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  • Gary Antuanne Russell Eyes Dalton Smith Before Shakur

    Gary Antuanne Russell Eyes Dalton Smith Before Shakur


    Gary Antuanne Russell says he wants a fight against WBA light welterweight champion Dalton Smith before eventually pursuing a bigger showdown against Shakur Stevenson.

    Gary Antuanne Russell says champions should either pursue unification fights or move up to welterweight if bigger opportunities are available.


    “If he gonna be a businessman and be business savvy, go ahead, man, and take your success to the next level. Go ahead and take the rest of these titles,” said Antuanne Russell to MillCity Boxing. “If he up for it, fight somebody with a belt. unify. If you ain’t going to unify, go up and campaign at 147 and make some solid deals. Put it in writing.”

    Antuanne later identified Smith as the fighter he wants next after the collapse of Smith’s previously discussed fight against Alberto Puello.

    “Honestly, I want Dalton Smith. I’m glad that the fight fell through between him and Puello because now I can really try to come up with a contract and send it to his ass,” said Russell. “If we gonna fight in UK, I would go to his backyard just like how Errol Spence did Kell Brook. I would go to your backyard, cook you. Once I cook you, there’s nothing nobody can say. We coming back home, come back to the States with that title.”

    Russell also explained why he believes a fight against Shakur Stevenson makes more sense further down the line instead of immediately.

    “I said before I wanted to let things build up with me and Shakur because they was telling me who would you go down the line.,” said Antuanne Russell. “I said Shakur last. Why? because he got the credentials and it shows that he earned his position. It wouldn’t be smart business-wise to that. Of course, he’s a champion. He got a belt and I would want to fight the other champions, but let the numbers add up.”

    During the interview, Russell repeatedly pushed for champions to face each other rather than continue taking mandatory defenses against lesser-known opponents.

    “The best supposed to compete against the best. And if you have a title, you are deemed the best, one of the best. Go ahead and make it happen and take the offer,” said Russell.

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/18 at 9:31 AM



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  • Kelvin Davis Escapes With Split Decision Over Peter Dobson

    Kelvin Davis Escapes With Split Decision Over Peter Dobson


    Boos followed the scorecards after Davis edged a rugged 10-round welterweight fight against Peter Dobson

    Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KOs) survived a late push from Peter Dobson (17-4, 10 KOs) to win a disputed split decision Saturday night in a welterweight fight that drew boos from the crowd after the scorecards were announced.


    The judges scored it 99-91 and 97-93 for Davis, while the third judge saw it 98-92 for Dobson.

    Davis boxed effectively early, using his jab, foot movement, and reach to keep Dobson on the outside and build an advantage through the opening rounds. Dobson had difficulty getting close enough to land consistently during the first half of the fight as Davis stayed disciplined and picked spots with cleaner punching.

    Dobson had more success during the second half of the fight by working his way inside and landing to the body. Davis spent more time along the ropes and in clinches as the action became rougher and more physical.

    Dobson’s aggression and inside work helped close the fight down the stretch, with several late rounds proving difficult to score. Davis still landed enough sharp counters and straight shots to convince two judges he had done enough to secure the win.

    Reaction to the decision was negative from many fans online and inside the arena, particularly because of the wide 99-91 scorecard in favor of Davis. Several unofficial scorecards had the bout much closer, while some viewers believed Dobson had done enough to force a draw or edge the decision.

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/17 at 4:53 AM



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  • Keyshawn ‘The Businessman’ Davis Defeats Nahir Albright!

    Keyshawn ‘The Businessman’ Davis Defeats Nahir Albright!


    Through the first three rounds, Davis had the edge with faster hands and cleaner punching. In the fourth round, referee Malik Waleed warned Davis for holding, though Davis still appeared to win the round.

    In the fifth round, Albright rocked Davis with a right hand to the chin about a minute into the round, but failed to follow up as the action quickly fell into another clinch. In the sixth, Davis returned to controlling the action.

    The seventh round produced the strangest moment of the fight when Davis picked Albright up and slammed him to the canvas, costing Davis two points from referee Waleed. In the eighth round, Davis finished stronger after Albright briefly took Davis down during an exchange.

    In the eleventh round, Davis hurt Albright with a three-punch combination midway through the round and continued controlling the action. In the twelfth and final round, Davis again had Albright hurt with a right hand before Albright tied him up in a clinch. Davis predicted a knockout before the fight but had to settle for a wide decision victory.

    The scores were 117-109 and 118-108 twice.

    WBO NABO featherweight champion Yan Santana (17-0, 13 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, won a disputed decision over southpaw Cristian ‘Lacandonsito’ Cruz (24-8-1, 12 KOs), of Mexico, over 10 rounds.

    In the opening round, Santana rocked Cruz with a left hook to the chin in the closing seconds. Cruz responded well in the third and fourth rounds, finishing both rounds strongly with combinations that may have stolen the rounds. During one clinch, Cruz landed several punches to the back of Santana’s head without a warning from referee Malik Waleed.

    From the fifth through seventh rounds, the action remained close, though Santana appeared to edge two of them. Cruz came back strong in the eighth round, outworking Santana and making it appear even after eight rounds.

    The ninth round was close again. In the tenth and final round, Cruz finished aggressively in a fight many believed could have ended in a draw.

    The scores were 96-94, 97-93, and 98-92. The crowd reacted negatively to the scoring, cheering loudly for Cruz afterward.

    Welterweight Kelvin ‘Night Night’ Davis (16-1, 8 KOs), of Norfolk, Virginia, won a split decision over Peter Dobson (17-4, 10 KOs), of the Bronx, New York, over 10 rounds.

    Davis used an effective jab through the first two rounds to control the distance. In the third round, Davis knocked Dobson’s mouthpiece out during a close round that some observers felt Dobson may have won.

    Davis came back well in the fourth round, but Dobson appeared to edge the fifth through seventh rounds. Davis regained control in the eighth and seemed to finish slightly stronger over the final two rounds.

    In the tenth round, Davis landed while referee Brian Hiles was calling for a break during another close exchange.

    The scores were 98-92 for Dobson, and 99-91 and 97-93 for Davis.

    In the co-main event, former WBO welterweight champion Norman (29-1, 23 KOs), of Conyers, Georgia, stopped Josh ‘The Boss’ Wagner (19-3, 10 KOs), of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, at 1:24 of the second round of a scheduled 10-round bout.

    In the second round, Norman landed a combination that dropped Wagner for an eight-count from referee Eric Irizarry. Moments later, Norman scored another knockdown with another barrage of punches. After getting up, Wagner complained about his left shoulder. Referee Irizarry then brought him to the ringside physician, who ruled Wagner unable to continue.

    The first of the three Davis brothers on the card, junior middleweight Keon ‘The Juice Man’ Davis (5-0, 3 KOs), of Norfolk, Virginia, defeated Edwine ‘Silverback’ Humaine Jr. (9-3, 7 KOs), of Haiti and now fighting out of Springfield, Massachusetts, over six rounds.

    Through the opening three rounds, the taller Davis controlled the action in a competitive fight. In the fourth round, Humaine landed several punches to the back of Davis’ head during a clinch without receiving a warning from referee Eric Irizarry.

    Davis controlled most of the fifth round. In the sixth and final round, Davis pushed for the stoppage but had to settle for a decision victory.

    The scores were all 60-54.

    Super featherweight southpaw Dedrick ‘Yung Hitta’ Crocklem (7-0, 3 KOs), of Tacoma, Washington, defeated Eric ‘Hitman’ Howard (7-5, 2 KOs), of Lutz, Florida, over six rounds.

    Howard, normally listed as a southpaw, fought out of the orthodox stance during a competitive opening round. In the third round, Crocklem rocked Howard midway through the round with a straight left hand to the chin.

    Howard remained aggressive during the fourth and fifth rounds, but Crocklem’s counter punching continued giving him the edge. In the sixth and final round, Crocklem closed the fight strongly to secure another clear round.

    All three judges scored the fight 60-54.

    Referee Brian Hiles

    Ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.



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  • Brian Norman Jr. Defeats Josh Wagner By TKO

    Brian Norman Jr. Defeats Josh Wagner By TKO


    Norman pressed the action immediately and looked sharper from the opening round, forcing Wagner onto the defensive with hard right hands and quick combinations. Wagner tried to stay active early, but Norman’s speed and power quickly separated the two fighters.

    The finish came in the second round when Norman dropped Wagner for the first time with a heavy right hand during an exchange. Wagner got back to his feet, but Norman quickly went back on the attack and scored another knockdown moments later with a combination that left Wagner badly hurt.

    After the second knockdown, Wagner indicated he could not continue, leading the referee to wave off the fight following a brief consultation with the ringside doctor.

    Norman said, “I came out trying to take his head out. I swung big. But then decided to chill, work off the jab and stick to my fundamentals. And then I got the job done.”

    “Working the body shot was on my mind. I looked at him and saw that he wasn’t very strong in the stomach.”

    “I’ve learned a lot with Ronnie Shields. I’m being more calm and cool. And this ring is my home now. We’ll see what’s next. No matter what, I’ll handle business.”

    The performance marked an important return for Norman after losing his WBO welterweight title to Haney last November. Norman had been knocked down in the third round of that fight before losing a wide decision, but he showed no hesitation in his first appearance since the defeat.

    Norman improved to 29-1 with his 23rd knockout victory, while Wagner dropped to 19-3. The quick finish also keeps Norman positioned for bigger fights at welterweight as he attempts to work his way back into the title picture.

    Image: Brian Norman Jr. Scores Quick TKO Win Over Wagner

    Image: Brian Norman Jr. Scores Quick TKO Win Over Wagner

    Image: Brian Norman Jr. Scores Quick TKO Win Over Wagner

    Image: Brian Norman Jr. Scores Quick TKO Win Over Wagner



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  • Keyshawn Davis Questions Why Devin Haney Fight Never Happened

    Keyshawn Davis Questions Why Devin Haney Fight Never Happened


    “January, I walked up to Bill, and he told me to stand on my word after the fight,” Keyshawn said to the media afterward. “Why that didn’t happen, I don’t know.”

    Davis also revealed that he attempted to secure fights against Lamont Roach Jr. and Oscar Duarte before returning against Albright.

    “I was on the phone with Lamont Roach trying to make it happen,” Davis said. “I also was trying to get in contact with Oscar Duarte.”

    The Norfolk native made clear after the fight that he viewed the Albright rematch as a lesser option compared to the opponents he originally wanted.

    “I wanted to fight a better opponent,” Davis said. “He’s actually a decent fighter. He’s just not on that top level.”

    Davis dominated most of the rematch despite a two-point deduction after slamming Albright to the canvas during a clinch in the seventh round. He controlled the action with faster hands, cleaner combinations, and stronger work late in the fight.

    After the victory, Davis again repeated that he is open to facing bigger names next.

    Keyshawn said, “I felt amazing. I felt good. He’s a crafty fighter. He’s been around. I tried to go for the knockout. We all saw that he was hurt. I just didn’t get it. But I got the decision, and that’s all that matters.”

    “Whoever is willing to fight the businessman, let’s make it happen,” Davis said.

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  • Shakur Stevenson Won’t Deny Haney Fight Talk

    Shakur Stevenson Won’t Deny Haney Fight Talk


    Shakur Stevenson is letting the rumors around Zuffa Boxing and a possible fight with Devin Haney keep building without shutting any of them down.

    Stevenson was approached following the win by Keyshawn Davis over Nahir Albright and was asked directly about the growing talk surrounding Zuffa and Haney.


    “Just let them keep talking. They keep talking, and that’s good. So, I ain’t confirming or denying nothing. Everybody just keep tuning in,” said Shakur to Fighthype when asked if he’s signing with Zuffa and fighting Haney.

    The unbeaten Stevenson avoided giving a direct answer, but he also made no effort to cool off the speculation surrounding his future. Rumors about a possible move involving Zuffa Boxing and a fight against Haney have continued to circulate in recent weeks, especially after Dana White publicly praised Stevenson following his recent performances.

    When told that “Dana really wants you,” Stevenson pointed back to his work inside the ring.

    “I did everything I was supposed to do my last fight, and I’m keep doing it,” said Shakur.

    Stevenson also gave his thoughts on Davis’ performance earlier in the interview and believed the fight could have ended sooner if more attention had been paid to body work.

    “I feel like if Keyshawn went to the body earlier, that was over.”

    No official announcement has been made regarding Stevenson signing with Zuffa Boxing or facing Haney next. Shakur’s response, though, did little to slow the talk surrounding either possibility. Stevenson is also currently a promotional free agent after his recent one-fight deal with Matchroom.

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/17 at 9:06 AM



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  • Andy Ruiz Jr. Wants Tune-Up Before Title Eliminator

    Andy Ruiz Jr. Wants Tune-Up Before Title Eliminator


    The former champion hinted that movement regarding his promotional situation could be announced soon, but stopped short of revealing details.

    “Well, none of you and everybody’s business, that’s for sure, and I’ll be explaining the good news pretty soon, man. But I can’t be telling everything that hasn’t happened yet,” said Ruiz Jr. to Fighthype when asked about which promoter he’s planning on signing with.

    Ruiz did not mention which heavyweight champion he wants to target. A fight against Oleksandr Usyk would likely be the biggest available option, though Usyk has repeatedly spoken about retirement in recent years.

    Ruiz said the priority now is becoming active again after a long layoff that included recovery from hand problems.

    “Oh, I want to fight everybody, man. And I think the main thing is people want to see me fight, you know, and I need to get in there, bro. I want to get in there. We’ve been training like crazy,” said Ruiz Jr. “So, I feel good. I’m looking good. I’m feeling good.”

    “It’s beautiful because I’m with my family. I’m enjoying life. I’m investing, making homes. You know, I’m enjoying life, man. Being with the family, especially recovering from my hands. So, life is great right now.”

    Ruiz made it clear that he does not expect to jump directly into a world title shot after such a long absence. Instead, he wants a comeback fight before pursuing an eliminator.

    “I want to have an eliminator, and then I want a title shot. That’s what I want. And I think it’s really important because I haven’t been in the game for a while, you know? So, I think I would love to get a tune-up fight,” said Ruiz Jr.

    “I don’t like to say tune-up fights because I don’t underestimate any fighter, because any fighter could be dangerous. Even if it’s the lowest bum that they say that he is, whatever, they’re still dangerous. But that’s what I want to do. I want to get myself in there and test the waters.”

    Ruiz ended with a message directed at the heavyweight division as speculation continues about when and where he will return.

    “Just that I’m coming back, baby. I’m coming back, and you guys are going to see.”

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  • Brian Norman Jr. Wants Quick Return After KO Win

    Brian Norman Jr. Wants Quick Return After KO Win


    Brian Norman Jr. does not sound interested in taking much time off following his second-round knockout win over Josh Wagner last Saturday night in Norfolk, Virginia.

    The former WBO welterweight champion said afterward that he views the fight as a step toward getting active again after time away from the ring, and he made it clear he wants another fight soon.


    “I mean, it was cool, but I mean, only had two rounds. I was just trying to get him a little bad when I seen him a little shin big, but no, dude going to quit on me,” said Norman Jr. to DAZN Boxing after the fight, talking about his win over Wagner.

    “But no, it was cool. I guess you can say that’s me knocking dust off. But man, let me get right back into it.”

    Norman Jr. also said he has already settled into working with trainer Ronnie Shields, adding that the partnership helped him stay calmer inside the ring after an aggressive start against Wagner.

    “I learned a lot from him just being calm and cool. You know what I’m saying? Like, I just been chilling the whole time,” said Norman Jr.

    “To me, this home now. Like, I mean, no matter what, I don’t care who out here watching or who not watching. You feel me? I step into these ropes. This is my place of business. This my home.”

    The 25-year-old Norman Jr. will likely need a stronger opponent next time out if he hopes to move back into position for another title fight at welterweight. A rematch with Devin Haney would be one of the biggest available fights for him, while bouts against WBA champion Rolando Romero or WBC titleholder Ryan Garcia could also become options if Norman Jr. keeps winning.

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/17 at 11:03 AM



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  • Keith Connolly Says Benn Headed For “Mega Fight”

    Keith Connolly Says Benn Headed For “Mega Fight”


    The public fallout between Keith Connolly and Eddie Hearn has not slowed down plans for Conor Benn’s next fight.

    Connolly was asked again this week about the fallout with Hearn and brushed aside suggestions that it has affected his business in boxing.


    “Anybody says about me phases me. I’m a very laser-focused guy. I’m doing a lot of deals all at once. Since the whole thing blew up with Eddie, I’ve done several big deals. Nothing stops me.

    “I can go directly to networks and talk to them and make a deal. I don’t necessarily need a promoter to make a deal, right? That’s what people don’t understand. So, if somebody says they don’t want to do business with me, fine. Maybe I don’t want to do business with them,” said Keith Connolly to Boxed In Podcast.

    The interview later turned toward Benn’s future, with Connolly making it clear that the welterweight contender is expected to move directly into another major event.

    “A mega fight. I think it’ll be a mega fight. You can never be sure until things are signed, but we have a couple of different fights that we’re negotiating right now. Massive fights. His number one target is Ryan Garcia. And let’s see what happens over the next couple of weeks here,” said Connolly

    Connolly said that he believes a Benn-Garcia fight would become one of the biggest boxing events in either the United Kingdom or the United States.

    “If it’s in London, it’ll sell out a stadium. It’ll be massive. If it goes to Vegas in the United States, it’ll sell out, and it’ll be the biggest fight in the United States in 2026,” said Keith Connolly

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    Last Updated on 2026/05/17 at 10:42 PM



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  • Fans Cold On $59.99 Usyk-Rico PPV Card

    Fans Cold On $59.99 Usyk-Rico PPV Card


    Dropping the price tag fixes the financial barrier, but it doesn’t fix the product. Making it free changes the entire consumer math for boxing fans. At $59.99, a card is judged under a microscope. Fans demand elite, competitive matchmaking and real historical significance to justify spending that kind of cash.

    When you remove the paywall, the perspective changes:

    The Spectacle Becomes Watchable: Watching the master technician operate with the Great Pyramids lit up in the background becomes a fun, cinematic Saturday afternoon viewing experience rather than an expensive gamble.

    The Undercard Gets Discovered: Hardcore fans would flock to see excellent matchups like Catterall against Giyasov or the Torrez Jr. step-up fight without feeling like they are subsidizing a main event mismatch.

    Social Media Engagement Explodes: The zero-click environment of social media thrives on accessibility. If fans know they can just click a link on YouTube to watch the heavyweight champion of the world, the comment sections would instantly fill up with live reactions, memes, and chatter.

    While the viewership numbers would skyrocket, making the event free does not change the fact that this matchup remains a mismatch on paper.

    The boxing public has grown incredibly savvy. They know Verhoeven has spent over a decade dominating a sport where you can rely on leg kicks and knees to control pacing and distance. Stripping those weapons away and forcing him into a boxing ring against a pound-for-pound maestro is a bridge too far.

    Even if it is free, fans will still view it as an exhibition disguised as a championship defense. The lack of genuine competitive intrigue is a fundamental flaw that no price drop can fully erase.

    Ultimately, shifting this from a pay-per-view to a free mega-spectacle would save it from being a total commercial disaster. It would transform a white elephant into an accessible celebration of combat sports in a historic setting. It gives fans a reason to tune in out of curiosity rather than tuning out in frustration.

    Given the dead silence on social media about this event, this is a massive issue when trying to convince people to drop $59.99 on pay-per-view. Several clear factors explain why the boxing public is completely tuning out.

    Fans simply do not view Rico Verhoeven as a legitimate threat inside a boxing ring. While he is an absolute legend in GLORY kickboxing, the sweet science is an entirely different sport. Facing arguably the best technical heavyweight of this generation in your second professional boxing match is an impossible ask. Fans can spot a mismatch from a mile away, and no amount of slick promotional videos can change the perception that the outcome is already decided.

    The undercard has not added much momentum either. Hamzah Sheeraz, facing little-known German fighter Alem Begic for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, has landed quietly, while Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov has received only moderate attention outside hard-core fans. Frank Sanchez against Richard Torrez Jr. appears to be the one fight creating some real interest because of the clash in heavyweight styles and the possibility that the unbeaten Torrez could finally be taking a meaningful risk against an experienced contender.

    The boxing world is suffering from severe crossover fatigue. The novelty of watching elite combat athletes from other disciplines try their hand at boxing has worn off, especially at the highest level, where championship belts are involved.

    The messy politics surrounding the Usyk-Rico fight haven’t helped either. The WBC is fully sanctioning it as a defense.

    The WBA and IBF only granted special exceptions where Verhoeven cannot even win the titles if he pulls off an upset.

    This half-and-half title status strips away any remaining prestige and leaves the event looking exactly like what it is: an exhibition masked as a real defense.

    While the undercard has excellent hardcore boxing matchups on paper, it lacks the massive, mainstream star power needed to carry a $60 price tag on its own.

    • Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic: A solid matchup for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, but Begic is not a household name that moves the needle for casual fans.
    • Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov: An excellent, highly technical welterweight eliminator, but both guys have styles that appeal more to purists than a pay-per-view audience.
    • Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr.: A fantastic heavyweight prospect vs. contender clash, but again, it caters strictly to the hardcore crowd.

    Building a temporary stadium in the desert next to the Great Pyramids creates a stunning visual for television, but it does very little to build grassroots, fight-week energy. There is no natural local boxing fan base filling the streets of Cairo to create the organic buzz you get in London, New York, or Las Vegas.

    When you combine a predictable main event with an undercard that appeals mostly to hardcore purists, you get exactly what you are seeing on social media: total apathy. Turki and Ring Magazine can post all the cinematic trailers they want, but if the fans believe they are paying sixty bucks for a glorified sparring session in front of the pyramids, the comment sections will stay empty.

     



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