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.

Shakur Stevenson scores masterclass shutout over Teo Lopez to claim 4th Championship.

Shakur Stevenson dictated the fight tonight and was in complete control from start to finish, outclassing Teofimo Lopez to earn a wide unanimous decision victory and capture the WBO super lightweight title, his fourth championship in as many divisions.

The outcome was never truly in doubt. After a competitive opening couple of rounds, 28 year old Newark native Stevenson 25-0 (11 Ko’s) seized command by the third and never let go. Aside from a brief lull late in the fight, Lopez was unable to match Stevenson’s pace, timing, or precision.

Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) had suffered defeats before, but never in such one-sided fashion, posing very little threat throughout and was unable to generate offense, effective enough to disrupt Stevenson’s rhythm. Stevenson, meanwhile, delivered a masterclass in control and efficiency.

With the performance, Stevenson further strengthened his case as one of boxing’s elite, making it difficult to argue against his place among the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters, Lopez tonight, figuratively just made up the numbers. 

Ringside Judges scores read. 

Max DeLuca: 119-109 Stevenson.. 

Eric Marlinski: 119-109 Stevenson.. 

Steve Weisfeld: 119-109 Stevenson

Keyshawn Davis scores late knockout over tough Jermaine Ortiz.

Keyshawn Davis announced his arrival in a new weight class in emphatic fashion, scoring a dramatic 12th-round stoppage of Jamaine Ortiz in the final seconds of their junior welterweight bout Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

The co-main event to the Teofimo Lopez–Shakur Stevenson showdown marked a triumphant return for Davis following a turbulent 2025.

From the opening bell, Davis (14-0, 10 KOs) was in complete command, showcasing sharp ring IQ, a consistent jab, and punishing body work to steadily pile up rounds against Ortiz, who had never been stopped as a professional.

“I put on an amazing performance, like I promised you,” Davis said afterward. “I heard y’all booing, but I gave you a knockout. You just got to be patient.”

Ortiz (20-3-1, 10 KOs), who had previously pushed elite fighters like Teofimo Lopez and Vasiliy Lomachenko to the limit, was expected to provide a stern test in Davis’ 140-pound debut. Instead, he struggled to find any sustained offense and was systematically broken down by “The Businessman.”

Despite holding a sizable lead on the scorecards, Davis pressed for the finish. A crushing body shot sent Ortiz to the canvas in the 11th round, and Davis closed the show moments later, detonating a hard right hand followed by another brutal body shot to secure the late stoppage.

Bruce Carrington becomes Brooklyn's 7th World champion, capturing the vacant WBC title with emphatic knockout.

Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington closed the show in emphatic fashion against Carlos Castro, scoring a ninth-round knockout via a sustained combination punctuated by a series of right hands to capture the vacant WBC featherweight title and become Brooklyns 7th world champion.  Carrington (17-0, 10 KOs) was tested along the way in his first opportunity to claim a full world title. The 28-year-old Brooklyn native didn’t have everything his own way, as Castro proved competitive and claimed several early rounds. Still, Carrington adjusted well and ultimately delivered on the promise that has followed him as a Top Rank standout, stopping a determined Castro (30-4, 14 KOs) with a well-timed barrage. The knockout came at 1:29 of the ninth round, with referee Charlie Fitch completing the full count as Castro failed to beat it. With the victory, Carrington firmly establishes himself as a major player at 126 pounds. Now a world champion, he carries a target on his back—and a title every contender and fellow champion in the division will be eager to pursue.

“I told you, (Castro) is a dangerous guy. He got me on a shot that kinda buzzed me. He was tough through and through,” Carrington said. “It was a tough fight, but I expected it to be a tough fight and to finish strong.”

“When I got caught, I just had to stay calm, get back to boxing, and get my faculties together and get into a second groove. I think the second groove is what got me this victory.”

Undercard results from New York.

In forgettable heavyweight action, Jarrell Miller went ten ponderous rounds with the the well travelled Kingsley Ibeh. Miller struggled in the early sessions, getting outworked and outmuscled as a series of punches even dislodged a false hairpiece in possibly the most memorable aspect of the bout. Ibeh began to fade in the middle rounds as Miller began to find his footing behind steady body work and heavier shots. The judges ultimately sided with Miller by split decision, with scores of 94-96, 97-93, and 97-93. Miller improves to 27-1-2 (22 KOs), while Ibeh drops to 16-3-1 (14 KOs).

Late replacement and natural welterweight Wendy Toussaint refused to play the role of opponent against middleweight contender Austin “Ammo” Williams. The fight was competitive through three rounds before Williams landed a sharp lead right uppercut in the fourth that sent Toussaint to the canvas. From there, Toussaint relied on movement and evasiveness, frustrating Williams’ attempts to close the distance. Williams methodically secured a unanimous decision by scores of 98-91, 99-90, and 99-90, improving to 20-1 (13 KOs). Toussaint showed courage in stepping up, but falls to 17-4 (7 KOs).

Kicking off the action at Madison Square Garden Kevin Castillo produced an upset, rising from a first-round knockdown to outwork, outland, and outmuscle Saudi Arabia’s Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf over eight rounds. All three judges scored the bout for Castillo, 78-73, 77-74, and 77-74. Castillo moves to 6-2-1, while Almaayouf suffers his first loss, slipping to 7-1-1 (1 KO).

Joshua Kelly snares IBF title in a thriller.

Joshua Kelly authored a stunning upset in Nottingham, U.K., narrowly dethroning IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in the finest performance of his career. Kelly floored the previously unbeaten champion in the fourth round with a crisp counter left hand, but adversity struck back in the ninth when an inside right sent Kelly to the canvas. Afterward, Kelly admitted he had no memory of the tenth round, suddenly realizing he was already in the eleventh with just two rounds remaining. Relying on movement, speed, footwork, and angles, Kelly survived by the slimmest of margins, earning a majority decision with scores of 113-113, 115-111, and 114-113. The new IBF champion immediately made it clear he’s open to all challengers, including the winner of Xander Zayas–Abass Baraou for the WBO/WBA titles, or even Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Kelly improves to 18-1-1 (9 KOs), while Murtazaliev suffers his first defeat, falling to 23-1 (17 KOs).

Josh Padley captured the European super featherweight title in emphatic fashion, stopping France’s Jaouad Belmehdi via second-round TKO. The tall, rangy Belmehdi was shaken repeatedly before Padley flattened him with a sweeping left hand in the second. Unable to regain his legs, Belmehdi was stalked mercilessly until Padley sent him down again, prompting referee Jon Llona Fernandez to halt the contest immediately at 2:35 of the round. The win completes a remarkable turnaround for Padley, who rebounded from a spirited loss to Shakur Stevenson less than a year ago with three straight victories and now a European title. Padley moves to 18-1 (6 KOs), while Belmehdi drops to 23-3-3 (11 KOs).

IBF women’s lightweight champion Elif Nur Turhan of Türkiye was forced to dig deep to retain her title against a determined Taylah Gentzen of Australia. Over ten closely contested rounds, Gentzen had her share of success, but Nur Turhan finished stronger to edge a split decision by scores of 96-94, 98-92, and 93-97 for Gentzen. Nur Turhan remains unbeaten at 13-0 (8 KOs), while Gentzen falls to 8-2 (3 KOs).

Kicking off the DAZN broadcast, heavyweight prospect Leo Atang delivered a punishing performance, stopping Moroccan-born, Belgium-based Amine Boucetta at 0:39 of the third round. It marked the longest bout of Atang’s young career, improving him to 4-0 (4 KOs). Relentless body work proved decisive, as Boucetta’s midsection couldn’t withstand the sustained assault. Boucetta drops to 9-18.

Colourful 4 fight feature show in Queens NY this weekend.

                                   

A fantastic show this weekend Saturday 12ty July at The Louis Armstrong arena in Queens New York is headlined by WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson who defends against tough Mexican southpaw William Zepeda Segura, both guys undefeated squares up to be an exceptional match. 

In a mouthwatering feature supporting bout former IBF super lightweight champion, the hard hitting Subriel Matias takes on the current WBC champion Alberto Puello a Las Vegas based Dominican fighter who has yet to lose. Matias lost his title in an upset to Liam Paro last year but still maintains knockout record of 22 wins, all by knockout or stoppage. 

A quality 10 rounder at light heavyweight between once beaten US based Cuban David Morrell and tough undefeated Australian based Russian Imam Khataev, a puncher with 10 wins and 9 knockouts. Morrells sole defeat came to the Mexican monster David Benavidez last February. 

The show is topped off by a battle of former world title challengers up at Super Middleweight between the colourful US based Puerto Rican Edgar Berlanga and the 6 foot 3 former middleweight challenger Hamza Sheeraz of the Uk..   Both fighters have similar records and knockout ratios, Berlanga coming off a 2024 decision loss to Saul Alvarez for the WBC and WBO straps at 168, whilst Sheeraz is coming off an unsuccessful challenge for Carlos Adams WBC middleweight crown in February where he was fortunate to secure a draw and his undefeated record in tact. 

The show is part of a DAZN PPV event and is promoted by Oscar Dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. 

18 year old Leo Atang, scores impressive early debut victory.

                           

Last Saturday 5th July, 18 year old former amateur heavyweight standout Leo Atang took his first steps into the paid ranks with a concise yet impressive 1 round stoppage victory over 7-16 Milen Paunov of Bulgaria. The 6 foot 6, 226 pound Atang dropped Paunov early before forcing the stoppage at 2.29 of the opener. What was most impressive about the debutant was how relaxed he appeared and supremely composed on such a large globally viewed show. Atang set his shots up correctly and despite hurting his opponent early, didn’t become punch crazy to grab the early stoppage, he sat behind the jab and allowed the openings to present itself. At such a young age Leo displayed an impressive level of maturity on such a large platform that leaves us already wanting to see him in quality fights. Atang looks the part with a tall chiselled physique and a smooth demeanour that is ultimately going to attract a huge ticket buying fan base, the future looks bright already for Matchrooms newest heavyweight prospect.

Francisco Rodriguez Jr returns questionable sample to VADA.

                                    

In was revealed earlier today that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Matchroom boxing along with the World Boxing Council and the British Boxing Board of Control that WBC interim world flyweight champion Francisco Rodriguez has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a post-fight night anti drug test following his bout with Galal Yafai 2 weeks ago. The issue will be handled competently by the BBBofC and the WBC. Rodriguez 40-6 (28 KOs) appeared to spring upset over the previously unbeaten Yafai 9-1 (7 KOs) by a convincing unanimous margin to claim the interim WBC title. It’s highly likely that Rodriguez will be stripped if an adverse finding is evident and Yafai offered the opportunity to redeem the sole defeat.