Latest news with #Matchroom
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
WBO lightweight champion Terri Harper reveals free agent status, eyes unification with Caroline Dubois next
Terri Harper has suggested that she is currently a free agent, with the WBO lightweight champion under the impression she is not tied to any promotion. Represented by Matchroom since signing with Eddie Hearn 's promotion in 2019, Harper's headlining show at Doncaster Rovers' Eco-Power Stadium last week was organised by Izzy Asif's GBM Sports. Matchroom did post a message of good luck on their socials on fight night, but Harper, 16-2-2 (6), believes that she is currently without a promoter. Watch over 150 boxing events a year live on DAZN - subscribe now The Yorkshire-fighter cruised to a win over previously unbeaten Natalie Zimmermann in front of her home crowd, marking the first defence of the WBO crown she won against Rhiannon Dixon in September 2024. Despite lacking a promoter, Harper has a clear vision for the next steps of her career. The three-weight world champion seems set on pursuing a clash with Caroline Dubois for a unification bout. Dubois is the WBC's champion at lightweight, with the pair trading words as a demonstration of their willingness to share a ring. Touted as one of Britain's best boxing prospects, 24-year-old Dubois is represented by Ben Shalom 's BOXXER promotion. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Harper shared: 'I believe I'm a free agent. I'll have a little break away and speak with my team. We have an offer in for Dubois, but nothing's confirmed. I gave so much to this sport over the years, and I want to see what the best offers are for me and what's going to financially do the best for my career as well.' Despite currently being without a promoter, Harper was quick to thank Asif and GBM Sports for enabling her to headline a card in her hometown of Doncaster. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. She added: 'I'm grateful for Izzy and GBM for creating a special moment for me in my career.' Harper appears confident that a fight with Dubois could be made in the coming weeks, with the duo clearly keen on facing each other. '[Dubois] rubs me up the wrong way – she gets my fire burning,' Harper continued. 'I hope that's what comes next. I'll wait and see if any contracts turn up over the next few weeks.'
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Eddie Hearn 'quietly confident' of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury
Eddie Hearn has revealed in an interview that the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight is more likely to happen now than ever before. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have been pitted against each other for nearly ten years, with rumoured agreements and social media deadlines punctuating this long rivalry between the two British heavyweight superstars. The Matchroom boss, speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, said Joshua is ready to make a fight with Fury after coming back from his elbow surgery and that the ball is in Fury's court. Hearn said: 'AJs got to have a little keyhole surgery on an elbow. He'll be back post September.' He continued: 'When we talk about big fights - this fight is the biggest fight - not just in British boxing, in world boxing by a mile. I just feel like it's time, this is the moment. We're reliant upon Tyson Fury, [but] we're ready to go.' With Fury teasing a return to the ring on social media twice already this year, Hearn believes that he will not be able to resist the temptation to come back and take on 'AJ'. He said of Fury: 'He's a competitive so and so, and I just know in his mind he'll want to dance with Anthony Joshua. So, dust those shoes off and let's make it happen.' The circumstances and relationships surrounding this fight have changed drastically since it was first proposed. Neither man holds a belt and Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have a recently reconciled relationship that has opened the door for many cross promotional matchups already. Joshua's promoter believes this will be the key to the fight being made as easily as 'one phone call'. Hearn said: 'Honestly, one phone call. Previously one had a belt, one was the challenger. One was unified, me and Frank Warren never spoke, me and Tyson Fury didn't get on. That ship's sailed now, and it really is one phone call just to say, Look, here are the terms, you're both not champions at the moment but you're both huge stars - let's just get on with it and make it happen.'' He concluded: 'So, fingers crossed, but I'm quietly confident.'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The next Canelo? Mexico's new generation of fighters are ready to replace Saul Alvarez
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 03: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and William Scull (L-R) on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card at ANB Arena on May 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Not one fighter can replace Saul Alvarez in boxing right now. "Canelo" has ruled over the boxing world for years, has won world championships in four different weight classes, and defeated Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Gennadiy Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev and Caleb Plant, among others. Advertisement Though he never reached the mainstream highs of the Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao era, the period in which "Canelo" has reigned has shown he's a worthy successor because of how important he is as a figure to both boxing and Mexican culture. His fights have transcended the sport, and his business efforts show hints of an individual who could become bigger, still, than what he achieved as a sportsman. You always knew what you were getting at a marquee Canelo event before this latest chapter, and that's mariachi bands, a ring walk accompanied by Santa Fe Klan, and the fighter's favorite swear words in delightful English, like 'dumb b****.' Even people who don't speak Spanish know what "Viva Mexico, Cabrones" means — and that's all thanks to "Canelo." Cinco de Mayo fight nights were often a carnival, with high-rollers from Mexico dominating Las Vegas — and in recent years, that's all because of one man. Advertisement Alvarez, 34, has flown the Mexican flag with pride, but his time at the top is fast coming to a close. He hasn't scored a win by knockout since his brutal dominance of Plant four years ago, and his former Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn suggested the fighter could retire as early as this year. Alvarez's exit would be a loss, no doubt. But it would by no means lead to a dilution of Mexican excellence in boxing, because the country has a generation of fighters who, combined, can offset the loss that a king's retirement could otherwise cause. Emanuel Navarrete punches Robson Conceicao during a super featherweight title fight in November 2023. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Emanuel Navarrete: Three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete, a fighter who has competed in five weight classes and won world championships in three of those, cannot help but get embroiled in classic, blood-soaked fights. He survives knockdowns and gnarly cuts, to grind out thumping wins with his awkward combat style. Advertisement In his past five fights he's beaten Oscar Valdez in a brutal beatdown by decision, shared a draw with Robson Conceicao, lost to Denys Berinchyk, and rebounded with a sixth-round knockout win in his rematch with Valdez. Earlier this month, he stopped Charly Suarez in the eighth round. If that weren't enough to develop a cult following among fight fans, you just need to look at what people wear to events that "Vaquero" (Cowboy) headlines, as those who attend often wear sombreros and Stetsons. His fan base is growing with every fight. Navarrete could box fellow Top Rank fighter O'Shaquie Foster in the future, but has also expressed interest in a return to lightweight so he can try and capture a world championship in a fourth weight class, joining the likes of legendary Mexicans like Erik Morales, Jorge Arce, Juan Manuel Marquez, Mikey Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz, and, of course, "Canelo" himself. Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (left) and Yuniel Dorticos face off ahead of their June 28 fight on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard. (Cris Esqueda/) (Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images) Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez: Two-weight world champion A Golden Boy Promotions fighter, Gilberto Ramirez is beginning to come into his own after rebounding from a decision loss to Dmitry Bivol by defeating Joe Smith Jr., Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith in the past 18 months. Advertisement Ramirez, a solid southpaw, has fought from light heavyweight to cruiserweight but does not appear as powerful at 200 pounds as he did below it. Though he's not as accomplished as others on this list, and perhaps does not have as high a ceiling as younger Mexican fighters, he could be thrust into one of the highest-profile fights of all, should he defeat Yuniel Dorticos on June 28 on the same card as Jake Paul's return to the ring against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul has long gunned for a world championship shot in boxing. If he beats Chavez, a world title match involving the internet sensation and Ramirez is probable considering the ongoing partnership between Most Valuable Promotions and Golden Boy. It's a show that could even air on Netflix, trumping the attention "Canelo" generated for his recent snoozefest against William Scull in Riyadh. WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza made a statement in his recent title defense against Edward Vazquez. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Rafael Espinoza: Featherweight world champion A rising star at Top Rank, Rafael Espinoza has set the sport of boxing ablaze since debuting in the U.S. in 2023, after spending the bulk of his career competing in Mexico. His first fight in the States, against Robeisy Ramirez, contained a Round of the Year contender during a firefight in which he won the WBO featherweight world championship — a belt he's retained with subsequent stoppage wins over Sergio Chirino, Ramirez in a rematch, and Edward Vazquez. Advertisement Espinoza is must-see television not just for his aggressive and powerful volume-punching, but also because he'll belt out Mexican ballads while standing tall over his knockout victims like a Latino Tyson Fury. Should the 31-year-old stay at the 126-pound division then box-office bouts against the likes of Angelo Leo or Stephen Fulton could await, and he'll be enticed to keep adding to his legacy at featherweight because if Naoya Inoue, Uncrowned's No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter, ever moves up, Espinoza could be the one to welcome him to the division. 'My dream is to become a pound-for-pound fighter,' he previously told Uncrowned. 'And I think a fight with [Inoue] will put me there. And when that day comes, I will win.' On his growing fame in the fight game, he also said: 'Julio Cesar Chavez and Marco Antonio Barrera called me and it filled me with pride now that they call me a champion. They said that I have heart, and not many boxers have that. I'm happy about that.' Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz wears a dog mask as he makes his ring entrance for a super featherweight bout against Angel Fierro in February 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. () (Steve Marcus via Getty Images) Isaac Cruz: Former lightweight champion Already one of the most popular Mexican prizefighters on this list, Isaac Cruz brings "Pitbull-mania" to each and every one of his can't-miss fights because he's an all-action throwback brawler who hooks to the body and has a solid chin. Advertisement Though Cruz lost to Gervonta Davis in 2021, he is one of the few people to have been able to stand up to "Tank's" power and last the full 12 rounds. Since that fight, he's finished Yuriorkis Gamboa, stopped Rolando Romero in the eighth round of a fight that has aged well considering Romero's recent win over Ryan Garcia, and, most recently, came out on top of a feral Fight of the Year contender against Angel Fierro in February. Considering the widespread acclaim Cruz and Fierro received for their first fight, a rematch appears likely — and it could even land on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring against Mario Barrios. Should Cruz keep winning, he could score a second fight against Romero, or even a big-money "Tank" Davis rematch. William Zepeda (left) squares off with Shakur Stevenson on July 12 in a monster opportunity for his next fight. (Cris Esqueda/) (Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy via Getty Images) William Zepeda: Lightweight contender William Zepeda is yet to win a proper world championship, but he has his shot in his next outing as he takes on Shakur Stevenson for the full WBC lightweight title on July 12 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium — a 14,000-seat arena in New York City typically associated with tennis, more specifically the U.S. Open. Advertisement Stevenson is a -1,450 favorite by the BetMGM bookmakers, but Zepeda's representatives at Golden Boy Promotions have been touting their fighters chances in the fight for almost two years. Speaking to Uncrowned, former five-weight world champion and Golden Boy founder Oscar de la Hoya confidently said: 'If anyone can give Shakur trouble, it's William Zepeda.' He added at another recent event: 'We have a future superstar on our hands in 'El Camaron.' I literally think Zepeda is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing today.' Win or lose, Zepeda has eyed options beyond Stevenson, including an all-Mexican clash against Cruz, to determine the No. 1 fighter from their country at 135 pounds. 'Pitbull can't say that he's better than me,' he said recently. 'I can't say I'm better than Pitbull. The only way we can determine that is when we're in the ring in the middle, facing each other.' Zepeda also likes a fight against Lomachenko, should the two-time Olympic gold medalist ever return to the ring for one more pro fight. 'He's known to be an idol, and it's a dream of mine to get in the ring and fight an idol," Zepeda said, "[because] I want to become an idol myself.' Marco Verde (left) made his successful professional debut against Michel Galvan Polina on the Canelo vs. Scull undercard. () (Richard Pelham via Getty Images) Marco Verde: A highly-touted one-fight prospect Outside of the pro fighters who are already champions, or on the route to becoming one, Mexico also has a red-hot prospect who already has the respect of one of the nation's veteran boxers. Advertisement 'In Mexico, there's a lot of tough fighters,' 34-year-old former two-weight world champ Oscar Valdez told Uncrowned last year. 'But there's a silver medalist from the Olympic Games called Marco Verde,' who fans should keep an eye on, he said. There is even a "Canelo" link here as Alvarez's longtime coach and manager Eddy Reynoso has advised the novice boxer. To date, it's been a fruitful partnership as, just months on from making his successful pro debut on Alvarez's undercard for the Scull fight, Verde returns to the ring on July 12 in Sinaloa, Mexico. For Valdez, it is Verde who has the greatest chance to take the baton from "Canelo" and carry 'the flag for Mexico' going forward, he said.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Will there be a trilogy fight between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen?
DAVE ALLEN secured an incredible knockout win of Johnny Fisher in the Copper Box! The Doncaster De La Hoya unleashed a BRUTAL flurry late on the fifth round to exact revenge on the Romford Bull after he suffered a shock loss during their first encounter last December. 2 In that first fight Allen, 33, handed Fisher his first-ever career knockdown, but it wasn't enough to seal the win in Saudi. But tonight, the tables turned. Fisher opened up an early lead and was probably ahead on the scorecards after four rounds. But Allen was toying with him and in the fifth unveiled a truly devastating series of blows. that saw the towel come in from the corner before Fisher was felled. With the series now at 1-1, will they meet again? Will there be a trilogy fight between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen 2? Speaking in the ring after the fight, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed there IS a rematch clause in the contract. However, Hearn then said that a decision on it will be made "down the line." Allen didn't sound like he wanted the fight either, especially with the way that he beat Fisher. He said: "He's my friend. He's a very good friend of mine... I wouldn't allow [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it's not in his best interests." Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen 2 results Dave Allen beats Johnny Fisher - TKO George Liddard beats Aaron Sutton - TKO Kieron Conway beats Gerome Warburton - TKO Jimmy Sains beats Gideon Oneynani - UD John Hedges beats Nathan Quarless - UD Shannon Ryan beats Fara El Bousairi - PTS Taylor Bevan beats Juan Cruz Cacheiro - TKO
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
George Liddard is the West Ham super-fan who went from windscreen fitter to Britain's next middleweight boxing hopeful
GEORGE LIDDARD is hoping to wipe out the middleweight competition having gone from windscreen fitter to boxing prospect. The West Ham super-fan was an elite amateur, winning four national titles and medals on the international stage. 4 4 4 But he snubbed the chance to earn a place on the Team GB Olympic squad to instead turn professional in 2022 under Eddie Hearn. It came after a brief absence from the ring as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, where Liddard worked for a windscreen fitting company. He told the Hammers website: "I was part of Team England, and then Covid-19 hit, and there was a lot of uncertainty in my life. "During that period, I ended up working with my dad at a windscreen company. "I got defeated by a well-known Great Britain fighter in a close fight after the pandemic, and that was the moment I said to myself to give it a go. "I got a text from Tony Sims, one of the legendary boxing trainers, asking me to spar with John Ryder. "So I went down there and gave a good account of myself. I've been at the Matchroom Gym ever since and have never looked back." Liddard is 11-0 and returns on Saturday night at the Copper Box on the undercard of Johnny Fisher's rematch with Dave Allen. The 22-year-old East Londoner faces Aaron Sutton but has his eyes on fighting for the British title and even world honours beyond that. He said: "I feel as if I'm at a level already where I can win a British title. "I know I'm good enough but have to prove it to the world, and the next fight is another opportunity to do that. "I'm in this game to be a world champion, and I want to win world titles down the line. I will be a world champion someday; I know that for sure. "I look forward to the day I stand there with a world title belt and say, I made it." Liddard dons the famous claret and blue when he steps into the ring and regularly sits in the Hammers stands outside the ropes. He said: "I couldn't pinpoint an exact moment when I started supporting West Ham, but I've followed the Club all of my life and attend home games now with my sponsor, ABSM Building Services. "I would have loved to have been at the Conference League final, but I was fighting on that Saturday. "I remember watching it in the hotel and being ecstatic when Jarrod [Bowen] scored that goal. "I was gutted to have not been there, but I won the fight, so it was a memorable weekend." 4
