Sean Crose

The WBC’s junior lightweight title was on the line Saturday night at the Turning Stone Casino in New York when defending champion Robson Conceicao, 19-2-1, took on the 22-3 O’Shaquie Foster, the man he won the WBC belt from back in July. Not only was the first fight controversial, as many felt Foster was robbed by the judges, it was also less than thrilling. “I almost fell asleep the first time,” broadcaster -and former world titlist – Timothy Bradley stated on ESPN’s live broadcast Saturday night. There was hope, at least, that the rematch would be a more entertaining affair than the first go round.

People can laugh all they want, but the truth is UFC star Conor McGregor technically IS a professional boxer. He lost a mega fight to an aging Floyd Mayweather back in 2017, after all. His 0-1 boxing record may not qualify the man to be viewed as a boxing expert, but there’s no doubt the fiery Irishman IS qualified to speak as a major fighter. He’s a legend of the UFC, after all. On top of that he’s one of the few people on earth who truly knows what it’s like to engage in a superfight with millions of people watching.

“Keep going,” the man said to a gym full of bright young students. “Stay locked in.” The man then added another, pointed piece of advice. “Be the first one in the gym,” he added. “Be the last one out of the gym.” Sound guidance, but not surprising since it was coming from one Jaron “Boots” Ennis, welterweight world titlist and one of the most impressive fighters in the current boxing scene. The 27 year old, who will be defending his IBF world welterweight title this Saturday night in his native Philadelphia against Karen Chukhadzhian, is 32-0 with a remarkable 27 knockouts on his resume.

Rising star Keyshawn Davis is oozing confidence. Speaking to Sky Sports N ews the 11-0 Virginian was asked if he’s prepared to face top names Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and Vasyl Lomachenko. “I think the question,” Davis said, “is are they ready for me?” Tank Davis? Lomachenko? Is the 27 year old Davis serious? “If they are ready to fight me,” said Davis, “if they’re willing to fight me I will sign up. They can send me a contract and I’ll sign it.”

By: Sean Crose “I know that this is a very dangerous fight,” says WBC flyweight titlist Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (via DAZN). “It’s a huge opportunity for him, probably the biggest […]

IBF welterweight kingpin Jaron “Boots” Ennis defended his crown Saturday night in a rematch against Karen Chukhadzhian, who he had previously defeated. Although Ennis was clearly the favorite walking in, Chukhadzhian was his mandatory opponent. Therefore, Ennis took on the Ukrainian contender in his hometown of Philadelphia. Being a defending champion has it’s advantages, after all. While he ultimately earned a decision victory, Ennis found himself engaged in a battle of wills against his determined opponent throughout the bout.

By: Sean Crose He was without doubt the baddest man on the planet. What’s more, his presence was ubiquitous throughout the pop cultural landscape. For here was a guy who […]

“Earlier this week, I finalized a deal to acquire 100% of The Ring Magazine, and I want to make a few things clear.” So said Saudi Arabia’s sports honcho, Turki Alalshikh on social media Monday. “The print version of the magazine will return immediately after a two year hiatus,” he continued, “and it will be available in the US and UK markets. The magazine will be fully independent, with brilliant writers and focusing on every aspect in the sport of boxing.”

Writing for Boxing Insider, I named it 2022’s fight of the year. For Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano had put on a show for the ages. “Talyor-Serrano wasn’t just a back and forth affair,” I wrote at the time, “it was a seesaw battle where the combatants were among the best in the business. Throw in the undisputed women’s lightweight title, and a highly rated live ESPN broadcast from a sold out Madison Square Garden and you had all the makings of a classic.” The battle had been so thrilling and close that, although Taylor squeaked by with a decision win, that win could have easily been presented to Serra.

In just under a month, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will battle for heavyweight supremacy for the second time. Their first fight ended with Usyk being crowned undisputed king of the division by a razor sharp decision. No one knows how the second fight will play out, only that it’s good for boxing to have some of the biggest (literally) and best talents around squaring off in a legit superfight. Usyk-Fury 2 isn’t the talk of the fight world this week, however. No, that honor goes to tomorrow night’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul match, which will be going down at AT&T Stadium outside of Dallas.