Joshua climbs off floor to unify, stopping Klitschko in 11.

In one of the biggest heavyweight title fights in recent history, undefeated IBF champion Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs) climbed off the floor, to scored a dramatic eleventh round TKO over former two time unified champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-5, 54 KOs) to retain his IBF title and grab the vacant WBA and IBO straps in a record 90,000 packed Wembley Stadium.
Both fighters played it cautious in the early rounds, Wlad connected most notably with a right hand in the second while Joshua returned fire in the third, both fighters began to roll the dice a little in the fourth, the first glimpse of risk taking by either man.. Joshua took the bull by the horns in the fifth, changing the whole tempo, rocking Klitschko badly dropping and cutting him in what was the first real breakthrough, Wladimir however managed to maintain his composure enough to hurt Joshua later in the session. The sixth saw the biggest twist, Klitschko turned the tides and dropped the IBF champion with a tremendous right hand with much of the round remaining.. Joshua appeared distressed, open mouthed and heavy legged, unable to defend himself correctly as Klitschko cautiously moved in for the finish, miraculously surviving the round.. Joshua still looked gassed into the seventh, allowing Klitschko to take take control for the first time in the bout. Klitschko continued to frustrate Joshua with his jab through round eight, but couldn't maintain it, allowing Anthony to find his second wind.. A huge right hand at the conclusion of the tenth seemed to wake Joshua back into the fight, the Londoner emerged into the eleventh revitalised, looking to pressure the older man, obeying instructions from the corner to regain control.. within a minute and a half he'd found his measure, dropping Klitschko badly twice, before closing the show, pinning Wladimir in the corner with :35 seconds left in the round.. Referee David Fields stepping in to call a halt with Klitschko unable to fend off the young champion..

It was a terrific fight and a wonderful bit of heroics from Joshua to emerge victorious after overcoming such a dramatic crisis..

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko weigh in.

IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua weighed in at 250.1 lbs at today's weigh in for his unification bout with former unified champion Wladimir Klitschko, who came in around 9 pounds lighter at 240.4 lbs.. 

The IBF, WBA Super and IBO belts are all up for grabs at Londons Wembley stadium on Saturday..

The show is promoted by both Matchroom Boxing and Klitschko's K2 promotions..
The bout will be shown on Sky Box Office in the UK, Showtime (live) and HBO (delayed)

Pulev outworks Johnson in Sofia.

In a battle of former world heavyweight title challengers, IBF number 1 contender Kubrat Pulev (23-1, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson (30-8-1, 14 KOs) over 12 tonight at the Armeec Arena in Sofia, Bulgaria. Johnson managed to frustrate Pulev with the jab for the first half of the bout, but as soon as Pulev found range, Johnson appeared to lose his way, sitting on the ropes , allowing the Bulgarian to tee off at will.. By round 10 Kevin looked completely exhausted, allowing Kubrat to take full advantage, closing the remainder of the fight impressively.. Scores were 120-108, 120-108, 119-109. 

This makes it Pulev's fifth straight victory, while the previously retired Johnson has now lost seven of his last nine. The WBA inter-continental heavyweight championship was on the line and a possible shot at Saturdays winner in a London.

Layla McCarter out to shine as a Mayweather fighter this weekend.

On Saturday night at Sams town in Las Vegas, a relatively familiar array of names make respective appearances under the Mayweather boxing umbrella, Ronald Gavril, Lanell Bellows, Ladarius Miller and Kevin Newman, while a newer addition to the fold aims to make a statement of her own regardless of the fact that she's already accomplished far more than many of her male counterparts could ever dream of.. Layla McCarter debuts as only the second female fighter to feature as part of Mayweathers boxing family, in a TV bout against a 16-9 Szilvia Szabados, over 10 Twos at welterweight.. 

Layla 38-13-5 (9 Ko's) has patiently awaited the big money bouts, often appearing too good for her own good.. In truth McCarter has a really bad habit, she wins, often and consistently, in fact for the last ten years Layla has remained 'a winner.' Last losing almost ten years ago to the day to Mellissa Hernandez in a close points affair in Las Vegas.. In 2012 Layla even travelled to Cape Town, and boxed close to 150lbs, knocking out previously unbeaten Noni Tenge in front of her own people to claim the WBA Super welterweight title, even though she had boxed primarily down at lightweight.. Her 2007 bout with Donna Biggers was the first ever scheduled 12 round female world championship bout, regardless of the fact that it only went 2.. McCarter is a trailblazer, a pioneer, with the rare distinction of being a 6 time world champion.. 

Although having only been boxing for 3 years, Szabados, her opponent on this occasion has herself fought for a championship before, losing each time... to Noni Tenge (their only common opponent) in 2016, to the unbeaten Nikki Adler for the WBC SuperMiddleweight title in 2015 and to Zita Zatyko in a bid for a WBF SuperMiddleweight title in only her 6th outing.. The Hungarian is game, but unfortunately a level beneath McCarter who will be looking to copy Claressa Sheilds benchmark, having stopped Szabados in 4, only 6 weeks ago..
Layla last boxed in July, handing Melissa Hernandez a third sound beating out of four on the Wilder v Arreola show in Alabama, while Szabados managed a token victory 14 days ago, beating 4 fight novice katalin Menes in 3 rounds in Hungary.. Its a great opportunity for adopted Las Vegan, McCarter to show that she is still, at the very deceiving age of 38, the biggest threat in women's boxing..

Pulev risks IBF mandatory status against Johnson on Friday.

Popular Bulgarian heavyweight Kubrat Pulev (24-1, 13 KOs) and Kevin Johnson (30-7-1, 14 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference yesterday at the Hotel Marinela in Sofia, ahead of their WBA Intercontinental title bout on Friday 27th at the Arena Armeec.

Pulev will be making the first defense of the belt he grabbed with a 3 round stoppage of former World Champion Sam Peter last December, and in doing so risks his mandatory IBF mandatory standing, a position that could see him a prime candidate to face the victor of Saturday’s World title showdown in London.

New Jersey native Johnson, himself a former World title challenger, is eager to prove that he is not just in Bulgaria for a vacation, is nurturing ambitions of his own second shot at a Championship, viewing the upset over Pulev as a springboard, back to the bigtime.

Having taken in the atmosphere of Sofia, Johnson also revealed his plans to leave Bulgaria with two souvenirs. ‘’The women here are very beautiful,’’ he said. ‘’And I’m looking to get married. On Saturday, I’m going to be leaving with a new belt and a new wife!’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland echoed both fighters sentiments, "It’s a great weekend for heavyweight boxing. Kubrat is mandatory challenger to face the winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF World title. Either they fight him or they vacate the belt. He’s fought hard to get back into this position, and he’s risking it all in this fight against a rejuvenated Kevin Johnson. Kevin also knows what’s at stake and what a win would mean for his career. Both men have been training hard, and are ready to give it their all in the ring on Friday night.’’

Pulev isn't looking past Johnson, but insists that he will not be denied on Friday, offering Johnsons chances as slim to zero..



Pulev came through a tough bout last May, prior to the Peter fight, scoring a points victory by the slimmest of margins over former WBC title challenger Derrick Chisora, while Kevin's last appearance was a stoppage loss at the hands of future IBF champion Anthony Joshua..

Former IBF champ, Martin returns with a win.

Former IBF heavyweight champion Prince Charles Martin (24-1-1, 22 KOs) made a low key return to the ring on Tuesday night with a second round TKO over journeyman Byron Polley (30-21-1, 13 KOs) at the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi. It was Martin’s first appearance since losing his IBF title to Anthony Joshua 12 months ago. Martin who has had tumultuous year since the Joshua fight, the St Louis native was shot in the body and forearm in an almost deadly incident with two unknown assailants at 5am last august in downtown La.. The return to action is a good sign, the colourful fighter has a wild child reputation and it looked momentarily like his street past was luring him back..

Parker looks set to face replacement Conjanu.

California based WBO #14 ranked heavyweight Razvan Conjanu (16-2, 9 KOs) is likely to be announced today as the replacement for WBO #1 challenger Hughie Fury to challenge newly crowned WBO champion Joseph Parker at the Sparks Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on May 6. “We are excited, we think we have got someone that is at least as good as Hughie Fury and certainly has more power than Hughie Fury,” Duco Entertainments CEO David Higgins said. “He’s a very tough contender, so it’s a proper challenge. It’s looking promising … tomorrow we are planning a big announcement.”

It's rather disappointing news, considering that several better qualified opponents were readily available, including Amir Mansour and Dominick Breazeale. Conjanu is a virtual unknown quantity and has never faced a ranked opponent throughout his whole 18 fight career.. Fury withdrew on Sunday after suffering a lower back injury that requires at least a months rest..

Eugene Honeybear Bryant passes in Las Vegas aged 75.

Really sad to hear of the passing of a lovely man who was a great friend and a mind of priceless knowledge as a former fighter and trainer.. Eugene Honeybear Bryant boxed at middleweight and light heavyweight in the 60s and 70s out of Phoenix Arizona, with a record of 40 Wins 29 losses and 6 draws.. 

Eugene boxed Don Fulmer, brother of Gene twice, beat fellow trainer Thell Torrence twice, drew with former light heavyweight world title challenger Andy Kendall, boxed Bad Bennie Brisco and fought Denny Moyer 6 times.. Honeybear trained a string of young fighters during the 1990s and early 2000s out of Johnny Toccos Gym in Las Vegas.. Rest in peace Gene.. you'll be missed

PBC adds McCarter v Szabados to FS2 show from Samstown.

This coming Saturday, April 29th sees the Mayweather promotions debut of former 6 time world champion Layla McCarter (38-13-5, 9 KOs) as she meets former title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-9, 6 KOs) in a women’s welterweight attraction, McCarter has remained unbeaten in her last 15 bouts including a BKB appearance, last tasting a loss ten years ago in a rematch with Mellissa Hernandez, whom she's since twice avenged..  The card also features super lightweight prospect Ladarius Memphis Miller (12-1, 3 KOs) as he takes on tough Jesus Gutierrez (14-1-1, 4 KOs) in a special edition of PBC prelimson on FS2 and FOX Deportes, Live from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins on FS2 and FOX Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT before switching over to FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for the Featured event, where WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Carlos Zambrano (26-0, KOs) defending his title against once-beaten contender Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs).

The evenings schedule also features a Middleweight bout between Nathaniel Gallimore and unbeaten Jeison Rosario while another undefeated youngster in Juan Heraldez takes on Alfonso Olvera at welterweight..

Also making appearances are Mayweather promoted SuperMiddleweights, Ron Gavril, Lanell Bellows and Kevin Newman II along with unbeaten female super welterweight Latondria Jones and Featherweight Daniel Gonzalez..

Parker v Fury postponement statement.

Team Fury/Hennessey Sports Statement:

 It is with our deepest regret that we have to announce that the WBO World Heavyweight Championship between the Champion, Joseph Parker, and mandatory challenger, Hughie Fury, scheduled for Saturday 6th May 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand, has been postponed.

The reasons given for the postponement were down to a recurring lower back injury that Hughie Fury has been suffering, preventing him from maintaining a serious training camp for such an important fight..  Fury has been treated with intense physiotherapy but has been advised to take 4 weeks off, to assure fast recovery..  Duco entertainments who were promoting the event released a rather unprofessional statement yesterday accusing the Furys of feigning injury to avoid fighting in New Zealand..

As of now, no news has been provided regarding whether Parker will still be going ahead with a defence on May 6th against an alternative opponent..  It's just a disappointing situation all round..

Charlo knocks out Hatley, defends WBC title in Brooklyn.

Also on the Barclays Centre card in Brooklyn, Jermell Charlo defended his WBC Junior Welterweight title against Charles Hatley with a dramatic 6th round stoppage victory last night. Jermell dictated the action throughout the bout, hardly allowing the usually capable Hatley to get a foothold, dominating the action throughout..
Charlo stunned Hatley in round 3 with a vicious 1-2 that dropped the Texan, leaving the challenger cautious, wary of Charlos power for most of the bout.  The champion never allowed Hatley to maintain any rhythm, keeping him continually guessing while dominating with the jab..   The end presented itself in the 6th round as Charlo stepped up the tempo..  Jermell opened up with a combination, the volume of punches disorientating Hatley, who walked onto a wicked right hand that knocked him out.. Hatley lay motionless for a few moments, but soon resumed consciousness and was able to walk out of the ring unaided..    The official time of the stoppage was 0:32 in round 6.
Charlo retains his WBC Junior Welterweight title and moves to 29-0, 14 KOs, while Hatley suffers his second professional defeat and goes to 26-2-1, 18 KOs.