the main event, Frank Warren bundled two heavyweights into the ring for an announcement. On October 17 in London, WBO champion Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley will box a rematch.

The pair fought in May, when Dubois scored an 11th-round knockout victory after being dropped in the first and third rounds. Wardley ended with a squished nose, exhausted and still swinging when Howard Foster called off the massacre.

Fabio is great value and will bring the heat, but you have to make Dubois a favourite to win again, in my opinion.

Image Credits: Sky Sports, fight footage screen grabs.

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.