Monday, 2 February 2026
Ajagba v Martin, scheduled for Feb 15th in Las Vegas.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Wilder v Chisora each celebrate 50th fight, April 4th, O2 London.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, 10 July 2025
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.
Saturday, 5 July 2025
Rufus Hurricane Hadley. Revisiting an original Detroit icon.
A gentlemen messaged me to inform me that his brother Salvador was a former military colleague of Rufus’s. Salvador had served in the marines with Bubba Hadley and as his reputation rose, Salvador was one of the very few who would spar the rising heavyweight. Salvador’s brother recalled stories that when Hadley was entering the ring to box, the whole hall would chant Rufus… Rufus…. Rufus..
Another former acquaintance commented that they had met Hadley when he was in the Marines. Rufus was getting ready to get discharged at this time. The gentleman was on a training exercise out in 29 Palms whilst Rufus was out there with his unit 2nd Battalion 6th Marines. He had been kicked off the boxing team because he didn't want to fight in a specific tournament. He only had a month or two left before he got out. The guy mentioned that the two talked a lot about boxing and stated that Hadley was a pretty cool guy.
Another acquaintance mentioned that he too had served in boot camp with Rufus and graduated December 2nd of that year.
Kim and Leslie Pattinson, a couple from London recalled meeting Rufus when he was in England for an event, he was invited as a guest at a black tie event and kept in touch with the couple. Leslie painted a portrait of Hadley and sent it to Mike Tyson’s training camp in the 80s, Rufus was overwhelmed.
A number of carers who look after Rufus these days spoke of him as alert and friendly, despite being registered as blind. Always speaking of his boxing days, saying that photos of his finer years adorn his room.
A former fighter who had been acquainted with Rufus messaged me, saying that he knew him as Buba Hadley, from the neighbourhood. He had a younger brother that boxed with him at Cherrylawn basement gym. He mentioned that Rufus had a sister or cousin that he had a crush on, around 47 years ago. He mentioned that he boxed and won the Ohio state fair with Rufus in 1975, he also mentioned that Hadleys brother Sydney also won the nationals there too. They also commented a fair assessment that Rufus would have made a marvellous Cruiserweight but appeared to have more ambition to be a heavyweight due to the prestige attached to the division. They went on to describe Rufus as a precision fighter with great feet and a terrific straight right hand.
A lady mentioned that she knew Rufus (affectionately known as Bubba) in Jr high school and really admired him, but he met another female who she referred to as L.B. whom Rufus married after high school. The lady went on to mention that Hadley later had 3 or 4 boys with L.B after he returned from the military and moved away. The lady said that she had ran into both of them separately at a school picnic event in 1988 and said that she would love to meet them both again and see how Bubba is doing. To her knowledge his brother Sydney had passed and she hadn’t been able to locate or find any info on his sister Jackie, whom she described as being voted best dressed amongst her peers in the late 1970s. (I later learned that Jackie had also passed)
A gentleman named Anthony contacted me to say that he knew Rufus (Hurricane) and had worked with him at some clubs in Hollywood California and remembers taking a number of memorable trips with the colourful fighter to Las Vegas in his Suzuki Samari.
A concerned former fighter had read my story and mentioned that he had trained with Rufus in the same boxing gym (Johnson Recreation Center) as young teenagers in Detroit during the early-mid 70's, Rufus remained loyal to his original coach, Dave Shoulder.. asking me to keep him posted if i heard anything about his whereabouts and welfare.
A lady contacted me to tell me that she was Rufus’s grand-daughter. She verified that he was in a care facility and that her father was Hakeem Hadley, Rufus’s son.
Hakeem himself messaged me around this time (May 2019) and commented about the instance where Rufus was reported missing.. stating. “He's alright, he did walk off smoking a cigarette for a while but the facility shortly returned him. i don't no why this information was unknown to the public. “
Unfortunately I recently learned that Hakeem had sadly passed.
Former notable boxer / trainer Clinton Barnes mentioned that he had met Rufus briefly in Atlantic City when he boxed on Tuesday nights at the Tropicana hotel and later got to know him when Rufus became part of Larry Holmes’ team of sparring partners. Clinton said that you’d always hear Hurricane before you saw him. Rufus and Clinton later both became sparring partners for former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon in Orwell Ohio as part of Don Kings camp. Barnes said of the colourful heavyweight, there was never a dull moment around Hadley no matter where he was. Interestingly Barnes mentioned that Hadley, a long term Mike Tyson sparring partner may have given Mike the idea of biting his opponent, as Rufus was well known for biting fighters on the shoulder in the clinch if they gave him too much got handle, in an attempt to throw them off their game.
Another former fighter commented that they remembered him as Bubba and that his first actual amateur fight was against him, a close fight being called as a draw. it was called Rufus claimed later that he had won it but both left it alone considering they were both from the same Johnsons Recreation centre gym on Pembroke. The gentleman went on to say that they shared suits and remained good friends until he went into the military and lost touch. Rufus made some noise around that time by outboxing Rick Jester, who at the time was the 2 time National Golden Glove Champion, Rufus could get in the ring with anybody and hold his own, he also described his brother Sidney as a beast in the ring too. He then verified that Rufus was currently residing in a Nursing Home.
I received a message from a gentleman who knew Rufus and had served with him in the military at Camp Lejune in the late 70's early 80's. He also mentioned that both of their families attended church together around that time and that Rufus had a son whom he named Prince. The man said that he last saw Rufus with his wife and newborn Prince at Shilo Holiness Church in Jacksonville NC. The gent went on to say that he prays that Rufus and his family are well.
Another former acquaintance called Peter stated that he knew him from mid 80's when he was training in Edmonton, describing him as a ‘Great Guy.’
“I worked at the border, and we connected as he would fly in from Vegas... if anyone contacts Rufus, mention Pete from Edmonton, stating that he still treasured an autographed Promotional photograph that Rufus had given him.
Another guy called Whitt from Virginia contacted me, saying that he was friends with Bubba at Camp Lejeune in late 70s and early 80s. Whitt mentioned that Rufus was working as a salesman for Amway to make extra money to support his family. He said he remembered Rufus telling him that he was going to name his son Prince Edward Hadley. They unfortunately got separated while serving around this time and lost contact. Whitt described Hadley as a big inspiration in his life, a wonderful singer and larger than life charismatic character to whom he sends love.
An individual called Sammy from Roselawn stated that Bubba had told him and his brother Tyrone, y’all Need To start boxing so y’all can be like me. Sammy went on to say that Rufus’s sister was his first girlfriend. Sammy now resides in Las Vegas.
A former friend called Leon contacted me, stating that Rufus would know him more affectionately as D.O.G. Leon said that he had worked a few bodyguard / security jobs with Rufus in Hollywood California around 1989-90, under the business name GET PAID INC. Leon went on to say that if I ever spoke with Rufus, to pass on his email and mention Sam Kinison to him.
I received a random message from a man only identified by the initials R.J.
Cousin, you came into my thoughts, you looked fearless. I’m sorry we never had the chance to get together and I never took the opportunity to see you box. I was in college also chasing my dreams at that time of becoming a professional football player. Wishing Rufus well, love, R.J.
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