Wardley v Dubois show in Manchester features show stealing undercard.

 

Frank Warrens Queensbury boxing parents a fantastic show on Saturday night at the Co-op live arena in Manchester, featuring WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley 20-0-1 (19 Ko’s) making the first defence of the title that was graced to him following former champion Oleksandr Usyk opting to vacate. Wardleys challenger is the former WBA regular and IBF champion Daniel Dubois 22-3 (21 Ko’s) it was may prove to be an epic scrap. Both fighters possess great one punch power with Wardley garnering one of the highest percentage rates in boxing today. Daniel however may have more on the line in this one having suffered 2 consequent defeats by stoppage in championship challenges along with a damaging early career loss to Joe Joyce. Both defeats to Usyk are by no means a disgrace for the Londoner and May prove a catalyst to him becoming a more hardened professional this time around. Fabio turned pro largely under the radar, from a lightly regarded white collar fighter he chose to take a huge leap of faith under the tutelage of Dillian Whyte and along the way has always found a way to win, often against the odds or in fights where he appeared to be trailing on the scorecards. Most recently Fabio has scored damaging knockouts over Frazer Clarke (after a draw) which is the only blemish on his record, a stoppage of Joseph Parker, in a fight that was drifting away from him and a one punch howitzer that stopped Justis Huni in a fight where Wardley was trailing noticeably on points. Dubois has more versatility and proven pedigree from the amateurs, but Wardley appears more battle hardened and willing to take risks. The factor that is repeatedly raised coming into this fight is the nature of a couple of Daniels losses, where sceptics feel that he quit when the going got hot (with Joyce and Usyk) Regardless of opinions, it’s a fantastic heavyweight match that won’t disappoint. 

The show is propped up with some tasty undercard bouts including a light heavyweight feature between former 2 weight champion David Morrell 12-1 (9 Ko’s) who was recently due to meet Callum Smith before Smith suffered an unfortunate injury. Morrell meets tough Zak Chelli 16-3-1 (8 Ko’s) in a light heavyweight 10 rounder.  Former heavyweight contender and Cruiserweight world title challenger Mike Perez 31-3-1 (22 Ko’s) of Ireland via cuba meets undefeated Nigerian Franklin Arinze 10-0 (7 Ko’s) Arinze in untested as of yet and Perez hasn’t tasted defeat since his challenge for Mairis Breidis’s title in the super series 9 years ago. 

Liam Cameron 24-7-1 (10 Ko’s) returns at light heavyweight to meet tough Brad Rea 21-2 (10 Ko’s) in a very spicy match, Rea coming off a closely contested decision loss to Lyndon Arthur and Cameron having only boxed once since his 2 highly publicised fights with the promising Ben Whittaker.

Jack Rafferty 26-0-1 (17 Ko’s) meets the always entertaining Ekow Essuman at welterweights. Essuman last appeared in a losing effort against Jack Catterall, having previously ending the career of Josh Taylor. The undefeated Rafferty coming off a disappointing draw with Mark Chaimberlain last august for the British and commonwealth super lightweight belts. 

Also featuring is undefeated American based Usbek heavyweights Bakhodir Jalolov 16-0 (14 Ko’s) Jalolov meets the underwhelming Agron Smakici 21-3 (19 Ko’s). Jalolov turned pro in 2018, but made the peculiar decision after 6 pro starts, to return to the amateurs and win the 2020 Olympic gold medal at super heavyweight in Tokyo then returned to his professional career, racking up several wins before taking a year off in 2024 to feature in the Paris Olympics, winning yet another super heavyweight gold medal. 

The fights are promoted solely by Frank Warrens Queensbury promotions and will be broadcast globally via DAZN PPV. 

David Benavidez stops Zurdo Ramirez to grab titles up at Cruiserweight.

David Benavidez delivered a shining performance last night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, moving up in weight to arrest the WBA and WBO cruiserweight championships from fellow Mexican Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez. With the victory, Benavidez claimed titles in a third division and solidified his status as one of boxing’s elite.  From the opener, the size difference between the two became evident, Benavidez spent the majority of the round gauging distance and made the initial breakthrough with a crisp combination towards the closing seconds. Ramirez responded in the second by pressing forward and trying to work on the inside, but Benavidez maintained control, creating space and finishing strong once again.Ramirez continued applying pressure in the third and found some success at close range, yet Benavidez consistently had the final say, unleashing quick combinations late in the round. The fourth proved pivotal, as Benavidez’s accuracy and volume began to take a toll. In the closing second, he dropped Ramirez, whose face was already showing signs of damage. Although Ramirez came out aggressively in the fifth, staying close and attempting to disrupt Benavidez’s rhythm, the challenger’s output and precision proved too much. By the sixth round, swelling around Ramirez’s eye had worsened. Benavidez capitalized, landing another decisive combination that sent the champion to the canvas for a second time. Referee Thomas Taylor completed the count at 2:59 of the round, bringing the bout to an end. With the win, Benavidez improves to 32-0 with 26 knockouts and adds another chapter to his unbeaten run. Ramirez, now 48-2 with 30 KOs put up a brave showing but was no match for the self proclaimed Mexican monster but was in no way disgraced in defeat. 

Undefeated Teremoana Teremoana, racks up his 11th stoppage win over overmatched Tupoe in Flemington.

Friday night at the Melbourne Pavillion in Flemington Australia, undefeated heavyweight prospect Teremoana Teremoana 10-0 (10 Ko’s) dispatched tough but faded former contender Bowie Tupoe 29-7 (20 Ko’s) in the opener of a scheduled 8 rounder. Tupoe hasn’t had a significant win in 7 years since he stopped Roger Izonritei in 2019, despite having faced quality opposition like Joseph Parker, Bryant Jennings and Malik Scott over a decade ago. Teremoana found his range early, finding the 287 pound Tupoe a stationary target. Half was into the session Tupoe was stunned by a quick right hand, as he backed into the ropes Teremoana landed a lethal uppercut followed by a straight right that left the 43 year old Tupoe sagging to the canvas. Referee Ignatius Missailidis called a halt immediately at 1:14 of the round, giving Teremoana his 9th first round knockout in 11 starts. The height and dimensions of the mammoth Teremoana, paired with the speed and killer instinct will make him hard to subdue until he stepped into higher level competition. This fight was a chief support to the Skye Nicholson v Mariah Turner show, promoted by Eddie Hearns Matchroomin association with Sam Labrunas SLB Fight night Promotions, broadcast exclusively on DAZN Globally. 

Ramirez and Benavidez make weight in Las Vegas.

Gilberto Ramirez 200lbs vs David Benavidez 196.8lbs
WBO and WBA Cruiserweight World Championships.

Armando Resendiz 167lbs vs Jaime Munguia 167.4lbs

WBA World Super Middleweight Championship 

Oscar Duarte 139.8lbs vs Angel Fierro 143.4lbs
WBC Silver and NABO Super Lightweight Championships.

Jorge Chavez 122lbs vs Jose Tito Sanchez 121.2lbs
WBA Continental Super Bantamweight Championship 

Isaac Lucero 155.6lbs vs Ismael Flores 155.2lbs
Daniel Blancas 166.8lbs vs Raul Salomon 167.4lbs

Juan Carrillo 177.4lbs  vs Juan Delgado 177.6lbs

Dylan Capetillo 136.2lbs vs James Pierce 134.8lbs

The Event is hosted by The  T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Under the auspices of the Nevada Athletic Commission
The Event is Promoted by Tom Brown (TGB Promotions)

Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy Promotions)

Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)

The evenings bouts were arranged by Matchmakers, Tom Brown, Whitfield Haydon, Javier Razo and Joseph Rotonda

Broadcast by Amazon Prime Video and DAZN PPV Globally.

Mighty Moses continues on the winning track.

In the latest instalment of the rapid rise of heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma 14-0 (12 Ko’s) saw the Chatham based 21 year old stop the durable and well travelled Jermaine Franklin Jr 24-3 (15 Ko’s) in the 5th round at the Co-op live arena in Manchester Uk. Itauma started fast, pushing the experienced Franklin back with steady pressure, feints and well mounted two phased assaults. Moses made a breakthrough in the third, with 20 seconds left in the round, showing a slick feint before landing a rapid left hook right hand that would leave the American face down. Franklin survived the patient assault with now in complete control. Moses set traps throughout the fourth and appeared to be finding Jermaine’s measure. 

Exactly half way through the fifth, Itauma created a gap to throw a quick left uppercut, the shot stunned Franklin, who slumped forward only to catch a token right hand on his way to the canvas. Referee Steve Grey called off the action at 1.33 of the round. It’s blatantly evident now that Itauma is proving himself as the real deal, revealing an impressive and creative armoury each time out. Franklin was provided to offer tough rounds, yet suffered the same fate of Whyte, Mckean and all else who fell in front of the tenacious young prospect. Itauma is showing the patience and maturity that could cause trouble for anyone in the division, inclusive of Usyk, Fury, Wardley, Joshua. It’s likely that Moses will face WBA regular champion Murat Gassiev next, a victory would put him in immediate line for a shot at the WBA super title, held by Oleksandr Usyk. 

Undercard and cheif support results from Manchester.

Well-travelled Willy Hutchinson delivered a composed and dominant performance to outwork and outclass the previously unbeaten Ezra Taylor over ten rounds, claiming both the WBO Global and WBA Continental light heavyweight titles. Taylor struggled to implement the guidance of trainer Malik Scott, as Hutchinson consistently had the answers, neutralising his opponent’s attacks throughout. The judges scored it 99–91 and 98–92 twice in Hutchinson’s favour, improving his record to 20–2 (14 KOs), while Taylor suffers his first defeat, dropping to 13–1 (9 KOs).

In the co-main event of Itauma vs Franklin Jr., unheralded Gerome Warburton produced a standout upset against Nathan Heaney to capture the WBA Continental middleweight title. After a cautious opening, Warburton found his rhythm, using sharp movement and combination punching to keep Heaney at bay. Heaney was unable to close the distance as Warburton pulled away convincingly, earning scores of 98–92 and 97–93 twice. Warburton advances to 17–2–2 (2 KOs), while Heaney falls to 19–2–1 (6 KOs).

Brad Pauls entered his bout with undefeated Shakiel Thompson as the clear underdog for the IBF International middleweight title—but tore up the script in dramatic fashion. Trailing on the scorecards, Pauls landed a thunderous right hand in the ninth round that badly hurt the taller Thompson. A follow-up attack sent Thompson to the canvas, and although he beat the count, he was unsteady. Pauls surged forward with another barrage, forcing referee Howard Foster to stop the contest at 1:30 of round nine. Pauls claims the title and improves to 21–2–1 (12 KOs), while Thompson suffers his first loss, dropping to 15–1 (11 KOs).

Liam Davies delivered a clinical performance to break down Francesco Grandelli and claim the Italian’s WBO InterContinental featherweight title, along with the vacant European belt. A sharp right-left combination floored Grandelli in the fourth, and after enduring sustained punishment and cuts, he elected not to continue following the sixth round. Davies moves to 18–1 (9 KOs), while Grandelli falls to 21–5–2 (6 KOs).

In a brief but explosive contest, Josh Holmes overcame early trouble to stop Alex Murphy in the opening round. After nearly being dropped himself, Holmes rallied to score two knockdowns in the final 20 seconds. Murphy bravely rose each time, but referee Howard Foster waved it off at 3:09 of round one. Holmes captures the Commonwealth Silver lightweight title and improves to 18–0 (7 KOs), while Murphy drops to 14–3.

Jared Anderson signs Co-promo deal with Queensbury boxing.

The one time highly touted heavyweight Jared Anderson 18-1 (15 Knockouts) has signed a Co-promotional contract with Frank Warrens, Queensbury boxing in association with Bob Arums Top Rank Inc, with his future fights featuring on DAZN and largely on Queensbury’s Uk shows. Anderson gained momentum since turning pro in 2019, but ran into Martin Bakole in 2024, suffering his first and only loss. Since his return he has boxed only once, a unanimous points win over the underwhelming Marios Kollias over a year ago. 

The 26 year old is due to return on British shores when he faces 10-1 Solomon Dacres on the Wardley v Dubois show on May 9th in Manchester. If Anderson is serious about returning to the top level of the division he needs to remain consistent, boxing with the frequency of his early career. Dacres is a credible opponent for his first appearance on Uk soil and a solid showing should make him popular with British fans opening the doors for potential future bouts with guys like David Adeleye, Frazer Clarke and Richard Riakporhe. 

Carlos Adames dominates Ammo Williams, succesfully defends his WBC middleweight crown in Florida.

Austin Ammo Williams finally got his rescheduled shot at WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames on Saturday night at the lavish Caribe Royale in Orlando Florida after the champion withdrew on the eve of their originally arranged January 31st date due to severe hydration. On this occasion the champion comfortably made the weight and brought his A-game. Adames showed his hand as early as the second by dropping Williams towards the end of the round.  Adames continued to control the bout despite some unnecessary toe to toe exchanges in the late rounds. Visibly hurt on a number of occasions, Williams hung in there and fought gamely, exchanging with Adames despite being outclassed and even coming out blazing in the final session, emptying the tank in a last ditch effort to turn the fight around. Adames was deducted a point for a low blow late in the bout but successfully retained with a convincing unanimous verdict.  Ringside judges scored the fight: 118-108 and 117-109.

The very capable Adames moves to 25-1-1 (18 KOs) whilst the gritty and game Williams moves to 20-2 (13 KOs)

Teremoana stuns Harper in Orlando.

In the chief support to Adames v Williams in Orlando Fl, Australian based heavyweight knockout artist Teremoana Teremoana continued his remarkable knockout run by dispatching of the usually durable Curtis Harper at the conclusion of the opening session. Harper made a vain attempt at starting fast but soon found himself fending off the dominant Teremoana. Just as the commentary suggested that Harper might extend Teremoana into the second stanza, the giant Aussie landed a picture perfect right hand that stretched out Harper for the count. Teremoana moves on with a promising 10-0 (10 Ko’s) record whilst the well travelled Harper drops to 19-13 (13 Ko’s) 

Mirageboxing is listed in top 60 boxing blogs 2026 by Feedspot.com.

This week Anuj Agarwal of Feedspot.com alerted us that we featured in the top 60 of the current boxing blogs in their 2026 list, something which I consider an honour as I have ran Mirageboxing myself since 2009. I’d like to thank everyone who supports us and reads our features and will do my best to keep the blog current and informative. Thankyou to Anuj and his people at Feedspot for offering us something to aspire to.. 

Arnold Barbosa defeats tough Kenneth Sims in Anaheim.

In a crucial fight which had both combatants looking to rebound from a loss, Arnold Barboza Jr. faced Kenneth Sims Jr. for the WBO Global title in the main event of a Golden Boy card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Sims opened the fight fighting southpaw before switching to an orthodox stance midway through the first round. The bout marked Barboza’s first appearance at welterweight. Though an inch shorter than Sims, Barboza held the reach advantage and made good use of it, landing sharp jabs and hooks.

Stylistically, the two fighters mirrored each other, frequently throwing the same punches at the same time. The key difference was Sims’ reluctance to close the distance, which allowed Barboza to consistently beat him to the punch.

By the second half of the contest, Barboza’s jab had produced visible swelling beneath Sims’ right eye. Sims, meanwhile, struggled to adjust and appeared stuck in neutral, showing little urgency as the rounds slipped away.

In the eleventh round, both fighters leaned in to throw right hands and collided heads, leaving each man cut. Barboza suffered the worse of it, bleeding heavily from a gash along his hairline, while Sims sustained a smaller cut near his right eye.

The cuts had little impact on the twelfth and final round. Barboza fought with growing confidence, even dropping his hands at times. He did walk into a big right hand from Sims but quickly shook it off. Moments later, Barboza began talking to his opponent, telling him, “I told you there were levels to this.”

The judges scored the fight 117–111, 118–110, and 120–108, all in favor of Barboza. The victory improves his record to 33-1 with 11 knockouts, while Sims falls to 22-4-1 with 8 KOs.