Boxing News - 20 April 2023

JOYCE STUNNER
Big Bang Zhang makes his mark

OUT FOR JUSTICE
Joe Cordina wants to regain what’s his
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Contents April 20, 2023
16 GERVONTA DAVIS vs RYAN GARCIA

Previewing the showdown that’s dripping with intrigue
DON’T MISS BEST OF THE REST
>> 4 HARSH CRITICISM?

28 >> 8 UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Don’t be so quick to write off Joyce Misery of Joyce and Whiteside laid bare
>> 14 UKAD SUSPEND BENN >> 10 BEHAVE IMPECCABLY

Conor’s comeback dreams in tatters A brief moment can have consequences
>> 20 MAN IN THE KNOW >> 12 THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT

We talk to Luke Campbell about his life, Okolie and Billam-Smith ooze respect
retirement and facing Garcia in the ring
>> 24 LIAM WALSH
>> 30 JOE CORDINA ‘It’s almost like Tank wasn’t human’
On the hand injury and the task ahead
>> 28 CARDIFF PREVIEW
>> 34 JOYCE AND THE BIG BANG Will Rakhimov break Cordina’s heart?
Zhang scores huge upset win over Joe
>> 36 END OF THE ROAD
Lisa Whiteside beaten by Tysie Gallagher
SUBSCRIBE: £13 FOR 13 ISSUES! >> 39 WORLD RANKINGS
Visit SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/BXN1323 How far has Joyce dropped in defeat?
>> 40 WORLD BOXING

An ambitious plan to save Olympic boxing
>> 46 CAOMIN AGYARKO

Tears fell when a bad injury struck
www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 3

EDITOR’S LETTER
ACCUMULATION:
Joyce’s marketing point
Photo: STEPHEN DUNKLEY/QUEENSBERRY – his ability to take
punches – proved his
downfall on Saturday
The big bang

Only last week, Joyce was the people’s champion. Now he’s just the latest to face the wrath of critics
RITICISM from night. That Joyce ultimately lost a fight all along – observations that quickly
fans was once was no big surprise; after all, anyone so snowballed on social media – are wide
C consigned to the
letters’ pages of a
boxing magazine
or an animated
chat over a pint
brazenly reliant on their head as a line
of defence was never going to retire
undefeated. Nonetheless, Zhang being
the man to inflict this first defeat was
largely unexpected.
of the mark. In a reminder of the fickle
nature of boxing opinion, those who
two weeks ago were declaring Anthony
Joshua unfit to face someone like
Joyce were on Saturday night insisting
down the local pub. Zhang, though an accomplished that Joshua would walk through ‘The
Today, with social amateur and a proven stubborn pro, was Juggernaut’. For me, it remains a highly
media channels still deemed awkward but cumbersome and enticing and hard-to-call affair.
astonishingly lax beatable. Yet he proved, as others have Though it would be deeply unfair
when it comes to threatened to prove in the past, that any on Zhang to label his victory the
Cover photography
allowing anyone to ESTHER LIN/SHOWTIME good heavyweight with a solid grasp consequence of a freak injury, it’s also
abuse anyone on a & RYAN HAFEY/PBC of the fundamentals has a chance to not a stretch to say that, without it,
Matt public platform, it’s outwit Joyce in a boxing ring. The Briton’s Joyce may well have found a way to win.
Christie widespread. incredibly honest post-fight assessment Let’s not forget that Big Joe has looked
@MattCBoxingNews Joe Joyce was – that he couldn’t get out of the way one-dimensional and hittable in nearly
Editor the latest boxer of Zhang’s left hand – highlighted his every contest prior to this one. But
to feel the wrath shortcomings as much as any of the through bloody-mindedness, incredible
after underdog Zilhei Zhang shut the punches he’s taken in the past. physical and psychological reserves, and
Londoner’s right eye with a steady But those who were so quick to serious power in both hands, he always
stream of straight left hands on Saturday say that Joyce has been a bad fighter managed to bludgeon the resistance
4 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

from his opponents. What he can’t do, in his amateur days and then seeing in the wider world. There really isn’t
however, is fight one-eyed. him huff and puff his way through anything else like a big heavyweight Time to
Furthermore, it seems a little rich the professional ranks, I simply did contest to get everyone talking. subscribe
to criticise Joyce for losing a bout that not buy into his potential. Yet it was This week, new murmurs of those all-
was widely welcomed by fans when it clear when he was unlucky not to conquering showdowns came to light, on OTHERE are
was announced. With his mandatory beat Filip Hirgovic last year and more the same December bill in Saudi Arabia, numerous ways
spot with the WBO in place, it would so on Saturday night, as he used his no less. After many years of dealing to subscribe,
have been easy for him to do what left hand to close Joyce’s eye with the with such rumours and chasing facts including
most other fighters in similar positions precision of a surgeon’s needle and about elongated negotiations, it’s frankly special offers.
do: take a simple assignment and wait thread. Better still, he’s an immensely difficult, from a sport that should long
for the big fight to land in their lap. likeable giant and yet ago have learnt its lesson OYOU can get a
Problem is, when that shot at the leader another addition to the from the consequences print and online
comes, challengers are too often ill-
equipped to take over.
heavyweight pack.
Contests like Zhang-
TWO WEEKS of crying wolf, to take
the idea seriously.
subscription
for the bargain
Knowing that leftie extraordinaire Joyce have been the AGO FANS SAID But Boxing News price of £13
for 13 issues,
Oleksandr Usyk and switch-hitting division’s saviour in understands that the
expert Tyson Fury blocked his route to recent years. Though AJ WAS UNFIT concept – Fury-Usyk then just £9.99
the summit of the division, Joyce, to
his credit, requested a solid southpaw
we have all been
exasperated with the
TO FACE JOYCE; and Joshua-Wilder
occurring on the same
per month
thereafter.
opponent to further his education in the
art of battling portsiders. Whether Joyce
failure of the leaders to
agree terms and actually
NOW THEY SAY bill – is being floated
by the powerbrokers. OFOR more
can now, at the age of 37, learn from fight, there has been AJ WOULD WALK The danger is that information
on all the
the Zhang defeat is unknown. But what
is certain is he’ll be substantially better
an awful lot of contests
taking place for us to
THROUGH HIM now the boxers have
a sniff of the money subscriptions
equipped to challenge Usyk or Fury if enjoy. No, the current on offer in the Middle plus our special
he does manage to work his way back era may not rival the 1970s as the East, any meaningful contests involving bookazines,
into contention, than he would have greatest of them all, but an accusation any of the big four might be shelved in please visit
been by blowing out another Christian that can’t be levelled at the weight class the interim. It is understood, however, www.shop.
Hammer-type opponent. Credit Joyce is a lack of drama. It’s why, perhaps, we that negotiations for Usyk to face WBA kelsey.co.uk
for taking a risk for the purpose of get so irate when contests like Usyk- mandatory Daniel Dubois are continuing. or call 01959-
bettering himself. Fury and Joshua-Wilder are constantly Life in the land of the giants is many 543-747.
More kudos must, of course, fall teased but never come off– because we things. It’s infuriating, it’s unpredictable
at the feet of the winner. Personally know just how much such bouts would and it’s at times wildly exciting. One OTHE next
speaking, I don’t recall ever being so be of benefit, not just for the fans, but thing it never is, however, is dull. issue will be in
wrong about a fighter. Watching Zhang for the sport’s position and reputation shops on April
Photo: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/BOXXER
27 and available
to download on
April 36.
WELL DONE:
‘The Juggernaut’
was honest and
The
gracious in defeat Opening
Bell...
OTHE BN
podcast has
been described
as the ‘most
impartial and
informative
podcast around.’
OON this
week’s podcast
we examine
the news that
Conor Benn has
been suspended
by UKAD and
reflect on
Joyce’s loss.
OListen (for
free) via Apple,
Spotify and all
major platforms.
ONEW episode
available to
download (for
free) every
Thursday.

ON TWITTER ON FACEBOOK
@BoxingNewsED www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline
LETTERS
LETTER OF THE WEEK
JOYCE EARNED OUR RESPECT

JOE JOYCE has the qualities does, and his conduct post-fight showed your last fight. It’ll be interesting to hear
that characterise brave men – us he took his defeat sportingly. In doing whether Joyce now gets the AJ treatment
quiet, unassuming, letting his so, he earned our respect. from the press, or whether a loss against
fighting do the talking. In addition he Andrew Collingbourne a world class and talented opponent
showed humility, dignity and candour in is just logged as a slip up and some
recognising the enormity of the defeat DESERVED KARMA FOR ZHANG deserved good karma for Zhang.
inflicted upon him by Zilhei Zhang, a WHAT goes around comes around. The Morgan Howell
massively underrated southpaw with demeanour of Zhilei Zhang was that
good technical skills allied to devastating of a confident athlete who, despite JUST WHAT ITAUMA NEEDED
punching power. being robbed against Filip Hrgovic in I WAS delighted to see Moses Itauma
Joyce, whose eye was grotesquely his last fight, knew what he had to do. get some invaluable ring time at the
swollen, conceded and accepted he had Going into the ring, you could tell he weekend. Those rounds will be far more
been beaten on the night by the better was thriving on the atmosphere at the educational to the realities of the pro
man. Outthought and outfought, he Copper Box and was even swaying along ranks than had he knocked over more
displayed a gracious acceptance in defeat to Sweet Caroline when he was made to sub-par opposition. It’d be a monumental
when his insides were probably mush. wait in the aisles. achievement if he goes on to break Mike
That takes some doing in the immediate His fast hands and power did enough Tyson’s record, but I hope that’s only a
aftermath of battle and was in stark damage to Joyce’s eye that with Howard secondary aim for him and his team and
contrast to Anthony Joshua's behaviour Foster – a referee who never swerves an their priority is developing organically,
after defeat by Oleksandr Usyk. unpopular decision – being the third man taking the right fights at the right time
As the rancid whiff of drug abuse in the ring, you knew from round three if and even learning from Tyson’s mistakes!
continues to permeate the sport, Joyce Joyce didn’t get a KO, it was going to be There’s no rush, he’s a phenomenal talent DEFEATED:
gave us a badly needed lift, proving stopped. Joyce can come again, but it just and could have 20 years ahead of him. But Joyce was
impeccable in
defeat doesn’t define you, your character goes to show that you’re only as good as James Glossop the aftermath
Photo: STEPHEN DUNKLEY/QUEENSBERRY

ON INSTAGRAM EMAIL POST
boxingnewsonline [email protected] Boxing News Letters, Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL
10 COUNT
THE PANEL
51-0
WHAT DID YOU MAKE OF ZHILEI ZHANG’S SHOCK Lightweights Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia boast a
combined pro record of 51-0, but which among all those
WIN AGAINST JOE JOYCE LAST WEEKEND? wins are the best ones?
1 DAVIS VS LEO SANTA CRUZ

Not only Davis’ best win to date, this also happens to
be his best knockout, with the left uppercut he used
to render Santa Cruz unconscious in the sixth round a
punch felt all over America back in October 2020.
2 DAVIS VS JOSE PEDRAZA

The first big win of Davis’ career, Pedraza was 22-0 at
Michael Gary Tunde Declan the time of their bout in 2017 and many expected him
Conlan Logan Ajayi Warrington to give Davis a stern test. That, however, was not the
(Featherweight (Former (Trainer) (Journalist) case, with Davis dominant from the outset and Pedraza
contender) Southern Area It wasn’t a Perhaps it eventually stopped in round seven.
It was definitely welterweight total shock. In shouldn’t have
a shock for me. champion) Zhang, we were — given the 3 DAVIS VS ISAAC CRUZ
I’ve been shouting Only thing that dealing with an expectation was Cruz is the only man to have lasted 12 rounds with Davis,
and the Mexican gave him a very good battle along the
from the rooftops surprised me was accomplished of a competitive
way. He may have lost a close fight in 2021, but his
that Joe beats Joyce’s decision amateur and fight — but, like
performance against Davis was better than most.
them all. It seemed to stay long and Olympic silver when Joyce beat
a southpaw was be susceptible to medallist. I said a Daniel Dubois, it 4 DAVIS VS YURIORKIS GAMBOA
his Kryptonite, Zhang’s right hook, few days prior to did shock me. But Davis dropped Gamboa in rounds two, eight and 12
and coming in which not only the fight that Joe for that reason before finally putting him out of his misery in the final
much lighter than landed but set up had to be aware of and others, I don’t round to win the WBA belt at lightweight in 2019.
usual worried Zhang’s superb Zhang’s backhand see why it needs
me, too. But I straight left. When and inevitably to drastically halt 5 GARCIA VS LUKE CAMPBELL
was impressed by you’re willing to that was the his progress. Some Garcia impressively recovered from a second-round
Zhang, who did take punches to preamble and the of the reaction knockdown against Campbell in 2020 to rally back and
a great job to get land your own, conclusion of the has been wildly stop the skilful Brit in round seven.
the win. you’ve got to fight. But Joyce is excessive — he got
hope you land a warrior, unafraid an eye injury, it 6 DAVIS VS MARIO BARRIOS
with consistent to put it all on wasn’t a new flaw Barrios, unbeaten in 26 fights, met Davis in 2021 with
effectiveness. Joyce the line, and will being exposed. the WBA super-lightweight title at stake. Yet, despite
couldn’t do that. adjust and win the some good form going in, he was unable to do much
rematch. about Davis’ aggression and was in the end stopped in
round 11.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FIGHT BETWEEN GERVONTA 7 DAVIS VS HECTOR LUIS GARCIA
Last time out, in January, Davis defended his WBA
DAVIS AND RYAN GARCIA PLAYING OUT? lightweight title against Garcia, a southpaw from
the Dominican Republic, and had little difficulty
extinguishing his challenge. Stopped in nine, Garcia
Michael Gary Tunde Declan struggled to win rounds up to that point.
Conlan Logan Ajayi Warrington
It’s the fight with It is the subject of I still won’t believe Davis will make 8 GARCIA VS JAVIER FORTUNA
the first big- much debate in the this fight is on another typically In his last fight, in July 2022, Garcia ran through
fight feeling in Boxing Booth Gym until I see both slow start, while his array of punches to score a flurry of knockdowns
a long time, in at the moment. It’s guys in the ring. he’s reading Garcia, against the Dominican Republic’s Fortuna in Los
my opinion. I’m a tantalising fight. But, if it does go and Garcia will Angeles. He finally closed the show in round six.
looking forward to Can Garcia land ahead, I predict edge in front. Davis
it. Before watching his thunderous left a points win for will then start 9 DAVIS VS LIAM WALSH
the All Access, I hook and keep Gervonta in a taking the fight to So far Davis’ only trip to the UK, this third-round
was thinking 'Tank' 'Tank' off balance contest featuring Garcia, but even if stoppage of Liam Walsh, an underrated technician in
does him in eight to do so? I think rocky moments he finds it harder good form, served to highlight the American’s vicious
rounds. However, not. Davis is the for both. It is a to do so than he finishing instincts when he sees an opponent hurt.
after watching full package. He risky fight for both ever has before, at
10 GARCIA VS EMMANUEL TAGOE
it, I’m torn and is armed with the at this stage of some point there’ll
The only man to have taken Garcia the 12-round
unsure which way technical nous to their careers and be an exchange
distance, Ghana’s Tagoe found himself dropped in
it will go. dismantle Garcia you have to credit that means Garcia
round two, yet recovered well to push 'King Ry' all the
and take him out them for taking it. has to trade, and way, albeit winning none of the rounds they shared.
in the eighth or It's what boxing that's when Davis
ninth. should be about. will stop him.

THE BUNCE DIARIES
EYE WIDE SHUT:
The injured Joyce
mulls over his first
professional defeat
Photo: STEPHEN DUNKLEY/QUEENSBERRY
HARD TRUTHS
OF A PERSONAL
BUSINESS

T CAN be a Inside the sacrifices for her boxing hopes. She had Joyce walked through, still smiling. Big
very personal her son, she had her injuries, she had Joe really is a treasure. He was measured,
sobering
I business, the boxing
business.
It is possible
to see just about
every emotion
dressing rooms
of Joyce and
her setbacks, she had her battles and
she kept dreaming. In that room, late
on Friday with the hum of Gallagher
celebrating and the unmistakable muffled
sounds of a fight taking place somewhere
praised Zhilei Zhang, dismissed the
injury, confirmed his desire to fight,
talked about going over the fight,
apologised to the fans. It was Joe being
Joe, honest, brave and impossible to
from the ringside Whiteside close, her journey was at a standstill, dislike. Joyce, like the rest of the people
pit, the seats at a stuck like a grief ball in her chest. She packed in the various corners of the
venue and watching continued talking, her words falling off as dressing room, had no idea what had
somewhere on the pain took over. The pain had nothing gone wrong. There are never any instant
television. It is a very to do with the eye injury. That was a hard solutions in the dressing room of a
open sport with few conversation, she is such a quality boxer surprised loser, just more questions.
places to hide when and a decent human. She will sit with Joyce and his people will sit down and
Steve the cameras are those that love her and make decisions watch the fight, talk about the fight and
Bunce present. - one might be the hardest any fighter plan a route back. “I will beat him the
@BigDaddyBunce has to make. The biggest and meanest next time,” Joyce promised. And then
Last Saturday,
Voice of boxing Kieran Smith was and ugliest heavyweights in the world cry his mother, with a stern look in my
shocked, broken then, trust me. There will be tears. direction, guided him away and out to
and shaking his head in disbelief as he That was Friday, on Saturday there was the ambulance. There was no need for
stepped down, no more than two feet more raw emotion behind closed doors words, the interview was over.
from me, and walked off to his dressing just a mile or so away. And the doors The rest of the room emptied, mostly
room. That was total despair, on display were firmly closed. Less than an hour in silence. A woman without shoes, more
for everybody; in the ring, Denzel earlier, Joyce had been stopped on his concerned family members, the corner
Bentley was still grinning in delight. feet in round six. His right eye was closed, team, the management team. Some
Same weight, same fight, different his unbeaten record gone. There was making small talk, others alone with
emotions. Everybody watching saw that. shock at ringside and in Joyce’s corner. A their thoughts. A tribe of fight people
However, there is far more that those lot of men were busy doing nothing in following their beaten boxer through
of us deep in the business get to see, to those long minutes when a fight ends like the tunnels backstage to a waiting
hear and to witness. It is the personal this; the wait to leave the ring seems to ambulance. That is a journey that all
and private stuff that serves as a very last forever. And then behind the closed boxing people dread.
clear reminder of the privilege some doors in his dressing room, the inquest And somewhere else in the building,
of us share when we gain access to starts. It is a familiar pattern. as Joyce filed away, Zhang’s people were
the hidden areas. There is also tragedy When I got in, Joyce was in a big screaming, making loud phone calls of
back there, moments of total and huddle with the men and women that utter joy and celebrating the future they
overwhelming sadness and joy. mean a lot to him. I was asked to wait had just stolen from Joyce. That sounds
Last Friday at York Hall, I had to push just outside the main room, wait in the harsh, but that is the strength of it.
shut Lisa Whiteside’s dressing room toilet. There was a lot of concern in Whiteside and Joyce spent a lot of time
door to block out the sound of Tysie that packed room. The ambulance was together as members of the GB team and
Gallagher and her team celebrating ready to take Joe off to have the eye last weekend, separated by just a mile or
three rooms away. I had already spoken socket examined. “He’s got to go to the so, they were on their own facing some
to Gallagher, talked of her dreams, her BRAVE FACES: hospital,” Joyce’s mother told me. It was hard truths. They are both 37.
Whiteside and her team
baby, her happiness at winning the can smile, despite her
a simple and urgent message before I It was a moving and very personal
Commonwealth belt. courageous defeat talked to him: Be quick. weekend, make no mistake.
And then I reached Whiteside,
shuffling in and standing in a room
full of people making their hands busy
to avoid looking too upset. Whiteside
was through another door, under the
watchful eye of a silent doping officer
and then she came out. The side of her
face was swollen and turning purple in
front of my eyes. She had shrunk, which
is something most losers share. Nobody
said a word at first.
The raw emotion was in her voice,
threatening to surface, when she did
speak. She talked of her beloved little
boy, her family, her long journey to that
tiny room at the back of York Hall. She
talked of the fight, praised Gallagher’s
tactics: “They were bob on,” she said, her
voice dropping, her heart broken by the
loss and what that loss means. Boxers are
not fools.
Lisa Whiteside reached amateur World
and European championship finals, but
the last of those two was in 2014. She
won the Commonwealth Games gold
in 2018. It has been a long, long life of

THE SWEET D FILES
accolades, but now there will always be

that cloud of doubt hovering. Gone is the
shine of a bright young talent, replaced
with a question mark.
Khan was an accomplished champion
and he tested positive for trace amounts
of anabolic agent ostarine. Now, some
fans will focus solely on his failed test
rather than remember all his major
successes. Reputation does precede you.
We will never know if the boxers were
guilty of purposefully using performance
enhancing drugs. That will be for their
conscience to wrestle with.
It is of course not just
drugs that can affect a
fighter’s reputation. The
failure to fight closest
rivals, as contract disputes
become more prominent
than the bouts we actually
get, is something else
that can live long in the
memory.
Andrew Golota was a
talented boxer. Yet he had
a reputation of bending the
rules. Leaving fights before
acceptable completion
became his trademark. We
N MY capacity as Boxers must with him happily informing me trained at the same gym in
a keynote speaker, that he was at the show in Battersea Town Florida. He told me that when he boxed
keep in mind
I I often use positive

affirmations to
support some of
my presentations.
Among them, I have
the
consequences
of a moment
Hall, quickly adding, ‘Where you kicked
off!’
He spoke as if it was a recent
occurrence.
I immediately recalled the occasion he
Samson Po’uha, he was buzzed after
getting tagged in the fourth round. As
Po’uha moved in to finish the job, Golota
said he bit Po’uha on the side of the neck.
Golota was also disqualified on two
a popular phrase of poor was referring to. The incident occurred occasions for consistent low blow fouls in
which states: ‘Your in 1984, almost forty years ago. It was his fights with Riddick Bowe.
reputation precedes
judgement the Southwest London division amateur He walked out of the ring after only
you.’ – because the boxing association championships. I was two rounds with Mike Tyson. Against
The idea of fans never, in the finals. I got disqualified. A Michael Grant, Golata refused to
reputations holds melee followed. fight after rising from a knock
true in many aspects ever forget Amid those forty down in the 10th round.
Derek of boxing. A boxer’s years, I became a So around the boxing
Williams actions inside and Commonwealth fraternity they called
@SweetD001 out of the boxing ring champion; a European him, ‘The Quitter’. Not
Ex-EBU champ will be remembered champion; a a nice name for a prize
long after the final number one ranked fighter.
bell has rung on their career. Sometimes, heavyweight in Britain Even Roberto
those actions will define a fighter’s legacy. and a world top 10 Duran, who is a
What follows a boxer’s career are ranked heavyweight. legend in boxing, is
debates about who was the best boxer of Out of all these accolades, remembered as much for
that era. Along with boxing accolades, the this guest chose to quitting in the eighth round
narrative includes other occurrences that remember the events of that against Sugar Ray Leonard as he
are associated with the boxer. night, at the town hall. is for his finest wins. That some judge
I remember sitting in the barber shop When boxers climb through the ropes, Duran, who provided some of the greatest
as a youth. I listened to the conversations it is not only their boxing talents or nights in boxing history, for wanting
and stories of past champions. It was athleticism that is scrutinised. Judgement nothing further to do with the fight
always interesting because you got is also made on any related attachments. and signalling ‘No Mas,’ is perhaps the
varying, animated accounts. Often any juicy bits aligned to the boxer biggest indicator of them all about what a
A few weeks ago, I was at a wonderful are regularly commented on. Their moment of poor judgement can lead to.
birthday celebration. It was well attended lifestyle and characters are a major part of Boxers enter the sport for various
by boxing champions and other people many conversations. reasons. They often have large egos and
from the boxing fraternity. There were also Boxing, as ever, is currently the desire to be the best. They want to
lots of long-term boxing supporters. As experiencing a turbulent time. Conor leave a legacy that can be viewed as
I went around the room greeting guests, Benn and Amir Khan are at different honourable.
one supporter jumped up from his seat to stages of their career but are now likely But they must always remember,
greet me. He looked at me beaming from forever linked by failed drug tests. Benn people see what you show them, and
ear to ear. Our first exchange of words led was on the verge of possible major your reputation lives on.

HOT HEAD:
Golota often struggled to
control the demons within
Photos: GETTY IMAGES

THE BELTLINE
Embrace It
Lawrence Okolie, Chris Billam-Smith, and the cleansing power of performance-enhancing hugs

HE same day news Since then, Okolie, 19-0 (14), has left
broke regarding an McGuigan and prepared for his last
Amir Khan failed fight alongside the American Sugar Hill.
performance- Yet, whereas often a divorce in boxing
enhancing drug would be used for backstory or, in some
test, two British instances, produce genuine tension
cruiserweights and needle between the relevant
stood eyeball to participants, there is no such thing
eyeball, thought apparent with Okolie and McGuigan
about shaking and Billam-Smith, 17-1 (12).
hands, before In some ways, you would think that
ultimately choosing would come as a disappointment, too,
to embrace each what with all the possibilities that
other. kind of storyline would offer: bitter
Elliot Not only a champion battles the contender whose
Worsell surprising turn coach was the man who once guided
@ElliotWorsell of events, the the champion to his belt. However, far
Online Editor hug shared by from disappointing, the mutual respect
former gym mates shown by Okolie and Billam-Smith
Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam- when in each other’s company – no
Smith that April afternoon seemed better exemplified than when they
altogether healing. It was healing for warmly hugged following their press
them, on the one hand, for it shattered conference – merely proves what we
any of the usual tension that occurs on have been saying all along: it’s the fight
the day of a fight announcement, and that matters, not the tools, however
it was somewhat healing for the rest genuine or manufactured, promoters
of us too. and fighters use to sell it.
Because, frankly, never was a good Some, alas, still don’t understand
news story as welcome as on a day BUCKING THE TREND: to collaborate on a date already in the this. They try to sell us fights of little
Chamberlain vs
like Tuesday, April 4. Hours after the books, with both a venue and television or no significance and then attempt
Billam-Smith is an
Khan news had broken, we searched excellent match. slot in place. Moreover, to accelerate to appeal to our thirst for chaos and
for answers and for the light and, That they displayed this proactive thinking, it was only confrontation by having the boxers
thankfully, in the end wouldn’t have affection rather three weeks ago Okolie sleepwalked engage in vulgar displays of pre-fight
than animosity
to wait long, for it arrived that same through a dull 12-rounder against New “beef”. This leads to a slew of fake
when announcing
day in the form of a compelling all- the fight only adds Zealand’s David Light, which likely had slanging and shoving matches, the
British WBO cruiserweight title fight to its appeal the effect of both motivating Okolie footage of which then naturally finds
announced for May 27 in Bournemouth. Photos: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/ to get out again – against someone a its way on to social media and, in turn,
Better yet, there was a storyline to this BOXXER bit more threatening – and motivating makes boxing look like a sport run by
particular fight capable of distracting Billam-Smith to pounce at a time when incompetent idiots, full of nothing but
us from more pressing and depressing Okolie is perhaps still finding his feet short-tempered, ill-mannered thugs.
matters, at least temporarily, as well a after a prolonged period of inactivity. To some degree, that perception is
refreshing shock element to it which, That’s good news for fans true, of course, but only boxing would
depending on your degree of cynicism, accustomed to hearing reasons why readily present that image to the world
restored your faith in boxing’s ability two fighters shouldn’t immediately – an already judgemental and sceptical
to get its act together and make the fight rather than reasons why they world – in order to simply sell a fight
fights the fans want to see when such should. Clearly, contrary to popular that without such measures would
measures are required. belief, a belief pushed by promoters struggle to do numbers either at the
For this, credit should go to the and fighters themselves, a great fight gate or on pay-per-view.
boxers involved. It is their job, after is not hard to make so long as those It’s the ultimate act of sporting self-
all, to ensure fights like this occur, and involved in the process of making it harm, I suppose. We do it to ourselves
seemingly Okolie and Billam-Smith truly want it to happen and are not, and with increasing regularity as well.
have been the driving forces behind as tends to be the norm, using the As if the frequent failed drug tests and
the decision to essentially fast-track a façade of effort either for attention or various cover-ups were not enough for
fight that previously seemed destined to furtively work on an easier option the sport, boxing then shoots for the
to end up taking place either later this elsewhere. lowest common denominator, both in
year or even next year. Why this has Another thing contrary to popular terms of selling tactics and the target
happened is anyone’s guess, but it belief – and again this is evident in audience. They assume its audience
would be fair to say that historically the the case of Okolie and Billam-Smith is stupid and give them what stupid
cruiserweight division has never been – is that a great fight does not need people these days want: fake press
awash with opportunities for fighters animosity as its fuel or selling point. conference brawls; young women with
– financially, that is – and therefore Here, with Okolie and Billam-Smith, zero boxing ability pulling hair and
tends to lend itself to surprisingly there is no such dynamic, nor would screaming expletives; banter, content,
straightforward deals and unexpected one expect anything like that to develop beef.
(and competitive) fights. in the weeks leading up to their fight They do this with all the subtlety of
Between Okolie and Billam-Smith, at the end of May. Instead, in place of a Carlos Maussa right hand and only
we have a continuation of this trend. animosity, you have nothing but respect the ones paying attention will question
Both no doubt had options – safer between two former sparring partners it or indeed appreciate that a pre-fight
ones, less risky ones – but, equally, who, according to both, were friends hug is as good as a pre-fight brawl if
both knew their quickest and during the time they spent together at the fight to follow is one worth making
straightest route to a pot of gold was Shane McGuigan’s gym. in the first place.

Highlighting the best
of the week’s stories
NEWS AND OPINION WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET
EXCLUSIVE:
member of, or affiliated to, or licensed
by, a Signatory or a Signatory’s member
organisation; (d) any professional league
or any international- or national-level
Event organisation; or (e) any elite or
Conor Benn
national-level sporting activity funded by
a governmental agency.”
In other words, any promoter, fighter,
trainer or other BBBofC licensee who
participates in any way in a Benn bout
provisionally
risks the loss of their BBBofC licence,
and reputable entities are likely to be
wary of involving themselves with a
Benn competition unless and until his
provisional suspension is lifted.
suspended
The events leading to that suspension
are a matter of record. On October 6,
2022, Benn’s contest with Eubank Jnr –
scheduled for October 8 – was cancelled
after news broke that Benn had tested
by UKAD
positive for clomifene, a hormone
and metabolic modulator known to
increase testosterone levels, following
a test conducted by VADA (Voluntary
Anti-Doping Association) on September
1. It later emerged that Benn tested
positive for the same substance in an
earlier VADA test, conducted as part of
OXING NEWS As of March competition for a provisionally the World Boxing Council (WBC) Clean
has learned that suspended athlete, WADA article 10.14.3 Boxing Program (CBP) on July 25.
15, Benn has
B Conor Benn was
provisionally
suspended by UKAD
on March 15. The
been under
provisional
reads: “Where an Athlete Support
Person or other Person assists a Person
in violating the prohibition against
participation during Ineligibility or a
Benn has maintained throughout that
he is innocent of purposefully ingesting
the substance, but he has remained
unwilling to face authorities in the UK
suspension, which suspension Provisional Suspension, an Anti-Doping where he held a licence with the BBBofC
throws his comeback into doubt, is from UKAD Organization with authority over such at the time of the tests.
a consequence of Benn twice testing Athlete Support Person or On the morning of October
positive for the prohibited substance as a other Person shall impose 21, before a BBBofC hearing
clomifene in the build-up to a proposed consequence sanctions for a violation.” which upheld allegations
bout with Chris Eubank Jnr last year.
It’s a ruling with far-reaching
of twice More specifically,
as noted earlier, on
of misconduct against
Benn, the boxer
consequences for Benn and beyond. testing March 15 Benn relinquished his
UKAD operate under the rules of the positive for was provisionally licence with the
World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) suspended by governing body
World Anti-Doping Code so Benn, and clomifene last UKAD. UKAD article while claiming
any person who in any way facilitates year, writes 10.14.1 applies to he was being
or participates in a Benn contest, could
face significant action. That includes
Matt Christie any British licence-
holder who in any
treated unfairly. A
subsequent attempt to
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, way facilitates Benn clear his name resulted
Benn’s promoter, who was exploring fighting while under in a 270-page document
options for the British boxer to return suspension and reads being submitted by
this summer. Hearn has mentioned Abu as follows: “While Benn’s attorneys to the
Dhabi, Australia and Texas as sites under
consideration for a Benn comeback,
serving a period of
Ineligibility or ProvisionalBENN HAS WBC, a rankings body
who thereafter ruled that
June 3 as the preferred date of the bout,
and fighters like Eubank Jnr and Manny
Suspension, an Athlete
or other Person may
ALWAYS there was no evidence to
prove he had knowingly
Pacquiao as potential opponents. not participate in any MAINTAINED taken clomifene. There
HE IS
In a nod to boxing’s complicated and capacity (or assist any was a suggestion the
somewhat bendable relationship with Athlete participating substance might have
doping rules, no professional boxing
commission or governing body is a
in any capacity) in a
Competition, Event or INNOCENT been present in Benn’s
urine due to egg
signatory to the WAD code. UKAD is, other activity (other than consumption, though
however. Therefore, the British Boxing authorised anti-doping Benn has since dismissed
Board of Control (BBBofC), who licensed education or rehabilitation programmes) egg consumption as a defence. The WBC
Benn when he failed the tests and with organised, convened, authorised or ruling saw Benn reinstated into the WBC
whom Hearn currently holds a licence, recognised by (a) the NGB [National welterweight rankings at number seven
are required to be compliant with the Governing Body] or by any body that in March and, in April, he was elevated to
WAD code because they adopt UKAD is a member of, or affiliated to, or sixth. A ranking with a sanctioning body
rules. licensed by the NGB; (b) any Signatory; is useless without a boxing licence from a
In regard to those who facilitate (c) any club or other body that is a governing body or commission, however.

Photo: IAN WALTON/MATCHROOM
At the time of this writing, that crucial
SUSPENDED: component for returning to competition
But Benn can appeal remains elusive.
against UKAD’s ruling Furthermore, Boxing News understands
that the WBC made their ruling only
with regard to the first test that Benn
failed, undertaken by VADA on July 25,
2022, as part of the sanctioning body’s
Clean Boxing Program (CBP), in which all
boxers wishing to be ranked by the WBC
must partake. The WBC had nothing to
do with the second positive Benn sample.
The WBC never even got the test results
for it. Thus, the WBC could not have
made a ruling that exonerated Benn with
regard to the second sample.
Benn and promoter Eddie Hearn
have claimed that the BBBofC doesn’t
have jurisdiction with regard to Benn’s
positive test results because the tests
were conducted by VADA, not UKAD.
But Benn held a licence with the BBBofC
at the time of both tests. And UKAD is
the authority to whom BBBofC-licensed
fighters must answer when it comes
to doping violations. Therefore, both
violations are a matter for UKAD to
address, which they are now in the
process of doing, despite Benn’s failure
to comply with their request for further
information.
The BBBofC’s Robert Smith would
neither deny nor confirm Benn’s
suspension. “We have been in
correspondence with UKAD and they’re
dealing with things now,” he said.
If Benn’s suspension could lead to
adverse consequences for someone who
fought Benn, trained Benn, or promoted
Benn, or was otherwise involved
with a Benn fight in the future, it is
understood that Smith could ask UKAD
for permission to share the information
regarding Benn’s suspension directly
with that third person or third party.
The promoters of Chris Eubank Jnr, who
up until recently was reported to be in
negotiations for a June 3 contest with
Benn in Abu Dhabi, have since indicated
he will partake in a rematch with Liam
Smith instead. It is not known, however, if
information regarding Benn’s suspension
was shared with Eubank or anyone
involved in the potential rescheduling of
that contest.
It is not known, either, if Benn will now
answer to UKAD in an effort to get the
suspension lifted. Should he do so, his
case might ultimately be heard by the
National Anti-Doping Panel who recently
ruled that Amir Khan must serve a two-
year ban following a doping violation
in April 2022, despite accepting that he
did not knowingly ingest a prohibited
substance.
When contacted by Boxing News, both
promoter Eddie Hearn and Mike Morgan
(counsel for Benn) declined to comment
on the record with regard to whether
Benn has been suspended by UKAD.

PREVIEWS + + + + + O U T S TA N D I N G + + + + G O O D + + + FA I R + + D I S A P P O I N T I N G + RU B B I S H
Previewing the best
upcoming fights
around the world
T h e s t a r r a t i n g s i n d i c a t e h o w w e l l t h e w r i t e r b e l i e v e s t h e f i g h t e r s m a t c h u p, t h e f i g h t ( s ) ’ c o n t e x t u a l s i g n i f i c a n c e , a n d h o w g o o d t h e f i g h t ( s ) w i l l b e
Pressure Cooker
★★★★★ MAIN EVENT If you can when Davis finds himself in trouble with champions have spent time in the ring
the law and Garcia continues to seek a despite the looming prospect of jail time.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ U N D E RC A R D forgive what’s breakout win, is perhaps no coincidence. Nobody is perfect, especially in
been going on Ticking time bombs, the both of them, a sport like boxing. Moreover, what
S talented as they are out of the ring there is forever a sense that one or makes fighters such as Davis and Garcia
troubled, lightweights both of these men could unravel at any compelling characters in the first place
A Gervonta “Tank” then Davies moment – inside the ring, outside the has a lot to do with the fact that they are
Davis and Ryan versus Garcia ring – and therefore it feels imperative imperfect beings; somewhat ironic, too,
“King Ry” Garcia that they meet before this happens. Davis, given their pro records.
have to date faced
is difficult to after all, is due to return to a Baltimore For Davis, 28-0 (26), this is not his first
their biggest battles resist, writes court on May 5 after pleading guilty to brush with trouble, and indeed some
away from the ring rather than inside it. Elliot Worsell hit-and-run charges stemming from a fans have often wondered whether
The pair have, in accumulating a November 2020 collision that left four “Tank’s” obsession with the likes of Floyd
combined record of 51-0 (45), beaten people injured. For him at least, fighting Mayweather and Mike Tyson is a good
every opponent they have so far Garcia on April 22 was a case of now or thing or a bad thing. Keen, it seems, to
encountered when wearing gloves and (maybe) never. play up to some tough guy persona, Davis
have also avoided fighting opponents The moral issues surrounding that has long fluctuated in weight between
considered either equals or rivals. That matter, and the sudden hunger to get fights, frequently gone off the rails, and
will all change on Saturday (April 22), the fight made, are plentiful, but will be appeared in danger of throwing away
however, when Davis and Garcia meet in nothing new to anyone who has followed his undoubted talent in favour of simply
Las Vegas, where at last a perfect record the sport for some time. On the one hand, having fun.
will be blemished and bragging rights will it’s hard to see the fairness in allowing Garcia, meanwhile, is a fighter
be claimed by one of the two. Davis to proceed with his professional susceptible to distractions of a different
Which of the two is likely to have the career while a criminal case hangs over kind. He, unlike Davis, is rarely blowing
last laugh remains to be seen, but one him, yet, on the other hand, the Maryland up in weight between fights, or slacking
thing is clear: this fight, mooted for some native would not be the first boxer in in the gym, yet, at 24, is one of the sport’s
time, has been stretched to breaking GENERATIONAL: his position to do so. In fact, some of first Generation Z stars and thus at the
Garcia with the
point. That it happens now, at a time great De La Hoya the sport’s most famous and celebrated mercy of an ever-changing world. He
Photo: CRIS ESQUEDA/GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS
is, for instance, a young man constantly
online, engaging, going back and forth,
and utterly self-absorbed. He posts videos
of himself training and living his life and
has become a target for both criticism
and temptation as a result. He is also,
most important of all, another young
person vulnerable to the demands of a
permanently online world, with his mental
health used at least once to explain a fight
cancellation and a subsequent period of
inactivity.
Mental health, of course, means
different things to different people
and any struggle with it will manifest
differently in different people. In the case
of Garcia, though, someone whose entire
style and personality seems predicated
on attention to detail (or just plain old
attention), speed of delivery, and a
constant state of unrest and alertness, it
is hardly a surprise that a man in his early
20s, under so much scrutiny and pressure,
would be liable to become overwhelmed
by the weight of it.
Davis, likewise, though four years
Garcia’s senior, is a fighter young at
heart; some would say underdeveloped.
In keeping with his style, he is raw

LOOKING UP:
But Davis is
arguably the
bigger hitter
Photo: ESTHER LIN/SHOWTIME

PREVIEWS
LOT ON HIS MIND: Will Davis’ legal
problems affect his performance?
Photo: RYAN HAFEY/PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS
and aggressive and prone to bouts of made him even more confident of cutting Davis is Gervonta Davis, the same could
impulsiveness, which make him such a him down to size on April 22. He also be said of Ryan Garcia. For he too is
threat, both on fight night and on the slammed Garcia for being “lazy” and said exposed to the same distractions and
many nights in between. his inability to fight him at the lightweight the same temptations and he too, on the
In other words, strip these two men limit of 135 pounds was indicative of a surface, appears to possess all the physical
of their character traits and you take young fighter whose concentration had gifts to excel in a sport like boxing: fast
from them a lot of what makes them so wandered along with his discipline. hands, fast feet, power in his left hook,
successful and dangerous when the first That, on the face of it, would seem rich snappy jab, great stamina. As a boxer,
bell rings. For Garcia, that’s his rapid, coming from a man like Davis, whose own he looks to have the lot, something he
twitchy style, and his ability to think motivation issues are well-documented, demonstrates to fans when posting videos
quickly and act just as fast, whereas for but it is a revealing comment nonetheless. of himself shadowboxing, or hitting either
Davis, that’s his merciless streak and the As was Davis’ suggestion that a speedball or bag. He seems,
cruel, callous way in which he goes after Garcia is an “Instagram in those moments, to be
injured prey. Boxing, it’s true, didn’t make boxer” rather than a “real WANNA something close to the
these lightweights this way, but it has fighter”, which has BET? perfect boxer: straight
definitely celebrated these traits and, in been an accusation THE oddsmakers are favouring up, well-poised, well-
turn, the two fighters. levelled at Garcia Davis with his price being 4/9 to balanced, completely
It will continue to do this on Saturday since he turned pro win and 4/6 to do so by KO. He’s a in control.
as well, when Davis and Garcia meet at back in 2016. long 5/1 to win on points. If you like Yet, of course,
an agreed weight of 136 pounds, which “He’s [Garcia] not Garcia, you can back him to triumph away from those
is one pound above the lightweight limit in the same class at 2/1, with the stoppage at 3/1 carefully constructed
of 135, the weight at which Davis is most as me,” Davis told and points at 7/1. The draw, moments, designed
comfortable, and four pounds beneath Fox News in a recent often one to look out for, purely for social media
super-lightweight, the division in which interview. “I have the full is 16/1. clout, one gets a greater
Garcia, 23-0 (19), originally wanted the package. I don’t think he insight into Ryan Garcia,
fight to take place. (That it now happens has the full package with his the man, and the fighter.
at 136 is fine, both fighters say, with overall ability. It is there, in fights against Luke
only a 10-pound rehydration clause for “He [Garcia] doesn’t bring any concern Campbell in 2021 (a fight in which Garcia
precautionary measures inserted into the for me to need to change up my game pulled himself up from a second-round
contract by Davis indicating he had any plan. I don’t want to sound cocky. I knockdown to stop Campbell in seven),
concerns or misgivings.) wouldn’t know until I get in the ring with you get a far greater sense of what he is
At 5’5, Davis would be wise not to him – his movement, his hand speed. I’ll and what he could become. Even last time
SHAPING UP: concede too much to Garcia, who stands fill him out overall, break him down by out, against Javier Fortuna in July, Garcia
Garcia might need at 5’8, with so much already at stake. Yet his mistakes, and then we’ll get him out could be seen stepping on the gas as the
to prove his he claimed when meeting his rival at a of there.” fight approached its halfway stage, so
toughness over
the full distance press conference that he didn’t appear as Much like how many have felt the keen was he to get Fortuna out of there
to win the fight tall as he had expected and this, he said, only thing capable of defeating Gervonta – which he did in round six – rather than
Photo: ESTHER LIN/SHOWTIME

BABIC GOING FOR
GOLD IN POLAND
But the bridgerweight class
is struggling for relevancy
ON Saturday night, Croatia’s

Alen Babic takes on Polish favourite,
Lukasz Rozanski, in a curious
affair that will lead to one of them
claiming, with a straight face, to be
the ‘world bridgerweight champion’.
The weight class was the idea of
the World Boxing Council and it’s
open to boxers who weigh between
200 and 224lbs. Thus far, the new
weight class has largely gone ignored
but this bout, which could be an
exciting one, may change that - if
only briefly. It all takes place inside
the G2A Arena, Jasionka 953,
Poland.
Babic, 11-0 (10), is fan-friendly in
the extreme. Now 32, and something
of a cult favourite to UK fans,
Babic might have his work cut out
against Rozanski, 14-0 (13), a career
heavyweight with a big right hand.
But the 37-year-old, despite early
wins over faded versions of Artur
Szpilka, Michael Sprott and Albert
Sosnowski, doesn’t exactly have the
simply cruise or try to avoid the possibility the advances of his squat opponent
look of a world beater. Who wins
of things getting messy. and perhaps racking up some of the
this is anyone’s guess but Babic, if
At a certain level, then, he is a true early rounds, maybe even stinging the he can stay away from Rozanski’s
fighter, no doubt. He has proved it more Baltimore man on occasion. But Davis, right hand and doesn’t gas down the
than once. But the suspicion with Garcia, for all his faults, is one of the many stretch, might just prove too fast and
one Davis shares, is that when finally he fighters who is as intelligent in the industrious.
meets an opponent who can match him ring as he is foolish away from it and Up at heavyweight, contender
physically and athletically, what else does therefore it is hard to envisage a scenario Martin Bakole, 18-1 (13), should be
he have to offer? It is in those moments, in which he is left somehow confused much too good for Hamburg-based
after all, that a fighter needs more than or outmanoeuvred by an opponent Ukrainian, Ihor Shevadzutskyi, 10-0
just a pretty repertoire of punches and like Garcia, despite Garcia’s physical (8) in a scheduled 10-rounder, while
quick hands with which to deliver them. It advantages. What’s more, so open is the vacant European cruiserweight
is in those moments you discover where Garcia when he attacks, and so high is his title is on the line when the 23-2
a fighter comes from and chin when pulling away (17) Michal Cieslak, a Pole who
the true nature of their from punches, it becomes went the distance with Lawrence
hardship and both their
determination and need
‘GARCIA almost impossible not to
picture Davis, a vicious
Okolie in February 2022, takes on
Frenchman Dylan Bregeon, 12-2-1
to succeed. Davis would DOESN’T puncher, at some stage (3). Interestingly, Bregeon, went
the distance with future Okolie
argue that Garcia is all
show, the implication BRING ANY landing something heavy
and finishing the fight in
opponent, Chris Billam-Smith, in
November, 2021.
being that when the
going gets tough he will
CONCERN TO its second half.
If that doesn’t happen,
most likely get going. ME TO CHANGE and if Garcia does indeed
He will argue that while
Garcia may be the more UP MY PLAN’ prove his toughness on
the night, the second most
marketable of the two, probable outcome is that
and the one whose appeal stretches Davis claims a decision on the cards.
beyond boxing, it is he, Davis, who is the In the night’s chief support bout, Cuban
true fighter and the one who was born to southpaw and WBA super-middleweight
do this rather than made to do it. He may belt-holder David Morrell, 8-0 (7), now
well be right, too, although this we will fights late replacement Yamaguchi
not know for sure until the two of them Falcao, 24-1-1 (12), following the
share a ring. withdrawal of original opponent Sena
Physically, it would seem Garcia has the Agbeko. There is also a second fight at
tools to give Davis problems, particularly super-middleweight between Uzbekistan’s
given Davis’ many distractions and his Bektemir Melikuziev, 11-1 (9), and the
tendency to start fights slowly. In the old warhorse Gabriel Rosado, 26-16-1
event of that, one could quite easily see (15), who is now 37 years old and has lost
Garcia’s jab and sharp left hook limiting his last three bouts. bn

In the process of winning an Olympic gold medal, Luke Campbell proved himself one of Britain’s finest ever
amateurs before testing himself against the very best as a pro. Aged 35, he tells Declan Warrington how
even pride in his career hasn’t stopped him struggling with retirement that followed his loss to Ryan Garcia
Photo: HENRY BROWNE/GETTY IMAGES
UMOURS persist she came down ill afterwards, ‘cos of all I feel more sad for him that whoever he
that you will fight the stress – she couldn’t handle it. [She’d had there with him actually did that to him
again – how close be] exhausted, and sick for a week or two [sold the footage that led to those reports].
have you come? DIWHUZDUGVb Whoever did that to him really stabbed him
I won’t fight I’ve got a fitness gym – a good membership in the back. I don’t even feel like he needed to
again. I want to, EDVHȂbDQGSODQVWRGRDFRXSOHPRUHZLWK apologise. [Plenty of] men who go out on the
but everything I’m my brand Coolhand and a partnership with ZHHNHQGGRWKDWDQ\KRZȂb\RXZRXOGQȇWKDYH
trying to build outside another brand. I’ve got a property business needed to apologise for no one, mate. You’re
of boxing I’d have to as well. The rest [of my time is filled with] going through a tough time; adapting. I feel
stop. The only reason golf. The only other boxer I’ve played with \RX<RXKDYHQȇWJRWWDDSRORJLVHIRUWKDWb
I retired was because LV-RVK.HOO\ȂbKHZDVPXFKEHWWHUWKDQPH
I was sick of being I always said to myself: “Luke, once you Did you leave boxing financially secure?
away. I’ve got three retire, you can’t be one of these fighters Yes. That was my ultimate goal, more than
NLGV JURZLQJ XS Ȃb Ζ ZDV FRQVWDQWO\ DZD\ that comes back and goes at it again”, and anything else. I always followed the money.
Ȃb P\ OLWWOH RQHȇV RQO\ WZR ΖȇG UDWKHU PLVV I see a lot of these fighters that just stay in I’d have five opponents lined up. “Which
boxing than miss my kids growing up. I still there, ‘cos it’s all they know. You’re getting one’s paying the most?” “Him, but he’s the
love the sport and have a passion for it, but smacked around the head all the time. I hardest fight.” “Okay, I’ll fight him.” I’m in a
I’m trying to create a life for myself outside don’t want that. I want to be older where I’ve very good position through boxing – through
of boxing, and that’s the hardest bit. When JRW P\ KHDOWKb P\ NLGV DURXQG PH 7KHUHȇV my dedication and hard work – and I secured
you’re away, it’s just you you have to deal boxers who come out, younger than me, my family. I never need to work again.
with. I know the routine – who I am and what and they slur their words, and I just thought,
I’m doing and there’s only me to please. ȊΖGRQȇWZDQWWKDWȋb You’re one of the best British fighters to
When you fit into a family lifestyle, and then never have won a world title. Are you at
you’re out at work and deal with so many How much did reports of Kell Brook’s peace with that?
other people, it gets very challenging. No struggles resonate with you? I thought I beat [in 2017 Jorge] Linares,
one’s approached me to say, “Do you want ΖDOZD\VORRNHGDW.HOO%URRNȂbDQGΖNQRZ and so did a hell of a lot of other people.
to come back and fight this guy?” No one’s some of his friends, and he’s only down the Going over there, under all the pressure
WULHGWRHQWLFHPHRXWRIUHWLUHPHQWb URDGIURPPHȂbWKDWER[LQJVDYHG.HOO%URRN and circumstances in my life at that time
There’s been many nights I’ve cried myself Sometimes the stories I’d hear in between Ȃb Ζ IRXJKW D SRXQGIRUSRXQGHU DQG ZRQ
to sleep because I’m in an environment I’ve ILJKWVȂbKHȇGJRRXWRQEHQGHUVOLNHGDGULQN PLQLPXPVHYHQFOHDUURXQGVRIDURXQG
never been in before, and I’m saying to my and partying, and every man to their own, fight. I outjabbed him; I outlanded him; I
wife [Lynsey], “I need to go back to boxing but it was boxing that brought him back beat that guy, but they give it to him on a
ȂbLWȇVWKHRQO\WKLQJΖNQRZLWȇVWKHRQO\WKLQJ into a stable life; a routine, a healthy way VSOLWGHFLVLRQ RQ KLV VKRZ 7KDW ZDV D UHDO
I’m good at”. But then it’s like, well, then of living, and structure. I’ve always had a disheartening fight. Everything I’ve been
what? Go back and just have a fight? For VWDEOH OLIH Ȃb Ζ GLGQȇW GULQN LQ EHWZHHQ ILJKWV WKURXJKȂbP\GDGSDVVLQJDZD\WZRZHHNV
what? Am I going to fight for a world title? and was always very dedicated. I look at my before; that was my fairytale, for my dad
There’s a long journey back, and it’d mean difficulties, and think, “I’m struggling”, so for Ȃb WKH\ GLGQȇW JLYH LW WR PH ZKLFK KXUW WKH
me going away again and being away from someone like Kell, who needed boxing to get most. I fought the elite of the elite when I
P\IDPLO\ȂbWKDWȇVZK\ΖVWRSSHG WKDW VWUXFWXUH Ȃb IXFN PHb LI ΖȇP VWUXJJOLQJ fought for a world title, and I’m proud of
She supports whatever I want to do, but how’s he getting on? He needed boxing, in that. There’s many out there who are world
I put a lot of stress on the family while I P\RSLQLRQȂbΖPLJKWEHZURQJȂbWRJHWIRFXV champions and no one knows who they are.
was competing. Every time I had a fight, DQGURXWLQHΖGLGIHHOIRUKLPb Everyone knows who I am. Fans say, “You

NO REGRETS: In Lomachenko [left] and Linares [below],
Campbell says he fought ‘the elite of the elite’, which helps him
reconcile not winning a world title as a professional
Photos: MATCHROOM & GETTY IMAGES
was in the best fights”. The second most content. I’ve got a beautiful family, beautiful right frame of mind whatsoever. I was
LPSRUWDQWWKLQJLQER[LQJIRUPHLVWKDWȂbΖ wife. What more do I want? My Olympic going through panic attacks and things like
fought the best and never ducked anyone. gold medal, and fighting Lomachenko – he that with my dad. The only reason I went
There’s sadness, but I’m content. ZDV D WZRWLPH 2O\PSLF FKDPSLRQ Ȃb DW D through with that fight, in my mind, was he
sold-out O2 Arena, on pay-per-view [were would want me to do it. I didn’t take any
Reading between the lines, it sounds the highlights]. I fought the best amateur in consideration in for, “How am I feeling?
like you’re frustrated Matchroom didn’t KLVWRU\RYHUURXQGVb Can I handle this? How’s my mind playing?”
secure home advantage for you, as they I had a team around me that was in their
did for Kevin Mitchell and Anthony How good was Jorge Linares? own little world. Jorge [Rubio, my then-
Crolla when they fought Linares? Unbelievable warrior. There’s word I trainer] is a lovely fella [but] he didn’t have
I was an Olympic champion, a household broke his rib in the ninth round – he was a clue what was going on [with logistics and
name, but every time I had a big world an unbelievable fighter. He had the biggest managing]. I had to handle everything. I had
title fight, they sent me across the seas. right hand out of everyone I fought. He had to sort everything out; organise the team,
I wanted the Crolla fight so many times, WKHVWURQJHVWULJKWKDQGȂbPRUHSRZHUWKDQ organise the flights, organise my training
but they never give it to me. Crolla’s a anyone else. His speed; his boxing ability camp. If I’d had a proper team around me,
great guy and a great fighter, and I’m not [are his strengths]. Even though, weirdly, like in my last years with Shane McGuigan,
disrespecting anything he achieved, but he I thought I was beating him with the jab then they would have advised me whether
was nowhere near the class I was in, and it’s all the time, and stepping round him. He I should have got in that ring or not. At one
QRW OLNH Ζ FRXOGQȇW VHOO WLFNHWV Ȃb Ζ VROG caught me with a flash shot in the second point, as much as I love Jorge, he was over
for my debut. I can’t say nothing bad about URXQGȂbDVKHFRPHLQΖOHDQHGEDFNZLWKD there praising [Ismael] Salas like he’s a god,
Matchroom, because I made a hell of a lot of hook, and he followed through with a right and I’m thinking, “Is he for real? That’s our
money. I was with Matchroom when I fought hand and knocked me on me arse. I wasn’t competition. Fucking hell.” It was my fault
[Vasyl] Lomachenko [in the UK] on pay- physically hurt – my legs didn’t go. He just [I didn’t have the right nature of team until
SHUYLHZȂbWKDWZDVDYHU\ELJSD\GD\ȂbEXW OLWHUDOO\ SXW PH RQ P\ EDFNVLGH Ȃb NQRFNHG working with McGuigan]. No one else.
the majority of my biggest paydays weren’t PH RIIEDODQFH Ȃb DQG ZKHQ Ζ ZDV GRZQ Ζ
with Matchroom, they were on Golden Boy said, “Luke, you’re embarrassing yourself – What about Vasyl Lomachenko?
shows. get up”, so I got up, switched on, and from He was the smartest fighter out of ‘em all.
there I thought I took the fight. Everybody Every time I went to attack him, he would
What do you reflect on as the highlights >KDG@WROGPHΖZDVJRLQJWRJHWNQRFNHGRXWb just block and move away, and not engage.
of your career? He wouldn’t try and counter me. Sometimes
From going into boxing from day one, With your dad passing away two weeks I was trying to look – to draw him and
my goal and dream was to be an Olympic before the Linares fight, should you counter him – and he just don’t give
champion [which Campbell achieved have pulled out? you the shots to counter. The only
DW /RQGRQ @ Ζ DOZD\V ZDQWHG WR EH Probably. Mentally, I wasn’t in the time he really attacked me was when
DQ 2O\PSLF FKDPSLRQ Ȃb Ζ QHYHU KDG DQ\
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know why. “If I win gold at the Olympics. I’m
gonna retire.” Months afterwards, I thought,
I'm financially secure, got a
“I don’t want to look back and think, ‘Where
could I have gone?’”, so I went into it. I came
out, financially secured my family forever,
beautiful family, won Olympic
DQGZRQDORWRIUHVSHFWIURPWKHIDQVȂbΖȇP gold, fought Loma on PPV...”
:+$7&28/'+$9(%((1ΖQKLVODVWȴJKW&DPSEHOOYHUJHVRQWKHXSVHWE\
GURSSLQJ5\DQ*DUFLDLQURXQGWZREXWWKH\RXQJVWDUFRPHVEDFNWRVWRSȆ&RRO
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Photos: GOLDEN BOY & GETTY IMAGES
he threw at the same time as me. The one was hitting him with hard shots, and he was months with not going in the ring before
thing I’d change is for me not to commit with shrugging them off, backing himself. Single that fight, and I was training all the time. A
the jab. Every time I tried to commit with the VKRWV Ζ FDQ SXQFK YHU\ KDUG Ȃb KDUGHU WKDQ hell of a long time. What I should have done
jab I got timed with a left to the body. If I’d a lot of people think.“Once I start hitting him ZDV ȊΖ GRQȇW ZDQW WKDW ILJKW \HW Ȃb Ζ QHHG WR
flicked the jab instead then stepped back, or and hurting him he’s not going to want to go in there and get the cobwebs off and be
something like that, I could have teased him know”, but he was tough. a little bit more active”. I asked for fights so
with it and played with him a little bit more. I thought I was five rounds up. I dropped many times.
It was when I committed to the jab, he timed him in the second round, and I have never, I was three weeks off fighting [Javier]
PHWRWKHERG\VRXWKSDZYVVRXWKSDZb ever seen anybody recover the way that Fortuna for the world title. I’d have gone
Your focus needs to be switched on all the man did. He was put to sleep in the second WKHUHDQGΖȇGKDYHZKRRSHG)RUWXQDȂbDJDLQ
time. The second you lose focus, he’s getting round; his arms was behind his back and over in America. Covid hit, they took the fight
to you. I had to throw a lot of feints and keep he was out. He bounced up at five, fully away from me, and the title I was fighting for
him thinking and on his toes all the time. recovered. I’ve hit people with half the shot they gave to [Devin] Haney. That moment
The biggest challenge, mentally, was staying I’ve hit him with, and they haven’t recovered. is where I lost a lot of love for boxing. But
DOHUWDQGIRFXVHGb I was looking across, and his corner [Eddy everything happens for a reason. It’s a real
It was an unbelievable fight. The better Reynoso was then Garcia’s trainer] was all shame, but it is what it is.
man won, but a lot of them rounds was very panicking, and he was trying to calm them
close, very competitive. He hurt me, I hurt down. “That’s a bit weird. He’s fully recovered Who wins when Garcia fights Gervonta
him; the fans loved it, and I fought the very Ȃb EH FDUHIXO EHFDXVH ΖȇP JRLQJ WR ZDON RQ Davis?
best. It was an incredible fight. to a right hook or something.” People ask Garcia wins. He’s the bigger man – Tank’s
At one point, Johnny Nelson’s saying to why I didn’t jump on him. I jumped on him always fought bigger guys anyhow, don’t get
me, “How do you think you can even go in FDUHIXOO\ȂΖNQRZLIVRPHRQHȇVWKHUHRUQRWb me wrong, [but] I don’t think Tank’s got the
there and win?” “You seriously just said that The weight killed me. I’ve never struggled workrate to keep up with Garcia, for a start.
to me?” I look back and I’m thinking, “How with weight like that before, and if I was to 7DQNȇV PDGH IRU *DUFLD Ȃb KHȇV VKRUWHU JRW
I’ve gone in there and did what I did anyhow, continue, I’d have moved up after that fight. a smaller reach. He’s fast, but with Garcia’s
against these guys when literally everybody 7KDW ZDV WKH KDUGHVW LWȇV HYHU EHHQ Ȃb DQG timing and his speed, he beats Tank. If he
was writing me off and no one had any I’d never ever been hurt with a body shot. GRQȇWNQRFNKLPRXWKHEHDWVKLPRQSRLQWVb
confidence in me…”. “I’m glad you think he’s /RPDFKHQNRKXUWPHEXWQRWZLWKRQHVKRWb Tank’s a beast; he’s technical. He’s got
unbelievable; this is where I get on that level the power – that one shot to pull out of a
and prove to myself and everybody else I The Garcia fight happened in the middle bag. When he fought [Rolando] Romero,
FDQPL[LWZLWKWKHHOLWHRIWKHHOLWHȋb of the pandemic. To what extent did its he was six rounds down, then [Romero]
timing, and the landscape around it, got a little bit careless and walked on to a
And Ryan Garcia? contribute to your career? shot. Usually a big puncher doesn’t have a
Garcia will be a pound-for-pounder. He Seven weeks before that fight I had Covid PDVVLYHZRUNUDWHb%XWZLWK*DUFLDȇVDWKOHWLF
was a lot better than I thought he was. He and was in bed, written off, for two weeks. ability, his speed and timing and his punch
has power in both hands, hard punches in My camp was going great until I got Covid. IHURFLW\KHEHDWV7DQNȂbDQGKHFHUWDLQO\FDQ
both hands. His speed and his timing is like I think I got it off a sparring partner. it take a shot. His best shot’s his right hook.
nothing I’ve been in with before. He’s faster doesn’t really matter where I got it from. Boxing really needs a fight like that. If any
than Lomachenko, and has better timing. Then I’ve got five weeks to get ready for YouTubers want to call me out… I’ve watched
You can hit Garcia, but his timing and speed this 12-round fight over in California. The more entertaining white-collar fights. This
is his best quality. He can punch much, second I felt better, I was straight back in fight is what boxing’s really needing right
harder than Lomachenko. I hurt Garcia; camp, hammering my body again. I had 16 now. bn

Liam Walsh reflects on the highs and lows of his career, explains the circumstances behind its somewhat
abrupt end, and reveals exactly what it’s like to share a ring with Gervonta Davis. By Declan Warrington
Photo: DEAN MOUHTAROPOULOS/GETTY IMAGES
OU appeared to anyway. Graham was really keen for me to about, “Don’t make a mistake”, and if you
have so much win a British title at two weights, but I wasn’t knew me personally, that couldn’t be further
left to offer VR LQWHUHVWHG Ζ JHQXLQHO\ OLNH 0D[L Ȃb Ζ VWD\ from my character. I’m up for a gamble; I’ll
when you beat in contact with him – believed I’d beat him sky dive or bungee jump; I’m an adrenaline
Maxi Hughes in again, and thought, “They’re talking about junky, really, and yet I got in there and
November 2019. PRYLQJKLPRQWRELJJHUWKLQJVȂbZKRDPΖ boxed a bit rigid, psychologically. But I also
Why have you not to stop him?” He’ll probably laugh and think, did understand, quite early on, that the cost
fought since? “Fuck off, Liam, I’ll fill you in”, but that’s how I of a loss was huge. I sparred differently
The plan was to fight felt. He’s taking risks, away from home, and to how I boxed a lot of the time, because
in March [2020], and the deserves every break he gets. there weren’t that risk. I looked loose – I was
show got cancelled due I came into boxing to be a world champion, quite loose and my hands were all over the
to Covid. I was pencilled and the truth of it is I wasn’t good enough. fucking place – but I knew I couldn’t take too
in [to fight on an MTK bill]. It’d have been lovely if I was, but I wasn’t, PDQ\ULVNVb
I was then pencilled in to fight Paul Hyland DQG ΖȇP D UHDOLVW Ȃb P\ GHIHQFH ZDVQȇW JRRG
for the British title [at lightweight, in March enough. You had [Devin] Haney, [Jorge] So, you consider yourself retired?
2021], and got Covid eight or nine days Linares, [Vasyl] Lomachenko, Teofimo Yeah, definitely. [Pauses] Yeah, I am
before [and had to withdraw]. But I kept [Lopez], and I’m looking at that landscape retired, yeah. I hesitated, because it was
saying to Graham [Everett, my trainer], “This thinking, “I’m not good enough to beat only a week ago I was saying to Graham,
is going to be my last fight”. I’d prepared well these guys – especially now”. At least a few “If X, Y and Z want to fight then I’ll fight”. I’ll
and sparred really well, and had decided I years before, I’d have felt like I would have. SXW LW RXW WKHUH DFWXDOO\ Ȃb ΖȇG OLNH WR ILJKW
was going to be aggressive and swing and I genuinely believed I was going to win Ricky Burns. That fight was once made and
have a bit of a wild one, rather than box and [against Gervonta Davis in 2019]. I had no didn’t happen. He’s a similar age to me. I
not take any risks. qualms about it, and that mindset weren’t don’t have this big desire to fight him, but if
I said I’d be ready [to fight again] probably there anymore. So, that’s how it all came to someone said, “You can fight Ricky Burns”,
April, May. I’d had 10 or 12 days off – I didn’t an end. I gave it my everything, but I weren’t that’d really get my interest, and I’d probably
leave the house; I laid on the couch; I was good enough. start training. If I thought I could give it my
VWUXJJOLQJȂbWKHQVWDUWHGJRLQJRXWUXQQLQJ [Boxing News asks about George Kambosos all, then I’d go ahead and do it. It’d be such
again, went back to the gym, and was Jnr as a potential opponent]. I watched him a good fight – a few years back we had a
breathing really heavily. “What’s happening DJDLQVW >/HH@ 6HOE\ Ȃb ΖȇG KDYH ORYHG WKDW 10-round spar, and it was fucking brilliant.
here? Two weeks ago I was in prime position fight. That sort of style would have suited I absolutely loved it. He laughed at the end
to fight.” Another two weeks of training I PHDVZHOOb of every round, and I smiled at the end of
was still thinking, “I’m way off it here, this I don’t have many regrets, but one HYHU\URXQG7HQVROLGURXQGVȂbLWZDV
ain’t going to happen”. It probably didn’t little one is sometimes I was little bit difficult. He was a world-class fighter.
help that half of me knew it was going to too cautious in my boxing. It was all Knocking lumps out of each other.
be my last fight. I felt... not ashamed, but
“Am I just messing people around here?”
The desire weren’t deeply there to want to
be the best anymore, and I just felt it was
If someone called me out on
going to be such a long road back. Once
Maxi won [after replacing me], I was pretty
sure the rematch weren’t going to happen. I
TV, I'd be there, no problem, so I
didn’t want to fight Maxi for the second time don't know if I am retired or not”
Maybe we wouldn’t be able to do that with content, and more than happy. The glass is was never, ever going to beat him. At some
OLWWOHJORYHVΖWȇVDVKDPHZHGLGQȇWJHWLWRQb half full. Life could be so much harder, and point he was going to chin me. I had good
He’s a really good lad, Ricky, so I’m probably is for a lot of people. IHHW EXW Ζ GLGQȇW KDYH D JRRG GHIHQFH Ȃb D
going to have to retract the comment that I I wish I was [financially secure from knack of riding and catching shots. Some
want to fight him, because I don’t really want boxing]. If I was, I’d 100 per cent still be fighters are slipping, and they’re hitting their
to fight him, deep down – I am retired. If it LQYROYHGb SUREDEO\ LQ DQ DPDWHXU FOXE ΖȇG VKRXOGHUVDQGJHWWLQJWKHLUFRYHUVLQȂbΖZDV
was offered to me tomorrow, three months’ give full commitment to an amateur club, pulling away, and my body type, I’m long
WLPHΖȇGWDNHLWȂbGHILQLWHO\ΖȇPQRWJRLQJWR and probably be involved on the pro side and thin, isn’t designed to be getting clipped
go out and push for it, but if it was offered… at some point with Graham. I always had pulling away.
If someone started calling me out on TV, intentions of staying within boxing. But I’ve I was massively humbled [by my support,
all that business, I’d be there, no problem, JRW WR HDUQ PRQH\ Ȃb LW GRHVQȇW DOORZ PH WR walking to the ring], and that stunned me.
so I don’t know if I am retired or not. If do it. But [typically] I always had in me mind I was
someone offers me out or calls me out, It seems selfish, and I sometimes hate WKH XQGHUGRJ Ȃb WKDWȇV KRZ Ζ IHOW ȊΖȇOO VKRZ
I’ll 100 per cent fight them. Even the elite it and think, “Liam, be better than this”, ‘em.” But the night of the Gervonta fight
names I was talking earlier. But I don’t really because there was volunteers and amateur [exhales]... “Is this really happening to me?”
want to be fighting anyone. I don’t know coaches who helped me. I wouldn’t have It was a feeling I’ve never fucking had. I was
how that comes across. I’d be interested in got the opportunities I got without people tingling. It felt like every single person in
the right fight, but why would the right fight doing it for nothing – or without Graham there wanted me to win. Afterwards, I felt so
be there for me when I haven’t been in the and Manuel Povedano. At some point I JXWWHGȊΖȇYHOHWWKRVHSHRSOHGRZQȋb
ring all these years, coming on to nearly 37 definitely will give back. I don’t miss a show I’d rather have got knocked clean out. I’d
>\HDUVROG@ΖWȇVGRQH0\FDUHHUȇVRYHUb ȂbΖZDWFKHYHU\VKRZΖHYHQVWXSLGO\VWD\HG have felt better. I’m over it. [But] I had these
up and watched that Jake Paul thing [against mad thoughts of stinking the place out for
BN: What’s replaced boxing in your life? Tommy Fury], and I was fuming at myself. I three or four rounds, and then switching it
I’ve got a couple of businesses in Cromer even watched the interviews after. If I’m not all around and being aggressive, sticking it
– some ice-cream shops. They’re obviously LQΖPDNHVXUHΖZDWFKLWȂbΖORYHER[LQJ to him, hitting him with body shots, push
seasonal. I’m working for a friend who has him back, pull his head down, hit him low
KLV RZQ EXVLQHVV Ȃb JHQHUDO ODERXULQJ 7KH How do you reflect on your one defeat, and seeing what he were like down the
last few weeks I’ve been in the garden doing by Gervonta Davis? stretch. “He’s a young kid; get him frustrated
me mum’s patio and flower beds. Keeping I wouldn’t change it. People always say, early where he’s swinging and getting
busy. “Do you regret doing that fight?”, and DQQR\HGȋbDQGKHZDVJRLQJWKDWZD\DOLWWOH
I still go [to Everett’s gym]. I spar [twin I always say, “Do I heck! I got an bit, because he was trying to goad me:
EURWKHU@ 5\DQ HYHU\ QRZ DQG DJDLQ Ȃb KHȇV opportunity to fight the best”. I’m more “You’re an amateur”. In hindsight, I’d
still pushing hard and trying to get fights. I’m WKDQ JUDWHIXO IRU WKDWb 7KH UHDOLW\ LV Ζ have tried switching it and he’d have
up in the morning running, at 6am. My lad
Lenny, who’s 11, has had his first amateur
fight. He’s dead keen and really dedicated,
which is definitely not my doing. I’d like him
The reality is I was never, ever
to box some amateur fights, no doubt. [But]
I can’t say he shouldn’t be a professional.
ΖȇYH JRW WKUHH ER\V >DQG RQH JLUO@ Ȃb RQH RI
going to beat Gervonta Davis.
them I know for a fact isn’t going to box. I’m He was always going to chin me”
FACING THE TRUTH: After being emphatically

stopped by Davis, Walsh admitted he wasn’t
good enough to become a world champiom

punched the fuck out of me. But I’d rather right areas – that the first one that properly which against a southpaw sounds like he’s
WKDW Ȃb WKH ZD\ LW HQGHG GLGQȇW VLW ULJKW ZLWK connected buzzed me, then he hit me two on to a winner, but I don’t think Tank’s there
me for years. My legs were definitely gone or three times around the ear and back of WREHKLWZLWKLWȂb>'DYLV@MXGJHVGLVWDQFHVR
Ȃ Ζ ZDV VZD\LQJ DURXQG OLNH IXFN Ȃb EXW DV the head. I’m not complaining, I’d have done well. There’ll be a cagey start, and a boxing
a fighter, just let me get knocked out. If a it if I’d got him in that position. He then match, and Tank will nail him mid-to-late. If
fighter’s got a one per cent chance, he feels rushed at me, punches are scuffing around Garcia gets greedy and leans over his front
like he’s got a chance. I’d discussed [those me, and [the referee] Michael Alexander foot, he’ll just get took out. I don’t see Garcia
tactics] with Graham but I was very strong- made probably the correct decision. I was being as disciplined as Tank. He wants to
willed and strong-minded. I’d watched a lot SUREDEO\JRLQJWRJHWDEVROXWHO\KDPPHUHGb impress and be in a good fight.
RIKLPȂbΖJRWLWZURQJQRRQHHOVH His awareness was elite, as well. He was I hope [Davis] goes on to prove he’s elite
Ideally I’d have fought three or four world- looking at me and his eyes were pinged up, and keeps his life on track and doesn’t spiral
level opponents, or ex-world champions like a cat getting their prey. His concentration out of control. He’s come from nothing and
[before fighting Davis]. I got offered a was immense. If I’d farted, he would have seen a lot of shit in his life and you can’t be
European title fight with Guillaume Frenois, flinched to catch something – he was that anything but happy for him. He could be a
and the IBF come back with, “If you take on it. His focus – he hadn’t, but it was like he VSHFLDOILJKWHUb
any other fight you’ll be stripped of your took something to enhance it. It weren’t like
UDQNLQJȋVRWKDWVFXSSHUHGWKDWb ORRNLQJDWDKXPDQb What was the highlight of your career?
I got a message off Frank [Warren] the I believe he’s got a lot better [boxing] I’ve got a couple. The [Paul] Appleby fight
next morning, saying, “Don’t worry, Liam, IQ than he’s given credit for. It never gets was one of them, because I showed some
you’ve done what you can – we’ll rebuild you, mentioned, because it’s always about the balls, got off the floor, and I look back now
we’ll get you another world title shot”, and knockouts and the speed. There’s a lot going and at the end I’m shouting, “I can fight”, and
I felt wholeheartedly that I still had a lot to on in there – the small movements. His it’s like I had to prove that to people.
offer. I [later] got offered not a lot of money timing, and positioning – he knows when to Did I doubt myself or think that people
to fight Craig Evans, and I was fuming about hit the body, when to step and when not to. doubted me? I don’t really know. That was
it. Maybe I thought my value was better than He’s good at the psychological battle as well. the only real tough fight I had – obviously
it was. He extends his front foot, and puts you Gervonta stopped me quick, but I didn’t
I think Frank’s the best promoter of under pressure with his feet – he ain’t got have a mark on me, bar a big lump behind
the lot, so I haven’t got no hang-ups. In a long arms and ain’t putting you on the end of P\HDUb
EXVLQHVV VHQVH Ȃb KLQGVLJKWȇV Ȃb WKDW a jab, ‘cos he don’t really throw a jab, which Me pro debut [against Daniel Thorpe in
would have been the better move [to take is half the reason I went southpaw with him. 2008] was good, ‘cos it was me and me two
the Evans fight anyway. But I’m still happy He’s left-hand happy, ‘cos he knows he only brothers [Ryan and Michael], and it felt big.
I didn’t, because I can put me head on me QHHGVWRODQGWKDWIXFNHURQFHb We were all mad. “Fucking hell, have we
pillow and be content that I didn’t get took He beats Ryan Garcia. It’s a brilliant fight managed this? Boxing for Frank Warren…”
for a complete fool. Business-wise, it was – props to both. I’m glad they’re going for it :HȇGFRPHIURPVFUDWFKb
definitely the wrong decision, but I done the now, ‘cos they could string it out. Garcia will My only little claim to fame is I dropped
ULJKWWKLQJb win rounds and give him a lot of problems, [Andrey Klimov] a man [Terence] Crawford
but he stands a little bit too tall, and he pulls didn’t. But that’s about all I’ve got from me
What makes Davis so good? a lot, and his chin’s up there to be hit, and career now. That’s me only bar story. I’ll
He had elite speed, which I’d never seen. I [Davis will] nail him. Tank won’t run at him have to sail away with that one. It weren’t
didn’t feel one of his punches, ‘cos they were wildly – [Garcia’s] way too good to steam a big knockdown; maybe it caught him off-
so crisp and so sharp – and they were in the into. [Garcia’s] left hook’s his money punch, guard. bn
PLENTY TO BE PROUD OF: Walsh and his brothers Michael and Ryan [left, either
side of Liam] were all decorated boxers. Among Liam’s belt haul were the British
and Commonwealth super-featherweight titles he defended against Joe Murray
[above] in 2015

PREVIEWS
The bionic hand

★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW But Declan of the belt even though his failure to Welshman to win inside the distance.
accommodate his mandatory challenger This time he is a clear favourite with the
Taylor was through no fault of his own. bookmakers despite nearly a year off and
HEN Joe Cordina wonders if Rakhimov went on to win the vacant title serious surgery on his injured right hand.
iced Kenichi Ogawa by virtue of a ninth-round stoppage of In the immediate aftermath of
Cordina’s
W after just four
minutes and 15
seconds of their
clash in Cardiff last
metal plate
and five
Zelfa Barrett in Abu Dhabi in November.
Cordina was ringside that night, safe
in the knowledge his promoter Eddie
Hearn would deliver him the winner, and
Rakhimov’s victory over Barrett, Cordina
had claimed that a similar performance
in Wales would allow him to “box circles
around” the Tajikistan southpaw, because
June, it looked as screws will he has done exactly that. This weekend, Cordina insists he is still brimming with
though the Welsh talent had arrived on back at the Cardiff Arena, world No.4 confidence as a result of what went
the world stage. But the joy of that night hold up Cordina will take on No.5 Rakhimov with down against Ogawa 10 months ago.
in the heart of his home city quickly against the that same IBF strap on the line, with the “I’ve felt like a different man because
made way for months of frustration for home fighter once again the of that win,” he said. “In
the 31-year-old super-featherweight. fearsome challenger. The card will be everything I’m doing, I’ve got
TALKING
In the first round of his first spar back Rakhimov? shown live on DAZN in
POINT
that confidence now.
in camp, Cordina snapped a bone in the UK. “I’ve done what all
the same right hand that had wiped out Cordina’s fight with CORDINA being stripped of the fighters that I’ve
Ogawa. It meant a scheduled defence of Ogawa had been his IBF title is comparable to watched, studied,
his newly won IBF belt, against Shavkat seen by most as a what happened to Tyson Fury in looked up to and
Rakhimov, had to be postponed. 50/50, with very 2015 when he dethroned Wladimir admired did. I’ve
Worse, the IBF then stripped him few picking the Klitschko. Bound to a rematch done that too now.
Photo: HUW FAIRCLOUGH/GETTY IMAGES clause with the Ukrainian, Fury Now I think: ‘I am
was stripped by the IBF for that good’. I’ve always
not instead fighting his believed it and I’ve
PROVEN:
Politics and injuries mandatory. always said I’d be a world
aside, Cordina is a champion. When I went in
world-level operator the office, I said to Eddie to get
me the fight and leave the rest to me.
“That moment against Ogawa, I arrived
on the world scene and in this fight, I’ve
got the confidence I gained that night,
but also the bit between my teeth that
I need to prove something. It’s a proper
concoction, that.”
Add his counter-punching ability,
shot selection and the power he
demonstrated against Ogawa, and
Cordina looks like a serious proposition
for anyone. Given Shakur Stevenson’s
move to lightweight, an impressive win
here could make him the putative No.1.
But Freddie Roach-trained Rakhimov
is a serious operator, too. He is 17-0-1
(14), with the only blemish a majority
draw with an overweight Jo Jo Diaz in
February 2021. He is a serious puncher
at the weight and will be confident of
finding an opening to close the show at
some point during these 12 rounds with
Cordina.
But, provided his hand – which now
has a plate and five screws in it – holds
up, the pick here is a Cordina decision in
another star-making fight during which
he will have to prove his mettle.
Let’s hope his first spar back afterwards
goes more smoothly.
Earlier, Zelfa Barrett will return
for the first time since he was beaten
by Rakhimov five months ago. The
Manchester man had been scheduled

Photo: MATTHEW POVER/MATCHROOM
THE EQUALISER:
Rakhimov will feel
he has the power
to overcome the
Welshman’s superior
skills
to take on Alex Dilmaghani here, but

when the latter withdrew through injury,
Alberquerque’s Jason Sanchez stepped
up for this 12-rounder.
Barrett had been boxing beautifully at
times against Rakhimov, who he dropped
with a sublime uppercut in the third, but
suffered a perforated eardrum and, with
his balance completely shot, was stopped
in the ninth. Sanchez, meanwhile, is 2-3
in his last five, but can punch. Barring
another injury, Barrett can win clearly.
In what could be the best fight on the
undercard, there is a south Wales derby
for the British lightweight title as Gavin
Gwynne and Craig Woodruff meet
again following their majority draw in
September.
That initial clash, broadcast on
Channel 5, was a genuine classic which
both men thought they had won. Now
they will do it again on DAZN, with
Gwynne a slight favourite. He made a
slow start in September, but if he can get
ahead this time, he should manage to
nick a decision. Another draw is not out
of the question, though.
There is also an intriguing domestic
clash at cruiserweight with undefeated
Jordan Thompson taking on Swindon’s
English champion Luke Watkins over
10. Thompson looks to be en route to
the upper echelons of the division and
Watkins will provide a decent yardstick of
how far off the likes of Lawrence Okolie
and Chris Billam-Smith he is. Thompson
on points seems likely.
Elsewhere, welterweight Sandy Ryan
boxes for the first time this year when she
takes on Canada’s Marie Pier Houle.
Ryan, 29, has won twice since she was
beaten by Erica Anabella Farias in March
of last year and should become the first
person to beat 8-0-1 (2) Houle. A wide
points win is the pick.
There are also run outs for five of
Matchroom’s undefeated prospects.
Skye Nicolson, the 6-0 Australian, faces
Linda Laura Lecce in an eight-twos
featherweight clash. Swansea light-
heavyweight Sammy Lee, meanwhile,
will hope to move to 2-0 by beating Juris
Zundovskis over six.
Super-bantamweight Brandon Scott,
super-featherweight Nathan Howells
and heavyweight Miles Gordon-Darby
complete the undercard with a trio of
four-rounders early on.
THE VERDICT Cordina looks to right

some wrongs and make up for lost
time.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“I WOULD
RATHER BREAK
MY HAND ON
RAKHIMOV’S
HEAD”
The injury and the IBF left me close to retirement but I’m back at full
pelt, says Joe Cordina as he bids to regain what he never lost in the ring
INTERVIEW: GLYNN EVANS PORTRAIT: LEIGH DAWNEY/GETTY IMAGES
I WAS in Malta with the I’m done. Retired.” Thankfully, my dad and wife
family enjoying a well- said a few harsh truths and the surgeon, Mike
earned rest. Though I was Hayton, assured me, ‘[Give it] three months and
doing some light training you’ll be back.’ Do I do it? Fuck it, yes.
there, the first defence
was sprung on me with +++
about eight weeks’ notice,
which isn’t enough for me. I used the time out pretty productively. [Sponsors]
Consequently, I rushed straight into sparring JD took me to Qatar for the World Cup and I
and knackered the right hand the first time I saw all three Wales games, USA, Iran, and I can’t
landed it, in my first spar back. I knew straight mention the other [chuckles]. That was a sore
away that it was “gone”. I snapped the metatarsal; one… especially as I was in the same hotel as
clean break. the England team’s families! Still, one of the best
At the time, I had no idea of the deal with the experiences of my life; something I might never
IBF. I was under the impression I was allowed get to do again.
two medical extensions. I assumed there’d be a Then, on December 9, I got married. I’ve been
fight for the interim title. Isn’t that the purpose with the missus [Lauren] for 15 years, but we kept
of interim titles? I expected to be retained as putting it off. She finally forced my hand, held a
‘champion in recess’. bat to me. I’m from a huge family. Dad’s one of
Before I knew it, I was told I’d been stripped, 20-odd, mum’s one of 14. Trouble is, they don’t
after just four months. Then, I had a hundred all get on! So it was just a Cardiff registry office
things going on in my head. I’m 31, not young. affair – I was shitting myself with nerves, far more
I’ve suffered hand injuries for eight years. Would than any fight - followed by an intimate gathering
Eddie Hearn want to build me back up? I’m a at a beautiful restaurant. One of the best things
realist; I know how this game works. I’ve ever done.
I thought: “I can’t afford to take time out at I had the op with Mike at the end of September.
this stage of my career to get myself back into Mike’s very top of his field. We were acquainted
contention. I’ve already been to the top. That’s it. through my past surgery. I trust in him fully, did

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
absolutely everything he told me to do, kept Still, I never enter with the intention of knocking chairman said I must come more often. I bring
building it up, and was back punching in three my opponent out. I box to win and, if a stoppage them luck!
months. is there, it happens. I never want to get my win I sold around 200 ringside seats for the Ogawa
Initially, it was a day on, day off. If it ached, looking bad, chasing the spectacular KO. Amateur fight and my fans made it very hostile for him.
we’d pull back. Consequently, I can now let it go and pro, I’ve always been about using my brain, This time I’ll do even more. Those fans are no
full pelt. It honestly does not play on my mind. being clinical. Above all, that’s what I want to be joke and will make it very uncomfortable for
If it goes, it goes. I don’t need any warm-up. If known for and, on June 4, that’s what I displayed. Rakhimov.
an injury reoccurs, I’d want it to happen in a I’ve already reached my goal by winning a
world title fight. If it breaks again, I want it to ‘world’ title, now it’s my duty to secure my family’s +++
be on [defending IBF belt-holder Shavkatdzhon] future. And my hunger to do that is even greater
Rakhimov’s head rather than anyone else’s. than my desire to win the IBF title was. That Shavkat’s a ‘world’ champion, so I’m not going
Two weeks into resuming sparring, I was back makes me a different animal. to knock him in any way, shape or form. He’s a
feeling good. In Tony Sims, I believe I’ve got To do that, I have to get the IBF belt back, dangerous dude. I’ve studied all his big fights;
the best coach in the UK. He’s a boxing fanatic. secure unification and/or get big fights with the he always tries to walk opponent’s down and
Historically, he knows who everyone fought. He’s top lightweights or any featherweights who want back them against the ropes, but I ain’t gonna be
devised a good gameplan and to step up. Shakur [Stevenson] there. Amateur and pro, I’ve boxed loads of top
‘STEVENSON HAD
it’s coming off lovely, but if it’s had the cheek to call my name southpaws and not lost to many.
not working, I’m experienced after I won the title, then he To combat Shavkat, you’ve got to be very,
THE CHEEK TO
enough to adapt. I had 180 deserts the division? I’d like very fit, but Tony has never allowed me to feel
amateur fights. I know my way to jump in the ring with him. remotely sorry for myself in the gym. Rakhimov’s
CALL MY NAME,
around the ring. Chopsy fucker [laughs]! in wicked condition, very strong and brings a
I’m really looking forward to There’s a WBC title belt on powerful punch, but at the highest level, you need
THEN DESERTED
this fight. I didn’t lose my world show in the Matchroom office. more than that.
title. We’re back in Cardiff. I’m Green’s my favourite colour, so, Freddie Roach may be one of the best coaches
THE DIVISION’
happy with the purse that I’m if I win, let’s get unification on that boxing has ever had, but the way Rakhimov
getting and Rakhimov’s clearly with [O’Shaqui] Foster, straight fights, I’m not too sure there’s much Freddie can
happy with what he’s getting. away. I fancy myself against add to change him. All the true greats of boxing,
I’ve never felt that I’m no anyone on the planet. That’s Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray
longer champion. I’ll enter with the full confidence my mentality. I’ve never shied away from any Leonard, [Floyd] Mayweather beat the scrappers
of a ‘world’ champion, but I’ve also got a point to opponent. I’m certainly not going to shy from ’cos they boxed with their brains.
prove so it’s double [motivation]. I’m continually someone who has something that I desperately There’s areas Shavkat trumps me in, but a lot
visualising the show. I go to bed thinking of how want. more I trump him in. His feet ain’t the best and my
I’m beating him and wake up the same. feet are what I’m known for. My hands are faster,
+++ my feet are quicker and my ring IQ is a lot higher.
+++ I’ve already been in the ring with the best boxers
Though I’m officially the challenger against on the planet as an amateur. I’ve beaten plenty of
Winning my IBF belt at The Motorpoint Arena Rakhimov, I’m of the mindset that I’m entering fellas who would make Rakhimov look silly.
in my home city last June was unreal. It’s what still as world champion. I win here because of my boxing brain – hit
I’d always asked Eddie Hearn to deliver. The This fight was originally set for Abu Dhabi in him, not get hit back. I’m unbeaten in 15 fights
opportunity was there – leave the rest to me. November, but it had always been my intention against top class opposition and I don’t have a
Going in, I knew what to expect. I’d seen Liam to have my first defence in my hometown. They’d mark on my face. That’s because I use my brain,
Williams get carried away after landing early struggle to sell this in Tajikistan or even LA, where my feet and my head movement.
against [Chris] Eubank Jnr and hearing that Welsh Shavkat trains. For me, JoJo Diaz beat Rakhimov [the February
crowd roar. But I’ve fought at the Olympic Games, There’s no extra pressure. I’ve always craved big 2021 fight ended in a 12-round draw], and
the highest possible stage. There, I was nervous local fights. I’m begging Eddie to get me Cardiff that was when JoJo was struggling for weight.
but now I don’t experience nerves. I experience Castle or Cardiff City Stadium, so you have to [South Africa’s Azinga] Fuzile outboxed
butterflies, which are healthy, keep me sharp. fully embrace these opportunities when him for long periods, Zelfa [Barrett] was
I was always confident that I’d stop they arrive. outboxing him before he got caught [in
[co-challenger Kenichi] Ogawa – we knew from The Cardiff boys and girls all come round nine].
his past fights that he didn’t like fighting on the out for me. I’ve got extended family First, I’ll outbox Rakhimov, then
inside and could be hurt to the body – but it was from all over the world; Pakistan, knock him out. He’ll just walk at my
a surprise that it took just one shot. The plan had Somalia, Mongolia, Maltese, Irish, hands. Zelfa dropped him walking in
been to get him late. the Caribbean, and they all come with an uppercut which has always
Having savoured his power in the first round, together. Though I train away [in been one of my favourite shots. What
I knew I wasn’t going anywhere, so if I stayed Essex], I can’t see myself ever moving worked for Zelfa may work for me, but
switched on, I’d gradually break his heart. That out of Cardiff. It rocks! there’s another five or six punches we’re
sweeping right hand was a shot that me and Tony I’ve always been a Bluebird and also working on, plus fresh
had been working on for hours in camp. Round in early March, I was invited combinations.
two, it was there to be thrown. Game over. onto the pitch before their If you just try to
Unlike at lightweight, I’m physical at 130. 2-0 win over Bristol City. stay safe, Shavkat
Now, I’m a big guy in the division. My power’s Bristol booed but, as can get on to you,
definitely different. Since dropping down, in all always, Cardiff gave me a so you’ve got to
five fights bar [Mexican Mario Enrique] Tinoco, I good reception. As I was be prepared to
saw changes in my opponents’ faces whenever I leaving, the [Cardiff] City take chances.
clipped them clean. And, remember, I had a bad I’m willing to
right hand going into that fight, so lacked a bit of HOMEBOY: do that. No
confidence letting it go. The Cardiffian one reaches
cherishes his
My third fight [at super-feather] lasted 53 fan support
greatness
seconds and in the fourth, after tasting my power, without
Photo: HUW FAIRCLOUGH/
the boy [Miko Khatchatryan] ran for his life. GETTY IMAGES gambling. bn
32 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023

DOUBLY DANGEROUS:
Cordina says he has
both the confidence
of a champion and the
hunger of a challenger
Photo: LEIGH DAWNEY/
GETTY IMAGES

ACTION + + + + + O U T S TA N D I N G + + + + G O O D + + + FA I R + + D I S A P P O I N T I N G + RU B B I S H
Re p o r t e r s ’ s t a r r a t i n g s fo r m a i n e v e n t s a n d u n d e rc a r d s a r e b a s e d o n i n - r i n g e n t e r t a i n m e n t , c o m p e t i t i v e n e s s a n d w h e t h e r o v e r a l l e x p e c t a t i o n w a s m e t
Zhang’s H AC K N E Y W I C K his opponent’s southpaw stance, this to pave the way for a fight with either
remarkable heavyweight from London Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury in the
spearing left APRIL 15 was made to look human again. The summer or a clash with Oleksandr Usyk
hand proves Juggernaut was finally stopped. later in the year. Maybe both.
that Joyce’s ★★★★★ MAIN EVENT He was 15-0 (14) going into Instead, the Juggernaut will
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ U N D E RC A R D this one and his almost have to trundle to the back
face is made up cartoon-like ability to of the queue after Zhang
of just skin and withstand punishment produced one of the
bone after all, T STARTED with Joe and keep walking best performances
Joyce, mocked up forward had been from an overseas
writes Declan
Taylor from
ringside I as The Terminator,
chasing down Zhilei
Zhang with a bionic
right eye during his
pre-ringwalk video
lauded. Stoppage
wins against the
likes of Daniel
Dubois, Carlos
Takam and most
heavyweight in
a British ring
for some time.
He was almost
punch-perfect
segment. It ended with the 37-year-old, recently Joseph in his pursuit and
battered and bruised, pulled out with Parker had boosted ultimate destruction
that same eye swollen almost completely him right up into the of Joyce.
shut. world top three. He had promised
Because while his chin might be He was an to bring ‘Chinese Power’
constructed from something non-human, overwhelming favourite and he did exactly that. After
we now know that the rest of his face is against Zhang, the man from a tentative opening 30 seconds, he
made from skin and bone like the rest of Zhoukou, China, who is two weeks from went straight to work on finding a home
us. And in the face of ‘Big Bang’ Zhang, his 40th birthday. A Joyce victory here for his cross. He was landing it upstairs
and a laser-like straight left hand from at the Copper Box Arena was supposed and downstairs and often followed it
Terminated
Photos: JAMES CHANCE/GETTY IMAGES
CHINA CRISIS:
Joyce can’t get
away from Zhang’s
southpaw straight
left

SHOUT IT OUT:
Zhang celebrates
gatecrashing the
world rankings with
his upset win
TALKING
POINT
AS they always are after an
upset, the ‘told you so’ brigade
was out in force on social media after
the fight, despite almost none of them
having actually predicted a Zhang
win. Was Joyce, as the smartphone
pundits would have you believe,
‘exposed’, or was Zhang simply
better than anyone had
expected?
up with huge right hooks. Joyce, more risks,” said Joyce. “Sometimes it doesn’t British middleweight title. Bentley sent
than a stone lighter than he was when he go your way, which is annoying. I thought him staggering back to the ropes with
stopped Parker in September, looked like I’d reach a victory here and it’s just the first meaningful left hook he threw, FULL
he had never fought a southpaw before. disappointing I didn’t.” before putting him to sleep with a right R E S U LT S
He has, of course, but so effective was Joyce, despite his 37 years, will be hand moments later to win his Lonsdale
Zhang that he made Joyce look bad. In back. Belt outright. Zhilei Zhang (278lbs),
the corner between the first and second In the chief support, Mikaela Mayer There would be no knockout, however, 25-1-1 (20), w rsf 6
rounds, coach Ismael Salas suggested got back to winning ways six months for teenage prodigy Moses Itauma, Joe Joyce (256lbs),
15-1 (14); Mikaela
Joyce was “still asleep”. He did not wake after she suffered her first professional who was taken the six-round distance
Mayer (134¼lbs),
in the second either, with yet more left defeat, to Alycia Baumgardner across by tough Ukrainian factory manager 18-1 (5), w pts 10
hands crashing on to that eye and the London at the O2 Arena. She outboxed Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko. After Lucy Wildheart
surrounding area. He looked especially last-minute stand-in Lucy Wildheart en seeing off his first two professional (134¼lbs), 10-2
hurt when he shipped a right-hook, left- route to a wide unanimous decision. opponents inside a combined minute, (4); Moses Itauma
hand combination, but he managed to Judge Guido Cavalleri made her a Chatham heavyweight Itauma had the (247lbs), 3-0 (2),
clear his head after a stumble 100-90 shut-out winner, while Mark opportunity to get some rounds under w pts 6 Kostiantyn
“I just couldn’t get away from his Lyson scored it 98-92 and Juergen Langos his belt in the first fight of his life that has Dovbyshchenko
straight left,” Joyce said afterwards. “He 98-91. Although those wide scores gone beyond three rounds. Despite the (241lbs), 9-13-1
(6); Sam Noakes
just kept on nailing me in the eye and it were fair, Essex-based Swede Wildheart lack of an early finish, he impressed with
(134¼lbs), 11-0
swelled up my eye.” ensured every minute of every round his shot selection and may look back (11), w rsf 2 Karthik
The third was a decent one for Joyce, was competitive despite only getting the on this fight as an important one in his Kumar (134lbs), 10-1
as he upped the pace and began to call-up to fight on Friday when Christina development. Referee Lee Every scored (4); Denzel Bentley
land shots of his own with more intent. Linardatou failed her pre-fight medical. it 60-54. (159lbs), 18-2-1
The trouble was that Zhang had found But Mayer, making her debut up at There were also six-round points wins (15), w ko 1 Kieran
his range and was adept at countering lightweight, used her height and reach for undefeated welterweights Eithan Smith (159lbs), 18-2
everything coming his way. Joyce’s eye by advantage to win the exchanges at long James and Sonny Liston Ali. James, (7); Eithan James
now was a beacon for Big Bang. range while also enjoying much success from Northampton, saw off Sofia’s Georgi (146lbs), 11-0, w pts
6 Georgi Velichkov
Joyce was never in real danger of with her trademark body shots up close. Velichkov 60-54 on Mr Every’s card,
(142lbs), 3-13 (3);
touching down, but the eye was an John Latham was the referee. while the same official had Romford’s Sonny Liston Ali
ever-worsening mess. It was the start of Earlier, lightweight Sam Noakes Liston winning by the same score against (150lbs), 6-0, w pts
the sixth when referee Howard Foster maintained his 100 per cent KO record Rochdale man Richard Helm. 6 Richard Helm
first called on the doctor to have a look. by surging past Karthik Kumar inside In four-rounders, London’s Seth (152lbs), 1-15-1 (1);
Joyce, with his left eye covered, was able two rounds. The big puncher from Gyimah beat Lancashire journeyman Freezy MacBones
to relay how many fingers were being Maidstone retained his Commonwealth Darryl Sharp 40-36 on Mr Every’s card, (180lbs), 2-0 (1) w
held up, but he was clearly in a lot of lightweight title by dropping the Chennai while Joel Kodua of Dagenham won by pts 4 Darryl Sharp
trouble. Foster allowed it to continue visitor twice before Mr Latham waved it the same scoreline against Hyde’s Dale (184lbs), 7-105-1 (1);
Joel Kodua (157lbs),
for a while but soon beckoned the same off after 1-17 of the second. Arrowsmith for Kieran McCann. bn
2-0, w pts 4 Dale
doctor up again for the second time. In an even more chilling destruction Arrowsmith (157lbs),
After that inspection, Foster said no job, Wandsworth’s Denzel Bentley saw THE VERDICT A famous night for 5-77-3 (1).
more. The time was 1-23 of the sixth. off Kieran Smith in just 45 seconds of Zhilei Zhang. As for Joyce? He’ll be
“That’s what happens when you take the Greenrigg man’s challenge for his back...

ACTION
AND THE NEW!

Gallagher too sharp, accurate 10-rounder – slowed down. By the last 97-92 (Bates), 98-91 (Edwards) and 98-92
round, Whiteside was visibly frustrated, (O’Connor).
and young for former amateur star
exhausted and simply too slow to pull Fighting on his 28th birthday after a
Whiteside in Commonwealth duel the trigger. In short, Lisa looked her age 10-month layoff, Sharp – who has seen
and Gallagher, 13 years her opponent’s bouts with the likes of Liam Wilson fall
junior, can take great pride in a job very through in recent months – controlled
BETHNAL GREEN
well done. without ever having to switch to top gear.
APRIL 14 Boxing News agreed with Mark Bates’ Sharp hurled shots from all angles and,
score of 98-92 in Gallagher’s favour. Phil after a sluggish start, was never in danger.
★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW Edwards (97-94) and Terry O’Connor (97- Ranked number one at super-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ AT M O S P H E R E 93) also ruled against the Preston star. featherweight by the WBO despite never
Lee Every refereed. beating a genuine world-level contender,
TYSIE GALLAGHER turned in a BACKSTAGE Welling’s Archie Sharp, now trained it remains to be seen if opponents like
career-best performance, decorated BUDDIES: by Roy Jones Jnr, was similarly dominant Perouene are adequate preparation if
with discipline and confidence, to win Whiteside against Argentinian southpaw, Mauro Sharp challenges beltholder Emanuel
[left] offers her
the vacant Commonwealth super- congratulations Alex Hasan Perouene, winning Navarette. This was Sharp’s sixth
bantamweight title and leave the beaten to Gallagher unanimously after 10 rounds via scores of consecutive 10-round points win. Mr
Lisa Whiteside with a difficult decision Every was the man in the middle.
to make. The third 10-rounder on the bill
Now 37, the former amateur supremo ended in the fifth, when Armenia’s
was hoping to secure a shot at a former standout amateur, Hovhannes
sanctioning body belt after returning Bachkov, overpowered outclassed
to the sport in 2022 following a three- Venezuelan Jose Munoz. Bachkov,
year hiatus in which she had a baby an Olympic and two-time World
boy. However, aside from the odd Championships bronze medallist, has
flash of success, Whiteside – the 2018 talent to burn. Mr Bates was the referee
Commonwealth Games gold medalist who saved Munoz after he was dropped
– was beaten so comprehensively, for the third time, with each tumble
particularly in the second half, that the coming courtesy of body shots.
kind of rebuild required to achieve her Basildon southpaw Danny Dignum
ambition would now be an almighty task. won his second bout since his May
Riddled with injuries over the years and 2022 thrashing at the hands of Zhanibek
slow of feet down the stretch, retirement Alimkhanuly when he outpointed
will surely be considered. Poland’s Lukasz Maciec over eight.
Whiteside’s thoughts were with her But it wasn’t a particularly easy night
young family in the aftermath. So too for Dignum, who had to work hard for
those of Gallagher, 24, who credited her his 78-75 success on the card of referee
daughter as the inspiration behind her Every. Dignum was cut in the third round
winning a belt that had evaded her in July but outworked the tiring Pole down the
last year, when she was pipped over the stretch.
same 10-round distance by Nina Hughes. The debut of the well-supported and
Gallagher – who spent Easter training hulking Albanian light-heavyweight
rather than celebrating the occasion with Petrit Shehi did not go to plan when Mr
her little girl – is now targeting a return Bates rescued him in round three of his
with Hughes, the current WBA belt- bout with Liverpool opponent, Bradley
holder down at bantamweight. Davies.
The first two rounds were cagey as Completing the action was Will
Gallagher, implementing the tactics Jones-trained super-welterweight Jurell
designed by her coach Tony Pill, was Patterson, who outscored Leeds’ tough
careful to stay away from Whiteside’s Joe Hardy with a patient display. Mr Bates
always-dangerous right hand while notched 40-36 in the Londoner’s favour.
jabbing confidently. There was some
improvement from the veteran in round THE VERDICT Onwards and upwards
three, while the sixth – the best round for Gallagher but Whiteside may
of the fight – saw both exchange and have reached the end of the road.
Gallagher, for the first time, start to look
uncomfortable. F U L L R E S U LT S
“I can’t thank my fans enough,” said
Gallagher, a Luton Town supporter, at the Tysie Gallagher, 6-1, w pts 10 Lisa Whiteside,
contest’s conclusion. “They helped me 5-1 (1); Archie Sharp, 23-0 (9), w pts 10 Mauro
through that sixth round when Lisa was Alex Hasan Perouene, 16-8-1 (8); Hovhannes
Bachkov, 5-0 (4), w rsf 5 Jose Munoz, 12-1
having some success.”
(10); Danny Dignum, 16-1-1 (9), w pts 8 Lukasz
That round, however, was Whiteside’s Maciec, 28-6-1 (5); Bradley Davies, 1-2-1 (1), w
last hurrah. Gallagher bossed the last rsf 3 Petrit Shehi, 0-1; Jurell Patterson, 1-0-1,
four sessions as Whiteside – in her first wpts 4 Joe Hardy, 2-9.

ACTION
The promotion Sonny too good Happy returns

Brown steps up to headliner status Taylor in mismatch, but other bouts Hillman and Patel both win comeback
with aplomb, writes Charlie Tymon worth a watch, writes Andy Whittle bouts, writes Simon Euan-Smith
GLASGOW HULL TO LW O RT H
APRIL 14 APRIL 15 APRIL 15
★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW
BOXING SOCIAL’S latest promotion provided UNBEATEN Hull cruiserweight Sonny Taylor OUT since November 2021, Orpington’s
seven entertaining fights on a lively night at had been expected to go in with half-decent Martin Hillman scored a clear 10-round
the Glasgow Boxing Academy. Craig McIntyre opposition in the bill-topper at City Hall but points win over Tanzanian Julias Thomas
versus Tom Hill was cancelled at short notice, instead found himself boxing an uninspiring Kisarawe at Tolworth Recreation Centre.
so Glasgow’s Aston Brown provided his six against Bradford’s Ryan Labourn. The taller Hillman stamped his authority in
sizeable support with an entertaining six- Ladbourn hadn’t won a single round in his the opener, twice forcing Kisarawe to hold –
round shutout victory over durable Bulgarian career, so it was little wonder that when Taylor and he stayed on top for the next six rounds.
Angel Emilov. Brown’s constant workrate began to up the ante in the fifth, the towel Kisarawe started landing in the eighth, and
and repeated lead lefts to the body had came in. Referee Jamie Kirkpatrick waved it off Hillman hardly threw a punch in the last,
Emilov looking very uncomfortable, but the with 36 seconds of the round remaining. content to move. But he had done enough for
Sofia fighter stuck with it to hear the final bell. Nominal main event was another six, referee Mark Bates’ 97-93 verdict.
Kenny Pringle refereed. between Central Area featherweight champ There was a different sort of comeback for
Porto-based Angolan Uisma Lima Connor Coghill and Luton battler Darryl Acton’s Prince Patel, having his first bout in
registered his eighth stoppage in 10 straight Tapfuma who, unlike most opponents these the UK since 2016. Campaigning in Europe
wins by halting Nicaraguan Lesther days, does comes to fight and is much better and Africa, Patel twice stopped Kisarawe, in
Espino. Lima piled on the pressure, using than his record might suggest. So, though Budapest and Accra – the latter for the vacant
his southpaw jab to make space for jarring Coghill, aided by several nice left uppercuts, Commonwealth super-flyweight title, which
straight lefts and leaving Espino with no took this one 59-56 for Leeds referee, Andy he never defended.
option but to cover up and retreat. At the end, Brook, it did prove watchable throughout. Patel met another Tanzanian, Goodluck
Lima was raining in blows and the Managua That was the case too in another that Mrema, whom he beat in nine rounds in
fighter crumpled to his knees, staying there finished 59-56, with local Chelsey Arnell Accra in 2021. The return (scheduled for 10)
for the full count from Darren Maxwell 46 bagged a second pro victory, over gutsy ended in the fifth.
seconds into the second round. Chesterfield novice Amy Greatorex in a Things were lively for three rounds, with
Nick Campbell from Glasgow was out bout overseen by Mr Kirkpatrick. Prolonged Mrema pressing and Patel countering,
to stop Blackpool’s Jake Darnell, but the applause met the bout’s conclusion. occasionally turning southpaw. But Mrema
Lancastrian would not fold and Campbell had Hull first-timer Les Urry floored suddenly tired in the fourth, and in the fifth
to settle for a 60-54 verdict from Mr Pringle. Worcester’s Michael Mooney in centre ring a Patel attack had him taking a knee by the
Aberdeen’s Boris Crighton did enough inside the opening 30 seconds but was made ropes. He was up at seven but quickly under
for Mr Maxwell to award him a 60-54 verdict to work he took for the 40-35 decision of more pressure and down again. Mark Bates
against Colombian Wilmer Baron, who referee Kirkpatrick. The same referee officiated waved it off at 1-31.
came to win. Crighton was boxing just three Hull’s Logan Richardson, who was seemingly A third comeback ended unhappily as
weeks after his last-minute appearance against on the verge of a stoppage win after dropping Farnborough’s previously-unbeaten Andre
Lyndon Arthur on Channel 5. Bolton’s Mikey Young at the end of the Grant, last in action nearly 11 months ago, was
Ryan Clark had his first pro outing, fourth, but had to settle for a 60-53 win. beaten over six by Spain-based Nicaraguan
against Winchester’s Mitchell Woolard, Three remaining contests, all refereed by Darwin Martinez, Mr McAvoy scoring 60-54.
taking a 39-37 decision from Mr Pringle, and Mr Brook, saw Lithuanian Evaldas Korsakas Grant didn’t look rusty but was consistently
Gerard McTaggart from Glasgow had things win 58-57 over Islington centurion Jordan outworked as Martinez pressed forward,
all his own way against Middleton’s Dean Grannum, Scunthorpe super-lightweight landing solidly to head and body. Grant moved
Wilkinson, Mr Maxwell refereeing. Matthew Harness beat Carlisle’s Jake and countered, but it wasn’t enough.
Belfast’s Lewis Crocker secured another Osgood (39-37) and Doncaster light- Popular Bilal Fawaz’s opponent fell through,
early finish by stopping Barcelona-based heavyweight Bradley Cousins settle for a so he boxed an exhibition with Zac Vassell.
Columbian Joel Julio with a thunderous right 38-38 share against York’s Harry Matthews. Blvck Box Global promoted.
to the body. Mr Pringle stopped the contest at
1-59 of the second round.
F U L L R E S U LT S F U L L R E S U LT S
Sonny Taylor (211½lbs), 9-0 (5), w rsf 5 Ryan Labourn Martin Hillman (118lbs), 16-6 (2), w pts 10 Julias Thomas
F U L L R E S U LT S
(203½lbs), 0-7; Les Urry (144lbs), 1-0, w pts 4 Michael Kisarawe (118½lbs), 34-9-1 (18); Prince Patel (119lbs),
Lewis Crocker (154½lbs), 15-0 (9), w ko 2 Joel Julio Mooney (144lbs), 9-93-2 (3); Connor Coghill (134lbs), 27-1-2 (22), w rsf 5 Goodluck Mrema (118lbs), 35-8 (25);
(155¼lbs), 39-16 (33); Gerard McTaggart (151lbs 5oz), 14-0 (1), w pts 6 Darryl Tapfuma (130¼lbs), 1-9-1 Darwin Martinez (123lbs 2oz), 8-10-2 (6), w pts 6 Andre
2-0, w pts 4 Dean Wilkinson (150½lbs), 1-19; Ryan (1); Chelsey Arnell (131lbs 6oz), 2-1-1, w pts 6 Amy Grant (124lbs), 9-1 (2); Nathan Mizon (142½lbs), 7-0 (1),
Clark (153lbs), 1-0, w pts 4 Mitchell Woolard (163lbs), Greatorex (133lbs 2oz), 0-2; Logan Richardson (117lbs), w pts 4 Rustem Fatkhullin (144lbs 6oz), 8-58 (3); Ernie
1-2; Boris Crighton (171¼lbs), 11-2 (7), w pts 6 Wilmer 3-0, w pts 6 Mikey Young (124¼lbs), 2-10-1; Bradley Rutherford (167½lbs), 4-0 (2), w pts 6 Fernando Valencia
Baron (170½lbs), 6-1 (5); Nick Campbell (265lbs), 6-1 Cousins (179lbs 2oz), 5-1-1, d pts 4 Harry Matthews (166lbs 6oz), 3-15 (1); Jimmy Lee (131½lbs), 4-0 (1), w
(5), w pts 6 Jake Darnell (248lbs), 1-17; Uisma Lima (186lbs), 17-70-6 (2); Matthew Harness (141lbs 2oz), pts 4 Cristian Narvaez (136lbs 6oz), 17-59-6 (2); Byron
(152¼lbs), 10-0 (8), w tko 2 Lesther Espino (164lbs), 2-0, w pts 4 Jake Osgood (145¼lbs), 1-22; Evaldas Cox (132 1/2lbs), 1-0, w pts 4 Reynaldo Cajina (131lbs
6-2 (4); Aston Brown (161½lbs), 4-0, w pts 6 Angel Korsakas (158lbs), 13-8-3 (5), w pts 6 Jordan Grannum 6oz), 15-79-5 (11); Shamari McKay (165lbs 6oz), 8-0 (2),
Emilov (163lbs), 10-50 (6). (163lbs), 8-112-4. w pts 4 Kasey Bradnum (145lbs), 1-7.

ACTION ROUND-UP
KAZUTO KO’D:
Nursultanov wins a
battle of unbeatens
Photo: NAOKI FUKUDA
Big win for Kazakh middleweight

in Korea, amateur standout
Picardi moves to 10-0, and Garcia
ends layoff, writes Eric Armit
APRIL 14
S A N TA M A R I N E L L A , I TA LY
VINCENZO PICARDI, 10-0 (2), retained
the European Union bantamweight title
with a 10th-round stoppage of France’s
Mike Esteves 10-2-1. Picardi bossed
it from the start. He was comfortable
orthodox or southpaw, jabbing strongly
and firing burst of hooks and uppercuts.
Esteves was cut over his left eye in a
clash of heads in the second and knocked
down by a right counter in the fifth. He
survived a doctor’s examination of the
cut in the eighth, but the 28-year-old
kept driving forward, hoping that Picardi,
11 years older, would tire.
Esteves was aggressive again in the
10th, but Picardi landed a blistering right
that staggered his man. The subsequent
onslaught persuaded the referee to stop
the fight.
In the amateurs, Picardi scored wins
over Juan Carlos Payano, Yampier
Hernandez, Daniel Matellon, Fernando
Martinez, Rau’shee Warren, Michael
Conlan and Robeisy Ramirez but did not
turn pro until he was 35.
The Italian middleweight title changed
NURSALTANOV
hands as Luca Chaincone, 8-0-1 (4),
knocked out champion Giovanni
Rossetti, 11-2 (4), in just 90 seconds. WRECKS TAKESAKO
PA N A M A C I T Y, PA N A M A Swedish light-heavyweight Oscar too quick and Iwasa struggled to win a
This proved a good night for Puerto Ahlin, 24-2 (20), outpointed 38-year-old round as Llamido took the decision on
Rican boxers as three of their fighters Argentinian Vicente Rodriguez, 41-13- scores of 79-73 twice and 80-72. Iwasa
scored wins. Hard-punching super- 1 (22), in an eight-round bout. then announced his retirement
welterweight Derrieck Cuevas, 25-1-1
(17), connected with two thunderous I N C H E O N , S O U T H KO R E A APRIL 16
punches sending Cuban Damian Kazakh middleweight Meiirim TO K Y O , J A PA N
Rodriguez, 13-2 (7), down and out cold Nursultanov, 19-0 (11), withstood some Japanese southpaw Yudai Shigeoka,
in the second round. early pressure from Japan’s unbeaten 6-0 (5), celebrated his 26th birthday
Light-flyweight Rene Santiago, 11-3 Kazuto Takesako, 15-1-1 (14), before with a seventh-round KO of former
(8), took longer to get the better of stopping him in the eighth round. WBO strawweight title-holder Wilfredo
Panamanian Carlos Ortega, 15-7-3 (6), Kazuto launched furious attacks from Mendez, 18-3 (6). The fight was close
but he slowly broke the local down and the start and looked to have won the first early, but Shigeoka dropped Mendez in
was on his way to victory with Ortega two rounds. Nursultanov then used his the fifth and put him down again with a
shipping heavy punishment when the superior skills to blunt Takesako’s attacks. body punch in the seventh. Mendez was
towel came in during the ninth round. He rocked Takesako with a right uppercut unable to beat the count.
The third Puerto Rican winner was super- in the third and then handed out more Younger brother Ginjiro Shigeoka,
middleweight Luis Rodriguez, 12-0 punishment in the fourth. 8-0 (7), was also a winner, knocking out
(11), who outpointed Ecuadorian Roger Takesako recovered and was scoring Filipino Rene Mark Cuarto, 21-3-2 (12),
Guerrero, 17-4-1(11), on scores of well, but Nursultanov was a class above in the ninth round. Shigeoka was floored
98-92, 97-93 and 96-94. and Takesako was taking more than by a right in the first but survived.
he was giving. A right counter in the Cuarto was cut over his left eye in a
APRIL 15 eighth sent Takesako to the ropes and clash of heads in the second and faded
TO R R E L AV E G A , S PA I N another right put him down, after which out of the fight from there. He was on
Local favourite Sergio Garcia, 34-2 the referee stopped the fight without the floor in the sixth. At first it was ruled
(14), returned with a unanimous points bothering to count. a knockdown but, after replays were
win over Argentinian novice Ricardo An upset on the show saw American consulted, it was ruled a slip. Shigeoka
Cabana, 8-2 (3). This was the first fight Japhethlee Llamido, 11-0 (4), outscore put Cuarto down in the eighth and twice
in over a year for Garcia following former IBF super-bantamweight belt- more in the ninth, with Cuarto counted
consecutive losses against Sebastian holder Ryosuke Iwasa, 28-5 (18). The out the second time.
Fundora and Tony Harrison. young American was just too slick and Both bouts were for interim baubles.

RANKINGS
World rankings
In HEAVYWEIGHT 2. Carlos Adames 6. Frank Martin 10. Reymart Gaballo
No weight limit 3. Jaime Munguia 7. Isaac Cruz
conjunction Champion: OLEKSANDR USYK 4. Liam Smith 8. George Kambosos Jnr SUPER-FLYWEIGHT
with the 1. Tyson Fury 5. Zhanibek Alimkhanuly 9. Jeremia Nakathila 115lbs/8st 3lbs
Transnational 2. Deontay Wilder 6. Erislandy Lara 10. Jamaine Ortiz Champion: JUAN FRANCISCO
3. Anthony Joshua 7. Sergiy Derevyanchenko ESTRADA
Boxing 4. Andy Ruiz Jnr 8. Felix Cash SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT 1. Roman Gonzalez
Rankings. 5. Zhilei Zhang 9. Esquiva Falcao 130lbs/9st 4lbs 2. Kazuto Ioka
As of April 6. Joe Joyce 10. Michael Zerafa Champion: Open 3. Joshua Franco
7. Dillian Whyte 1. Oscar Valdez 4. Fernando Martinez
17, 2023 8. Otto Wallin SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT 2. Hector Garcia 5. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai
9. Luis Ortiz 154lbs/11st 3. O’Shaquie Foster 6. Andrew Moloney
10. Joseph Parker Champion: JERMELL CHARLO 4. Joe Cordina 7. Junto Nakatani
1. Tim Tszyu 5. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov 8. Kosei Tanaka
CRUISERWEIGHT 2. Brian Castano 6. Roger Gutierrez 9. Donnie Nietes
200lbs/14st 4lbs 3. Brian Mendoza 7. Lamont Roach 10. Pedro Guevara
Champion: JAI OPETAIA 4. Sebastian Fundora 8. Eduardo Ramirez
1. Mairis Briedis 5. Erickson Lubin 9. Robson Conceicao FLYWEIGHT
2. Lawrence Okolie 6. Israil Madrimov 10. Emanuel Navarrete 112lbs/8st
3. Badou Jack 7. Magomed Kurbanov Champion: Open
4. Richard Riakporhe 8. Jesus Ramos FEATHERWEIGHT 1. Sunny Edwards
5. Aleksei Papin 9. Liam Smith 126lbs/9st 2. Artem Dalakian
6. Chris Billam-Smith 10. Tony Harrison Champion: Open 3. Julio Cesar Martinez
7. Yuniel Dorticos 1. Mauricio Lara 4. Jesse Rodriguez
8. Ilunga Makabu WELTERWEIGHT 2. Rey Vargas 5. David Jimenez
9. Mateusz Masternak 147lbs/10st 7lbs 3. Brandon Figueroa 6. Ricardo Sandoval
10. Arsen Goulamirian Champion: Open 4. Luis Alberto Lopez 7. Angel Ayala
1 Errol Spence Jnr 5. Mark Magsayo 8. Seigo Yuri Akui
LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT 2. Terence Crawford 6. Leigh Wood 9. Taku Kuwahara
175lbs/12st 7lbs 3. Yordenis Ugas 7. Josh Warrington 10. Felix Alvarado
Champion: ARTUR BETERBIEV 4. Vergil Ortiz Jnr 8. Robeisy Ramirez
1. Dmitry Bivol 5. Jaron Ennis 9. Reiya Abe LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT
2. Joshua Buatsi 6. Eimantas Stanionis 10. Raymond Ford 108lbs/7st 10lbs
3. Callum Smith 7. Cody Crowley Champion: KENSHIRO TERAJI
4. Joe Smith Jnr 8. Roiman Villa SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT 1. Jonathan Gonzalez
5. Gilberto Ramirez 9. Alexis Rocha 122lbs/8st 10lbs 2. Masamichi Yabuki
6. Anthony Yarde 10. Souleymane Cissokho Champion: Open 3. Hiroto Kyoguchi
7. Dan Azeez 1. Stephen Fulton 4. Hekkie Budler
8. Craig Richards SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT 2. Marlon Tapales 5. Daniel Mattelon
9. Igor Mikhalkin 140lbs/10st 3. Luis Nery 6. Sivenathi Nontshinga
10. Michael Eifert Champion: JOSH TAYLOR 4. Murodjon Akhmadaliev 7. Elwin Soto
1. Regis Prograis 5. Ra’eese Aleem 8. Regie Suganob
SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT 2. Jose Carlos Ramirez 6. Azat Hovannisyan 9. Mario Gutierrez
168lbs/12st 3. Arnold Barboza Jnr 7. John Riel Casimero 10. Nhlanhla Tyirha
Champion: CANELO ÁLVAREZ 4. Jack Catterall 8. Kevin Gonzalez
1. David Benavidez 5. Subriel Matias 9. Liam Davies STRAWWEIGHT
2. Christian Mbilli 6. Jose Zepeda 10. Sam Goodman 105lbs/7st 7lbs
3. Caleb Plant 7. Gary Antuanne Russell Champion: Open
4. David Morrell 8. Steve Spark BANTAMWEIGHT 1. Knockout CP Freshmart
5. John Ryder 9. Teofimo Lopez 118lbs/8st 6lbs 2. Petchmanee CP Freshmart
6. Pavel Silyagin 10. Zhankosh Turarov Champion: Open 3. Melvin Jerusalem
7. Carlos Gongora 1. Emmanuel Rodriguez 4. Ginjiro Shigeoka
8. Demetrius Andrade LIGHTWEIGHT 2. Jason Moloney 5. Erick Rosa
9. Vladimir Shishkin 135lbs/9st 9lbs 3. Nonito Donaire 6. Wanheng Meenayothin
10. Eric Bazinyan Champion: DEVIN HANEY 4. Vincent Astrolabio 7. Daniel Valladares
1. Gervonta Davis 5. Gary Antonio Russell 8. Oscar Collazo
MIDDLEWEIGHT 2. Vasily Lomachenko 6. Alexandro Santiago 9. Rene Mark Cuarto
160lbs/11st 6lbs 3. Ryan Garcia 7. Keita Kurihara 10. Yudai Shigeoka
Champion: Open 4. Shakur Stevenson 8. Ryosuke Nishida
1. Gennady Golovkin 5. William Zepeda 9. Paul Butler

AMATEURS
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New world order

Photo: JAMES CHANCE/GETTY IMAGES
GOLDEN GIRL:
Lauren Price has been
named an Athlete
Representative for
the new group
Seven nations, AUREN PRICE, included in Paris, given the IOC’s ongoing winning all three rounds of the super-
including GB the 2020 Olympic fears about how the sport is run. heavyweight final against Frenchman
and USA, are
involved in the
creation of
L champion, is part of
a new international
federation set up to
save Olympic boxing.
Great Britain
The International Boxing Association
have been banned from organising
Olympic qualifying events, the IOC
last year issuing a statement last year
expressing “concerns around the
Tony Yoka.
In total, 11 bouts were investigated.
The IBA last year set up a review
system whereby close decisions could be
scrutinised in the immediate aftermath
World Boxing, a and USA Boxing are among the seven governance of the IBA, including the and potentially overturned within five
rival to IBA and countries at the heart of World Boxing. refereeing and judging process and the minutes of the final bell.
a potential World Boxing hope to gain recognition IBA’s financial dependency on the state- They have also offered financial
from the International Olympic owned company Gazprom”. incentives for boxers to take part
lifeline for Committee as the sport’s governing body The sport was investigated after in their championships, increasing
Olympic boxing in a bid to keep amateur boxing in the Michael Conlan and Joe Joyce were the prize money by 50 per cent
Olympics. among those who were on the wrong for the forthcoming men’s World
The IOC have excluded boxing from end of debatable points decisions at the Championships.
their list of sports for the 2028 Games in 2016 Rio Olympics. Gold medallists in Uzbekistan next
Los Angeles. Conlan was outpointed by Vladimir month will receive $200,000, with the
As it stands, the first qualifier for next Nikitin (Russia) despite outlanding him by silver and bronze medallists getting
year’s Paris Olympics is the European 12 and 10 punches in the last two rounds $100,000.
Games, to be held in Poland in July. respectively, according to CompuBox. But GB boxers won’t be at the World
But there are fears boxing may not be And a case could be made for Joyce Championships that get under way a

IN A HURRY:
Nagy wins in less
than half a minute
week on April 30 and conclude two British women’s title fight in Birmingham
weeks later. on May 6, became the first Welsh fighter
They have withdrawn from several to win an Olympic boxing gold medal
major championships run by the IBA when she claimed the middleweight title
this year, including the Women’s World in Tokyo in 2021.
Championships and European Youth Price knows the importance of the
Championships, in protest at the way the Olympic platform to the sport’s future,
IBA are running the sport. having been inspired to box by watching
GB have gone further by being part of Nicola Adams strike flyweight gold at the
the breakaway World Boxing. London Games in 2012.
World Boxing spelled out their five Price was also an international
main aims in a press release with the footballer and kickboxing champion
main objective being to “keep boxing at before deciding to focus on boxing.
the heart of the Olympic movement”. The 28-year-old from Newport said:
They are also looking to “ensure the “Going to the Olympics is life-changing
interests of boxers are put first, deliver and I cannot imagine a Games without
sporting integrity and fair competitions, boxing.
create a competition “It provides a massive
structure designed platform for the sport
in the best interests ‘GOING TO THE and for the boxers.
of the boxers and
operate according OLYMPICS IS “Without it, the
boxers will suffer and the
to the strongest LIFE-CHANGING. sport will be damaged,
governance standards
and transparent financial I CAN’T IMAGINE
so something has to
be done to make sure GONE IN 25 SECONDS
management”. boxing continues to The promising Nagy scores spectacular one-punch KO
World Boxing will be A GAMES WITH be part of the Olympic
based in Switzerland and
will hold their inaugural
NO BOXING’ Games.”
Holt said: “It is vital
SHOEBOX cruiserweight
Josh Nagy sent his
(Fleur-de-Lis) being ruled
out in the second round of
Congress in November. boxing continues to supporters home happy their middleweight clash.
Until then, they will be led by an remain at the heart of the Olympic from the Park Inn Hotel Former rugby player
interim Executive Board consisting of movement. To achieve this, we need again with a whirlwind one- Eddie Milne made a
representatives from amateur boxing to re-establish a relationship of trust punch KO. successful transition to
from around the world. between those that govern the sport and Nagy won the Bout of boxing, handing unbeaten
The interim Executive Board of World all of its stakeholders. the Night trophy after the Ashleigh Harris (Planet
Boxing will be made up of representatives “World Boxing aims to deliver this Northampton club’s show Fitness) a count on the way
from Great Britain, Germany, Holland, by creating a financially transparent last October, following to a points win.
New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden organisation that delivers fair what the referee called Niall Tee was brought
and the United States. competition and acts in the interest of “one of the best fights I’ve in from Far Cotton ABC to
Matthew Holt, GB Boxing’s Chief boxers and the sport.” refereed”. face Welsh international
Executive, will serve on the Interim Richard Brooke, Chair of England That was a hard-fought Raj Singh and the 17-year-
Executive Board of World Boxing, and Boxing, said: “This is an important step points win, but Nagy didn’t old was a unanimous points
Price has been handed the role of Athlete in response to the governance issues need the judges when winner after a quality bout.
he represented his club For Tee, who’s won
Representative. surrounding Olympic-style boxing and
against East Wales. Junior ABA and NABGC
Price, now an unbeaten pro who will IBA, the existing international governing
The 22-year-old’s bout titles, it was his first bout
meet Kirstie Bavington in the inaugural body.” since he made a semi-
against Ben Morgan
Photo: STREETER LECKA/GETTY IMAGES (Abergavenny) was all over final exit from the Youth
in around 25 seconds. Championships.
It was soon clear Nagy Singh made him work for
had the power to trouble his unanimous points win.
the Welshman, and after a The taller boxer by a
left hook had Morgan’s legs couple of inches, Tee won
trembling, Nagy unloaded the opening round clearly
with both hands. with his long jabs and
He landed a cuffing counters.
left hook to the top of Singh looked to land a
Morgan’s head that dazed fast, whipping right over
him and left his defences the top in the second and
scattered. Nagy swung a mostly, Tee made him fall
right at his unprotected short and picked him off.
chin that landed flush, the Tee did ship a left hook
force of the shot flinging late in the second, but went
Morgan on to his back. The on to finish the round on
referee instantly waved the top and had a good last as
bout off. well.
For Nagy, who had a lot The referee gave Singh
of support, it was an eighth an eight count after Tee
win in nine bouts. made him touch down and
ShoeBox middleweight Tee had him looking ragged
Gilly Azagier was another just before the final bell
BOARD MEMBER: Matthew Holt says the sport must ‘re-establish a relationship of trust’ stoppage winner, Jac Ball with a burst of punches.

AMATEURS
EPTON middleweight Two spectacular 70 seconds. He feinted with a left hook McKay, the long-limbed and flashy
Jimmy Sains finishes have to move Doherty into the path of a right- boxer beaten in last year’s 67kgs final,
R powered through
to the final of the
NAC Championship
with back-to-back
knockouts.
Jimmy leading
the charge into
this weekend’s
hand smash to the jaw that left him blank
eyed and defenceless. The referee quickly
jumped in to give a count but, noticing
Doherty was dazed and on rubbery legs,
his corner threw in the towel.
unanimously outpointed Ellis Price
(Platinum) in the semi-finals, making sure
by upping a gear in the last.
Saturday’s welterweight final between
defending champion Huey Malone
The No.1 seed meets Stephen Clarke
NAC finals Clubmate Giorgio Visioli can become (Christ The King) and Ram Singh
(Rotunda) in Newcastle on Saturday after a two-weight NAC champion at the Vertu (Limehouse) guarantees excitement.
making short work of Altair Gomes Motors Arena on Saturday after reaching Malone outworked Waqas Ali
(Smokey’s) and Aaron Doherty (The the 63.5kgs final, 12 months after he won ( Junction) in the last four, while Singh
Ring) in Barnsley. the 60kgs title. toughed it out against Baker Street
Sains ironed out Gomes in the third. The smooth southpaw sharp-shooter banger Anton Esson. Both were
He had won the opening two rounds meets Cameron McKay (White Hart ferocious battles.
for me before a right from ‘The Hitman’ Lane) in the final after a cuts stoppage Malone unloaded in threes and fours
had him looking disorganised early in win over the game Amali Davis (Baker from the opening bell. The crowd tried to
the third. Sains quickly gathered his Street) in the last four. lift Ali and he responded, but every time
senses and then fired a chopping right Davis landed enough shots to bloody he let his hands go, Malone answered
at Gomes’s chin that put him flat on his Visioli’s nose in the second, but had been with three or four more to stay in charge.
back. The referee instantly waved it off. cut on his left eyebrow in the opening There were furious exchanges in the
Sains was even more devastating in the round and the wound ruled him out of dying moments of the second and third
semi-finals, stopping Doherty in around the bout at the start of the third. rounds, and Malone got the better of
Sains goes marching in

Photo: CLIVE WOOD
CLARET FLOWS:
Giorgio Visioli stops
Amail Davis on cuts
in the 63.5kgs
semi-final

REPTON TEAM MATES:
Sains [left] and Visioli ENGLAND
BEAT IRELAND
After opting out of the Europeans, England
Youths triumph over Ireland in County Mayo
ENGLAND Boxing Her first punch of the

withdrew their team bout was a pinpoint straight
from the European Youth right that knocked Kinsella
Championship that is held in on to her heels, after which
Armenia between April 23 Mackie stayed in charge,
and May 4. punching the Irish champion
They made the decision around the ring with left
because Russian boxers will hooks and rights.
be taking part. By the closing seconds
England sent a strong of the round, Kinsella was
team to County Mayo for an looking ragged and Mackie
international against Ireland handed her a count with a
and were 12-2 winners. right to the chin.
Burton Park clubmates That was the final punch
Ellis Panter and Lauren of the first round and
Mackie were among the Mackie was all over Kinsella
winners for England. at the start of the second,
Panter unanimously unloading combination after
outpointed Mab Davis combination.
at 67kgs. Panter was too Kinsella was under fire in
sharp with his fists and feet a neutral corner when the
throughout. referee gave her an eight
He buckled Davis’s knees count and then waved it off.
with a blurring two-fisted John Tom Varey shone as
burst in the opening minute well, stopping Lewis Rooney
and knocked his gumshield in the third despite giving
out later in the first round. away around two years to
Panter boxed smartly on Irish champion.
the outside in the second Varey coolly edged
before Davis had his first Rooney back with his
real success in the final feet and jab and landed a
them to take a unanimous verdict. Empire cruiserweight Adam Olaore minute of the round. cracking right to the jaw
Singh had his hands full with Esson, reached his first NAC final, holding off Panter was back in charge in the last that led to the
who the previous day had battered No.2 the charge of Taiwo Mosuro (Don in the last, standing off and stoppage.
seed Jordan Shaw (British Army), forcing Davis) in the last round of their semi final. beating Davis to the punch Alice Pumphrey,
a standing count with his body attacks in On Saturday he meets towering with fast jabs and one-twos. European Junior Champion
the last to make sure of the unanimous Dagenham southpaw Isaac Okoh after The referee handed Davis last year, was another
decision. he jabbed his way to a 4-1 split win over a count after Panter walked decisive winner for England,
The strong southpaw had his successes Dominic Owoo (Barton Hill). him onto a perfectly timed outpointing Katie O’Keefe
with body and head shots in the semi- Ella Harris (London Community right that stiffened his legs unanimously.
finals as well, but after three give-and- Boxing) was beaten in last year’s female briefly. At 54kgs, Owen Ketley,
take rounds, the unanimous decision 48kgs final and boxes for the title again Mackie didn’t need the 2022 European Youth
went to Singh. on Saturday after a stylish showing in judges. She simply walked champion, was a split winner
Fearless flyweight Hamza Uddin is her semi-final against Bobby Lee Burns through Nicole Kinsella and over Martin McDonagh.
(Kenton). forced a stoppage in the And Denaeo George, the
another defending champion through to
second round. 2019 European Schoolboy
this weekend’s final after back-to-back Harris jabbed her way into the bout
Kinsella was a southpaw champion who beat Ketley
points wins. and then settled into a rhythm to
and that didn’t pose any in this year’s Youth final,
He showed impressive hand speed in smoothly put her punches together. She
problems for Mackie in their won a split points verdict
his semi-final win over Warley southpaw gave Burns a count in the last and cut her. 52kgs contest. over Sean Tyndall at 57kgs.
Aman Ghulam, forcing a count in the In the final she meets Tayla Rushton
last with a fast right down the middle. (Box Smart Elite), who stopped unbeaten
YOUNG TALENT:
Up at super-heavyweight, Gideon Chelsea Estelle (Chatteris) in the first of John Tom Varey
Antwi (Hoddesdon) competes in his their quarter-final before unanimously [right] beat
third NAC final, after comprehensive outpointing No 2 seed Seema Ireland’s more
points wins over Daniel James Aggarwal (Repton) in the last four. experienced
Lewis Rooney
(Bakehouse) and Ayo Barek (Romford). Rushton had outpointed Aggarwal
Antwi looked strong, was hard to hit and previously and picked clean punches off
in the final, he meets Arlo Stephens the back foot to beat her again.
(York), a controversial points winner over Up at 80+kgs, Emily Asquith,
Mark Adhondjo (Leicester Unity) in the a southpaw from Bridlington who
semis. had previously won European Junior
For BN, Adhondjo did enough. He was and Youth gold, reached the final by
the busier in the opening two rounds and outclassing Demi Uscroft (Tommy
his coaches felt Stephens should have Coyle), handing her counts in the second
taken a count in the last after he hit the and third rounds with stiff southpaw
canvas. The referee ruled he had slipped. punches before it was called off.

YESTERDAY’S HEROES
Head above water

Remembering ETWEEN the directly above the pool. When boxing many of his early contests at this venue,
wars, when British underwent a mini revival at the end of which closed in 1991.
when boxing
rings were
frequently
placed above
B boxing was at
its busiest, there
was no shortage
of enterprising
promoters
the 1970s, and many more public shows
were staged, some of these venues came
back into use.
The Gala Baths at West Bromwich was
used on five occasions, with Tony Sibson,
Ice rinks were very popular during the
Edwardian period, when indoor skating
underwent a huge boom. The fad soon
ended, and Britain was left with a lot
of large, empty rinks that were ideal
ice rinks and looking to make a few pounds by Pat Cowdell and Johnny Owen all boxing for boxing. The most famous of these
staging professional tournaments, there. I well remember going along to was at Streatham, in South London,
swimming and with regular opportunities for live the Baths Hall at Darlington in November and thankfully, after being completely
baths entertainment hugely limited for the 1977 to see my old mate Reg Long win refurbished, it is still there. The venue
working man, boxing became something the Northern Area light-heavyweight opened for boxing on January 17, 1950,
of a staple, with tens of thousands of title in a 10-round war with Ralph Green. when promoter Stan Baker took up
people regularly attending weekly shows Both of these venues, like so many residency there. Stan staged regular
in all manner of places up and down the others, were demolished in the 1980s. shows throughout the 1950s and, by the
country. The iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green time he closed his doors for the last time
In those days there were no leisure originally served as a bathhouse and in in 1961, he had featured some famous
centres, or nightclubs, or out-of-town the years immediately following World names, including Terry Downes, Dave
hotels that could be used to stage a show, War II and most of London’s public Charnley, Terry Spinks, Johnny Caldwell
as there are today, and so promoters had boxing halls doubled up as swimming and Sammy McCarthy.
to make the best of what was available. baths, with Manor Place, at Walworth, Drill halls came about largely as a
Typically, three types of venue were Paddington, Leyton and West Ham being result of the first Boer war in 1880, when
utilised for this purpose which would typical examples. Plumstead Baths was it was found that many army recruits
make unusual boxing backdrops in 2023. frequently used, and the accompanying were unfit for military service. To improve
Fight records of a century ago will show photograph shows the Tipperary boxer matters, young lads were encouraged
them frequently appearing at swimming Denis Haugh about to commence a to join the Territorial Army, and the drill
baths, drill halls and ice rinks. contest with Private Smith of the Royal halls were where they met each week.
I mentioned in my article last week West Kents in 1911. You can see just how Hundreds of them were opened up
that the boxing events at the 1948 precariously the ring has been set up. throughout Britain and, when boxing
Olympics were staged on top of the The other photograph features Mike boomed in the early 1900s, they were
swimming pool at the Empire Pool, Sweeney and Danny Cripps, who boxed ideally suited as venues for the sport to
Miles Wembley, and it is easy to forget that each other on around 80 occasions, and thrive. I can’t say for sure when the last
Templeton so many of those great contests of the they are seen shaking hands at the end show was held in one of these places but,
Boxing 1970s featuring the likes of Finnegan, of their bout at the Westover Ice Rink in during the 1920s and 1930s, their use
historian Minter, Stracey and Magri also took place Bournemouth in 1914. Freddie Mills had was prolific.
GOOD PEOPLE DOING GOOD THINGS

The EBAs again EBAs, and boxing people generally, are several fundraising events for the He had three distance bouts with
showcase their always ready to support good causes. Ringside Charitable Trust – will, along future British welter kingpin Bobby
willingness to The current Leicester EBA newsletter with Seb Emery and former Southern Arthur, winning one, and two with
headlines three upcoming charity events. Area lightweight champion Jumaane Britain’s first junior-welterweight (now
support those This Sunday (April 23) sees the Camero, be strapped on to the wing of super-lightweight) ruler Des Rea, drawing
in need Champions and Legends Luncheon in aid a biplane while it does aerobatics over the first. He was also only the second
of the Ringside Charitable Trust. This is at Upminster (East London). “We can raise man to go the distance with future
the Masonic Hall, Hastings, starting at 1pm important funds and make a difference,” European, British and Commonwealth
– and champions who have promised Andrew says. If you want to support this champion Ralph Charles.
to be there include John Conteh, Duke very worthwhile venture, you can donate That was at Shoreditch Town Hall,
McKenzie and Robbie Regan. via www.gofund.me/0a1737c1. where Joe boxed several times – he won
One week later (May 7), Leicester Also in the newsletter is a tribute to only once there, but that was a creditable
member Kevin Concepcion stages a the late Joe Falcon, who has died aged points win over future Southern Area
Charity Boxing Day at Leicester’s HQ, the 81. Originally from Ireland, Joe relocated champion Chris Jobson. Having lost his
Jungle Club. This runs from noon-6pm to Market Harborough and turned pro unbeaten record last time out, Jobson
Simon and is to raise money for local food with my old friend Johnny Griffin (also was eager to win – but Joe was having
Euan-Smith banks – so vital in these difficult times. no longer with us). Between 1960 and none of it and won on points.
simonoldtimers For tickets, contact Kevin on 07595 1969, Joe packed in 77 bouts – he lost My condolences to Joe’s family and
@googlemail.com 779460. more than he won, but he met some friends.
EBA And on July 7, the intrepid Andrew good people, including several future The latest Central (Midlands) EBA
correspondent Fairley – who has already organised champions. newsletter has a two-page picture spread

MAKESHIFT:
The precariously
positioned ring over
Plumstead Baths
[below], and the
bare-bones setting
of Bournemouth’s
Westover Ice Rink
[right]
ROCK STEADY:
Fielding [centre]
is settling into
life after boxing
of former WBA lightweight champion super-middleweight honours and also

Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini’s recent visit won the secondary WBA belt in 2018,
to Wolverhampton Boxing Club. I quote: having travelled to Germany and flooring
“During his visit, he offered advice to and halting unbeaten Tyrone Zeuge in
some of the young lads, and also took five rounds. Unfortunately, Rocky came
the time to answer questions and sign up against the great Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
gloves. This was a great experience for in his first defence and was beaten in
the lads, and we are truly grateful for the three sessions.
time he spent at the club.” Rocky speaks frankly about his
There’s also a mention of the Midlands career and the men he fought, and it’s a
Area BBBofC Awards Luncheon at the Bar thoroughly interesting read. He finishes
Sport Premier Suite, Cannock, on June by saying: “Now for life after boxing.”
25. CEBA has reserved a table, which is That’s something so many fighters find
good news – I keep stressing the need for difficult once they retire, but one gets the
EBAs to show they support today’s scene impression that Rocky will manage – he’s
rather than simply look back to the past, always had his feet on the ground.
and gestures like this make the point. “Trash talking and that rubbish has
And there’s an in-depth feature by never been for me,” he says. “For me,
Craig Birch on Rocky Fielding, who boxing has always been about getting in,
recently retired with a record of 30-3 getting out, achieving what you can and
Rocky won British and Commonwealth providing for family.”

SIXTY SECONDS
CAOMIN AGYARKO
Andrew Fairley chats to a boxer who takes pride in his appearance
Photo: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM

When and why you started
boxing: ‘I CRIED WHEN
I started boxing because my uncle
used to fight.
I LEARNED I’D
Favourite all-time fighter:
Tough one, but I’d probably say Roy
NEED SURGERY,
Jones Jnr because he was a unique AS I’D BE OUT
talent and the first fighter I ever
studied in detail.
FOR A LONG TIME’
Best fight you’ve seen:
It would have to be Leigh Wood- Which other athlete would you
Michael Conlan. I saw it live like to be and why?
because as I was the co-main event Basketball player Stephen Curry.
on the card when I beat Juan Carlos Last film/TV show you saw:
Rubio. Night Agent.
Personal career highlight: Who would play you in a film of
Winning an Irish elite title when I your life:
was an amateur or winning my first Denzel Washington.
professional title, which was the Have you ever been starstruck:
WBA International middleweight Never. That is not me.
title [after stopping Noe Larios Jnr Last time you cried:
in 2021]. Probably last October when I
Toughest opponent: had to pull out of my fight with
Jez Smith. He had that fighting spirit an injury and found out I would
to give me a really good fight. Even need surgery. I knew I’d be out for
after I dropped him multiple times a long time just as I was gathering
he didn’t want to be denied. momentum.
Best and worst attributes as a Best advice received:
boxer: Control the controllable.
For a light-middleweight/ Worst rumour about yourself:
middleweight, I have great speed, Nothing that I’m aware of.
I’m explosive and I’ve got good Something not many people
footwork. I’m not really sure what know about you:
my weaknesses are, because I do I get my hair cut every eight days.
everything kind of well. Maybe
dropping my hands.
Training tip:
Always train hard and look for ways
to improve
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love an Indian or Italian, so either
FAST FACTS
a penne bolognese or a chicken Age: 26 Twitter: @Caoimhinagyarko Nationality: Irish Height: 5ft
jalfrezi 10ins From: Belfast Stance: Orthodox but likes to switch. Record: 12-0
Best friends in boxing: (7) Division: Super-welterweight Next fight: Injury means that Agyarko
Not sure I have any best friends in has been inactive since July last year. He’s eager to make his return.
boxing, to be honest. The Upton
brothers who used to box are my
best friends, if that counts.
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JOYCE STUNNER

Big Bang Zhang makes his mark

The Las Vegas showdown that’s worth staying up for

16 GERVONTA DAVIS vs RYAN GARCIA

DON’T MISS BEST OF THE REST

>> 4 HARSH CRITICISM?

>> 14 UKAD SUSPEND BENN >> 10 BEHAVE IMPECCABLY

>> 20 MAN IN THE KNOW >> 12 THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT

>> 40 WORLD BOXING

>> 46 CAOMIN AGYARKO

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 3

The big bang

4 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 5

LETTER OF THE WEEK

JOYCE EARNED OUR RESPECT

Photo: STEPHEN DUNKLEY/QUEENSBERRY

6 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

1 DAVIS VS LEO SANTA CRUZ

2 DAVIS VS JOSE PEDRAZA

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8 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 9

accolades, but now there will always be

I I often use positive

10 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

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ON Saturday night, Croatia’s

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 19

Photo: HENRY BROWNE/GETTY IMAGES

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 21

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 23

Photo: DEAN MOUHTAROPOULOS/GETTY IMAGES

FACING THE TRUTH: After being emphatically

26 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 27

The bionic hand

28 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

to take on Alex Dilmaghani here, but

THE VERDICT Cordina looks to right

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 29

INTERVIEW: GLYNN EVANS PORTRAIT: LEIGH DAWNEY/GETTY IMAGES

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32 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023

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AND THE NEW!

36 O BOXING NEWS O APRIL 20, 2023 www.boxingnewsonline.net

The promotion Sonny too good Happy returns

★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW

www.boxingnewsonline.net APRIL 20, 2023 O BOXING NEWS O 37

Big win for Kazakh middleweight