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.