European heavyweight champion Labinot Xhoxhaj Faces voluntary challenger on November 21st in Germany.

European heavyweight champion Labinot Xhoxhaj 22-0-1 (17 Ko’s) will make a voluntary defense of his title against Italy’s Eduardo Guistini 20-4 (7 Ko’s) on November 21st in Germany, with details of the whole event and the venue to be announced. Guistini is a 38 year old southpaw with no notable names on his win list. 

Xhoxhaj won the title back in 2024 with a unanimous points victory over Oleksandr Zakhozhyi. 

The German based Kosovan, Xhoxhaj and his team had originally planned to make the defense last October in the champions native country but those plans have since been scrapped. The only blemish on Labinots record is an 8 round split draw against lightly regarded Milosav Savic in 2023 who ironically stopped Guistini (Xhoxhaj’s scheduled voluntary challenger) 

The champion made his mandatory defense earlier this year when he knocked out Sweden’s Pezhman Seifkhani in the fifth round in Lahr.

The mandatory challenger is now Denmark’s Kem Ljungquist 22-1 (15 Ko’s) a credible heavyweight whose only defeat was via stoppage at the hands of Murat Gassiev, two years ago.  Guistini also lost to the above-mentioned Seifkhani in a fight for the EBU Silver title but is 3-0 since and has captured a quite insignificant IBO Mediterranean title.

European titleholders at heavyweight have historically been notable fighters, often world title challengers like Lorenzo Zanon, Frank Bruno and Francesco Damiani, however very few individuals globally know Xhoxhaj or any of his credentials. The best heavyweights in Europe with all due respect are either UK based or Agit Kabayel. 

Mauricio Lara takes on tough Carlos Ornelas, August 29th in Guadalajara Mexico.

Mauricio Lara continues on his goal of becoming a two-weight World champion when he takes on tough Carlos Ornelas in an all-Mexico feature event at Complejo Deportivo Artes Marciales in Guadalajara, Mexico on Saturday August 29, broadcast live globally on DAZN. Lara 30-3-2 (23 KOs) is all set to step up to the next level in his bid to claim a Super-Featherweight World championship and will be on the lookout for a fifth inside the distance victory on the bounce. Lara originally became WBA Featherweight champion in three years ago when he defeated the UK’s Leigh Wood in Nottingham, England, his second stoppage win on British soil since his demolition of Josh Warrington in 2021.

Ornelas 29-5 (16 KOs) is no push over and is looking to gatecrash the championship picture at 130. Carlos returned to winning ways in February of this year with a second round stoppage in Baja California, rebounding from a tough defeat at the hands of current world title holder Abdullah Mason last April in Las Vegas.

“I’m thrilled to come back to a DAZN boxing show, alongside BXSTRS and Matchroom promotions “ said Lara, who is scheduled to take on Ornelas over ten rounds and claims to be back. 

“I will show the world why I once was world champion and that I am ready for any 130lb fighter. It’s been three years since I lost my title, so I am focused in becoming World champion again. Matchroom and BXSTRS have done good in giving me another shot on August 29 in Guadalajara, and I’ll repay them with an exciting performance.”

Ornales voiced his gratitude towards both and BXSTRS for the opportunity,” stating that he is prepared to send Lara said into retirement.

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing stated that It’s great to be back in Mexico, and to have Bronco headlining live on DAZN once again..  Our Mexico shows always guarantee excitement, and when you put Mauricio at the head of a card, that only adds to the fireworks. The 130lbs division is stacked with great fighters, and you can certainly put Mauricio right in there with the best of them with another win on August 29.

Information regarding the undercard lineup and ticket sales and availability will follow in due course. The show will be broadcast globally on DAZN. 

Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame weekend, scheduled for August 14th and 15th Weekend, at The Orleans Las Vegas.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has announced its 14th Annual Induction Gala Weekend on August 14 and 15 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, recognising the dedication, commitment, and leadership of its most prestigious fighters both inside and outside the ropes. 

The inaugural recipients of this years awards are Bill Caplan (The Uncle Bill Award) Martha Vargas (The Yo Adrian Award) Judge Dave Moretti (ThebMarc of Distinction Award) Larry Wade (The President’s Pillar of Excellence Award and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), receiving (The Trailblazer Award) 

These award will be presented during the Induction Ceremony honoring the Classes of both 2025 and 2026.

The special Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame awards were created to recognize everyone from trainers, families, judges, referees, activists, and other credible individuals who have made significant contributions to boxing in the Nevada area. 

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating only the finest of boxing history, seeking to recognize those unheralded individuals behind the scenes, away from the ring and the spotlight, and whose vital work strengthens boxing to maintain its integrity as the great sport that it is..  Statement by Executive Director Michelle Corrales-Lewis.  Rooms are still available at The Orleans Las Vegas.

Joshua averts imminent disaster by scoring stunning KO over Prenga in Jeddah.

Last night in a bout advertised as ‘The Comeback’ former 2 time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua made his highly anticipated return to the ring following the traumatic auto accident that claimed the lives of his two closest friends last December. The chosen sacrifice was the once beaten, US based Albanian, Kristian Prenga 20-1 (20 Ko’s) a low risk opponent whom most onlookers wouldnt be familiar with yet appeared on paper to fit the bill without too much danger, considering the financial stakes ahead of a potential meeting with Tyson Fury pending the outcome. Joshua entered the fight at a tightly muscled 251 pounds and according to reputable sources had reinvented himself with the help of team Usyk, since his 2024 defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. Prenga appeared pensive as he entered the Jeddah Superdome arena ahead of his grandest opportunity, 10 pounds heavier yet in plain terms, leagues out of his depth. From the opening bell, the composed Joshua was almost immediately pressed backwards by the opportunistic Prenga, in almost the first exchange Joshua dropped backwards to the canvas heavily from a short inside uppercut..  Prenga, almost shocked at the knockdown headed for a neutral corner as Joshua smiled in a show of bravado as he gathered his legs. As the fight recommenced Joshua was forced to hold and turn Prenga to avoid absolute disaster, the Albanian forced the action and literally manhandled Joshua in an attempt to finish the damaged former champion. Towards the end of the opener Joshua retreating to the ropes was caught flush by a long right hand, almost reminiscent of the opening knockdown he suffered at the hands of Dubois, again he fell into the ropes and was forced to take a second count..  almost embarrassed Joshua poked his tongue out and survived the round on shaky legs with all at ringside in absolute disbelief.  At the beginning of the second round Joshua appeared more assertive, backing the inexperienced Prenga up with quick precise 1-2s, unlike the opener Prenga appeared uncomfortable and displayed very little offensive, AJ now fully recovered from the disastrous 1st round started to find momentum, landing first whilst pressing Prenga into a shell. With 20 seconds left in the round Joshua sent Kristian reeling backwards, landing a long jab, right hand, the following hook skimmed Prenga but the concluding overhand right completed the job, leaving the Albanian lying through the ropes unconscious with 25 seconds left in the round.  Joshua appeared reflective in the post fight interview, explaining that his recuperative powers saved the day and it’s the getting up and fighting back through a crisis is all that counts. Joshua indicated that a Fury match is definitely on his immediate schedule and not to look too much into the disaster of the opening round..  it’s heavyweight boxing and Prenga was surprisingly strong. Joshua moves to 30-4 (27 Ko’s) but appeared to leave tonight’s viewers with more questions than answers ahead of such a huge mega fight. 

The evenings show was hosted by The Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and was promoted by Eddie Hearn in association with Matchroom boxing along with Frank Warren of Queensbury boxing. Broadcast by DAZN.

Gassiev and Suslenkov victorious in championship bouts in Moscow.

Last weekend 2 fights with a certain amount of significance in the heavyweight picture took place at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. Current holder of the WBC regular championship Murat Gassiev was due to meet former Olympic champion Tony Yoka, but when the Frenchman withdrew with an injury the whole promotion was thrown into uncertainty. Rumours circulated that former Olympian and highly ranked contender Joe Joyce was to replace Yoka (whom he lost to in the 2016 Olympic final) and challenge for the title, despite a poor run of form. Eventually Gassiev was matched with the unranked Peter Kadiru of Germany leaving Joyce to meet his original opponent, the unbeaten Russian Artem Suslenkov in a bout for the WBA continental title. 

Joyce 16-4 (15 Ko’s) entered the co-main event at 289 pounds, and despite his poor form and age, boxed assertively over the first 4 rounds, keeping the smaller fighter on the end of a jab and carefully selected right hands. Gradually Suslenkov 14-0 (9 Ko’s) shortened the distance and began landing the heavier weaponry in quick bursts. Joyce didn’t appear affected by the offensive coming back at him, and maintained his consistent approach to ordered shouted by new trainerJavon Hill. Going into the last quarter of the fight I personally had the fight scored relatively even despite the Russian gaining the heavier momentum, landing cleaner and more damaging shots. Joyce displayed no signs of distress and appeared content to stick to his gameplan and weather the late Suslenkov offensive. In the 11th Suslenkov seemed more marked up facially but appeared the more active of the two with Joyce slowing down to a literal snails pace, landing very deliberate shots but putting himself in imminent danger, unable to avoid the return fire. With a minute left in the 11th, Suslenkov landed with a cluster of shots that landed cleanly on Joyce head, Joe took a couple steps back and made a hand waving gestured to the referee, initially looked like a sign of gamesmanship from Joyce from the shots that had landed, but it soon became evident that the punches manned had affected the former Olympian and he wanted a way out. Suslenkov not fully understanding the situation jumped in to land a further barrage of shots before the referee called a halt to the action. An unusual ending considering the immense punishment Joyce had been able to absorb unmoved throughout his career, surrendering had never appeared in Joyce’s resume, as amateur or pro..  Joyce was a shell of his former self and despite his obvious natural ability, his reflexes to defend himself had deteriorated along with the hand speed that had once served as his best attribute along with his toughness. 

In the main event, the huge Peter Kadiru 23-1 (13 Ko’s) 257 pounds found himself completely out of his depth as the determined and motivated WBA holder Murat Gassiev 33-2 (26 Ko’s) took 6 rounds to outwork and grind down the limited challenger before the Germans corner stopped the action with Kadiru completely outgunned and pinned in his own corner. Gassiev now looks for a significant fight to place him amidst the heavyweights major players. Yoka and Moses Itauma look like very possibly future opponents however Derrick Chisora made his presence felt on the night and proposed a potential showdown with the former cruiserweight world title challenger. 

The show was promoted by IB Challenger promotions in association with Al Siesta, along with Frank Warrens Queensbury promotions and John Wirt and Epic Sports, broadcast internationally by DAZN.

Dishonorable cheque scandal by promoters of Rochester anti violence boxing event.

On Saturday April 25 at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York, a professional Boxing show unfolded into shameless robbery when the events Promoter Derick Gramling and reputed associate Clay Harris bounced a series of checks to the unknowing fighters that were appearing that evening, to the tune of $80,000, in truth, all of the paychecks assigned to the respective fighters were bad. As it appeared, the event failed to be financially productive with ticket sales crashing with an estimated 1,800 tickets sold in a 10,000-seat venue. The disastrous ticket sales left the promoters with over $100.000 of debt. It was later revealed that payments and commission checks to fighters and officials bounced had bounced in bad faith.The headline on the show was  Syracuse's Bryce Mills v Florida based Julio Rosa. Mills, managed by the esteemed Hall of Famer Russell Peltz. Both headline fighters were manipulated out of $45,000 between them.  

The bond, posted by the promoter was the bare minimum allowed under the regulations of the New York State Athletic Commission at $20,000.

The Monroe County District Attorney's office is presently doing their pre-indictment due diligence to charge at least Derick Gamling, & possibly Clay Harris with serious felony criminal charges.

In a shameless twist to this, Gamling & Harris started a public GoFundMe account, released across social media and in the local Rochester tabloids suggesting to the Rochester locals that the blame lay with local people of the area for not supporting the show.

This situation is still ongoing as of May 18, 23 days after the show. 

Zak Chelli springs huge upset over David Morrell in Manchester.

Completely overlooked and unranked Zak Chelli wasn't expected to offer much resistance for the former two-time champ David Morrell, stepping in as a late replacement for original opponent Callum Smith but caused a sensational final round upset, stopping Morrell despite trailing significantly on the scorecards. Morrell dictated the majority of the fight behind his jab, setting up strategic traps. Despite the class  differential Chelli persisted to stubbornly hang around, using unorthodox movement, looking for opportunistic right hands. Opportunity finally arose in the ninth, Chelli hurt Morrell with that very punch, but Morrell managed to get out of the round. Morrell came out cautiously behind the jab in the tenth, leading handily on the scores, looking to grab an uninspiring yet lobsided points win. with 40 seconds left in the round, Chelli landed an optimistic right hand, visibly hurting Morrell followed by another which landed clean. Seizing the rare opportunity Chelli followed up with a barrage of shots trapping Morrell on the ropes, the final right hand causing Morrell to sag lifelessly forcing referee Darren Sarginson to step in and stop the action at 2:24 of the final round. Chelli, a rank outsider raised his record to 17-3-1, 9 KOs. Morrell loses for the second time, falling to 12-2, 9 KOs. Following the victory Chelli made it clear that he was prepared to meet anyone on the world scene inclusive Morrells original opponent Callum Smith in a logical all British battle.

    

Dubois overcomes early crisis to overpower Wardley to regain a portion of the heavyweight crown.

In a battle of epic proportions, Daniel Dubois overcame an early scare and two knockdowns to outlast and batter WBO champion Fabio Wardley into submission in the 11th round of a highly entertaining and brutal war on Saturday night in Manchester.  Dubois was stunned in the opening seconds and forced to climb off the canvas following a wild right hand and had to do the same in the third. To his credit Daniel recomposed himself and settled behind the jab to work his way back into the fight. By round 6 the scars of battle were evident on the face of the champion as Daniel rallied himself into a dominant position leaving Wardley swinging for the fences. As the rounds passed Fabio appeared far more desperate in his attempt to regain a foothold but found himself too easy to hit and despite his resilience was mere target practice from round 7 onwards. Dubois showed great persistance throughout and by round 10 there was a strong case for stopping the action to prevent the relentless punishment that yhe champion was absorbing in an attempt to save his title. Dubois landed a series of right hands early in the 11th leaving referee Howard Foster no option but to save Wardley from himself and award Dubois a famous and well deserved victory..  Dubois has now held both the WBA regular title, along with the IBF and currently WBO titles. its testament to his mental strength following 3 psychologically crushing defeats to return and regain such a valuable portion of the heavyweight championship despite recent critical opinions of the press and public. Dubois improves to 23-3 with 22 KOs, while Wardley suffers the first loss of his career, falling to 20-1-1 with 19 KOs.

Bakhodir Jalolov remains undefeated with stoppage over game Agron Smakici in Manchester.

Undefeated double Olympic Gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov 17-0 (15 Ko's) scored a 7th round retirement victory tonight at the Co-op live arena in Manchester over the spirited and game Agron Smakici 21-4 (19 Ko's) of Zagreb Croatia. The US based Uzbek boxed superbly, controlling the fight from long range behind the jab, forcing the smaller Smakici to take risks and put himself in the danger zone. Smakici rolled the dice and attempted to force the safety first Jalalov to trade in the 7th, causing the huge Usbek to look a little uncomfortable. Jalolov obliged towards the conclusion of the session and opened up with what appeared to be the start of his offensive repertoire.  The bout looked to be catching fire when the Smakici corner alerted referee Darren Sarginson to call the action off at the conclusion of the 7th. Smakici seemed to be out of ideas whilst the huge Jalolov started to come out if his amateur shell and show some authority. if I've any criticism of Jalolov, he appears too comfortable to coast in fights where hes technically dominant and doesn't present himself as the most entertaining heavyweight despite his obvious potential. Smakici who was previously stopped by Agit Kabayel showed huge heart, leaving onlookers rather puzzled at his premature exit in a fight that he was competitive in. Jalolov has showed interest in shooting for a third Olympic medal in the coming games and remains largely a hybrid heavyweight contender. 

Mike Perez returns with an uninspiring points win over Franklin Arinze in Manchester.

Former Cruiserweight world title challenger Mike Perez 32-3-1 (22 ko's) returned to action tonight after 9 months out with a tepid 8 round points win over the undefeated Nigerian Franklin Arinze 10-0 (7 Ko's) on the Wardley v Dubois show at the Co-op live in Manchester.  Perez started slow and took 2 sessions to find his range against the limited Arinze, controlling the majority of the action in quick flurries. Through the middle rounds inactivity appeared to hamper Perez with his timing being noticably off, allowing Arinze back into the fight. The closing rounds were an untidy affair with very few significant attacks from either side. Darren Sarginson scored the underwhelming affair 78-74 in a fight that struggled to catch fire. it was the 40 year old Perez first fight since last August when he had to settle for a No contest in another scrappy affair against Christian Fabian Luis. Unfortunately it seems that the once World class cruiserweight and heavyweight is nearing the end if the line.

Wardley v Dubois Weigh in Results from Manchester.

Fabio Wardley 242lbs v Daniel Dubois 251lbs
WBO Heavyweight Championship.

Jack Rafferty 146lbs v Ekow Essuman 146lbs
Welterweights.

David Morrell 176lbs v Zak Chelli 177lbs
light heavyweights.

Bakhodir Jalolov 254lbs v Agron Smakici 241lbs.
Heavyweights.

Brad Rea 173lbs v Liam Cameron 174lbs
Light Heavyweights.

Khaleel Majid 139lbs v Gavin Gwynne 139lbs.
Super Lightweights.

Main Card, Promoted by Frank Warren in association with Queensbury Boxing.

Hosted by The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester England.

Broadcast Exclusively by DAZN.