Nelson reflected on Verhoeven’s last performance and the qualities he saw that could have caused Joshua problems.

‘AJ’ and the kickboxing icon were set to fight earlier this year, as Verhoeven looked to have his first boxing bout in over 14 years.

The initial plans were scrapped after Joshua was involved in a horror accident in Nigeria just 10 days after he beat Jake Paul.

Nelson spoke to Daily Mail Boxing about how he believes the contest may have played out.

 

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“I think he swerved a good one. I think he swerved something that could have been career-ending.

“Because Rico was strong, big, there were shots that were just missing Usyk’s chin.”

‘The King of Kickboxing’ instead took on two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

He came in as a massive underdog, with many expecting the Ukrainian to cruise to his 25th professional victory.

Verhoeven pushed the defending champion over 11 rounds, with one of the judges’ scorecards favouring him before the fight was stopped.

After Usyk dropped him, referee Mark Lyson stepped in and stopped the bout, despite Verhoeven wanting to continue.

“Remember, Rico is used to being kicked in the head by bigger men, so ‘AJ’ has got the power, he’s got the accuracy.

“If he doesn’t get rid of him early and Rico is holding him, twisting him up and using that physicality on him…

“You know what, it shouldn’t be the case, but now we know what he is about. If that had been ‘AJ’, Rico would have had his number.”

After the defeat, Verhoeven spoke to The Sun Boxing and revealed his disappointment with how the contest ended.

“It is a mistake. It is a championship fight!

 

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“They would have never stopped that fight [if Usyk was hurt in the 11th round]. Never! They would have let him go down and keep his hands up to get to the end of the round.

“That is the only thing I am looking for, just say, ‘Yeah, you are right.’

“If it was the other way around, or any other boxer, we would’ve done differently.

“It goes both ways.”

A fight between the pair any time soon seems unlikely with Joshua returning to the ring on July 25.

He takes on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, as he looks to set up a long-awaited contest with Tyson Fury.

The post “Career-Ending” – Johnny Nelson predicts Joshua vs Verhoeven appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua and Fury will finally deliver their long-awaited clash in November, with both men having signed their contracts.

The pair have been linked to a bout for the best part of a decade, but until now their clash has failed to materialise.

Despite the huge anticipation surrounding their match-up, ‘AJ’ insists it’s not the decisive fight of his career, with plenty of other bouts potentially on the horizon.

“No [it’s not the defining fight of this era],” the 36-year-old said on Mr Verzace Podcast.

“Because there’s a lot more fights to happen.

“A lot more big fights.

“It’s one of the defining fights of this era, because with me and Fury, it can’t be the only one.

“Because I know if I stay around long enough, there’s a rematch with [Daniel] Dubois, there’s a potential Fabio [Wardley] fight, there’s an Agit [Kabayel] fight out there providing he becomes champion.

“There’s a [Moses] Itauma fight as he’s coming up the rankings.

“There’s still the [Deontay] Wilder fight out there.

“These are going to be massive fights.

“Fury is just another number. I don’t put him on no pedestal. He ain’t above no-one.

“They’re all in my way.”

 

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Before facing ‘The Gypsy King’, Joshua will first fight Albania’s Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.

The bout marks the Londoner’s first since a sixth round knockout of Jake Paul in December.

10 days after stopping the YouTuber-turned-boxer, ‘AJ’ was involved in a horror car crash in Nigeria, which killed two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.

Fury is set to fight again himself before facing his long-time rival, with a date of August 1 in Dublin mooted.

The post Anthony Joshua: Tyson Fury not defining fight of the era appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Itauma and Hrgovic have been in discussions over a summer showdown.

Hrgovic has won three on the bounce since an eighth round stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois two years ago, beating three Brits along the way.

The 33-year-old Croatian powered past Dave Allen in three rounds last month and is ranked one place behind Itauma at two with the WBO.

The rising Brit secured his 14th straight professional win with a fifth round stoppage of Jermaine Franklin in March, who had never previously been stopped.

Miller though has backed ‘El Animal’ to overcome the highly-rated 21-year-old should they clash.

“I think Hrgovic is very durable, war-proven,” the 37-year-old told PlayUK. 

“He’s not going to be jumping in and getting caught with dumb sh*t.

“He has a really good jab. Let’s see where Itauma really is when he fights a real top-10 contender now, because honestly, out of everybody he’s fought, they’ve kind of laid down a little bit.

“Jermaine Franklin came to bang and gave him some good rounds.

“I just felt like maybe it wasn’t the best version of him, but let’s see where he goes.

“I’ve got more of a close relationship with Hrgovic. He’s one of my homies.

“We trained in Florida and sparred plenty of times, so I’ve got to go with the homie.

“I’ve got to go with Hrgovic whooping Itauma’s young a*s.”

An Itauma-Hrgovic showdown had been mooted for August 8 at the O2 Arena, but promoter Frank Warren told IFLTV on Thursday the Brit won’t return until late August.

Miller closed in on a potential clash with Itauma himself after upsetting Lenier Pero on points in April.

‘Big Baby’ is ranked at two with the WBA, one place behind the 21-year-old.

Frank Warren has REVEALED Moses Itauma will now return towards the end of August rather than on August 8.

(via @IFLTV) pic.twitter.com/rNyq8XTy2Y

— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) June 4, 2026

The American had been discussed as a possible opponent for Tyson Fury, who is looking to fight on August 1 in Dublin, however Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown ruled out the bout.

“He’s mentioned Jarrell Miller,” Brown told Pro Boxing Fans.

“He’d love to fight Jarrell Miller in America.

“He wanted that but I don’t think that’s going to happen, we’re running out of time.”

The post Moses Itauma told he loses to dangerous contender appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Fury and Joshua have signed to fight each other in one of the most eagerly-awaited heavyweight dust-ups in recent memory.

‘AJ’ will first return after a sixth round stoppage of Jake Paul in December, in a warm-up bout against unknown Albanian, Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia.

Fury came out of retirement to outpoint Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.

Chisora, who has lost to ‘The Gypsy King’ on three occasions, believes the 37-year-old is lacking belief over beating his British rival following his performance against Makhmudov.

“Do you know why Tyson is having another fight in between?” Chisora said on Daily Mail Boxing.

“Because he knows in his last fight at Tottenham, he didn’t feel good in himself.

“He probably went back and watched it and goes, ‘you know what, I can’t fight Anthony Joshua while I’m like this.’

“‘I need to get another warm-up fight.’”

The Morecambe man has revealed his intentions to fight on August 1 in Dublin, which would likely fall on the undercard of Pierce O’Leary’s clash with Mark Chamberlain.

Fury called out Joshua after defeating Makhmudov, but the Watford man refused his invitation to enter the ring and face off with him.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn also feels the two-time heavyweight world champion is lacking confidence following his April comeback win.

“He’s going to do what he’s going to do,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sports Boxing.

“And if he feels like he needs a good fight, I like that because what that’s telling me is he’s not quite sure of himself.

“He did 12 good rounds with Makhmudov, to a point where do you really need more rounds?

“He said to us, ‘you don’t need another fight.’

“We had four rounds with Jake Paul in two years of boxing.

“You had 12 rounds with Makhmudov at Tottenham, but you still feel like you need more rounds to prepare yourself for Anthony Joshua.

“More rounds ain’t going to help you, because I see it.

“When Makhmudov came forward in that fight, I know what AJ is going to do.”

‘AJ’ came face-to-face with Prenga at a launch press conference in London earlier this week.

The bout will mark the first time the two-time heavyweight world champion has fought since being involved in a horror car crash in Nigeria 10 days after beating Paul, which killed two of his close friends.

The crash left him with minor injuries and he has since returned to training camp in Valencia alongside former foe, Oleksandr Usyk.

The post Derek Chisora: Tyson Fury has doubts for Anthony Joshua fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promote Padley vs Fiaz from the Utilita Arena, live on DAZN worldwide.

The pair were scheduled to fight on the undercard, but were elevated to main event after Dalton Smith’s WBC super lightweight title defence against Albert Puello and then Galal Yafai’s clash with unified flyweight world champion Ricardo Sandoval were both shelved following injuries.

Padley (18-1, 6 KOs) claimed the vacant belt with a second round stoppage of Jaouad Belmehdi in Newcastle in January.

The 30-year-old has won three on the spin since a ninth round stoppage defeat to Shakur Stevenson in a bid for the WBC lightweight world title on four days’ notice.

Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) looks to rip up the script here and has won two straight since an eight round retirement loss to common opponent Reece Bellotti in 2023, whom Padley beat by unanimous decision in October.

The 26-year-old was last out 11 months ago where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Alex Murphy.

Prediction: Padley has been more active and has the stronger resume. He should prevail with a points win.

Nadim-Sulaimaan clash for English title

Ibrahim Nadim makes a first defence of his English super featherweight crown against Ibraheem Sulaimaan.

Nadim (16-1, 2 KOs) secured the vacant belt with a unanimous decision win over Numan Hussain in November, while Sulaimaan (10-0, 5 KOs) became Midlands Area champion with a sixth round stoppage over Nico Ogbeide also in November.

Prediction: Sulaimaan can become the new champion by decision.

Remaining Undercard

Middleweight Aaron Bowen (7-1, 5 KOs) suffered a first professional loss to Tom Cowling in November, but can get back to winning ways with a stoppage win over Troy Coleman (15-4-1, 7 KOs).

Heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang (6-0, 5 KOs) can remain perfect by stopping France’s Fouad Shaili (5-4-2, 3 KOs).

 

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Connor Mitchell (2–0, 1 KO) can improve his unbeaten record with a points win over Jesus Carrasco (2-4-2) at featherweight, while Chris Mulunda (2-0) can do the same against Connor Goulding (6-12) in their middleweight meeting.

Adam Maca (5-0, 5 KOs) and Edward Hardy (6-0, 2 KOs) are set to return against opponents still to be confirmed.

The post Josh Padley vs Aqib Fiaz – Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua returns to the ring on July 25 in Saudi Arabia against Kristian Prenga, before a blockbuster showdown with long-time rival, Tyson Fury in November.

The two-time heavyweight world champion had been expected to potentially call time on his career following a long-awaited clash with Fury, however the 36-year-old insists he could continue for another four years, even opening the door to a potential clash with rising, 21-year-old heavyweight, Moses Itauma.

“For me, maybe ’til like 40,” Joshua told reporters.

“It’s only like three or four years.

“I’m coming up to 37 in October, so it’s only three years; it’ll go quick.

“Obviously, it’s gonna be tough, but I definitely think I’m tough enough to do it.

“Why not, why not? I’m definitely more mature.”

‘AJ’ will fight for the first time since a sixth round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami in December.

The Watford man took some time away from the sport after being involved in a devastating road accident in Nigeria 10 days later, which killed two of his close friends, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Joshua, who came face-to-face with Prenga earlier this week, said he’s standing strong for the parents of Ayodele and Ghami.

“You never overcome it but you gain perspective in life,” he told BBC Sport.

“Life is humbling at times. You never know one’s fate.

“As a solider I stand strong for their parents.

 

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“First and foremost this ain’t about me.

“I feel it’s important to put their parents first at the minute.

“I’ll have my time to grieve, but I know that at the minute my heart and my mind says their parents are my main priority.”

 

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Joshua’s bout with Prenga will be staged at the Jeddah Superdome.

Fury, who came out of retirement to defeat Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, is expected to have another warm-up fight on August 1.

The post Anthony Joshua REVEALS when he’ll retire from boxing appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Verhoeven was ahead on the scorecards when he was halted by Usyk in the 11th round of their WBC heavyweight world title fight at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

The kickboxing legend, who was fighting for just the second time as a professional boxer, was stopped far too early in many people’s eyes by referee Mark Lyson, who waved off the contest despite him making it to his feet following a heavy knockdown.

WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman told Pro Boxing Fans post-fight that the Dutchman would receive a ranking and he has honoured his word, by placing the 37-year-old at eight.

The ranking puts him one place behind former long-reigning WBC heavyweight titlist, Deontay Wilder and three positions below former unified champion, Anthony Joshua.

For a rematch to take place, Usyk will have to relinquish his WBC crown, with the governing body ordering him to defend his title against interim champion, Agit Kabayel.

Verhoeven, who fought as a professional boxer for the first time since 2014, has called for a rematch with the Ukrainian.

“100% [I want a rematch],” he told Ring Magazine.

“His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] told me he wants to see the rematch.

“He said ‘you were ahead, you were winning and then the this happened, the referee jumps in. It doesn’t make sense.’

“Let’s see what happens.”

Usyk faced off with Kabayel in the ring after beating Verhoeven.

The German maintained his lofty position with the WBC with a third round stoppage over Damian Knyba in January and called for a clash with Usyk in Germany.

“I am the number one contender,” the 33-year-old told reporters including Pro Boxing Fans.

“I think this makes sense

“Kabayel vs Usyk in Germany.

“I’ve waited so long for this situation.

“I’m ready for the next big challenge.”

The post Rico Verhoeven receives world ranking after Oleksandr Usyk loss appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Billam-Smith battles Rozicki at the Bournemouth International Centre, with the bill live on Sky Sports in the UK and on Paramount+ in the USA.

’The Gentleman’ fights in Bournemouth for the first time since forcing Mateusz Masternak to retire in the eighth round during the first defence of his then-WBO cruiserweight world title.

After revenge over Richard Riakporhe in their rematch, the 35-year-old dropped his belt in a unanimous decision loss to Zurdo Ramirez in a unification in 2024.

Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) returned to winning ways with a dominant points victory over Brandon Glanton in his last outing last April.

Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) has only lost once in his 23-fight professional career, outpointed by Oscar Rivas for the WBC bridgerweight crown in 2021.

‘The Bruiser’ previously challenged for the WBC interim cruiserweight title, held to a draw with Yamil Alberto Peralta.

The 31-year-old Canadian returned to winning ways with a second round knockout of Gerardo Mellado in March and heads into Saturday’s showdown as the number one ranked contender with the WBC.

Prediction: Billam-Smith is aiming to secure a future clash with Jai Opetaia and I expect him to survive an early onslaught, before seeing off Rozicki on points.

 

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Massey meets Clarke

Jack Massey meets Cheavon Clarke in a crossroads clash at cruiserweight.

Massey (23-3, 13 KOs) was knocked out by Opetaia in a bid for the IBF cruiserweight crown in 2024, but got back in the win column with a fourth round stoppage of Ivan Gabriel Garcia in November.

2020 Olympian, Clarke (11-2, 8 KOs) saw his progress curtailed following back-to-back defeats to Leonardo Mosquea and Viddal Riley.

The 35-year-old scored a fourth round knockout of Anthony Hollaway on his return to action in December.

Prediction: This is a close fight to call, but I predict Clarke to emerge victorious via a razor-thin decision.

Remaining Undercard

Bournemouth native, Lee Cutler (15-2, 7 KOs) moves up to middleweight and can get back to winning ways with a points win over Aaron Sutton (19-2, 3 KOs).

Heavyweight Ivan Dychko (15-1, 14 KOs) was beaten by Jermaine Franklin in September, but should bounce back by handing Harvey Dykes (7-0-1) a first loss by stoppage.

 

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Stephen McKenna (15-1, 14 KOs) hasn’t fought since defeat to Cutler in 2024, but should return with a stoppage victory over Casey James Streeter (15-3-2, 6 KOs) at middleweight.

In a third middleweight clash, Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO) can take the undefeated record of Todd Tompkins (4-0) with a points success.

Light heavyweight Leon Hughes (4-0, 3 KOs) and welterweight Alex Macmillan (3-0, 2 KOs) should both secure stoppage victories in their respective bouts.

The post Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki – Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Taylor (25-1, 6 KOs) will have her 27th and likely final bout of her decorated career against France’s Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) at her dream venue in front of a potential 82,000 fans in Ireland.

Taylor’s promotional team, Matchroom Boxing declined comment when approached by proboxing-fans.com, but confirmed on Wednesday a press conference will take place at Croke Park on Friday.

“No Words See you Friday ,” Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn posted on Instagram.

Taylor, who will go down as one of the greatest Irish athletes of all-time, retained her undisputed super lightweight titles with a third victory over Amanda Serrano last July in New York.

 

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The 39-year-old Bray native, who previously reigned as the undisputed lightweight champion, was named champion in recess by the WBC in September with Sandy Ryan claiming the vacant belt in February.

On Monday, the WBC revealed that Ryan was placed in recess after becoming pregnant with the vacant title now on the line for Taylor’s fight with Pili.

“The WBC congratulates Sandy Ryan on her pregnancy and wishes her all the best.

“As champion in recess, she will always have the support of the WBC during this process.

“The vacant WBC super lightweight championship will be on the line when Katie Taylor faces Flora Pili.”

 

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Taylor, who avenged her only professional defeat to Chantelle Cameron in 2023, will become a two-time undisputed super lightweight champion with victory over Pili.

The Frenchwoman previously held the European super lightweight title and won the vacant IBO crown with a majority decision win over Jelena Janicijevic in December in France.

The 28-year-old is undefeated in 12 professional contests with two knockouts and will look to ruin Taylor’s fairytale farewell.

The post Katie Taylor-Flora Pili finalising deal for Croke Park on Sept 5 appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Pereira promotes IVisitBoxing’s next show on July 11 in San Francisco.

The promoter spoke to proboxing-fans.com about his journey into the world of boxing following major success with his other ventures, including IVisit Media.

Pereira truly introduced himself to the boxing world in May last year when he, alongside Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, promoted an event in the middle of Times Square.

The event featured some of the sport’s biggest names, including Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Rolando Romero, with world title action topping the bill.

Pereira reflected on the event and gave an honest perspective on how it all played out.

“Times Square was an incredible experience because of the difficulty it was to put together.

“The people were disconnected from the experience and that’s really where I felt, I want the people involved.”

He also revealed the message he carries into his company and what matters most to him when promoting events across the United States.

“Create something and then get it in front of as many people as you can. And I’m still doing that 30 years later.”

He discussed how he has seen the sport of boxing impact individuals’ lives, from the fighters themselves to the audience, and why accessibility within the sport is so important.

“Boxing changes not just people’s lives — it changes the way the world sees people.

“That’s the power of boxing.”

IVB and Pereira’s next show is scheduled to take place on July 11, with Anthony Olascuaga taking on Andy Dominguez Velasquez in the main event.

The fight card will be staged at the Civic Center, with a range of tickets available, including a free viewing section allowing anyone to watch the fights, with Pereira hopeful of smashing the boxing attendance record of 135, 132 set in 1941 by Tony Zale vs. Billy Pryor.

“San Francisco, for me, is about the story of each and every single person that’s on that card.

“Boxing’s not broken.

“We need to make boxing more open to everybody.

“It’s about affordability. It’s about accessibility.

“That’s why we’re sticking on YouTube. That’s why we’re sticking on TikTok.”

The post “Boxing Isn’t Broken” – Ed Pereira Reveals Vision For The Sport’s Future appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua and Fury have both signed their contracts to finally face each other in a heavyweight blockbuster likely to be in November.

‘AJ’ will first face unknown Albanian, Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while Fury is expected to fight again on August 1.

Joshua, who has an almost 90% knockout ratio, insists he’ll look to box his rival rather than looking for a stoppage win.

“I don’t know [if I’ll knock out Tyson Fury],” the 36-year-old told reporters including Pro Boxing Fans on Monday.

“I want to box him.

“Even Prenga, I know I can punch hard, but you’ve got to break them down.”

The two-time heavyweight world champion was ringside for Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, his first since coming out of retirement.

‘The Gypsy King’ called out his rival, who refused to enter the ring and face off with him.

Weeks later the bout was signed with Joshua then announcing his first fight since knocking out Jake Paul in December against Prenga.

10 days after stopping Paul, ‘AJ’ escaped with minor injuries from a car crash which took the lives of two of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in Nigeria.

On Monday, Joshua urged Fury to face rising heavyweight star, Moses Itauma in his warm-up fight.

“Is he fighting Itauma?” the 36-year-old told talkSPORT Boxing.

“Because he was saying to me when I was looking for an opponent for this date [July 25], he was like ‘fight [Fabio] Wardley, fight Itauma, these fights are easy to be made, if you’re looking for a comeback fight.’

 

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“So I think that [Itauma] would be a perfect name, because they’re all under the same promotion right?

“So if Fury is what he says he is, maybe he should step forward and Frank [Warren] should put his fighter forward instead of worrying about what I’m up to.”

The post Anthony Joshua reveals shock prediction for Tyson Fury fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua and Fury have signed to face each other in a long-awaited, all-British blockbuster, likely to be staged in November.

‘AJ’ will face unknown Albanian, Kristian Prenga in a warm-up bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 25.

Fury, who came out of retirement to beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in April, is also keen to have another fight before facing his long-time rival, with an August 1 date mooted.

Joshua’s promoter, Hearn has questioned the Morecambe’s man’s decision to have another fight in the interim, believing it could signal a lack of belief.

“He’s going to do what he’s going to do,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sports Boxing.

“And if he feels like he needs a good fight, I like that because what that’s telling me is he’s not quite sure of himself.

“He did 12 good rounds with Makhmudov, to a point where do you really need more rounds?

“He said to us, ‘you don’t need another fight.’

“We had four rounds with Jake Paul in two years of boxing.

“You had 12 rounds with Makhmudov at Tottenham, but you still feel like you need more rounds to prepare yourself for Anthony Joshua.

“More rounds ain’t going to help you, because I see it.

“When Makhmudov came forward in that fight, I know what AJ is going to do.”

‘AJ’ came face-to-face with Prenga at their first press conference in London on Monday.

The 36-year-old will fight for the first time since knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami in December.

10 days after stopping Paul, the Watford man suffered minor injuries in a fatal car crash which killed two of his close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while on holiday in Nigeria.

Joshua has since returned to training camp in Valencia alongside former rival, Oleksandr Usyk.

The post “Not sure of himself” – Eddie Hearn QUESTIONS Tyson Fury warm-up fight appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Joshua and Fury have signed to finally face each other later this year.

Their long-awaited, all-British showdown hinges on both men winning interim bouts, with ‘AJ’ returning against Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia and ‘The Gypsy King’ set to fight on August 1, with an opponent still to be confirmed.

Joshua believes his long-time rival, who beat Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, should take on rising heavyweight, Moses Itauma.

“Is he fighting Itauma?” the 36-year-old told talkSPORT Boxing.

“Because he was saying to me when I was looking for an opponent for this date [July 25], he was like ‘fight [Fabio] Wardley, fight Itauma, these fights are easy to be made, if you’re looking for a comeback fight.’

“So I think that [Itauma] would be a perfect name, because they’re all under the same promotion right?

“So if Fury is what he says he is, maybe he should step forward and Frank [Warren] should put his fighter forward instead of worrying about what I’m up to.”

A Fury-Itauma clash has little chance of materialising, despite both men being under Frank Warren’s Queensberry stable.

Fury’s manager Spencer Brown told Pro Boxing Fans last month that discussions had taken place with both Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller, although Brown admitted both were unlikely to happen.

‘AJ’ came face-to-face with Prenga for the first time at a press conference in London on Tuesday, ahead of their clash at the Jeddah Superdome.

The two-time heavyweight world champion will fight for the first time since a sixth round knockout of Jake Paul in Miami in December.

The 36-year-old was involved in a fatal car crash 10 days’ later in Nigeria which took the lives of two of his close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while Joshua escaped with minor injuries.

“As a solider I stand strong for their parents,” he told BBC Sport.

“First and foremost this ain’t about me.

“I feel it’s important to put their parents first at the minute.

“I’ll have my time to grieve, but I know that at the minute my heart and my mind says their parents are my main priority.”

The post Anthony Joshua URGES Tyson Fury to face unbeaten Brit appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Billam-Smith (21-2, 13 KOs) battles Rozicki (21-1-1, 20 KOs) at the Bournemouth International Centre, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.

The former WBO cruiserweight world champion heads into the bout as a 3/10 favourite with Bet365.

The 35-year-old bounced back from defeat to Zurdo Ramirez in their unification clash, by outpointing Brandon Glanton last April and ‘The Gentleman’ is expected to win by the same method at 10/11.

The Bournemouth man hasn’t recorded a victory inside the distance since forcing Mateusz Masternak to retire in 2023 and a stoppage win is priced at 11/4.

Rozicki, the number one contender with the WBC, is a 12/5 underdog with Bet365 to beat Billam-Smith in his hometown.

The Canadian has recorded 20 stoppages from his 21 wins and his best route to victory is seen inside the distance at 5/1.

‘The Bruiser’ has only won on points once during his career in 2022 and another success over the distance is valued at 13/2.

Full Bet365 Odds

Fight Outcome

• Chris Billam-Smith to win fight: 3/10
• Chris Billam-Smith by KO/TKO/DQ: 11/4
• Chris Billam-Smith by Decision or Technical Decision: 10/11
• Ryan Rozicki to win fight: 12/5
• Ryan Rozicki by KO/TKO/DQ: 5/1
• Ryan Rozicki by Decision or Technical Decision: 13/2
• Draw or Technical Draw: 16/1

Round Betting

Chris Billam-Smith

• To Win In Round 1: 50/1
• To Win In Round 2: 40/1
• To Win In Round 3: 33/1
• To Win In Round 4: 25/1
• To Win In Round 5: 22/1
• To Win In Round 6: 20/1
• To Win In Round 7: 20/1
• To Win In Round 8: 20/1
• To Win In Round 9: 22/1
• To Win In Round 10: 25/1
• To Win By Decision or Technical Decision: 10/11

 

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Ryan Rozicki

• To Win In Round 1: 80/1
• To Win In Round 2: 66/1
• To Win In Round 3: 50/1
• To Win In Round 4: 40/1
• To Win In Round 5: 33/1
• To Win In Round 6: 33/1
• To Win In Round 7: 33/1
• To Win In Round 8: 33/1
• To Win In Round 9: 33/1
• To Win In Round 10: 40/1
• To Win By Decision or Technical Decision: 13/2

The post Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki – Odds & Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Garcia vs Romero headlined a Ring Magazine card over 12 months ago.

Over the last year, ‘Rolly’ has been involved in multiple public discussions regarding potential next fights, yet none have materialised so far.

He has also spoken on social media about retirement on multiple occasions.

The WBA welterweight world champion spoke to Pro Boxing Fans on behalf of Betinia and opened up about his time away from the ring.

“God doesn’t make mistakes, I wasn’t supposed to fight.

“Mentally, emotionally, physically I just could not fight.

“As I kept trying to force these fights, for some reason God just kept getting in the way of them and I just could not fight.

“If I’d have fought at any of those times, I would’ve lost, I just know that.”

After a difficult year, the champion believes he is now ready to return and make the first defence of his welterweight title.

Following a career-best performance last time out, Romero believes he can produce an even better showing when he next steps into the ring.

“I am ready to fight now, I am the best version of myself I have ever seen.

“It is incredible, I am the best version of myself right now in all aspects of my life.”

One fighter ‘Rolly’ was linked with upon his return was the iconic Manny Pacquiao, who was last in action in July, taking Mario Barrios the distance in a majority draw.

“It was on his end, they were begging me to fight, I was going after the Ryan fight.

“Me and Ryan had a rematch clause, we had the whole deal set up and everything.

“Pacquiao kept on asking for the fight and for two months we negotiated.

 

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“He kept wanting more money even though he couldn’t sell what he was trying to ask for.

“The fight got blown and about a month and a half later this whole thing with Floyd came around.

“They just wasted my time, they used my clout.”

‘Pac Man’ is now set to return against Floyd Mayweather Jr in an iconic rematch of their historic first meeting in 2015, which the American won.

A return date and next opponent for Romero remain unknown, but some possible names include Jack Catterall, who became the number-one mandatory challenger for his WBA title following a dominant victory over Shakhram Giyasov.

Ryan Garcia may also look to right the wrongs of their first fight, although he appears set to defend his WBC title against Conor Benn after claiming the pair will fight on September 12 during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Over the last 12 months, Romero has also taken multiple digs at WBO world champion Devin Haney, potentially setting the stage for a unification bout in the future.

The post Rolly Romero Says Manny Pacquiao Talks Wasted His Time appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.