Ex-champion Hekkie Budler returns to action

By Ron Jackson

Former multiple world champion and most decorated South African fighter Hekkie “The Hexcutioner” Budler returns to action after being inactive for 873 days when he faces the Filipino Jonathan “Prettyboy” Alamacen at the Booysens Hall in Johannesburg for the vacant WBC International light flyweight title on Saturday night.

The 33-year-old Budler (32-4, 10 KOs) has been fighting as a pro for 13 years and has won the IBO All Africa, IBO junior flyweight, IBO strawweight, WBA interim minimumweight, WBA minimumweight, WBA “super” minimumweight, and IBO light flyweight titles in an illustrious career. Continue reading “Ex-champion Hekkie Budler returns to action”

By Ron Jackson Former multiple world champion and most decorated South African fighter Hekkie “The Hexcutioner” Budler returns to action after being inactive for 873 days when he faces the…
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May 19, Japan’s Day of Boxing

First World Champion by Country listed

Yoshio Shirai1

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Boxing Beat

It was May 19, 1952, exactly sixty-nine years ago, that challenger Yoshio Shirai became the very first Japanese boxer to acquire the world championship. Shirai dethroned undisputed flyweight champ Dado Marino, from Hawaii, over fifteen hard-fought rounds at the Korakuen Baseball Stadium, Tokyo.

After World War II was over, our defeated nation was so materially and mentally devastated that our people then completely lost confidence, energy, and zip.  Under such miserable circumstances, there abruptly appeared a new fistic hero named Yoshio Shirai, who now went to have an ambitious crack at the world belt against the highly regarded Marino.  No less than some 40,000 spectators gathered at the Stadium to watch the first world title bout ever held in Japan, while a radio ratio marked a record-high 83% (there was no television at that time). Continue reading “May 19, Japan’s Day of Boxing”

First World Champion by Country listed By Joe Koizumi Photos by Boxing Beat It was May 19, 1952, exactly sixty-nine years ago, that challenger Yoshio Shirai became the very first…
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Two local fighters meet for IBO mini-flyweight belt

By Ron Jackson

World championship boxing returns to East London at the International Convention Centre in East London on Friday night when the veteran Nkosinathi “Mabere” Joyi defends his IBO mini-flyweight belt against fellow South African Ayanda Ndulani.

The 38-year-old Joyi has had an outstanding career since making his pro debut in April 2002 and captured the following titles, Eastern Cape, South African, IBO, IBF, WBC International mini-flyweight titles, and the WBC International junior flyweight title. Continue reading “Two local fighters meet for IBO mini-flyweight belt”

By Ron Jackson World championship boxing returns to East London at the International Convention Centre in East London on Friday night when the veteran Nkosinathi “Mabere” Joyi defends his IBO…
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“Ichiro Ozeki” Torres on Telemundo Friday

Armando Ichiro Ozeki Torres (5)
Photo: Pablo Lozano Reyes

Boxeo Telemundo’s Spring Series Finale will close with a Triple Crown title bill on Friday. The main event features WBO #15 WBC #3 Armando “Ichiro Ozeki” Torres (26-18, 19 KO’s)  challenging WBO #4 IBF #5 WBA #12 Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (23-3-1,13 KO’s) for his WBO/NABO Jr flyweight title.

The boxing career and history of Torres is an interesting one. His first 10 professional fights were in Japan. His uncle German Torres was a former world champion with the same “Ichiro Ozeki” nickname as his nephew. His career has had its ups downs but at the age of 40 he will be making his U.S. debut at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC Auditorium in Tampa, Florida

Continue reading ““Ichiro Ozeki” Torres on Telemundo Friday”

Boxeo Telemundo’s Spring Series Finale will close with a Triple Crown title bill on Friday. The main event features WBO #15 WBC #3 Armando “Ichiro Ozeki” Torres (26-18, 19 KO’s) …
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Moreno-Tostado face off in Panama

Moreno Tostado004

By Héctor Villarreal

Former WBA bantamweight super champion, Panamanian Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno (38-6-1, 12 KOs) and his opponent, Mexican Antonio Tostado (25-7, 8 KOs) finally faced of at Los Andes Mall, ahead of Friday´s bout for the Fedelatin featherweight title on the main event of the “Poker of Aces” 5-fight card promoted by Moreno´s wife, Rouss Laguna.

“I have faced very good Mexican fighters so I am very happy to have an opponent from that country this time to be able to show that I can still be a world champion again” said Moreno.

Jezreel “Invisible” Corrales (23-4, 9 KOs) also a world superchampion, met his rival Miguel Angel Martinez (15-3-1, 10 KOs) from Jalisco Mexico. Continue reading “Moreno-Tostado face off in Panama”

By Héctor Villarreal Former WBA bantamweight super champion, Panamanian Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno (38-6-1, 12 KOs) and his opponent, Mexican Antonio Tostado (25-7, 8 KOs) finally faced of at Los Andes…
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DiBella inks two unbeaten prospects

DiBella Entertainment has signed a pair of touted Russian prospects, heavyweight Vladimir Ivanov (4-0, 3 KOs) and welterweight Gor Khachatryan (1-0, 1 KO), to co-promotional agreements with Groupe Yvon Michel. Both fighters are managed by Premier Boxing Management Group.

Ivanov and Khachatryan will be back in the ring today, May 20, at Lokomotiv Arena, in Novosibirsk, Russia. The event will be live streamed on DiBella Entertainment’s Facebook page, starting at 6:00am ET / 3:00am PT.

DiBella Entertainment has signed a pair of touted Russian prospects, heavyweight Vladimir Ivanov (4-0, 3 KOs) and welterweight Gor Khachatryan (1-0, 1 KO), to co-promotional agreements with Groupe Yvon Michel.…
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Takesako blasts out Kunimoto, keeps Japanese 160lb belt

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By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Unbeaten hard-puncher Kazuto Takesako (13-0-1, 12 KOs), 159.25, retained his Japanese middleweight belt as he quickly caught up with JBC#1 Riku Kunimoto (4-1, 2 KOs), 159.25, decked him twice and for the count at 2:46 of the opening session in a scheduled ten on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.

Having made his fourth defense, Takesako, 29, dedicated his victory to his late father Kazuyoshi, 55, who had pitifully passed away due to a coronavirus infection just eleven days before. Continue reading “Takesako blasts out Kunimoto, keeps Japanese 160lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi Photos by Naoki Fukuda Unbeaten hard-puncher Kazuto Takesako (13-0-1, 12 KOs), 159.25, retained his Japanese middleweight belt as he quickly caught up with JBC#1 Riku Kunimoto (4-1,…
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Odds are in for Fury-Wilder III

IF no step-aside deal happens and IF WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury faces Deontay Wilder in a third bout that an arbitrator ruled must happen by September 15, Fury is a big betting favorite.

Early odds on the board at BetOnline.ag are nearly 3:1 for the Gypsy King.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder
Tyson Fury -280 (5/14)
Deontay Wilder +220 (11/5)

IF no step-aside deal happens and IF WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury faces Deontay Wilder in a third bout that an arbitrator ruled must happen by September 15, Fury is…
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Tank-Barrios PPV Lineup

Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA super lightweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) in a Showtime PPV main event on June 26 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The pay-per-view undercard will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) in a WBC super welterweight title eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs)  returns to the ring for the first time in 18 months to take on Brian Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs)  in a 10-round showdown and Olympian Batyr Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs) in a 12-round WBA super lightweight title eliminator.

Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when…
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The Marked Contrasts in Today’s Boxing

By Mauricio Sulaimán
Son of José Sulaimán / President of the WBC

The boxers who will participate in the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympic Games are being announced and, in many cases, the lowest participation of boxers in history for some traditional boxing countries.

For example, the United States has only secured six tickets to be present: four women and two men. The outlook for Mexico is dismally disastrous because until today Mexico only has the representation of a single fighter: Esmeralda Falcón Reyes, in the 60kg category.

This is mostly due to the cancellation of various competitions that would be the qualifying rounds, in order to achieve their pass to compete in the Olympics. The special committee in charge of boxing for the Olympic Games decided to grant the tickets based on the rankings that had been established some time ago. Continue reading “The Marked Contrasts in Today’s Boxing”

By Mauricio Sulaimán Son of José Sulaimán / President of the WBC The boxers who will participate in the Tokyo 2020+1 Olympic Games are being announced and, in many cases,…
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Zurdo aiming for 50-0

Only five boxers have started their professional careers with a 50-fight win streak and the contemporary leader, 41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is on a mission to join the exclusive club, continuing July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Although he won’t turn 30 until June 19, Ramirez has been fighting professionally for nearly 12 years, and one of his goals is to become a world champion in two different weight classes. Another is joining his idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez in the 50-0 Club, in which he is #1 having amazingly won his first 87 pro fights. The first blemish on his pro record was a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in 1993 in their WBC welterweight title fight. Continue reading “Zurdo aiming for 50-0”

Only five boxers have started their professional careers with a 50-fight win streak and the contemporary leader, 41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is on a mission to join the exclusive club,…
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Tszyu-Zerafa July 7 bout in jeopardy

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

WBO #1, IBF #3 light middleweight Tim Tszyu’s July 7 bout with WBA #7 middleweight Michael Zerafa at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Australia on Foxtel Main Event Pay Per View is in doubt due to a possible rib injury suffered by Zerafa.

“He trained, he had a pain under his rib, he said he’s had it for about two or three days, so we sent him to hospital,” trainer Sam Labruna told Foxsports.com.au. “If this guy doesn’t recover in the next three, four, seven days, well, there’s not going to be a fight because I’m not going to put him in there if he’s not right. If he’s not sparring and training, we won’t be fighting. That’s for sure.”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing WBO #1, IBF #3 light middleweight Tim Tszyu’s July 7 bout with WBA #7 middleweight Michael Zerafa at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle,…
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Badou Jack ready for Pascal rematch

Two-division world champion Badou Jack and veteran contender Luis Arias previewed their respective showdowns during a Las Vegas media workout Tuesday, before they step in the ring for separate attractions of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Continue reading “Badou Jack ready for Pascal rematch”

Two-division world champion Badou Jack and veteran contender Luis Arias previewed their respective showdowns during a Las Vegas media workout Tuesday, before they step in the ring for separate attractions…
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Puerto Rico’s Polaco on fast track

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Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Bryan “The Hunter” Polaco (4-0, 3 KOs) of Puerto Rico is determined to make name for himself in the professional ranks. He turned professional in 2020 signing with Felix Tuto Zabala Jr (All Star Boxing) after a decorated amateur career of well over 200 fights. The 6 ‘2 southpaw Polaco fought 4 times during the pandemic winning all but one inside the distance. He will fight on the undercard of this Friday’s Telemundo card at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC Auditorium,in Tampa, Florida. Continue reading “Puerto Rico’s Polaco on fast track”

Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Bryan “The Hunter” Polaco (4-0, 3 KOs) of Puerto Rico is determined to make name for himself in the professional ranks. He turned professional in 2020…
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The first fight ever filmed in 1894 found!

Footage Of Mike Leonard Vs. Jack Cushing

By Joe Koizumi

This Japanese historian delightfully read an excellent Fightnews report on the fight ever filmed titled: Doubt Cast Over Claim of Corbett-Courtney Being First Fight Ever Filmed

It mentioned that the Mike Leonard vs. Jack Cushing film was the historically first ever filmed and premiered in August 1894 (I agree), but said the film was lost.

It is my pleasure to inform you that the mentioned film, however, exists and has been already publicly shown through YouTube, as follows: Continue reading “The first fight ever filmed in 1894 found!”

By Joe Koizumi This Japanese historian delightfully read an excellent Fightnews report on the fight ever filmed titled: Doubt Cast Over Claim of Corbett-Courtney Being First Fight Ever Filmed It…
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Charlo-Montiel kickoff press conference

Charlo And Montiel
Photo: Esther Lin

Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and hard-hitting 160-pound contender Juan Macías Montiel met face-to-face for the first time Tuesday during a kick-off press conference as they preview the main event of a special Juneteenth Day celebration in Charlo’s hometown of Houston Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center live on Showtime.

Here is what Charlo, Montiel and their trainers had to say Tuesday:

JERMALL CHARLO:

“June 19, it’s going to be fireworks. A parade. A celebration. Me and Ronnie Shields get a chance to do it again. I’m working hard. I was working hard before I even knew who Montiel was. This time, you get a chance to see all the hard work I’ve put in for so many years. It’s a dream come true to be able to fight in my city and I get a chance to do it with a crowd. Tune in and get your tickets because it’s going to be a great night of boxing. Continue reading “Charlo-Montiel kickoff press conference”

Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and hard-hitting 160-pound contender Juan Macías Montiel met face-to-face for the first time Tuesday during a kick-off press conference as they preview the…
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Gonzalez-Torres headlines triple crown bill

Boxeo Telemundo’s Spring Series Finale will close with a Triple Crown title bill which will be headlined by WBO #4 IBF #5 WBA #12 Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (23-3-1) of Cauguas, Puerto Rico defends his WBO/NABO Jr flyweight title against WBO #15 WBC #3 Armando “Ichiro Ozeki” Torres (26-18) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10 round affair. The bout continues the traditional rivalry of Mexico against Puerto Rico as the winner between these two highly ranked contenders will be in line for a shot at the world title. Continue reading “Gonzalez-Torres headlines triple crown bill”

Boxeo Telemundo’s Spring Series Finale will close with a Triple Crown title bill which will be headlined by WBO #4 IBF #5 WBA #12 Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (23-3-1) of Cauguas,…
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Haney: This is the biggest fight of my career

WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney says his fight against Jorge Linares is the biggest of his career to date at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on May 29, live worldwide on DAZN.

Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time against the former multiple division world champion, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs), and ‘The Dream’, who is entering the last week of training camp, talks about his matchup with Linares, what a win will do for his career, fighting at home, and more. Continue reading “Haney: This is the biggest fight of my career”

WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney says his fight against Jorge Linares is the biggest of his career to date at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas…
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Zurdo-Barrera/Jo Jo-Fortuna twinbill July 9

Undefeated contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut in a Mexico vs. Cuba battle as he takes on Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) in a 12-round light heavyweight fight. The event will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

Details regarding the venue, which will be in Los Angeles, will be announced shortly.

“There are a lot of major players in the light heavyweight division right now, and Gilberto Ramirez is ready to demonstrate that he is very much among them,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Sullivan Barrera possesses a decorated amateur background and has a lot of experience in this weight class, but Ramirez is totally committed to becoming a two-division champion. Zurdo’s world title campaign and his journey to 50-0 will start on July 9.” Continue reading “Zurdo-Barrera/Jo Jo-Fortuna twinbill July 9”

Undefeated contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut in a Mexico vs. Cuba battle as he takes on Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) in…
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Dinu poised to win WBA interim belt

Heavyweight contender Bogdan Dinu is training hard in his hometown of Buzau, Romania, and getting some excellent sparring work from former foe Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller as he prepares to face Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois for the WBA interim WBA World Heavyweight Championship.

The 6′ 5″ WBA #2-rated Dinu (20-2. 16 KOs) will face the 6′ 5″ WBA #11-rated Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom, on Saturday, June 5. An upset victory over the heavily hyped Dubois will put Dinu one step away from realizing his dream of becoming the first Romanian heavyweight champion of the world. Continue reading “Dinu poised to win WBA interim belt”

Heavyweight contender Bogdan Dinu is training hard in his hometown of Buzau, Romania, and getting some excellent sparring work from former foe Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller as he prepares to…
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Hagler’s life to be celebrated in hometown

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan had announced a major event to celebrate the life of professional boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler on Sunday, May 23rd at 2 p.m. at Rocky Marciano Stadium in Brockton, Massachusetts.

May 23rd has been declared “Marvelous Marvin Hagler Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Gov. Charles Baker and this special public memorial will feature several celebrity guests and speakers, including legendary boxing champion Bernard Hopkins, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, Showtime Championship Boxing analyst Al Bernstein, WCVB Channel 5 sports anchor Mike Lynch, acclaimed boxing writer and historian Ron Borges and members of the Hagler family. There will also be a video tribute to the iconic champ presented by event sponsor Copeland Toyota. Continue reading “Hagler’s life to be celebrated in hometown”

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan had announced a major event to celebrate the life of professional boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler on Sunday, May 23rd at 2 p.m. at Rocky…
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Fenech: Gallen put boxing back in the headlines

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australia’s biggest pay-per-view boxing attraction Australian heavyweight contender Paul Gallen (11-0-1, 5 KOs) has the support of Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech when he challenges Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni (3-0, 3 KOs) at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, NSW on June 16 that will be televised on Foxtel Main Event.

“Gallen has put boxing back in the headlines for the right reasons and we thank you,” Fenech said at Tuesday’s press conference. “He has a huge test this time because Justis is one of most skillful guys I’ve seen, but I also had lots of those thoughts thinking Lucas could do certain things and Gallen stopped him in round one by his sheer willpower and mental toughness. Continue reading “Fenech: Gallen put boxing back in the headlines”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing Australia’s biggest pay-per-view boxing attraction Australian heavyweight contender Paul Gallen (11-0-1, 5 KOs) has the support of Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech when…
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Ndou: Daniel Stuart can be world champion

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By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Three-time world champion Lovemore Ndou, who is one of Sydney’s leading lawyers, talks to Fightnews.com® about how he is training Zimbabwe-born Australian-based 190 pound 23-year-old former National amateur champion Daniel “The Gentleman” Stuart and has visions of him becoming a future world champion.

Where and when were Daniel and his parents born and when did they arrive in Australia?

Daniel was born in Harare on 11 December 1997 from Zimbabwean parents who emigrated to New Zealand in 2008, then Australia (Western Australia) in 2009. His father is half Scottish and half Shona. And his mother is Shona. Both his paternal and maternal sides of the family live in Zimbabwe. Continue reading “Ndou: Daniel Stuart can be world champion”

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing Three-time world champion Lovemore Ndou, who is one of Sydney’s leading lawyers, talks to Fightnews.com® about how he is training Zimbabwe-born Australian-based 190…
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NYSBHOF dates for 2020 and 2022 classes

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly knocked down boxing in general for the past 1½ years. Ring 8, though, remained busy despite not being able to hold its monthly meetings.

Despite no revenue-generating events as it normally has several times during the year, Ring 8 got up off the mat and recorded a KO victory on several fronts.
Ring 8 distributed more than $11,000 in financial assistance to numerous deserving people in the boxing community, ranging from boxers to trainers, cornermen and those in the boxing community who were in need.

Another success story during the pandemics was the founding and funding of the “Patrick Day Sports Achievement Award”, a $5,000 scholarship to be distributed to a worthy Freeport High School student in increments of $500.00 per year for 10 years. Continue reading “NYSBHOF dates for 2020 and 2022 classes”

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly knocked down boxing in general for the past 1½ years. Ring 8, though, remained busy despite not being able to hold its monthly meetings. Despite no…
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Wilder legal victory to KO Fury-Joshua?

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder may get his third fight with current WBC champ Tyson Fury after all. Retired judge Daniel Weinstein ruled in an arbitration decision today that Fury owes Wilder a third fight as per their contract for their second fight in February 2020. The deadline is September 15.

Fury had hoped to move on to an August 14 with WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua. Wilder is in a position to get record-breaking step-aside money, or torpedo Fury-Joshua and force Fury to fight him.

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder may get his third fight with current WBC champ Tyson Fury after all. Retired judge Daniel Weinstein ruled in an arbitration decision today that…
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