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Naoya Inoue could soon have greater clarity over his next mandatory challenger after the IBF ordered an interim title fight at super-bantamweight.

Inoue has been linked to a showdown with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez ever since his victory over Junto Nakatani last month, but the American looks set to remain at bantamweight for another fight following his WBA title win over Antonio Vargas.

As a result, before Inoue can faces Rodriguez in early 2027, the undisputed champion may target another defence of his super-bantamweight undisputed title in either September or October.

At present, John Riel Casimero could be under consideration for that bout, whilst fellow Filipino Carl Jammes Martin remains the WBO mandatory challenger.

However, the IBF have now moved to establish a clear contender of their own, ordering an interim title fight between Australia’s Sam Goodman and Japan’s Ryosuke Nishida, according to No Limit Boxing.

WORLD TITLE FIGHT MANDATED 🥊

Australia’s Sam Goodman (22-1) has been ordered by the IBF to face Japan’s No. 1 contender Ryosuke Nishida (11-1) for the IBF Interim Super Bantamweight World Title.

The winner earns a shot at the undisputed king, Naoya Inoue 👑 pic.twitter.com/nTaDdT9GV2

— No Limit Boxing (@NoLimit_Boxing) June 15, 2026

The teams of Goodman and Nishida have 30 days from the date of the order to negotiate terms before the fight heads to purse bids.

Goodman had been expected to face former Inoue opponent Ramon Cardenas in a clash for the WBC Interim title on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s showdown with Errol Spence Jr next month.

As a result, No Limit Boxing may now attempt to add Goodman-Nishida to that bill instead, which already features the return of Jermall Charlo, provided Nishida can be ready in time.

Alternatively, Goodman could end up venturing to Japan for the first time in his professional career, where he would have the chance to further strengthen his credentials with local fans ahead of a potential future meeting with ‘The Monster’.

Whether or not the winner of the fight lands a shot at Inoue remains to be seen – ‘The Monster’ has made it clear that he wants the Rodriguez fight at this weight before moving up for one last division before retirement.

Ryan and Haney have unfinished business dating back to their April 2024 fight. While no fight has been announced, the public callout serves as a reminder that Haney remains one of the sport’s most sought-after opponents.

The timing is notable because Haney has also been linked to a potential showdown with Shakur Stevenson. The two fighters have discussed a fight at a 144-pound catchweight, but no agreement has been finalized.

At the same time, the WBO is expected to move forward with a mandatory title defense against Keyshawn Davis, creating another possible direction for Haney.

Ryan’s message is unlikely to go unnoticed by either fighter. Stevenson has spent months pursuing a fight with Haney, while Davis is positioned to challenge for Haney’s WBO title if the mandatory order moves forward.

A rematch with Ryan would likely be one of the biggest fights available to Haney financially. Their first fight generated enormous attention before and after the event, making a second meeting an attractive option if the two sides can reach an agreement.

The rivalry also remains unresolved. Ryan scored three knockdowns in their first meeting and was awarded a majority decision victory, but the result was later overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance. Since then, both fighters have repeatedly expressed interest in facing each other again.

Ryan’s message also comes while Haney’s future remains unsettled. A fight with Shakur Stevenson has yet to be finalized, and the WBO mandatory situation involving Keyshawn Davis remains unresolved. Ryan has made it clear that he is interested in running it back with Haney.

“This fight will change my life,” Mbilli said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “After this fight, it will change the lives of many of the generations of Mbilli.”

For Mbilli, the bout represents a chance to secure the type of payday and exposure that few fighters receive. The 31-year-old Cameroon native will make the first defense of the WBC title he inherited after Terence Crawford vacated the belt.

Mbilli has spent years climbing the rankings, but a fight against Canelo offers a different level of opportunity.

“I think I’m a very dangerous fighter for him, but I have to be careful, too, because it’s Canelo,” said Mbilli. “He’s not a small boxer, but I think I will make a statement this fight.”

The unbeaten champion enters the contest with a 29-0-1 record and 24 knockouts. He was elevated from interim champion to full WBC titleholder after Crawford’s departure from the division.

Canelo, 35, has not fought since losing his super middleweight championship to Crawford last September. The Mexican star later underwent elbow surgery, delaying his return to the ring.

Mbilli believes the September 12 fight will provide him with the platform to establish himself as the leading figure in the division.

“In September, it will be my time,” Mbilli said. “In September, I will be the face of the super middleweight division.”

The bout is scheduled to headline a DAZN Pay-Per-View event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vitali Klitschko was ahead on all three scorecards when Lennox Lewis retained his heavyweight titles in one of boxing’s most controversial stoppages on June 21, 2003. Klitschko entered the fight as a significant betting underdog despite owning a 32-1 record with 31 knockouts.

From the opening bell, Klitschko exceeded expectations.

Klitschko won the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards and opened a cut under Lewis’ left eye in the second.

In the second round, he landed hard right hands that opened a cut under Lewis’ left eye and appeared to briefly shake the champion. Lewis responded in the third round with a powerful right hand that created a deep cut above Klitschko’s left eye. The wound would ultimately become the defining moment of the fight.

Despite the cut, Klitschko remained in the fight and won the fourth round on all three scorecards. But the injury above his left eye continued to deteriorate as Lewis landed more clean punches.

After the sixth round, ringside physician Dr. Paul Wallace inspected the cut and informed referee Lou Moret that Klitschko could not continue.

When the fight was stopped after six rounds, Klitschko held a 58-56 lead on all three scorecards.

Because the injury was caused by punches, Lewis was awarded a sixth-round technical knockout victory.

Although Lewis initially expressed interest in facing Klitschko again later that year, the rematch never happened. Lewis announced his retirement in February 2004, ending his Hall of Fame career with a record of 41-2-1.

For Klitschko, the performance transformed his reputation. Less than a year later, he captured the WBC heavyweight title by stopping Corrie Sanders and began the championship run that would define his career.

 

Turki Alalshikh says no decision has been made on where the long-discussed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place, dismissing recent reports that have suggested the venue is already settled.

“Till now I have not decided yet where the fight will take place and will work with me, some ppl are making up stories about it,” Turki posted on social media.

“If you want to know the facts, take it from me or the ring. If you want to waste your time listen to others.”

Turki also pointed to his track record when responding to the speculation.

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Last Updated on 2026/06/21 at 11:09 AM

DAZN’s upcoming Harlem Eubank vs David Papot event will introduce a selection of new technologies, aiming to enhance the viewing experience both in and out of London’s Copper Box Arena.

This combat sports-specific technology promises to provide fans with real-time performance intelligence, measuring both fighters’ power, speed, combinations, and fatigue when they lock horns on July 18.

Such data will be presented on the Copper Box screens during their welterweight 12-rounder, while DAZN viewers can enjoy AI-personalised feeds from the comfort of their homes.

Fans can also experience Matrix-style volumetric replays that allow significant shots to be viewed from any angle, providing a complete 360-degree perspective of the action.

This is all set to be launched by Gladius, whose innovative digital gumshield technology is designed to reveal the exact impact points and force of each blow.

Additionally, the company aims to further enhance the overall fan experience with their AI audio system, designed to deliver crystal-clear punch sounds throughout the Copper Box Arena.

In a press release, Gladius CEO Oliver Hickey said this technology will dramatically change the way in which we consume combat sports.

“This is the beginning of a new era of combat sports. Gladius creates a single, trustworthy source of truth by intelligently combining video, volumetric capture, audio, and wearable sensors.

“On July 18, fans will see every punch’s power, speed, and impact in real time, with Matrix-style volumetric replays and insights that turn raw action into compelling understanding.

“We believe we are building the definitive infrastructure for the future of sport.”

Irrespective of the technology being used, Eubank must remain focused on Papot, who comes off a competitive points defeat to former world champion Liam Paro.

The event, which is a joint promotion between MF Pro and Neilson Boxing, will also see Kieran Molloy and Sean Noakes collide in another intriguing welterweight contest.

Tyson Fury has considered Oleksandr Usyk’s justification for distancing himself from a showdown with heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma.

The Ukrainian comes off an 11th-round stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven, only he was made to work harder than expected to get the former long-reigning kickboxing champion out of there.

In what was initially thought to be nothing more than a showcase event, Usyk ended up trailing on one judges’ scorecard after 10 completed rounds.

Their contest last month then resulted in controversy when Verhoeven, after being floored by a right uppercut, was waved off by referee Mark Lyson.

The 37-year-old later filed an appeal against the decision, seeing that he was stopped after the bell had sounded, but his efforts were ultimately dismissed.

Usyk, meanwhile, must decide whether to vacate his WBC title – and potentially pursue a rematch with Verhoeven – or face WBC ‘interim’ champion Agit Kabayel.

Either way, the 39-year-old has expressed no interest in fighting Itauma, who comes off an emphatic fifth-round finish over the typically durable Jermaine Franklin, claiming that he didn’t want to ‘break’ him at such a young age.

“No, I’m not going to fight with Itauma because he’s a young guy. I don’t want to break this guy.”

Speaking with IFL TV, former opponent Fury doesn’t believe Usyk’s reasoning for not wanting to face Itauma.

“Bulls**t. Oleksandr is coming up to around 40 years old, he has just been pushed all of the way and probably lost every round against a kickboxer. So, I don’t think that he wants to fight a 21-year-old kid who is mustard, for no gain.

“He is not going to gain big money because Moses doesn’t have that following at the moment or the popularity. He is coming up, he is a rising star but he is not on top at the moment, so he [Usyk] isn’t going to gain anything from it.

“It’s all to lose and nothing to gain. If he beats Moses, he has beat a young kid coming up and if he loses to Moses, he has lost to a 21-year-old, so it doesn’t make much sense [for Usyk to fight him].”

Itauma will face Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, entering his toughest assignment in the professional ranks thus far.

Dave Allen has offered a fresh prediction for Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic, this time expressing his belief that the showdown ends in double-quick fashion.

The two heavyweights will square off at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, with many expecting Itauma to encounter his toughest professional assignment thus far.

While yet to test himself at world level, the 21-year-old has shown signs of genuine world-class potential and looked particularly impressive against Jermaine Franklin, scoring a destructive fifth-round finish in March.

Hrgovic, however, is considered significantly more seasoned and accomplished than Franklin, who is known more for his durability than anything else.

Not only is Hrgovic a durable customer, too, but the Olympic bronze medallist boasts no shortage of amateur pedigree and professional experience.

The Croatian’s only professional defeat came against Daniel Dubois in June 2024, when he gave a spirited effort but was ultimately stopped in round eight.

Since then, he has scored points victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye and, most recently, dished out a punishing three-round beatdown against heavyweight veteran Allen last month.

Taking to social media, Allen insisted that Hrgovic is the “real deal” but believes that Itauma will make an almighty statement.

“I think it’s an amazing fight – you’ve got a proven world-class man against possibly the guy that’s going to be ‘the man’ for the next 15 years.

“Hrgovic is good – the real deal. He’s really good. But Itauma, I think, [is] too fast for him. Maybe too fast and too fresh. I think Itauma will win early.”

While Hrgovic is widely considered a top 10 heavyweight, it could be said that Itauma is more talented, and almost certainly has a higher ceiling, than his 34-year-old opponent.

Gervonta Davis trainer Calvin Ford has offered his thoughts on a potential clash between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, which could be fought at a catchweight of 144lbs.

While there is seemingly no agreement in place, Haney has claimed via social media that he would be willing to sacrifice 3lbs for the sake of a deal.

This would mean forgoing the right to retain his WBO welterweight title, which he secured with a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr in November.

Since then, ‘The Dream’ has been ordered to face mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, but is clearly more enthused by a lucrative matchup with Stevenson.

The four-division world champion comes off a wide points victory over Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned for the WBO super-lightweight title in January.

Like Haney, Stevenson is a promotional free agent but has been linked with a move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, who do not currently recognise 140lbs as a weight class.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old could end up facing Haney in a battle between two pound-for-pound stars, with coach Ford telling Fight Hub TV that he struggles to name a clear favourite.

“Devin – he’s a good boxer. And Shakur’s a good boxer. That’s a boxing match to be watched.

“Devin probably sees no threat – it’s not like he’s going in against a puncher. So Devin might take a chance. [It’s about] who throws the best shots that night.

“Devin can box, and Shakur… he’s a master at what he does.”

While both are unbeaten technicians, many would argue that Stevenson boasts the advantages when it comes to ring IQ, while Haney is evidently the more physically imposing operator.

As a three-weight world champion, too, the 27-year-old could represent Stevenson’s toughest potential opponent.

Rico Verhoeven has revealed exactly what he makes of Oleksandr Usyk‘s punching power after their battle last month.

Usyk was defending his heavyweight crown against kickboxing star Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and despite it being perceived as a huge mismatch heading in, it nearly resulted in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Verhoeven performed much better than most fans expected, winning a number of rounds and even being ahead on one of the official scorecards as the bout entered the 11th round.

It was in that round where Usyk was able to finally land a big shot that dropped Verhoeven, and while the Dutchman was able to get back to his feet, a further flurry in the corner led to referee Mark Lyson stopping the contest, though it wasn’t without its controversy.

Many onlookers felt the fight was stopped prematurely, and it also transpired that the bell had already rung to signal the end of the round before the stoppage occurred.

It led to an official appeal from Verhoeven, but he has since revealed that he was unsuccessful with that challenge, but is still keen to land an immediate rematch with his Ukrainian rival.

Verhoeven has now reflected on Usyk’s power in an interview with TalkSport, and even though he may have been dropped and ultimately stopped by the unified champion, the kickboxing star revealed that he has been hit harder in his career.

“He’s a very technical and intelligent fighter, and his power is good. Nothing crazy, but he has a punch on him.

“He’s not the hardest I have been hit by; that would be Semmy Schilt. He hit way harder; he was a big guy with a lot of power.”

Verhoeven met Schilt in a kickboxing battle in 2012, losing by unanimous decision. Schilt had 50 kickboxing bouts, winning 43, and while only 20 may have come by knockout, he stood at 6ft 11in and weighed over 20st, so it’s clear why his power was so noticeable.