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  • Naoya Inoue Promoter Hints At Two Major Fights, Starting In February 2027

    Naoya Inoue Promoter Hints At Two Major Fights, Starting In February 2027


    Future plans for undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue are beginning to take shape after promoter Hideyuki Ohashi revealed that a major fight is already being planned for February 2027.

    “There’s the December matchmaking we’re working on right now. Then next February, if I say there’s a big fight, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. That’s already in motion. After that, we’ll do another one in an extraordinary place,” said Ohashi to Yahoo Japan.

    The comments stopped short of naming an opponent, but they are likely to intensify speculation surrounding a showdown with Jesse Rodriguez. The unbeaten American recently moved up to bantamweight and captured the WBA title with a stoppage victory over Antonio Vargas.


    Rodriguez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, has indicated that the plan is for Rodriguez to have one more fight before moving to super bantamweight. Potential opponents at bantamweight include WBA champion Seiya Tsutsumi and WBO titleholder Christian Medina as Rodriguez continues building toward bigger opportunities.

    While much of the attention will focus on the February timetable, Ohashi’s reference to another event in an “extraordinary place” suggests discussions may already be underway for a second major appearance beyond the expected early-2027 bout.

    Inoue is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Junto Nakatani in May at the Tokyo Dome, retaining the undisputed championship in a fight that drew enormous attention across Japan. The win improved his professional record to 31-0 and further strengthened his standing as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters.

    Ohashi’s latest comments provide the clearest indication yet that Inoue’s schedule for early 2027 is already being mapped out, with plans extending beyond a single marquee event. Whether the February fight ultimately involves Rodriguez or another opponent, the promoter made clear that preparations for the next stage of Inoue’s career are already underway.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/23 at 1:15 AM



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  • O’Shaquie Foster Fires Back At Gary Antuanne Russell: “Pull The Footage”

    O’Shaquie Foster Fires Back At Gary Antuanne Russell: “Pull The Footage”


    Gary Antuanne Russell’s comments about former WBC super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster did not go unanswered.

    Russell claimed Foster had been talking too much on social media and suggested old sparring footage would tell a different story.


    “If I was to go into Olympic Training Center and pull some tapes, you’ll be disgusted because I put some paws on him,” Russell said to Brian Custer’s YouTube channel. He later said, “He ain’t do nothing to Shakur. I sat there and watched them spar.”

    Foster quickly responded on X, accusing Russell of fabricating the story and challenging him to settle things in the ring.

    The exchange adds another potential name to Antuannel Russell’s growing list of targets. The WBA light welterweight champion spent much of the interview discussing his pursuit of major fights at 140 pounds, including a possible clash with Isaac ‘Pitbull Cruz and future unification bouts against the division’s titleholders.

    Foster is coming off a career-best victory over Raymond Ford and has repeatedly called for high-profile opponents since reclaiming his position among the top fighters at super featherweight. While the two men compete in different divisions, Foster made it clear he would be willing to move up if it meant settling the dispute with Russell.

    Rather than letting the comments pass, Foster answered with a challenge, daring Russell to release the sparring footage and face him in an actual fight.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/22 at 11:59 PM



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  • Artur Beterbiev Says Dmitry Bivol Trilogy Comes Before David Benavidez Fight

    Artur Beterbiev Says Dmitry Bivol Trilogy Comes Before David Benavidez Fight


    “I really want the rubber match,” said Beterbiev on DAZN’s Inside The Ring. “I think everyone wants [the] rubber match, and I feel good. If you want to check if I’m good or not, make this fight happen, and I will show you.”

    Beterbiev and Bivol are tied at one victory apiece following their two undisputed championship fights. Beterbiev insists he should be entering a third meeting with a 2-0 advantage.

    “I believe I won the second fight better than the first one,” Beterbiev said. “For sure, the third fight is going to happen [and] I’ll do better than both of them.”

    The 41-year-old also suggested that Bivol has not been eager to finalize a third fight despite widespread interest in the matchup.

    “I’m expecting the third fight to happen in minimum five or six months,” Beterbiev said, “but he doesn’t want to fight.”

    Interest has continued to grow in a potential clash between Beterbiev and Benavidez, who recently became a three-division world champion by stopping Gilberto Ramirez to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.

    Beterbiev said he remains open to facing Benavidez in the future, but only after completing unfinished business with Bivol.

    “I respect what Benavidez did already in boxing,” Beterbiev said. “He became a three-category world champion, and I’m not avoiding this kind of fights with Benavidez or someone else. First, I’m more focused to do rubber match [versus Bivol].”

    Bivol currently holds The Ring, WBA, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles after defeating Michael Eifert on May 30 in Ekaterinburg, Russia. No date has been announced for a third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev.



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  • Shakur Stevenson Suddenly Eager To Fight Haney After Tank Davis Interest Emerges

    Shakur Stevenson Suddenly Eager To Fight Haney After Tank Davis Interest Emerges


    The post came only hours after Haney disclosed that Davis’ team had reached out about a possible fight.

    Earlier in the day, Haney revealed that Tank Davis’ team had made contact about a potential fight. Haney wrote on social media that Tank had “grown some balls” and suggested the long-discussed matchup could finally happen.

    That development could leave Shakur in a difficult position if Haney chooses to pursue the bigger payday against Gervonta.

    Many fans interpreted Stevenson’s post as an attempt to push back against the growing belief that he was responsible for slowing negotiations with Haney. The criticism intensified after Haney publicly proposed a 144-pound catchweight, and Stevenson initially appeared receptive before the fight failed to materialize.

    The reaction to Shakur’s latest post was overwhelmingly negative. Numerous fans accused him of avoiding Haney, while others argued that he had already missed multiple opportunities to make the fight.

    If Haney moves on to Tank, Stevenson could be forced to look elsewhere for a marquee fight at 140 pounds. While there are plenty of dangerous opponents available, few offer the financial upside or mainstream attention that comes with a Haney bout.

    Fighters such as Ernesto Mercado, Andy Hiraoka, Oscar Duarte, Subriel Matias, and Richardson Hitchins remain viable options, but each would represent a risky fight without the massive purse attached to a showdown against Haney.

    Shakur’s post did not address any of the issues that have surrounded negotiations. He did not mention weight, money, or timing. Instead, he focused solely on rejecting the accusation that he was afraid to face Haney.

    Whether fans accept that explanation is another matter. With Haney now openly discussing the possibility of a fight against Davis, Shakur may be watching his biggest available payday drift toward another opponent.



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  • Emiliano Vargas Targets George Kambosos Fight After Bryce Mills Clash

    Emiliano Vargas Targets George Kambosos Fight After Bryce Mills Clash


    “Since before this fight, I would love the George Kambosos fight,” Vargas said to Sean Zittel when discussing potential opponents following his bout with Mills.

    Emiliano stressed that his immediate focus remains on Mills, but made it clear that he believes he is closing in on title contention.

    “I’m going to show the world that I’m right there for title contention,” said Vargas.

    The son of former two-time world champion Fernando Vargas believes a strong performance on the Jaron Ennis-Xander Zayas undercard could position him for a significant step up in competition.

    “After this fight, I would love a title eliminator or a former world champion,” Emiliano said. “I’m ranked #2 in the WBO, #12 in the WBC. I’m right there knocking on that door.”

    Vargas enters the fight after a stoppage victory over Agustin Quintana in February. While that performance generated debate among some fans, Emiliano views the rounds he logged as valuable experience as he continues developing his game.

    The unbeaten contender says he has expanded his training team and worked extensively on movement, angles, and pressure fighting in recent camps. He also recently spent time around David Benavidez’s camp, drawing inspiration from the former world champion’s work ethic and aggressive style.

    If Emiliano defeats Mills on Saturday, attention will quickly shift to who comes next. Based on his comments, Kambosos is near the top of the list.

    Kambosos, a former unified lightweight champion, would represent the most recognizable name of Vargas’ career and potentially move him one step closer to the title eliminator he says he wants next.

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  • David Benavidez Rejects Usyk Fight, Says He’s “Not Ready” For Heavyweight Move

    David Benavidez Rejects Usyk Fight, Says He’s “Not Ready” For Heavyweight Move


    David Benavidez says a fight against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is not something he is prepared to pursue right now, despite reported interest from Turki Alalshikh in making the matchup.

    Benavidez recently captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez, becoming a three-weight world champion. While some fans immediately began discussing a future move to heavyweight, Benavidez made it clear that he intends to remain at cruiserweight for the foreseeable future.


    Asked about the possibility of facing Usyk, Benavidez revealed that Alalshikh had explored the idea through members of his team.

    “[Alalshikh] didn’t talk to me directly, [but] he was talking to the people around me and said he wanted to make that fight,” said Benavidez to Luis Parra. “But honestly, I have a lot of respect for Usyk, and I’m not ready for that right now.

    “If he came down to cruiserweight, then yeah, we could fight at cruiserweight. But I’m not moving up.”

    The comments suggest Benavidez believes he still has work to do before considering a jump to heavyweight, even after an impressive debut at cruiserweight against Ramirez.

    Instead, Benavidez appears focused on unifying the cruiserweight division. He successfully petitioned the WBC to install him as mandatory challenger and is reportedly negotiating a three-belt unification fight against WBC champion Noel Mikaelian.

    Usyk, meanwhile, has his own decisions to make. The WBC recently ordered him to defend his heavyweight title against interim champion Agit Kabayel. If that fight does not happen, Usyk could be forced to vacate the belt.

    Benavidez is staying in his lane at cruiserweight and leaving any talk of a showdown with Usyk for another day.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/22 at 7:51 PM



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  • Gervonta Davis now pursuing one of the biggest fights in US boxing for comeback: “His team reached out”

    Gervonta Davis now pursuing one of the biggest fights in US boxing for comeback: “His team reached out”



    Gervonta Davis’ future remains one of the biggest talking points in boxing.

    The Baltimore star has not fought since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr, a result many observers felt should have gone against him after Roach was denied a knockdown ruling. Since then, a combination of legal troubles and uncertainty surrounding his comeback plans has left fans guessing over what comes next.

    More recently, however, there have been signs that ‘Tank’ Davis is edging closer to a return. The WBA has ordered him to defend his lightweight world title against mandatory challenger Floyd Schofield, with the Schofield camp previously suggesting that progress was being made behind the scenes.

    While Schofield has been regarded as the frontrunner, another big-name option may now have emerged.

    Taking to social media on Sunday evening, three-weight world champion Devin Haney revealed that he has been contacted directly by ‘Tank’s team.

    “I think Gervonta grew some balls… his team reached out! We might just end up fighting!”

    The timing is particularly interesting given Haney’s current position. The WBO welterweight champion has recently been linked to both Shakur Stevenson and mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, while ‘Tank’s own immediate future appeared tied to Schofield.

    A fight between any two of Davis, Haney and Stevenson would rank among the biggest in boxing today. There are, however, two major obstacles to a Davis-Haney fight.

    The first is Haney’s mandatory obligation. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri recently confirmed that the champion has been ordered to face Keyshawn Davis next and will not be granted an exception to pursue another bout.

    The second, and perhaps bigger issue for Davis, is weight. ‘Tank’ is most comfortable campaigning at lightweight, while Haney now looks like a fully-fledged welterweight despite only having one bout in the division so far. He has appeared open to a 144lb catchweight for the Stevenson fight, but even that would represent a significant disadvantage for Davis.



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  • Gary Antuanne Russell Predicts Haney Vs. Shakur Will Be A “Boring Stalemate”

    Gary Antuanne Russell Predicts Haney Vs. Shakur Will Be A “Boring Stalemate”


    WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell isn’t convinced a potential fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson would deliver the action many fans are expecting.

    With Haney and Shakur continuing to be linked to a possible showdown at a 144-pound catchweight, Russell offered his view when asked how he sees the matchup unfolding.


    “I think it would be boring,” said on Brian Custer’s site.

    “Two boxers. Two boxers, a long, slow chess match. I’m talking about a stalemate at that. Not even I cornered you. I got you. It’s going to be a stalemate.”

    Russell acknowledged that the fight would likely generate strong business because of the uncertainty surrounding the outcome, but he questioned whether it would provide the kind of entertainment fans are hoping for.

    “I honestly don’t think that’ll be a fight that would be drooling over. I wouldn’t drool over that fight. It’ll make the money because people will still be in an unknown position,” said Antuanne.

    The 29-year-old did give Shakur credit for showing a more aggressive side in recent outings, noting that the Newark native has proven he can fight in the pocket when he chooses to.

    “Shakur showed himself that he can be in the pocket instead of just being defensively disciplined, not getting touched at all. Fighters are supposed to be well-rounded. They’re supposed to be able to do it all,” said Russell.

    While Haney and Shakur remain without a finalized agreement, both names continue to be mentioned among the biggest potential fights in boxing’s lower weight classes. Antuanne, meanwhile, is targeting unification fights at 140 pounds and revealed that talks are underway for a possible clash with Isaac Cruz later this year.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/22 at 4:45 PM



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  • Devin Haney Says Gervonta Davis’ Team Reached Out, Rejects Rehydration Clause Talk

    Devin Haney Says Gervonta Davis’ Team Reached Out, Rejects Rehydration Clause Talk


    Devin Haney says a fight with Gervonta Davis may finally be moving closer to reality after years of calling for the matchup.

    Haney revealed on social media that Tank Davis’ team recently reached out about a potential fight. When a fan responded by warning him not to agree to any rehydration restrictions, Haney quickly shut down the idea.


    “Never,” Haney said on X about him not being willing to agree to a rehydration clause.

    The response came shortly after Haney suggested that discussions had begun between the two sides.

    “I think Gervonta grew some balls.. his team reached out! We might just end up fighting! 😅,” Haney posted.

    A fight between Haney and Gervonta has been one of boxing’s longest-running unanswered questions. Haney repeatedly pursued the matchup during his lightweight title run, but the fight never materialized despite years of public callouts and fan demand.

    The San Francisco-born Haney became the undisputed lightweight champion in 2022, while Davis continued building his profile as one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view attractions.

    Haney’s rejection of rehydration clauses is likely to become a talking point if negotiations advance. Rehydration restrictions became a major subject of debate before Tank’s 2023 fight with Ryan Garcia, with many fans criticizing the contractual terms.

    Devin has recently been linked to potential fights against Ryan Garcia, Shakur Stevenson, and Keyshawn Davis. His latest comments now place Gervonta Davis back in the conversation after years of failed attempts to make the matchup.

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    Last Updated on 2026/06/22 at 5:07 PM



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  • Chris Eubank Jr Reveals Free Agent Status, Says Multiple Offers Being Considered For Return

    Chris Eubank Jr Reveals Free Agent Status, Says Multiple Offers Being Considered For Return


    “I’m a fighter. I’ve always been in love with the sport so I will campaign for as long as I can, until the wheels fall off,” Eubank Jr said to Boxing King Media when discussing his future plans.

    “They nearly fell off in that last fight, but you know, we kept things together, and since then I’ve been on a recovery program, getting back to full health, getting back to the old Chris Eubank Jr. In that last fight, you saw a fighter that you know it wasn’t me, everyone knows that.”

    Eubank said his next move remains undecided because of the number of options available to him.

    “There’s no specific plan, there’s no contracts drawn up. I am a free agent. I am not tied down to any one promoter, outfit, or any one broadcaster. I’m free, and it’s a beautiful position to be in because the industry knows this, and we have a lot of exciting opportunities and offers to weigh up and pick from, and decide which route we want to go.

    “It all comes down to what’s best for me, and I think I will be back in the ring maybe towards the end of the year.”

    Although Eubank did not name any specific opponents, he said fan interest will play a major role in determining his next fight.

    “There are a lot of names that would make for exciting fights. There are a lot of people that the fans want to see me step into the ring with,” said Eubank Jr. “I’ve done so much in my career, there’s nothing like ‘oh, I have to get this fight, I have to fight this guy.’

    “I’d love to win a world title. I’d love to get another strap, but that’s easier said than done.”

    Eubank has not fought since his unanimous decision loss to Benn in their rematch last November. Following the fight, he disclosed that he had been dealing with health issues but has yet to publicly specify the nature of the problem. He now says he is following a strict recovery program and believes he can return to top form in time for one final run during the closing years of his career.

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