Undefeated Craig Parker patiently closes in on the Cruiserweight championship.

Many fighters through history have run silently under the radar, springing to prominence on that rare occasion that a life changing opportunity presents itself. In his 8 years as a pro, Las Vegas based Cruiserweight Craig Parker has moved silently beneath the divisions waters compiling an impressive 21-0 record with 20 knockouts. Up until his 2025 bout with Dionardo Minor in Tennessee, the 35 year old Parker hadn’t boxed beyond the second round in the entirety of his first 20 fights, obtaining only 23 rounds worth of work in 20 pro starts and a 95% knockout ratio. The 5 ft 10 inch Chicago natives relentless style appears reminiscent to that of a young Joe Frazier, with an intelligently aggressive low to the ground approach, offering perpetual head movement whilst closing the distance on opposition. During his 21 fight career, Craig appears to be technically evolving as a fighter, developing mentally and physically into a well rounded pressure fighter with undeniable power. If you dig a little beneath the surface. You’ll find a mild mannered and polite individual who is God fearing and extremely engaging, a stark contradiction to what becomes evident throughout his 21 appearances within the ropes. Parker owes much of his personal development to Elijah Thomas, an ageless veteran boxing mentor who had once been instrumental in guiding another Chicago powerhouse, Oliver McCall to the heavyweight championship. Elijah was a patient and knowledgeable man who lived by strong principals and great faith, qualities that have rubbed off onto the philosophical Parker. Elijah once insisted that many fighters rushed like a freight train towards the championship, but fell by the wayside equally as fast. At this season of his career, Parker has adopted the approach that by constantly winning and steadily maintaining momentum, over time it will be hard for those controlling the mechanics of the sport to ignore his presence. Elijah Thomas passed in 2024 aged 91 and Parker fully understands that the mission set in place by his teacher must continue in his absence and has since been under the guidance of the experienced veteran trainer of champions Jesse Reid. Parker has based himself primarily in Las Vegas for the last 7 years but on occasion calls Rock Hill, South Carolina his home, attracted by the calmer, more serene surroundings and following a number of hometown appearances had procured a loyal fan base along with that of his native Chicago but understands that for the progression of his career, Las Vegas is a valuable necessity. Craig is steadily gaining some momentum and despite not having the luxury of a Tv network or the backing of a mainstream promoter, doesn’t sit around waiting for opportunities to come looking for him. Craig recently visited the United Kingdom not for the first time, but this time was purely business, where he trained for a number of weeks in various locations and sparred former WBO world Cruiserweight champion Chris Billam Smith almost the moment that he stepped off the plane. Becoming recognised in the Uk could prove profitable, it has a vibrant and healthy Cruiserweight scene and could provide a platform for Parker to establish a base with a broader scope of opportunities available. Craig is a throwback, a student of the sport who studies ring masters of the past like Georgie Benton, Curtis Parker, James Toney and Buddy McGirt. Craig displays stark style similarities to his hero Joe Frazier and admired Evander Holyfield who like Parker was a deeply religious, dedicated fighter with great mental strength. Craig is very aware of the competition that surrounds him, Las Vegas based Robin Safar and current IBF cruiserweight champion J’ai Opetia as literal neighbours. Potential matchups on British soil are a fantastic bonus against guys like Billam Smith, Isaac Chamberlain and Chev Clarke all a realistic possibility, along with current WBC champion Noel Mikaelian who in Craigs own words is very beatable. Craig intends to remain active throughout 2026 and hopes that doors will start to open for him so that he can fulfil his full potential and Elijah Thomas’ prophecy and stand alongside the likes of Alfonso Ratliff and Leroy Murphy as the latest native Chicagoan World Cruiserweight champion. Patience is a virtue and pressure breaks pipes, Craig Parker has both. 

Craig currently trains at Real Boxing on Sahara and Jones in North West Las Vegas and is promotionally unattached.

Craig can also be reached through me via- Stephen_mirage@yahoo.com

Queensbury, Zuffa and Top Rank present 3 interesting additions to the boxing calendar in the coming months;

Queensbury promotions, Zuffa Boxing and Top Rank bring three entertaining boxing shows throughout March and April. 

March 28th Top Rank present a show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, featuring undefeated US Olympic heavyweight Richard Torrez 14-0 (12 Ko’s) pitching himself into the stiffest test of his career when he meets the once beaten and much avoided Cuban Flash, Frank Sanchez. Sanchez  25-1 (18 Ko’s)  last boxed in February of last year, bouncing back from his sole loss to Kabayel, stopping Ramon Echeverria. Frank’s most notable win was his 2021 victory over the on form Efe Ajagba which earned him the NABO belt.  Torrez most notable win to date was a unanimous win over the tough Guido Vianello last April to earn the NABO that once belonged to Sanchez. The hard punching Torrez last boxed in November with a 1 round blast out of Tomas Salek.

On April 11th at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London Zuffa Boxing has added an interesting bout to the Tyson Fury v Arslan Makhmudov card, featuring the return of once beaten action fighter, Conor Benn 24-1 (14 Ko’s) meeting former world champion and equally exciting southpaw Regis Prograis 30-3 (24 Ko’s). Prograis, a former 2 time super lightweight champion has faced a glossary of notable opposition throughout his 14 year career, including Devin Haney, Jack Catterall, Josh Taylor and Julius Indongo. It’s fair to say that his premium years are in the rear view mirror, however he’s a class operator who always entertains. Regis last boxed in august where he earned a unanimous win over Joseph Diaz. 

Benn appears to riding the crest of a wave, enjoying his new found fame since his two high profile fights with Chris Eubank Jr at Middleweight. However despite these popular performances, the only notable name at his current and more natural weight was a 4th round knockout of Chris Algieri in 2021.  Conor hasn’t boxed at 146 pounds for 4 years and may find Prograis a level above where he has been operating. Benn recently caused a stir by signing a very unique 1 fight 8 figure deal with Zuffa boxing without consulting personally with his current promoter Eddie Hearn who appeared to have salvaged Benn’s career several years prior, following the dark cloud of the banned substance allegations. Youth and energy may win the day in this one, but the questions that may be asked surround Conor’s return to 146 pounds.  

Finally on April 25th at the Adidas arena in Paris France, Queensbury boxing in association with DAZN, present a clash of two former Olympians who have ambitions of gatecrashing the very active heavyweight scene when once beaten former 2 weight world champion Lawrence Okolie 23-1 (17 Ko’s) takes on the enigmatic and erratic 2016 Olympic super heavyweight champion, Tony Yoka of France 15-3-0 (12 Ko’s).

Going into 2022, Yoka appeared to have the world at his feet with an undefeated record of 11-0 with 9 knockouts, however, Tony took a step up in 2022 and suffered a damaging defeat to Martin Bakole, followed by back to back defeats at the hands of Ryad Merhy and Carlos Takam. The tall rangy former Yoka has since sprung back into contention with 4 straight wins albeit against sub par opposition. Yoka has also since based himself primarily in the Uk and harboured aspirations of landing the AJ fight.  Yoka’s most impressive performance on paper was possibly his 2020 stoppage of former World title challenger Johann Duhaupas. Yoka last boxed in November, scoring a 1 round stoppage of Patrick Korte. 

Since moving up to heavyweight, Lawrence Okolie has been begging for the more notable names and Yoka shouldn’t disappoint. This will be Lawrence’s 4th fight up at heavyweight having previously held both the WBC Bridgerweight and WBO cruiserweight championships.  and his sole loss was a 2023 majority decision defeat to Chris Billam Smith, weighing almost 70 pounds less than he does currently. At heavyweight Okolie appears to have found his true calling, he has reinvented himself as a monster, frequently weighing between 260 and 270 pounds. In Okolie’s last appearence, he forced a second round stoppage last December over the usually durable Ebenezer Tetteh in Nigeria. 

Undercard featured bout results from Las Vegas.

Undercard Feature attractions from The T-Mobile in Las Vegas.

Super lightweights - Gary Antuanne Russell beat Andy Hiraoka via unanimous decision (117-110, 116-111, 116-111)

Super lightweights - Frank Martin Drew with Nahir Albright, unanimously (95-95, 95-95, 95-95)

Super Middleweights - Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Sena Agbeko via 7th Round Tko.

Middleweights - Amari Jones stopped Luis Arias via 4th round Tko.

Earlier in the evening;

Joshua Edwards beat Brandon Colantonio by decision in a heavyweight 6 rounder and Mohammed Alakel stopped David Calabro in the 2nd of a 6 rounder at Super Featherweight.

Promoted by Oscar Dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tom Brown.

Broadcast Globally and exclusively by DAZN PPV.

Ryan Garcia grabs his first world championship, outclassing Marios Barrios.

Despite his popularity and prominence at the forefront of his division, Ryan Garcia is a world Champion for the first time in his career. Garcia outclassed the very capable and proven Mario Barrios last night to claim the WBC welterweight championship. Garcia set the fight alight early, scoring an eye catching knockdown within the first half minute of the opener, sending Barrios to the canvas with clinical right hands. Barrios comfortably beat the count, but it was evident that he was surprised at the speed and accuracy of Garcia early. The stiff right hand may have been a misleading game-plan from the notoriously left hooking Garcia.

Barrios struggled to find a foothold in the bout, frequently following the dominant Garcia around the ring, neglecting the jab and showing very little ambition. Garcia’s natural speed proved a major damaging factor against the subdued champion. Down the stretch Ryan’s class shone through whilst Barrios struggled to adapt, Garcia claiming the spoils with a unanimous 12 round victory, scores of 119-108, 120-107, 118-109. 

Barrios was elevated from WBC interim to full champion in 2024, and since never made a conclusively successful defence, drawing twice to retain his belt against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao. He now drops to 29-3-2 (18 Ko’s) 

Garcia coming off a 10 month layoff since his defeat to Rolando Romero enjoys his first relight as champion and improves to 25-2 (20 Ko’s) 

Leigh Wood dominates Josh Warrington to repeat victory in Nottingham.

Leigh Wood repeated his victory over tough Josh Warrington by unanimous decision in a one-sided fight at the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England.

Wood (29-4, 17 KOs) successfully defended his WBA featherweight title against Warrington back in October 2023. Warrington appeared to be dominating on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage in the first fight, however this affair was a complete contract with very little high drama. Wood stuck to a strict game-plan and prevented to frustrated Warrington  32-5-1 (8 KOs) from creating a solid foothold in the fight. Scores read 119-109, 119-110, 117-111.

David Allen returns with early win in Nottingham.

David Allen returned to remain active last night in Nottingham against an inept Karim Berredjem 12-10 (3 Ko’s) of France. Allen coming off a disappointing loss to Arslan Makmhudov last October weighed in a whopping 271 pounds but did all that was asked of him in double quick fashion. Allen came out bombing and dropped the Frenchman with the 4th right hand thrown within 10 seconds of the opener. Berredjem rose pensively and immediately went on the retreat. Allen, fully understanding that he had a beaten man in front of him patiently set up a following succession of overhand rights the concluded in Berredjem bouncing off the canvas at exactly the moment the French corner hurled in the towel. Referee Peter McCormack being forced to call the fight off with 57 seconds remaining in the opener. Allen now at 25-8-2 (20Ko’s) understands that he is one of the most exciting and dangerous heavyweights on these shores when he lets his hands go, unfortunately on every occasion that he has stepped up (outside of the Lucas Browne victory) he has fallen short. 

Fawaz upsets Davis in Nottingham.

Last night in Nottingham, Ishmail Davis 15-3 (6 Ko’s) appeared to be enjoying every advantage in the first half of a fight that would be the first defence of his British and Commonwealth super welterweight titles, however somewhere along the way the determined Bilal Fawaz 10-1-1 (3 Ko’s) found a foothold in the fight and pulled himself back only to grab the titles against all the odds with a majority decision 114-114, 115-113 and 115-114. Fawaz story is like movie script where he was trafficked as a child and found himself in the United Kingdom, and to this day has been unable to obtain legitimate passport papers for the country that he is today champion of. 

Zuffa Boxing scalps Conor Benn.

Dana White’s Zuffa boxing promotions announced yesterday on X that they have landed a major signing in rising Welterweight / Middleweight Conor Benn. Benn himself turned to X to inform those concerned with a brief statement

“First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade. From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.

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. I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.

I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.” 

It’s understood that this exclusive deal will start as a 1 fight agreement and has been financially hard to turn down, according to Chris Mannix, it’s in the region of ten figures. Beyond the initial fight, Benn can return to being a free agent.  Despite having boxed his previous 2 fights at 160, Benn is currently ranked number 1 by the World Boxing Council at Welterweight. This may open the door for Benn to meet the winner of tonight’s championship bout between Ryan Garcia and its current champion Mario Barrios to meet in the very near future, noting that Garcia’s GBP contract expires following the outcome of tonight’s fight 

Ajagba outguns veteran Martin in Las Vegas.

In the main event tonight at the Meta arena in Las Vegas, Efe Ajagba 21-1-1 (14 Ko’s) came from behind to twice knock down the former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin 30-6-1 (27 Ko’s) at 1.11 of the 4th, of a scheduled 10. The experienced 39 year old Martin presented himself from the opening round the more composed of the two, using an awkward southpaw jab, along with feints to set up a number of accurate left hands through rounds 1 and 2, Ajagba patiently trusted the process and stalked the more mobile St Louis native. Ajagba made his initial breakthrough in the third by landing clean as Martin backed into the ropes, knocking the former champion down heavily. Martin rallied back and managed to see the round out unscathed. The 4th would be the closer, Ajagba started to land clusters of accurate long punches which again floored Martin, who by now was looking despondent. Martin dug deep for one last rally before a barrage of clean, unanswered shots forced referee  Thomas Taylor to halt the proceedings. Martin didn’t protest and The silent roller moves onward with a more significant name on his resume following a career best showing in last May’s hard fought draw with the very avoided Martin Bakole. Charles Martin has now unfortunately lost 3 of his last 5, albeit in a more progressive class that Ajagba’s recent counterparts, losing to Joshua, Kowanacki, Anderson, Ortiz and now Ajagba. Efe appears much more mature these days, opting to probe for opening, rather than hunt aggressively For prey. Ajagba’s sole loss coming at the hands of Frank Sanchez, a fighter that he was again linked with for a potential rematch. Ajagba 31 years old from Ughelli Nigeria moves a step nearer to some colourful opportunities and a potential future rematch with Sanchez on the Zuffa platform. 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions heads to Temecula Ca, April 3rd.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) is scheduled to host a night of championship boxing in a return to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. on Friday, April 3. Featuring an IBF Minimumweight 12 round title fight between the current champion Pedro Taduran 19-4-1 (13 KOs) and Gustavo Pérez Álvarez 16-1-0 (5 KOs). 

The champion, Pedro Taduran is a gritty southpaw pressure fighter who has twice held the IBF championship, Taduran initially picked up the IBF title in 2019 and regained it 5 years later, stamping his name as one of the more accomplished titleholders at 105 pounds. 

The challenger on this occasion is Gustavo Pérez Álvarez a vastly improving prospect from Mexico on a 7 bout winning run, and a fan friendly tenacious style.

The show will also feature the reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lázaro Lornzana 19-0 (13 KOs) in a fabulous endorsement for bringing back high profile championship boxing to Southern California. 

Tickets for the show are available now at Pechanga.com/entertain. 

A limited amount of VIP and Platinum packages are available also at a first come, first served basis at PacquiaoPromotions.com.

For updates and info on upcoming events visit PacquiaoPromotions.com and follow MPP on social media platforms. 

Weigh in results. Zuffa boxing 3. Las Vegas Nv.

Zuffa Boxing 3.  Weigh in details. 

Efe Ajagba (254) vs Charles Martin (250)
Umar Dzambekov (176.5) vs Ahmed Elbiali (176)
Abel Mejia (137) vs Jaybrio Pe Benito (134.5)
Leonardo Ruiz (157) vs Casey Streeter (156)
Antonio Woods (159) vs Mark Beuke (159)
Oswaldo Molina (135) vs Joshua Clark (134.5)
Emiliano Alvarado (122) vs Devin Gantt (121.5)
Dariial Kuchmenov (134.5) vs Jorge Lagunas (135)

Hosted by the Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
under the auspices of the Nevada Athletic Commission

Promoted by Dana Whites Zuffa boxing. 
matchmaker: Charles Bosecker
Broadcast exclusively on Paramount+

9th May in Manchester. Wardley v Dubois.. Don’t Blink.

Newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley will make the first defence of his title against Daniel Dubois in a mouthwatering all-British battle on Saturday, 9 May in Manchester.

The 31-year-old Ipswich man was crowned WBO champion in November when Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt instead of honouring a mandatory defence against Wardley.

Dubois has previously held the WBA regular and IBF heavyweight titles and known that it’s vital that he comes through this test successfully if he garners any ambitions of remaining at the highest level again. 

Undefeated Wardley, who has won 20 of his 21 fights barring a sole draw, boasts 19 knockouts in comparison to Dubois’ 22-3 record with 21 knockouts. 

Wardley’s route to the championship is quite remarkable, without any notable amateur history, alternatively a string of white collar bouts prior to thrusting himself into the pro ranks with the backing of Dillian Whyte. Dubois on the other hand has enjoyed amateur successes as a member of team GB and a longer grounding in the game.  However many doubted Daniels desire at the top level when he suffered a damaging loss to Joe Joyce 9 fights ago in 2020. It wasn’t the loss that hurt Dubois, it was the manner in which he lost, choosing to take the knee and quit in the 10th round of a fight for the British, Commonwealth and European marbles. It later was revealed that Dubois had suffered an optical bone injury around the eye, regardless questions now loomed around Daniels heart and grit at the highest level. Against the odds Dubois travelled to the US to arrest the WBA regular title trom Trevor Bryan then  between 2023 and 2025 Dubois faced Oleksandr Usyk unsuccessfully twice for the championship (once undisputed) before racking impressive wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic (to earn the vacant IBF title ) and an impressive knockout of Anthony Joshua, each of those 5 bouts DDD was a significant underdog. 

In 2023 Fabio picked up the British and Commonwealth titles with an impressive stoppage of tough David Adaleye before being held to a draw by Frazer Clarke 5 months later. Wardley rematched Clarke 7 months later in 2024 and administered a frightening knockout in the opening session to solidify his place as the domestic champion. Since the second Clarke fight Wardley has found a way to win in fights where he appeared to be trailing, firstly by knocking out tough Justis Huni, in the 10th round of a fight he was losing and more recently in the 11th round of his fight in October of last year, again in a fight which appeared to be slipping away. Wardley has only heard the final bell once, back on his debut in 2017, and has since enjoyed 9 years of knockout development and literally learning on the job. 

This will be Dubois 6th world title fight, he is at amateur and professional levels far more experienced and seasoned than Wardley, but Daniel also carries the scars of damage and self doubt from knockout losses each time he has faced defeat. Wardley is the in form fighter in terms of a winning streak, however Dubois has been flirting at a much classier level over the last 3 years. This is a very interesting fight with huge importance in regard to the future of both men. 

Tyson Furys return to the ring v Arslan Makhmudov will take place at Londons Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tyson Fury's return to the boxing ring against Russian giant  Arslanbek Makhmudov will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11th.  The 37 year old former unified heavyweight champion hasn't fought since losing back-to-back matches to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, on both occasions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Fury, (34-2-1) last boxed at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in Dec of 2022, in what was his last heavyweight title defence on home soil against fellow Brit Derek Chisora. 

Makhmudov (21-2) will be fighting in England for the second time in succession, the 36-year-old Russian outpointed tough David Allen in Sheffield last October.

Fury v Makhmudov is promoted by Frank Warren in association with Queensbury boxing and will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.

Zuffa boxing unveil new condensed weight division range.

Tomorrow night Zuffa boxing present a groundbreaking fight card from the Meta Apex center in las vegas featuring former IBF heavyweight champion Prince Charles Martin taking on The Silent roller, Nigerian Efe Ajagba in a 10 round feature. Zuffa boxing, headed by Dana White have unveiled some major plans for 2026 along with their weight division structure.  Zuffa have reduced down the usual 18 weight categories, to a condensed 8 divisions from Bantamweight (118 pounds) to Heavyweight (Open ended from 200 pounds +) 

Heavyweight 200lbs +

Cruiserweight 200lbs

Light Heavyweight 175lbs

Middleweight 160lbs

Welterweight 147lbs

Lightweight 135lbs

Featherweight 126lbs

Bantamweight 118lbs

This new structure avoids the junior divisions, sending the weight spectrum back to the 1950s, celebrating the original full weight divisions with in certain cases up to 25 pounds between categories. 

Currently the WBC have an 18 weight division range, from light flyweight up to Heavyweight, with junior (Light or Super) divisions between the original major weight classes. 

Undercard and cheif support results from Liverpool.

 

Co-Main and feature bout results from Liverpool 

Jack Turner def. Juan Carlos Martinez Urbina by RTD (R3, 3:00) Super Flyweight 

Andrew Cain def. Alejandro Jair Gonzalez by TKO (R9) WBC Bantamweight Eliminator

Hassan Ishaq def. Leonardo Baez by TKO (R3, 1:39) Super Bantamweight 

Brad Strand def. Ruben Lezama Gonzalez by TKO (R3, 1:24) Super Bantamweight 

Preliminary results.

Luke Prior def. Ryan Frost by KO (R1) Welterweight 

Stephen Clarke def. Lewis Howells by TKO (R8, 1:42) Middleweight 

Jack Swallow def. Paddy Lacey by points (58-57) Middleweight 

Sam Norris def. Jack England by points (40-36) Super Featherweight 

Lucas Szeto-Biswana def. Liam Macmillan by TKO (R1, 2:46) Welterweight 

William Birchall def. Caine Singh by TKO (R1, 2:55) Super Featherweight 

Luke Turner def. Jensen Irving by TKO (R4, 2:29) Middleweight 

The Event was promoted by Frank Warren in association with Queensbury boxing.

Matchmaker Lee Eaton.

Broadcasted exclusively by DAZN.

Brandon Figueroa arrests WBA featherweight crown from Nick Ball with dramatic final round tko.

Texan Brandon Figueroa certainly lived up to his heartbreaker nickname by hijacking Nick Ball’s 4th WBA featherweight title defence in the Liverpool mans back yard with a 12th round tko in a fight that was edging in the home fighters favour. The tenacious Ball 23-1-0 (13 Ko’s) started fast but found it tough negating the taller man’s long range counter punching, neither man found a significant breakthrough going into the middle rounds however the American import started to find a comfortable rhythm in an even fight. Entering the final stanza Figueroa, instructed by trainer Manny Robles came out assertive with no intention of leaving anything to chance and within 12 seconds of the round landed a perfect counter left hook that dropped the champion heavily. Ball managed to beat the count, but the final barraged left him down for a second time and in no fit condition to recover, leaving referee Steve Grey with no option but to call a halt. The classy Figueroa appeared the more superior fighter going into the championship rounds with the relatively raw defending champion losing his composure under pressure. The 29 year old Figueroa 27-2-1 (20 Ko’s) leaves the Uk as the new WBA champion with lots of option open to him as a very marketable fighter. 

NB: Unfortunately some disappointing scenes arose following the bout where a number of undesirable spectators attempted to soak the newly crowned visiting fighter with alcohol. 

Deontay Wilder offers insight into how the Chisora fight came about.

Deontay Wilder spoke openly today about his upcoming fight with Derrick Chisora and his current mindset ahead of what appears to be the Indian summer of his career, Wilder initially addressed the temptation of a world title fight with Oleksandr Usyk and how the offer arose. Deontay was honest in stating that he was curious to whether or not the call out was legitimate or merely a publicity stunt, as time went on Wilder leant towards understanding the lucrative offer was very real, but the mechanics behind the scenes to make the fight materialise appeared to drag it’s feet, with dates and venues being continually moved. Wilder wasn’t going to place all of his eggs in one basket and a week into negotiations, an alternative fight with Derrick Chisora presented itself. Wilder still open to the Usyk offer remained patient but when the talks became quiet, Deontay acknowledged that Chisora and his people appeared more accommodating and efficient in completing the deal. Ironically, as soon as news of the Chisora deal being finalised was made public knowledge, Usyk’s people suddenly found a new lease of life with an immediate deal offered. Deontay remained steadfast and loyal to his word and continued proceedings to finalise his fight with Chisora in the Uk. Wilder was honest in his tone, stating that there was immense pressure on him following his previous high profile losses, Derrick himself brings pressure, and pressure busts pipes…. However pressure can also produce diamonds. It’s Derricks 50th fight, his retirement fight and he’s eager to drag me into retirement with him. It’s was only by coincidence that I was made aware that this too is my 50th both, a perfect 100 and a chance for redemption. Wilder is delighted to be boxing in the Uk for the first time in 13 years since defeating Audley Harrison in 2013. It’s refreshing to have an opponent that I can hang with, clown with, have dinner and watch Tv with, with the seasoned maturity to be able to separate ourselves and be true sportsmen. Wilder views the Chisora fight as a prime opportunity to gauge his skills with a potential Usyk fight in the distance. If I beat Chisora in impressive style then I know I’m truly ready for that challenge. Let it be known, I’m not interested in Fury, but I have my evidence and know the real truths from those fights, I sleep well at night because I know the real truth and like they say, the truth will set you free. I’ve gone through hell and those who second guessed me will be made to eat they words, I fear nothing and have no distractions. Come fight night with Chisora and Usyk, I want all the smoke. 

Ajagba v Martin, scheduled for Feb 15th in Las Vegas.

Zuffa boxing presents ‘Zuffa Boxing 3’ its first major show of 2026 on February 15th at the Meta Apex arena in Las Vegas, when former IBF world heavyweight champion Charles Martin faces dangerous Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba. Martin 30-4-1 (27 Ko’s) has only lost to the higher end of the division, more recently to Jared Anderson and Luis Ortiz in highly competitive fights. The LA based southpaw most recently stopped an overmatched Matt McKinney in 1 round 15 months ago. Ajagba 20-1-1 (14 Ko’s) is coming off a quite impressive showing where he scored a draw with Congolese boogeyman Martin Bakole, in a fight that many thought he had won. Efe had previously only lost once, a unanimous points defeat to Cuban flash, Frank Sanchez over 4 years ago. Ajagba seems to be the on form fighter and has been far more active than the former champion. Martin hasn’t seemed to be able to find solid momentum and despite being the more experienced and proven heavyweight, he may struggle with Ajagba’s long range style and workrate. However, an excellent kickoff for Zuffa in what is a brand new setting, the UFC base in south west Las Vegas on El Camino road and Sunset, 3 miles west of Harry Reid Airport. The bout is promoted solely by Dana Whites Zuffa boxing banner with the assistance of matchmaker Charles Bosecker, and featured exclusively on Paramount plus. 

Wilder v Chisora each celebrate 50th fight, April 4th, O2 London.

Derek Chisora's fight with former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder 44-4-1 (42) has been confirmed for the O2 Arena in London on 4 April.

The event will be a 50th professional fight for both 42-year-old Chisora and American Wilder, 40.

Chisora 36-13 (23) suggested last year, that his retirement would proceed his 50th bout which would take place overseas, however circumstances have arisen for the Finchley man to face Wilder on home soil. 

The pair were due to fight 13 years ago but Wilder withdrew from the bout after an arrest for domestic violence prevented him from travelling to the UK.

Chisora is on a three-fight winning streak, including points victories over Joe Joyce and Otto Wallin. 

Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, winning his first 40 fights, and was once considered the division's most feared puncher.

Wilder shared three epic fights with Tyson Fury including a 2018 draw followed by two conclusive defeats to Fury in 2020 and 2021.

Wilder returned from a years inactivity, following a traumatic knockout loss to Zhang along with personal issues in June 2025, scoring a seventh-round stoppage of little-known Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. Wilder v Chisora will likely feature as a PPV event and will be the Americans first fight in the Uk since his one round blitz of Audley Harrison in 2013.