MMA News

Category: Boxing

Latest news covering the world of professional boxing.

  • Eddie Hearn Facing Exit? DiBella Predicts Boxing’s Biggest Promoter Might Walk Away

    Eddie Hearn Facing Exit? DiBella Predicts Boxing’s Biggest Promoter Might Walk Away

    Eddie Hearn has been one of the most dominant figures in boxing for years, but his future in the sport is now uncertain. According to longtime promoter Lou DiBella, the shift in power toward Turki Alalshikh and Dana White’s TKO Group could push Hearn into early retirement.

    Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, DiBella didn’t mince words when discussing how the new power structure affects Hearn’s position.

    “Eddie doesn’t want to be number two or three or four,” DiBella said. “When Eddie came to America with the DAZN money, he was going to create a UFC. He was going to become the UFC.

    He was going to take over boxing. Well, guess what? He went back to England with his tail between his legs. And as much money as he’s made, as much success as he’s had, he didn’t take over shit.”

    DiBella pointed to Hearn’s recent interviews, in which the Matchroom boss has given mixed signals about his future.

    “In one interview, he’s talking about retirement. In another interview, he’s saying, ‘I’m the best in the world.’ That tells me he’s thinking about what’s next. And I get it—on a human level, I totally get it.

    Because in my mind and in my heart, I’ve been in a process of sort of disengaging from boxing for a while. And Eddie doesn’t want to do anything where he’s not the biggest and the best.”

    Hearn has also insisted that boxing isn’t broken, something DiBella strongly disagrees with.

    “Eddie’s going out there saying, ‘What I take issue with is people saying boxing is broken.’ Go fuck yourself, Ed. You know it’s broken. The only reason you’re saying it’s not broken is because the broken system made you rich.”

    With Turki and TKO taking full control of boxing’s biggest fights, DiBella believes Hearn will have to make a choice: adapt to a secondary role or step away entirely.

    “Eddie’s a talented guy, and he’s rich as hell. He doesn’t have to do this. And if he can’t be the dominant figure in boxing, I don’t think he’s going to stick around just to be part of the furniture.

    He’s got his hands in a lot of other sports, he’s got other things he can do, and if he decides to walk away, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”

  • Boxing’s New World Order: Why Dana White & Turki Alalshikh Will Dominate The Sport

    Boxing’s New World Order: Why Dana White & Turki Alalshikh Will Dominate The Sport

    Boxing is on the verge of a massive power shift, and longtime promoter Lou DiBella believes it’s inevitable.

    Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, DiBella laid out why the traditional boxing structure is crumbling and why Turki Alalshikh, Dana White, and TKO Group will take full control.

    “The major promoters have been middlemen for the last couple of years,” DiBella said.

    “And right now, make no mistake about it, the major promoters have been middlemen for the last couple of years. Because let me ask you a question—who’s been the most major promoter in boxing over the past couple years? It’s not Eddie Hearn. It’s not Bob Arum. It’s Turki. And he didn’t just take control overnight. This was the plan all along.”

    A Transformative Era in Boxing

    With Saudi Arabia’s vast financial backing and the UFC-WWE business model, DiBella sees the transition as inevitable. He pointed out that promoters like Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum have fought to keep boxing fragmented, but that structure is now collapsing.

    “The other promoters have never been willing to work with each other. They’ve been stuck in their old ways, just trying to squeeze money out of the system instead of making it better.

    “Meanwhile, Turki came in, paid them all, took control of their fighters, and now he’s moved on to working with Dana and TKO. They’re the biggest promoter in the business now—there’s no question.”

    DiBella also emphasized how the UFC model—where one promotion controls matchmaking, fighter contracts, and title belts—will change boxing forever.

    “People keep talking about a ‘league’ like it’s something different. It’s not a league—it’s a promotion. But it’s a promotion in the UFC-WWE sense, which can work. It’s not boxing as we know it, where every man is out for himself and nobody gives a shit about the sport’s future.”

    He made it clear that boxing’s old guard is on borrowed time.

    “If they want this to work, they don’t have to worry about putting people out of business—it’s going to happen naturally. They’re not going to shut down the WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO overnight, but they don’t have to.

    “The sport is shifting in a way where those organizations won’t matter anymore. The promoters that took all of Turki’s money didn’t realize they were feeding the guy who was going to eat them.”

    With the newly formed TKO boxing entity backed by Saudi funding, it seems the sport is heading toward an era of centralized control—whether the old promoters like it or not.

  • KSI Warns Tony Ferguson: Danis Fight Will Be ‘Dead’ After Damage From Boxing Match

    KSI Warns Tony Ferguson: Danis Fight Will Be ‘Dead’ After Damage From Boxing Match

    KSI warns that by the time he’s done with Dillon Danis, there won’t be much left of him for Tony Ferguson to fight.

    For context, KSI is set to square off against Danis in a 185-pound grudge match in the main event of Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

    However, following his sophomore appearance in the boxing ring, “El Jefe” is booked to compete against former UFC interim lightweight champion Ferguson under the banner of the newly launched MMA promotion, Global Fight League (GFL), with the bout tentatively scheduled for May 11.

    On Tuesday, the YouTuber-turned-influencer boxer, who has a long-standing feud with Danis, took to X to issue a chilling message just two weeks ahead of their showdown. His words weren’t just aimed at Danis as they also carried a veiled shot at Ferguson, with “The Nightmare” vowing to punish Danis so brutally that his anticipated MMA return would become an afterthought.

    “I don’t think people understand what I’m about to do to Danis. His fight with Ferguson will be dead. His UFC dreams will be dead. His career in combat sports will finally be dead,” KSI wrote on X.

    KSI and Danis were originally set to face off in January 2023, but “El Jefe” pulled out just a week before fight night without offering a clear explanation. His last-minute withdrawal only added fuel to their already heated rivalry, as they have traded barbs on social media on several occasions.

    “The Nightmare” was last seen in action in October 2023, headlining the MF & DAZN: X Series 10 – PRIME Card against Tommy Fury, where he suffered a controversial unanimous decision loss.

    Meanwhile, Danis made his boxing debut on the same card, taking on KSI’s former adversary and now collaborator, Logan Paul. But the bout took a wild turn when the outspoken MMA fighter attempted to lock “The Maverick” in a chokehold, resulting in his disqualification in the sixth round.

  • Jake Paul: Serrano Will Break Major Rousey Record In Upcoming Netflix Fight

    Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions has solidified its commitment to Amanda Serrano, the Ring, WBA, and WBO featherweight champion, by signing her to a lifetime deal.

    This announcement, which coincides with the confirmation of Serrano’s highly anticipated trilogy fight against Katie Taylor, marks a long-term partnership that extends beyond her active boxing career.

    The agreement ensures Serrano will fight exclusively under the MVP banner for the remainder of her professional boxing journey. Additionally, she will take on the role of chairwoman of MVP’s women’s boxing initiatives, where she will lead efforts to discover, sign, develop, and promote female athletes within the company.

    The upcoming Serrano-Taylor trilogy fight, scheduled for July 11 at Madison Square Garden, will headline an all-female fight card. There is a possibility that some of the women MVP is working with will appear on the undercard.

    This event follows their previous encounter in November 2024, where Taylor secured a controversial unanimous decision victory in a bout that achieved record-breaking viewership. It became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in U.S. history, drawing 74 million live viewers globally.

    The storied rivalry between Serrano and Taylor has captivated audiences, and their upcoming trilogy fight is expected to be another landmark event.

    Jake Paul took to X to tout the upcoming Netflix fight, even stating that his fighter will surpass UFC legend Ronda Rousey’s peak purse.

    “When Amanda Serrano enters the ring on July 11th, she will become the highest-paid woman in sports history for a single event. ALL SPORTS. Ronda Rousey had the record previously,” Jake Paul wrote.

  • Canelo Optimistic Turki Alalshikh & Dana White’s Promotion Will Be Good For Boxing

    Canelo Optimistic Turki Alalshikh & Dana White’s Promotion Will Be Good For Boxing

    Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s global star, has recently made a series of high-profile moves that are reshaping his career. After signing a last-minute, multi-fight deal with influential advisor Turki Alalshikh, he parted ways with Premier Boxing Champions and potential clash with YouTube star Jake Paul. 

    This shift has positioned him for a reported blockbuster fight on Netflix. The unified super middleweight champion is set to make his Saudi Arabia debut on May 3, facing undefeated IBF titleholder William Scull in an undisputed 168-pound clash as part of Riyadh Season.

    However, the buzz surrounding Alvarez extends beyond his upcoming fight following the recent announcement of UFC’s Dana White and WWE’s Nick Khan leading TKO’s new boxing promotion, backed by Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia. 

    It has fueled speculation about Alvarez’s future. With the promotion’s anticipated debut in September, rumors are swirling that Canelo could headline against pound-for-pound boxing luminary Terence Crawford.

    This potential super-fight underscores the significant impact of the new promotion and the high-caliber matchups it aims to deliver.

    “There’s always an opportunity for me to fight in September in Las Vegas, those are my dates [along with Cinco de Mayo weekend in May] and everyone knows that,” Alvarez told CBS Sports HQ on Thursday. “We need to take care of the May fight first but there is an opportunity to fight in Vegas in September and be the first event for [TKO] as a promoter.”

    When questioned about the potential impact of Dana White and TKO’s foray into boxing, Canelo expressed optimism.

    “I think if it’s the best for the fighters out there, I’m fine with that,” Alvarez said. “I think [TKO] is going to do the best for the fighters, I’m pretty sure about that. I’m glad someone takes good care of the fighters because there are a lot of promoters that don’t take seriously the fighters. I think this is good for boxing and for the fighters, especially.”

  • Al Iaquinta Responds To Dana White’s Plan For A UFC-Style Boxing League

    Al Iaquinta Responds To Dana White’s Plan For A UFC-Style Boxing League

    Former UFC fighter Al Iaquinta has weighed in on Dana White’s ambitious plan to restructure boxing into a unified league modeled after the UFC. White, the UFC president, announced in March 2025 a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and TKO Group Holdings to launch the new boxing league, with events expected to begin in late 2025.

    White’s vision is to consolidate boxing’s multiple sanctioning bodies—such as the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO—into a single organization with one champion per division. During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, he said that the sport lacks centralized promotion and that his plan could elevate undiscovered talent, much like the UFC did for mixed martial arts.

    “There’s talent out there that nobody knows about. What I’d love to do is build this thing from the ground up, the way that we did the UFC … Get rid of the five different champions, five different sanctioning organizations—just one,” White said.

    Al Iaquinta’s Skepticism

    Iaquinta responded to White’s comments on X, expressing doubt that boxing could be monopolized the way the UFC took over MMA.

    “Boxing can be improved but seems too established to be developed into a monopoly the way MMA was by the UFC,” Iaquinta wrote.

    His skepticism highlights a major challenge in White’s plan. Unlike MMA in the early 2000s—where the UFC was able to buy out or outcompete smaller promotions—boxing has a deeply entrenched history, with multiple governing bodies, major promoters like Top Rank and Golden Boy, and lucrative fighter contracts.

    Community Reactions and Criticism

    Iaquinta’s viewpoint was echoed by other users on X, some of whom pointed out that boxers at the highest level earn significantly more than UFC fighters. Some critics in the discussion raised concerns about fighter pay, a longstanding issue in the UFC.

    One user wrote, “Dana White is a slave driver. UFC was built on underpayment of fighters,” referencing ongoing criticism of White’s business model. Others suggested that young boxers might resist joining a new league if it meant lower earnings compared to stars like Canelo Alvarez or Tyson Fury.

    Challenges Facing White’s Boxing League

    Despite skepticism, White’s financial backing from Saudi Arabia provides him with significant resources to challenge boxing’s status quo. However, key obstacles remain, including resistance from existing promoters, legal barriers, and skepticism over fighter compensation.

    Iaquinta’s response underscores the difficulty of transforming a century-old sport into a single-entity promotion. While White envisions a streamlined league that could elevate undiscovered talent, boxing’s longstanding structure makes such a shift highly complex.

  • Taylor vs. Serrano 3: Trilogy Fight Set For Historic All-Women’s Card July 11 At MSG

    Taylor vs. Serrano 3: Trilogy Fight Set For Historic All-Women’s Card July 11 At MSG

    Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated trilogy fight for the undisputed super lightweight championship on Friday, July 11. The bout, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), will take place at Madison Square Garden and will be streamed live on Netflix, headlining the first-ever all-women’s professional boxing event at the iconic venue.

    A Rivalry for the Ages

    This fight marks the third meeting between Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs), Ireland’s pound-for-pound superstar and undisputed super lightweight champion, and Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs), Puerto Rico’s seven-division world champion and one of the most decorated female fighters in boxing history. Their rivalry began with a groundbreaking clash in April 2022, which was the first women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden. That fight won multiple accolades, including Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year.

    Their rematch, which took place at AT&T Stadium in November 2024, broke records, drawing 74 million global viewers on Netflix—the most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history. Taylor emerged victorious in both encounters, but now Serrano looks to even the score in a historic third showdown.

    Taylor’s Road to the Trilogy

    Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist and two-weight undisputed champion, has long been a trailblazer in women’s boxing. She successfully defended her lightweight crown against Serrano in 2022 and later captured the undisputed super lightweight title by avenging her sole professional loss against Chantelle Cameron in November 2023. Now, she returns to Madison Square Garden, aiming for a third victory over her fiercest rival.

    “I’m 2-0 against Amanda, but this is a special rivalry that delivers every time,” said Taylor. “The atmosphere for the first fight at MSG was incredible, and I know this one will be just as special.”

    Serrano Aims for Redemption

    Serrano, the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, has built a legacy as one of boxing’s most dominant figures. Following her 2022 loss to Taylor, she became the undisputed featherweight champion, making history again in October 2023 by competing in the first-ever women’s unified world title fight contested over 12 three-minute rounds. She then moved up in weight to face Taylor in their 2024 rematch, losing a razor-thin decision.

    Now, she is determined to finally claim victory in their trilogy fight.

    “I promised my fans they would see this trilogy, and I’m grateful we get to complete our journey where it all began,” said Serrano. “Every time we share the ring, it’s war, and on July 11, I will finally get the win I deserve.”

    A Groundbreaking Event for Women’s Boxing

    Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 poster

    Taylor vs. Serrano 3 will not only settle one of the sport’s greatest rivalries but also mark a milestone for women’s boxing. It will be the first all-women’s professional boxing card at Madison Square Garden, with both Taylor and Serrano set to earn record-breaking purses.

    “This is more than just a fight—it’s a celebration of the unmatched talent of women in boxing,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Taylor and Serrano have shattered barriers, and this event is another historic step forward for women’s sports.”

    Fans can catch the action live on Netflix, as the streaming giant continues to expand its coverage of major sports events. Pre-sale ticket signups are available now, with additional details, including the undercard, set to be announced soon.

  • Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White Makes One Thing Crystal Clear About New Boxing Promotion

    Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.

    On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotion’s executive board.

    According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.

    Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.

    In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.

    “No, never,” White said. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”

    White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.

    Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards — something he’s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success. He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systems .

  • Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Turki Alalshikh, Dana White Hint At Date For New Boxing Promotion’s Debut

    Dana White and Turki Alalshikh may already have a target date in mind for the highly anticipated debut of their newly launched joint venture.

    On Tuesday, UFC CEO White and Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Alalshikh officially unveiled a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to launch a new boxing league under the TKO banner.

    According to a press release, WWE president Nick Khan will serve as a key figure on the promotion’s executive board. Saudi entertainment giant Sela has joined the venture as a major partner. The company has been instrumental in organizing high-profile boxing events featuring superstars like Anthony Joshua and Terence Crawford.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Turki Alalshikh and Dana White delved into their partnership. Amid their conversation, the Riyadh Season chief subtly hinted that the debut event for their new boxing promotion could be set for September, with Sept. 12 likely being the target date.

    However, White remained tight-lipped about a specific date for the promotion’s first event. The 55-year-old UFC boss teased that they have a blockbuster fight in the works.

    “When it’s time to announce, we have a massive fight – and this is literally exactly what I’m talking about – a massive fight that only this guy [Alalshikh] could make happen,” White said. “Only this guy could make a fight like this happen. We will announce it when we’re ready to. This is the guy who’s literally brought boxing back.”

    Sept. 12 could very well mark the debut of the newly launched boxing promotion, as it falls within Mexican Independence Week — a time traditionally reserved for major boxing events. Around this time almost each year, boxing icon Canelo Álvarez typically steps into the ring, and this year he’s expected to clash with Crawford in a superfight on Sept. 13.

    The new promotion will implement a comprehensive system designed to cultivate emerging talent from across the globe, featuring athlete combines and dedicated academies.

    Boxers will have access to the world-class UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will oversee all aspects of event production, both for broadcast and live arena experiences.

  • Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    Turki Alalshikh Backs Dana White To Make ‘Boxing Great Again’

    A groundbreaking partnership has been forged between Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings, heralding the launch of a new boxing promotion.

    This boxing venture will be jointly steered by two prominent names in combat sports and entertainment: UFC CEO Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.

    White’s renewed interest in boxing has been a subject of speculation for some time, with reports earlier in 2025 indicating advanced discussions between him and Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. These reports have now been confirmed with the official announcement of the partnership on Wednesay. 

    The collaboration, revealed through a press release, unites Alalshikh, TKO Group Holdings (formed by Endeavor through the merger of WWE and Zuffa LLC, UFC’s parent company), and the entertainment conglomerate Sela.

    Their shared ambition is to establish a new, “premier” platform that will redefine the landscape of professional boxing.

    “I am very happy today,” Alalshikh said. “I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.”

    The landscape of combat sports is undergoing a significant shift, with Alalshikh playing a pivotal role in funding the effort. His involvement in high-profile boxing events has solidified his presence in the boxing world.

    The recent announcement of Saudi Arabia’s funding for a new boxing promotion, spearheaded by TKO, was largely anticipated. TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro had previously hinted at ongoing negotiations, teasing the possibility of two major cards in 2025 and 2026.

    Alalshikh’s influence extends beyond traditional boxing. He recently demonstrated a willingness to blend elements of MMA into boxing events with “The Last Crescendo” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This card, held on Feb. 22, featured a stacked lineup of title fights, culminating in a captivating undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

  • Turki Alalshikh, TKO Partner For New Boxing Promotion Led By UFC’s Dana White

    Turki Alalshikh, TKO Partner For New Boxing Promotion Led By UFC’s Dana White

    Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings have announced a multi-year partnership that will see the creation of a brand new boxing promotion, the executive leadership of which will be jointly led by UFC CEO Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan.

    White has picked up talk of venturing back into the boxing realm in recent years, and the start of 2025 saw reports of the UFC chief being in advanced talks with Alalshikh — Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority — over a potential new league.

    That’s proved to be true, with the official partnership to establish a new promotion being announced Wednesday in a press release.

    The deal sees Alalshikh, TKO — founded by Endeavor as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa LLC, the parent company of UFC — and entertainment conglomerate Sela come together in pursuit of providing the new “premier” platform in the sport of boxing.

    “This landmark partnership between industry powerhouses sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans,” Alalshikh said. “Together, we are developing the next generation of talent and delivering world-class events at a time when the sport is primed for further disruption.”

    The release outlined that TKO will serve as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the new boxing promotion.

    Meanwhile, Sela is credited for delivering international events such as Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles and Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois in London, as well as being the lead sponsor for Newcastle United Football Club.

    Though further details will emerge in the coming weeks and months, the recent announcement did reveal some of the major components of the deal.

    • A highly structured system to develop new talent from around the world, including athlete combines and academies.
    • Access for all boxers to the UFC Performance Institute, the world’s leading combat sports performance training, research, rehabilitation, and nutrition center.
    • TKO’s production, media, and promotional expertise, to deliver both in-arena experiences and top-tier, state-of-the-art broadcasts to fans around the world.
  • Watch KSI Slap Dillon Danis During Misfits & DAZN X Series 21 Press Conference

    Watch KSI Slap Dillon Danis During Misfits & DAZN X Series 21 Press Conference

    The launch press conference for Misfits & DAZN X Series 21 takes place today, as headliners KSI and Dillon Danis went face to face.

    British YouTube star, rapper, and celebrity boxer KSI and combat sports figure Danis are set for a second attempt at having their feud reach the ring.

    After the American pulled out from their scheduled January 2023 showdown, the former Bellator MMA fighter has now stepped in to replace Wayne Bridge in the main event later this month. The contest will mark his first since a defeat to Logan Paul and comes months out from his MMA return to face Tony Ferguson in the GFL.

    Misfits & DAZN X Series 21 is set for March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. Below KSI vs. Danis, ex-UFC title challenger Darren Till is set to co-headline against a fellow Octagon veteran in Darren Stewart.

    Out of those four, all but Till appeared at Tuesday’s launch press conference in London. See below for a replay via the official DAZN YouTube channel, followed by the highlights, including one brutal slap.

    Misfits Boxing: KSI vs. Danis Press Conference Video

    Misfits Boxing: KSI vs. Danis Press Conference Highlights

  • Amanda Serrano Signs Historic Lifetime Contract With Most Valuable Promotions

    Amanda Serrano Signs Historic Lifetime Contract With Most Valuable Promotions

    Seven-division world champion Amanda Serrano has signed an unprecedented lifetime contract with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), securing her future in combat sports both in and out of the ring. Under the agreement, Serrano will fight under MVP’s banner until she retires and will then transition into a leadership role as Chairwoman of the company’s women’s boxing initiatives.

    Serrano, widely regarded as one of the most decorated female fighters in history, has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s boxing. Since joining MVP in 2021, she has headlined historic events, including her record-breaking bout against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in 2022 and their rematch in 2024, which became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in U.S. history.

    “This deal means I can keep fighting—not just in the ring, but for the next generation of women in combat sports,” Serrano stated. “Together with MVP, we’ve shown the world that women deserve equal pay, equal rounds, and equal respect.”

    Co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian praised Serrano’s impact, emphasizing that her contributions go beyond championships.

    “Amanda has shattered glass ceilings and demanded equality every step of the way. This lifetime agreement reflects our belief in her as both a fighter and a visionary leader.”

    MVP’s commitment to women’s boxing has already led to the signing of promising talents, including Puerto Rican prospects Krystal Rosado and Jan Paul Rivera. As part of her new role, Serrano will focus on developing future stars and expanding opportunities for female fighters worldwide.

    This groundbreaking contract not only solidifies Serrano’s legacy but also paves the way for the next generation of women in combat sports.

  • Deontay Wilder’s Coach Says Francis Ngannou’s Power Doesn’t ‘Come Close’ In Boxing

    Deontay Wilder’s Coach Says Francis Ngannou’s Power Doesn’t ‘Come Close’ In Boxing

    PFL star Francis Ngannou is expected to return to boxing next, fueling speculation of a long-discussed clash with Deontay Wilder.

    Ngannou’s transition from MMA to professional boxing has generated significant attention. It’s not often that you see a top fighter in the UFC move into boxing in his prime. 

    Ngannou, known for his incredible punching power in the UFC, had long been interested in boxing. He made his debut in the ring against Tyson Fury in October 2023. This was a very high-profile fight, and Ngannou surprised many by putting on a very good performance and even knocking Fury down. 

    After losing via a controversial split decision, the Cameroonian then faced Anthony Joshua last March, falling to defeat by second-round knockout. Now, he’s looking ahead. 

    During an interview with SpaceportSweden.com, Deontay Wilder’s coach, Malik Scott, spoke about the potential fight between the two heavyweights. 

    “I haven’t seen Ngannou work enough with 10 ounce gloves on in a boxing ring. Is he a big, strong, heavy-handed guy? Yes. But with Deontay, Deontay’s power is blessed because he gets to the target so fast. He puts his hip through you, he puts his shoulder through. It’s just so many different dynamics with the way Deontay has always knocked guys out.

    “He has a long resume of knocking guys out cold. That didn’t happen overnight. I haven’t seen Francis Ngannou enough in a boxing ring to think his power comes close to Deontay Wilder’s. I just haven’t.”

    Interestingly, Fury has previously shared the same sentiment, telling reporter Charlie Parsons than “The Bronze Bomber” had more power in his punches than “The Predator.”

  • Ryan Garcia Set To Headline Historic Boxing Event At Times Square

    Ryan Garcia Set To Headline Historic Boxing Event At Times Square

    Ryan Garcia is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring at one of the most iconic locations in the world.

    On Friday, The Ring Magazine, owned by Saudi’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalsheikh, announced that Garcia will headline a boxing event dubbed “Fatal Fury: City of The Wolves” at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City on May 2, where he will face Rolando Romero in a showdown for the WBA welterweight title.

    The star-studded event at the historic venue will also see “KingRy’s” last opponent, Devin Haney, move up a division to take on former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez. Meanwhile, reigning WBO welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez will clash with interim titleholder Arnold Barboza in a high-stakes unification bout.

    Both Garcia and Haney will be stepping into the ring for the first time since their highly polarizing clash. The two last met in April 2024, when the former WBC interim lightweight champion dropped Haney three times on his way to a majority decision victory.

    However, weeks after the fight, “KingRy” tested positive for the banned substance ostarine both in and out of competition. This led to a one-year suspension after he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in June, ultimately overturning his victory into a no-contest.

    According to the announcement, the Times Square bound event is set to air live on pay-per-view, though the official broadcasters have yet to be revealed.

  • Cris Cyborg Returns To Boxing After Successful PFL Debut, Announces Date And Opponent

    MMA legend and PFL Super Fights champion Cris Cyborg is expanding her combat sports repertoire once again as she prepares for another professional boxing match.

    The former champion across UFC, Invicta FC, Strikeforce and Bellator will face Karen Fernandes in a four-round super middleweight (154-pound) boxing bout on March 3 in Medellín, Colombia.

    This marks her third professional boxing fight, showcasing her dedication to competing in multiple combat sports alongside her highly successful MMA career. Having secured stoppage victories in both of her 2024 boxing appearances — one professional and one exhibition — she aims to maintain her momentum inside the ring.

    The announcement, made by her team, confirms that the fight will be available for streaming on CrisCyborg.com.

    Sharing the news on Instagram, she wrote:

    “I am excited to return to the boxing ring with an international fight in Colombia 3.3.25 🇨🇴 Don’t miss any of the BTS action from Fight Week with @onlyfans.”

    Cyborg’s dominance in MMA is unquestionable. With a 28-2 record, she has defeated elite opponents such as Holly Holm, Gina Carano, and Julia Budd. Most recently, she secured a unanimous decision victory over two-weight PFL champion Larissa Pacheco in October, further cementing her legacy.

    Her transition to boxing highlights her desire to test her skills in different combat arenas, keeping her options open as she continues to compete at the highest levels.

  • Watch Former Rivals Oleksandr Usyk And Anthony Joshua’s Hilarious Ringside Reaction To Joseph Parker KO

    Watch Former Rivals Oleksandr Usyk And Anthony Joshua’s Hilarious Ringside Reaction To Joseph Parker KO

    Plenty of prominent names were left stunned by how Joseph Parker dispatched of Martin Bakole in their interim WBO heavyweight title fight this weekend.

    Parker arrived in Saudi Arabia last week anticipating to challenge for Daniel Dubois’ IBF championship. But just days out from their showdown in the co-main event of a stacked Riyadh lineup, the Brit withdrew due to illness.

    Saving the day was Bakole, who traveled to the Middle East on late notice to compete for Parker’s interim gold. The pair set the stage for the blockbuster undisputed rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

    While the main event was a memorable 12-round affair, the co-headliner raised eyebrows for the opposite reason, with Parker needing less than six minutes to find the finish.

    Among those ringside when he stopped Bakole was one of just three men to defeat him in professional boxing, former two-time WBC titleholder Anthony Joshua. “AJ” took in the action alongside one of his most notable rivals, current unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

    Suffice it to say, both men were shocked when Bakole went crashing down in round two.

    Moving forward, both “AJ” and “The Cat” could have their eyes set on Parker.

    While many believe the New Zealander has earned a shot at Usyk following consecutive wins over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Bakole, others have pitched a rematch with Joshua while the Ukrainian potentially runs it back with Dubois.

  • Dmitry Bivol Gets His Revenge, Outpoints Artur Beterbiev In Riyadh Rematch To Become Undisputed Champion

    Dmitry Bivol Gets His Revenge, Outpoints Artur Beterbiev In Riyadh Rematch To Become Undisputed Champion

    The scorecards in Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 were the same as their first fight — but in the other fighter’s favor.

    Bivol scored a majority decision win over Beterbiev in the main event of a card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to become the new undisputed light heavyweight champion and hand the Russian-Canadian his first loss in the professional boxing ring, just as Beterbiev did to him months ago.

    From the second the fight opened, it was as closely contested as their first. Beterbiev looked to bring pressure right away in the first round, but the challenger worked his hands well to bring it back. Bivol continued to keep busy in the third round, keeping this pace up through various combinations thrown.

    Beterbiev respond well over the next couple of rounds, bringing intense pressure and a dominating attack to the body. Bivol, in fact, had a notable mark on his forehead by the end of the fifth round, a frame which seemed to show the challenger getting visibly hurt by a Beterbiev right hand.

    After a quiet sixth round, Beterbiev kept his control of the fight in tact, up until his rival started to gain momentum toward the end of the seventh. Bivol then got back to landing better combinations and reset the momentum in his favor, seeming to get a second bursts of attack and control on.

    The 34-year-old continued this pacing as he let his hands go more as the fight got later. Beterbiev, however, was not going down without a fight, landing strong punches in the final round, cutting open his challenger over one of his eyes.

    Dmitry Bivol Avenges Loss To Artur Beterbiev, Wins Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship

    One judge scored the bout 114-114, but they were overruled by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 in Bivol’s favor.

    Bivol now gets a taste of revenge after losing the WBA light heavyweight title in his first undisputed title encounter with Beterbiev in October.

    Bivol was WBA (Regular) champion in 2017 before becoming WBA (Super) champion in 2019. Bivol’s loss to Beterbiev was his first, having had an unbeaten record that saw him score victories over Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez, Jean Pascal and Joe Smith Jr.

    Beterbiev had won the IBF light heavyweight title originally in November 2017, defeating Enrico Kolling. He then defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk in October 2019 to win the WBC title and Smith Jr. in June 2022 to win the WBO gold.

  • ‘Usyk’s Toughest Fight’ – Fans React As Joseph Parker Stops Martin Bakole To Retain Interim Title In Riyadh

    ‘Usyk’s Toughest Fight’ – Fans React As Joseph Parker Stops Martin Bakole To Retain Interim Title In Riyadh

    After a scheduled IBF heavyweight title shot against Daniel Dubois suddenly fell through, Joseph Parker remained interim WBO heavyweight champion on Saturday by stopping Martin Bakole in two rounds.

    The fight served as the co-main event to Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Parker worked his jab over the course of the first round, leading the way in attack as Bakole seemed to try and conserve energy. That did him nothing, however, as the New Zealander landed a right hand to the top of his challenger’s head in the second round. This caused Bakole to stumble and fall to the canvas.

    The Congolese behemoth made it to his feet, but the fight was stopped, as Bakole still did not have his feet under him.

    Joseph Parker KOs Martin Bakole In Two Rounds

    Parker has now won six straight fights, which includes decision wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, the latter of which won him the WBO interim title last March. The Kiwi was scheduled to be stripped of the interim belt originally upon the start of his matchup with Dubois.

    Parker is the WBO mandatory challenger for WBA/WBC/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, but there have been previous talks of Usyk facing Dubois in order to gain an undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing once again.

    Meanwhile, Saturday’s result snapped a 10-fight win streak for Bakole.

  • Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2, Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole Results & Highlights

    Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2, Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole Results & Highlights

    The “fight card of the century” went down today in Riyadh, topped by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed championship rematch. MMA News has you covered with all the action!

    A stacked lineup took place in Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday, February 22. In the headlining act, Beterbiev and Bivol ran back their undisputed light heavyweight title fight from last October.

    First time around, the 40-year-old Russian-Canadian fell on the right side of a highly debated majority decision verdict. Bivol successfully achieved redemption after having his previously undefeated record blemished, outpointing his rival to secure undisputed champion status and perhaps set up a trilogy.

    Before they went battle, the co-main event saw Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole collide on just days’ notice. The New Zealander was originally slated to challenge IBF Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois before the Brit fell ill during fight week. With that, he successfully defended his WBO interim title with a second-round knockout.

    With the event concluded, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights.

    Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 Results & Highlights

    Fight Card:

    • Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Dmitry Bivol def. Artur Beterbiev via majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 116-112)
    • WBO Interim Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event: Joseph Parker def. Martin Bakole via KO: R2, 2:17
    • WBC Lightweight Championship: Shakur Stevenson def. Josh Padley via TKO (corner stoppage): R9, 3:00
    • WBC Middleweight Championship: Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz ends in a split draw (115-114 Sheeraz, 118-110 Adames, 114-114)
    • WBC Interim Super Welterweight Championship: Vergil Ortiz Jr. def. Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 115-113)
    • Vacant WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship: Agit Kabayel def. Zhilei Zhang via KO: R6, 2:29
    • WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship: Callum Smith def. Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision (119-110, 115-113, 116-112)

    Callum Smith Def. Joshua Buatsi

    Agit Kabayel Def. Zhilei Zhang

    https://twitter.com/BoxingzCentee/status/1893374844382683189

    Vergil Ortiz Jr. Def. Israil Madrimov

    Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz

    Shakur Stevenson Def. Josh Padley

    https://twitter.com/UnanimousDC/status/1893420226131243316

    Joseph Parker Def. Martin Bakole

    https://twitter.com/clipfightz/status/1893427327528206600

    Dmitry Bivol Def. Artur Beterbiev

  • Daniel Dubois Ruled Out Of Title Fight, Joseph Parker’s New Challenger Announced

    Daniel Dubois Ruled Out Of Title Fight, Joseph Parker’s New Challenger Announced

    Daniel Dubois has been officially ruled out of his title clash with Joseph Parker.

    Dubois was set to defend his IBF heavyweight title for the first time against Parker this weekend at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout was slated to be part of the undercard for the highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

    However, rumors swirled on Thursday that “Dynamite” was under the weather and undergoing medical evaluation. As uncertainty loomed over his participation, three potential replacements — Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye, and Mourad Aliev — reportedly emerged as contenders to step in on short notice.

    After much speculation, The Ring, owned by Turki Alalshikh, confirmed after the event’s pre-fight press conference that Dubois had been officially ruled out of his clash with Parker. In a surprising twist, heavyweight contender Martin Bakole was announced as his short-notice replacement.

    Bakole is on a 10-fight winning streak, last showcasing his power in August with a dominant fifth-round knockout over Jared Anderson. The 31-year-old Congolese boxer holds a professional record of 21-1, with 16 of his victories coming by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Parker enters the bout riding a five-fight winning streak, most recently edging out Zhilei Zhang via majority decision in March 2024. The 33-year-old New Zealander last tasted defeat in September 2022 against Joe Joyce. With a professional record of 35-3, Parker has secured 23 of his victories by knockout.

  • Chael Sonnen Exposes ‘Top Draw’ Conor McGregor’s 11 Failed Callouts Amid Rumored $250 Million Logan Paul Fight

    Chael Sonnen Exposes ‘Top Draw’ Conor McGregor’s 11 Failed Callouts Amid Rumored $250 Million Logan Paul Fight

    MMA star and now analyst Chael Sonnen is highly skeptical of the boxing exhibition between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul ever taking place. This is after he’s seen the former UFC double champ call out several big names in the combat sports world without ever stepping inside the ring with them.

    “The Notorious” is arguably the most popular MMA star ever and he’s made several claims about his Octagon return since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. But after he pulled out from a highly-anticipated fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, fans started doubting whether he would ever fight again.

    However, the 36-year-old caught everyone off guard with an announcement that he was in talks with Mukesh Ambani, a billionaire, for a boxing match in India against the Youtuber turned WWE Superstar Logan Paul. The news unsurprisingly gained a lot of steam on the internet thanks to reports claiming the Irishman would bag a staggering paycheck of $250 million for his participation. 

    Soon, UFC CEO Dana White, a key player in the business, turned down McGregor’s claims and vouched for his return to the Octagon by the fall of 2025. 

    Now, Sonnen has joined White as well because he believes that the McGregor’s recent call outs do not mean much. In fact, there’ve been over 10 fighters that have been called out by the Dubliner in the past few years and none of these fights were ever close to being finalized.

    “Meanwhile, getting reports, Conor McGregor is going to box Logan Paul, which is just silly. And Conor McGregor, a great performer and magician, has now called out 11 people in a row, and none of which he fought. I couldn’t even list them all. When he started bringing in Pacquiao, the Crawford, that redheaded kid, and all the MMA guys and the bare-knuckled guys—it’s 11. He’s at 11. Eleven—the top draw who never calls for things that he doesn’t have the power to have—gets turned down publicly 11 times, which is about nine more times than anyone in their entire career.”

    McGregor hasn’t fought anyone in the Octagon since 2021 and the last time he stepped in the boxing ring was in 2017 in one of the highest-grossing PPV events of all time against undefeated boxing great Floyd Mayweather. 

    However, Mayweather vs. McGregor was officially co-promoted by White and since McGregor is still signed to UFC, his return to boxing does not seem likely without the UFC CEO’s approval. 

  • Alex Pereira Accepts Oleksandr Usyk Callout, Claims Two Organizations Already Working On The Bout

    Alex Pereira Accepts Oleksandr Usyk Callout, Claims Two Organizations Already Working On The Bout

    Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has given a positive response when asked about a potential bout with boxing’s pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.

    The Brazilian MMA icon is scheduled to headline UFC 313, set to take place in the T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 8, 2025. In the main event, he will make the fourth defense of his title against Magomed Ankalaev, widely considered the biggest threat to his championship in the division.

    Because of his striking-heavy fighting style and explosive knockout power, fans have often discussed how “Poatan” would perform in a boxing ring. Since “The Cat” expressed the desire to end his career with a boxing superfight against Pereira, fans have been very eager to learn if boxing promoters and Dana White are interested in cross-promoting such a battle too.

    When asked about a boxing fight with Usyk with Mark Bouris, Pereira said:

    “I had already said that before, right? That I would really like to have a boxing match and they asked me who it would be, I said,well I am champion right so it would have to be a champion and he is the champion. And now, he gave an interview and said my name so it is something that I want. He also wants and the two organizations, right, they are working kind of together so I think now it will I believe that this fight can happen.”

    Do note that the statement above is based on Google’s translation of Pereira’s statements. The translator in the live interview was unfortunately called out for missing out on a lot of things so we relied on directly translating the UFC champ’s answer via Google Translator.

    As it turns out, the bits about the two organzations (likely UFC and some boxing promotion) working together weren’t revealed in the live interview but Pereira hinting towards it certainly makes it seem like this matchup is not a far-fetched dream now.

    Usyk’s wins over Tyson Fury have undoubtedly cemented him as an all-time great boxer. He’s formerly united all belts at cruiserweight, and is now eyeing to become a three-time undisputed champion. For his next boxing bout, he’ll face the winner of an upcoming fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker scheduled for February 22, 2025.

    “Poatan”, on the other hand, is often seen sparring with professional heavyweight boxers and on many occasions, he’s mentioned about his will to compete in a boxing ring in the future.

    Having said that, Pereira needs to handle business in the Octagon first and his performance against Ankalaev will naturally have a huge impact on his brand. A victory at UFC 313 could help him make big moves such as facing the UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones or move over to boxing as discussed above.

  • Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Francis Ngannou’s Planned Boxing Return: ‘We Cannot Ignore The Visuals Of What We Saw…’

    Although Francis Ngannou has yet to secure a victory in professional boxing, holding a 0-2 record, the former UFC heavyweight champion plans to return to the ring for his next fight.

    This decision comes after his brief return to MMA, where he made his successful PFL debut last October. He comfortably defeated 2023 heavyweight season winner Renan Ferreira.

    As for potential boxing opponents, Ngannou has mentioned former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder as a possibility. However, Daniel Cormier isn’t thrilled about that possibility, particularly after “The Predator’s” brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.

    “There were people picking Francis to beat Joshua,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “I love Francis, but not to insult him — Anthony Joshua felt so little threat [from Ngannou] that he, who is traditionally one of the most passive boxers in the world for a heavyweight champion, went after Francis. He didn’t feel the threat because of the lack of experience that Francis had in boxing.

    “Sure, he’s going to make a boatload of money, he always does, but at what point do you go, ‘I don’t know?’ Because if you ask me, it would seem like he’s up against it again. Maybe he’s just the biggest, baddest man on the planet that we all believe, and he doesn’t care that he’s up against it. He wants to prove everyone wrong like he did the first time when he fought Tyson Fury and took him to a very close fight. But we cannot ignore the visuals of what we saw the last time, especially when he came back to MMA and fought so well.”

    “DC” continued, explaining that a potential fight against Wilder presents significant challenges due to “The Bronze Bomber’s” renowned knockout power.

    “People don’t hurt Francis Ngannou, but when it happened in the [Joshua] fight, he looked lost,” Cormier said. “That’s what’s concerning to me. Because I know there will be moments in that fight with Deontay Wilder, the way that he punches, where [Ngannou] is going to need to find safety.”

    While Wilder isn’t known for his technical skill, his career has been defined by his devastating punching power. However, recent performances paint a different picture.

    Currently on a two-fight losing skid and with only one win in his last five fights, speculation is growing about Wilder’s future. A lucrative opportunity against a less experienced boxer like Ngannou could reignite his motivation.

    Cormier, who trained alongside Wilder on the U.S. Olympic team, understands firsthand the danger the former WBC heavyweight champ presents when at his best.

    “I thought the most dangerous fight for Francis was Deontay Wilder because Deontay Wilder, who I was on the Olympic team with, is more free and also less technical,” Cormier said. “That’s the nice way to say Deontay Wilder’s boxing style. He’s less technical.

    “So the punches may be loopy. He may throw them from odd angles. But he has this unbelievable power that allows you to go to sleep.”

  • Darren Till Set For Second Misfits Boxing Match Against Fellow Former UFC Fighter

    Darren Till Set For Second Misfits Boxing Match Against Fellow Former UFC Fighter

    After a victory in his debut, former UFC star Darren Till is now set to make his second professional boxing appearance, taking on another former UFC Darren – fellow Englishman Darren Stewart.

    The bout between “The Gorilla” and “The Dentist” will take place at Misfits Boxing 21 on March 29 at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

    The ex-UFC title challenger made his professional boxing debut just last month, scoring a sixth-round TKO of Anthony Taylor.

    Till also competed in an exhibition boxing contest last July, stopping Mohammad Mutie in a bout that featured a post-fight brawl.

    Darren Till vs. Darren Stewart Booked For Misfits Boxing On March 29

    Till was once a rising unbeaten welterweight who made his MMA debut in 2013 and competed in the UFC between 2015 and 2022. After wins over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, he went on to lose to Tyron Woodley in a welterweight title fight at UFC 228.

    “The Gorilla’s” MMA career ended with losses in five of six, with his final fight coming against current UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 282.

    Stewart, meanwhile, competed in the UFC between 2016 and 2021, going 5-8 (2 no contests) during his tenure there. He then fought in Cage Warriors for a couple of years before announcing retirement from the sport due to financial issues. Stewart finished his MMA career with a record of 16-10 (2 no contests).