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  • Neider Valdez Steps In To Challenge Oscar Collazo After Canoy Exits

    Neider Valdez Steps In To Challenge Oscar Collazo After Canoy Exits


    Unified minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo will defend his WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine titles against late replacement Neider Valdez this Saturday, June 20, at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.

    Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) steps in after Joey Canoy was forced to withdraw from the scheduled championship fight because of visa issues. The bout remains a 12-round world title defense and will stream live on DAZN.


    Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs), one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters in the lower weight classes, said his focus quickly shifted to the new opponent after Canoy’s withdrawal.

    “My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” Collazo said. “While the Canoy fight didn’t happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”

    Valdez, a 26-year-old contender from Monterrey, Mexico, accepted the fight on short notice for the biggest opportunity of his career. Despite entering as a heavy underdog, he welcomed the chance to challenge the unbeaten champion.

    “When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” Valdez said. “I know who Oscar Collazo is. He is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

    Valdez owns a record of 15-3-3 with 12 knockouts and challenged for a WBA light flyweight title in 2024. He most recently fought to a majority draw in Mexico.

    The Collazo-Valdez main event headlines Golden Boy Promotions’ card at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, on June 20. Collazo will be making another defense of the unified minimumweight titles he has held since defeating Melvin Jerusalem in 2024.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/17 at 11:58 PM



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  • Zak Chelli Blasts Ben Whittaker Over ‘lucky Shot’ Claim After David Morrell Knockout

    Zak Chelli Blasts Ben Whittaker Over ‘lucky Shot’ Claim After David Morrell Knockout


    Reacting to comments from Whittaker, Chelli said that his victory over Morrell was far more than a fortunate punch.

    “He hasn’t [fought anyone]. I just saw a recent interview of him where he said my fight was a lucky shot,” said Chelli to Sky Sports Boxing. “You don’t get a lucky shot against a two-time world champion weight division that gave a hard time against David Benavidez.

    “You don’t get a lucky shot in boxing, especially at that level. Maybe against a smaller. At that level against a guy that is prepared for a lucky shot that is trained for it. I wouldn’t say jealous, but I think he regrets not taking that fight. I don’t think he would have done the job if he’d taken that fight.”

    Despite criticizing Whittaker’s record, Chelli says he would welcome a fight with him.

    “I don’t see him as actual competition, but he is a big name out there. What are we boxing for? Are we boxing for money, for fame, or for the belts? He’s the one I want with the WBC at the moment. So if his name is brought to me, of course, I’ll be happy to take it,” said Chelli.

    Chelli also revealed that the two were once teammates on Team GB and claimed he dropped Whittaker during a sparring session.

    “We were good friends at one point. We were on Team GB and shared the same rooms, and we were close. I think we fought for the English title in the finals, and I think something messed up there. We had a sparring session. I dropped him in sparring,” said Chelli. “You can ask witnesses there that I dropped him in sparring, but he still got picked for the Commonwealth Games.”

    Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) holds the WBC International light heavyweight title and last fought in April, stopping Liam Cameron in the second round of their rematch in Birmingham. Chelli’s upset win over Morrell was the biggest victory of his career and has put him in position for higher-profile fights in the 175-pound division.





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  • Ernesto Mercado Looks To Steal The Show Friday In Long Beach

    Ernesto Mercado Looks To Steal The Show Friday In Long Beach


    The 23-year-old Mercado has developed a reputation as a knockout artist, stopping 17 of his 18 opponents and emerging as a legitimate threat in the talent-rich 140-pound division. Unlike many prospects who are carefully maneuvered through the early stages of their careers, Mercado has openly embraced tougher assignments while keeping an aggressive, fan-friendly style.

    During Wednesday’s media workout at Jackrabbit Boxing Gym in Long Beach, Mercado made it clear that his focus remains on delivering another statement performance.

    “I want every fight to show growth and improvement,” said Mercado. “My goal is to become a world champion, and that means taking every opportunity seriously. The fans deserve excitement, and that’s what I plan to deliver. I’ve had a great camp, and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills on a major platform. Of course, you guys know I’m going for the knockout!”

    For many observers, Mercado is the fighter on Friday’s card with the brightest long-term future. The headlining bout features Diaz, whose career has declined sharply in recent years, against Sylve, who is still attempting to rebuild momentum after suffering a knockout loss to Lucas Baldi in 2024.

    Meanwhile, Mercado continues moving in the opposite direction. With his combination of power, finishing instincts, and growing experience, he appears to be closing in on the type of fights that could move him into the world-title conversation.

    The DAZN-streamed card also features unbeaten middleweight Amir Anderson against Jonas Sylvain in the co-feature, along with appearances by David Lopez, Joey Borrero, Kevin Gudino, and Daniel Mercado in his professional debut.

    If Mercado performs the way he has throughout most of his career, however, he could once again leave Long Beach as the fighter everyone is talking about when the night is over.



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  • Commission Confirms Bell Rang Before Usyk Stoppage, Upholds Result

    Commission Confirms Bell Rang Before Usyk Stoppage, Upholds Result


    In a statement released Tuesday, Verhoeven revealed details of the ruling and the protest his team filed following the May 23 heavyweight title fight at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.

    “The ruling confirmed that the bell ending Round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight,” Verhoeven said. “The ringside doctor also confirmed that I showed no signs of confusion or disorientation after the bout.”

    The commission nevertheless determined that those findings did not change the official outcome, leaving Usyk’s 11th-round stoppage victory intact.

    Verhoeven also renewed his call for a second fight with the Ukrainian champion.

    “For me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch,” Verhoeven stated.

    The stoppage became one of boxing’s most debated moments of the year after the bell sounded as Usyk was attacking late in the 11th round before the referee stepped in moments later to halt the contest.

    Usyk retained the WBC heavyweight title with the victory. At the time of the stoppage, the official scorecards read 96-94 for Verhoeven and 95-95 twice, showing how close the fight remained entering the closing stages.

    A rematch is not guaranteed, however. Usyk could instead be directed toward WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, who remains in line for a title shot.





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  • Bill Haney Says Shakur Stevenson Remains Priority, Keyshawn Davis Next If Fight Falls Through

    Bill Haney Says Shakur Stevenson Remains Priority, Keyshawn Davis Next If Fight Falls Through


    Bill Haney says the focus remains on making a fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson, despite growing speculation that Keyshawn Davis could be next due to the WBO’s mandatory situation at welterweight.

    Bill made it clear that Shakur remains the preferred opponent for Devin, arguing that the major obstacles to making the fight have already been addressed. Devin has publicly agreed to a 144-pound catchweight for the fight, removing one of the issues that had been discussed during negotiations.


    “Let’s dispel the rumor that it was about, or it was stopped because of the money,” Bill said on the Sean Zittel channel. “Secondly, that it was stopped because of the weight. Thirdly, the legacy. All the components are intact for this to be a mega fight.

    “What is stopping Shakur Stevenson from stepping in the ring with Debo Devin Haney if the 144 catchweight has been agreed to? We’ve been patient, and we took away any misconception that the fight couldn’t happen about weight, money, or legacy. This is the one for number one.”

    The comments come as the WBO moves toward naming Keyshawn as the mandatory challenger for Haney’s welterweight title. WBO President Gustavo Olivieri recently indicated that Keyshawn is next in line for a title shot, although an official order has not yet been issued.

    While Bill continues to pursue a fight with Stevenson, he acknowledged that Davis remains an option if negotiations fail. He also revealed that his team explored a scenario that would have lined up future fights involving both Stevenson and Davis.

    “If it’s not Shakur, then it’s Keyshawn. There are other guys on the list.

    “We wanted to do two contracts, two separate contracts with one agreement that they’ll go after each other. But guess what? If we can only agree to get one of them, then it’s going to be him.

    “I might walk away. But I’m not walking away today.”

    The discussion ended shortly afterward when Bill was pressed for specifics on how much longer his team would pursue Stevenson before moving on to other options. Following the interview, Sean Zittel wrote on X that Haney had ended the interview “just as we were trying to get to the bottom of what’s going on with potential fights against Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis.”

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/17 at 8:18 PM



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  • Andy Cruz Vows Different Outcome If Muratalla Rematch Happens After Bell Eliminator

    Andy Cruz Vows Different Outcome If Muratalla Rematch Happens After Bell Eliminator


    Discussing the January 24 bout, Cruz said he fought as though he were already the champion rather than the challenger.

    “Really, in that fight, I fought like I was the champion and he was the challenger,” Andy Cruz said to the BoxeoUrbanoNetwork. “What happened was I got comfortable. I could have taken a little more risk, but I said, because he was the champion, I’m not going to risk getting hit with even one punch. I wanted to beat him clean. I wanted my punches to be the cleanest. I think I was the more effective fighter, but I’m conscious that when you fight a champion, you have to go well above the champion.”

    Cruz (6-1, 3 KOs) lost a 12-round majority decision to Muratalla in a competitive fight that many observers felt was considerably closer than the official scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 114-114. Although he spent much of the fight boxing defensively, Cruz landed several of the cleaner and more damaging shots against Muratalla.

    The 2020 Olympic gold medalist still believes a rematch is warranted and says the champion would not see the same version of him if they meet again.

    “I wanted the rematch immediately,” Cruz said. “But it’s going to happen this way, and that’s fine with me. I can’t complain because I’m being given an opportunity to fight for a title soon if I get through this eliminator. What I can say is that he knows he won’t be facing the same Andy Cruz.”

    Before any rematch can be discussed, Cruz must get past Bell (28-0, 9 KOs), an unbeaten contender known for his height, reach, and technical style. The winner will move into position as the leading challenger for an IBF title shot.

    MurataIla is scheduled to defend his IBF lightweight title against Robson Conceicao on August 1. If he retains the belt and remains at 135 pounds, the winner of Cruz-Bell would be in line to challenge for the championship.

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  • David Benavidez Vs. Noel Mikaelian Targeted For Nov. 21 As Cruiserweight Title Fight Nears Completion

    David Benavidez Vs. Noel Mikaelian Targeted For Nov. 21 As Cruiserweight Title Fight Nears Completion


    David Benavidez vs. Noel Mikaelian targeted for Nov. 21 as cruiserweight title fight nears completion

    David Benavidez’s next fight appears to be moving closer to the finish line, with a cruiserweight title clash against Noel Mikaelian being targeted for Nov. 21.


    Abraham Gonzalez reported that the fight is being finalized, while noting that veteran boxing reporter Lance Pugmire was first to report the development. The location has not yet been announced.

    The matchup would pit two titleholders against each other at cruiserweight. Benavidez currently holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, while Mikaelian enters the bout as the WBC champion. Benavidez also remains the reigning WBC light heavyweight champion following his move up to cruiserweight.

    The fight follows a WBC order requiring Mikaelian to make a mandatory defense against Benavidez. The sanctioning body previously stated that Mikaelian would be expected to face Benavidez next or relinquish the title.

    Benavidez won the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts with a victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez earlier this year, adding to a résumé that already included multiple world title reigns at super middleweight. The unbeaten 29-year-old would have the opportunity to add the WBC cruiserweight title to his collection if the fight is finalized.

    Mikaelian reclaimed the WBC cruiserweight title on May 23 when he defeated Badou Jack at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The victory improved his record to 28-2 with 19 knockouts and set up the mandatory defense now being targeted for Nov. 21.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/17 at 6:02 PM



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  • Dana White Factor? Fury-Joshua Talks Shift Toward Las Vegas

    Dana White Factor? Fury-Joshua Talks Shift Toward Las Vegas


    The development is notable because Joshua’s existing contract reportedly requires the fight to take place in the United Kingdom. Any move to the United States would require that provision to be renegotiated.

    The possibility of Fury-Joshua being staged in Las Vegas raises an obvious question. Why take one of Britain’s biggest boxing events away from British fans?

    “This fight should be in the UK, that’s where the fans wanted it, but there are time constraints, weather issues.

    “We need to get it sorted soon, as if it is in the U.S., the fans need to book flights, if it is in the UK, they still need to get time off work,” said Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, to The Athletic.

    While Brown pointed to practical concerns, there may be a larger commercial reason behind the growing interest in Las Vegas.

    Fury and Joshua would have little trouble selling out Wembley Stadium. The rivalry has been building for years and remains one of the biggest fights that can be made in British boxing. The situation is different in the United States.

    Although Fury remains a recognizable figure due to his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, neither he nor Joshua is viewed by American fans as the top heavyweight in the sport. Both men have lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, neither currently holds a world title, and both are nearing the final stages of their careers.

    That reality could explain why Dana White’s involvement is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation.

    Fury and Joshua do not need White to sell out Wembley Stadium. British fans would fill the venue regardless. The bigger challenge is convincing American sports fans that the fight is a must-see event.

    White has spent more than two decades building the UFC into a mainstream sports powerhouse and has developed a connection with American combat sports fans that few boxing promoters can match. His direct style resonates with the blue-collar audience that helped fuel the UFC’s growth.

    Just as important is the UFC’s promotional machine. Every UFC pay-per-view, Fight Night event, press conference, and social media platform becomes an opportunity to market Fury-Joshua to millions of fans who otherwise might view it as a fight between two aging former champions.

    If Turki Alalshikh, Netflix, and the other parties involved see the United States as the biggest growth opportunity for the event, Dana’s ability to generate interest beyond boxing’s traditional audience may be one of the strongest arguments for bringing the fight to Las Vegas.

    Joshua still has a tune-up he needs to take care of first against Kristian Pregna on July 25th. As for Fury, he’ll be fighting in August against a still-to-be-determined opponent.



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  • Errol Spence Jr opens up on whether he considered retirement after Terence Crawford loss

    Errol Spence Jr opens up on whether he considered retirement after Terence Crawford loss



    Ahead of his comeback, Errol Spence Jr has opened up on his extended layoff from the world of boxing, revealing whether a return to the sport was always definite.

    Spence maintained his undefeated record through 27 fights to announce himself as the welterweight standout, defeating Kell Brook to claim the IBF world title before unifying the WBC and WBA titles with wins over Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas respectively.

    When his long-awaited clash with Terence Crawford took place in July 2023, he brought three of the four world titles to the table, but would be dominated and stopped by ‘Bud’.

    ‘The Truth’ has not fought since, but his comeback against Australia’s Tim Tszyu has now been formally announced, as the Long Island-born southpaw seeks to prove that he still has plenty to offer.

    Although, speaking with Main Event, Spence revealed that he considered retirement after his devastating defeat to Crawford, but now believes that his inactivity has served him well.

    “Definitely, there were thoughts of retirement, but I feel rejuvenated. That long layoff has definitely helped me physically, it has definitely helped me mentally and I am ready to show everybody what  I have got left because I am sure there are a lot of doubters.

    “A lot of people will be saying ‘oh, he is going to be a shell of himself’ or ‘he can’t come back’, but they always say that, eye injury, they said the same thing, car crash, they said the same thing, they are going to continue saying the same thing and they are just adding fuel to my fire.”

    Tszyu-Spence will take place in Australia on July 25.



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  • Kelvin Davis Responds To Criticism After Peter Dobson Fight

    Kelvin Davis Responds To Criticism After Peter Dobson Fight


    Kelvin Davis reacted angrily to criticism following his 10 round split decision win over Peter Dobson on May 16 at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

    Many fans on social media questioned the performance after Kelvin spent large portions of the fight boxing cautiously and tying up Dobson during exchanges. Some viewers also disagreed with the scorecards after Dobson continued pressing the action over the second half of the 10-round fight.


    The post appeared to be Davis defending the change in style after earlier criticism that he was too willing to stand and trade in previous fights. Against Dobson, Kelvin boxed more cautiously and focused on movement, but the performance still drew backlash from parts of the Norfolk crowd and online fans afterward.

    Several replies underneath the post criticized the fight as overly cautious and lacking action despite Davis getting the win on the scorecards. Other fans defended him, pointing out that he still secured the victory against an experienced opponent.

    The fight took place on the undercard of Keyshawn Davis’ rematch win over Nahir Albright at the Scope Arena, with the Davis brothers once again headlining a major boxing event in their hometown.

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/19 at 6:01 PM





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