Tag: Deji

Good, bad, worse: Sunny Edwards impresses again, Floyd Mayweather entertains

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD That classic Showtime style! @SunnyEdwards closes out the final round with his hands in the air! #ProbellumSheffield pic.twitter.com/rry7jG52HE – Probellum (@probellum) November 11, 2022 The best …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

The best fighter in the United Kingdom might be a flyweight from London.

IBF 112-pound titleholder Sunny Edwards gave another impressive performance on Saturday night in Sheffield, England, where he defeated former 108-pound champ Felix Alvarado by a convincing unanimous decision.

And he used a rare combination of skill and durability to do it, further evidence that the 26-year-old could go a long way.

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) boxed brilliantly, using his quick, fluid stick-and-move style to frustrate the capable Alvarado in the first half of the fight. Then, in the second half, Edwards had to rely on his determination and toughness as much as his ability to survive Alvarado’s relentless pressure and leave the ring with another victory.

The official scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113, the last two of which were too generous toward Alvarado.

And remember that Edwards can’t punch, as his knockout percentage indicates. That only makes his accomplishments more remarkable: He’s able to dominate opponents without the power to hurt them.

That limitation probably works against him in terms of his place among the best British fighters, including the more-complete Josh Taylor. However, I’m not sure anyone in the U.K. can box better than Edwards.

What’s next? He wants to face another hot fighter, highly respected Bam Rodriguez, who said he plans to move down to 112 pounds. That interesting matchup of sublime young technicians would be a genuine test of Edwards’ ability.

I would lean toward Rodriguez to win that fight but I wouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised if Edwards had his hand raised, cementing his place among the best in the business regardless of origin. He’s that good.

 

BAD

There is nothing inherently “bad” about boxing exhibitions involving retired fighters, such as Floyd Mayweather.

I remember enjoying old-timers baseball games as a child. I was thrilled by the opportunity to see my heroes and legends of the sport return to the field one night even though there were no winners or losers in a competitive sense. It was good fun.

Obviously that’s how some fans feel about seeing Mayweather, Mike Tyson and others climb through the ropes to remind of us of what made them great. That’s why the retirees can still make money in boxing.

Mayweather gave us a reminder once again on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates, where he toyed with ridiculously overmatched YouTuber Deji Olatunji and then stopped him in six rounds.

The Hall of Famer had a blast, demonstrated that he can still bring it at 45 years old and playing to the crowd along the way. There’s no doubt that many fans worldwide were entertained, which Mayweather said afterward was his goal.

The only reason this item is filed under “bad” is that I don’t get the appeal. To me the most entertaining part of the broadcast was the back-and-forth antics of marketing wiz and part-time commentator Jake Paul and the Fury family after Tommy Fury and Rolly Lambert engaged in an exhibition.

The moment the hefty John Fury, the father of Tyson Fury, took off his shirt in the ring and challenged Paul to fight him then and there was hysterical.

To each their own, though. If you enjoy these exhibitions enough to fork over the pay-per-view fee, God bless you. You must be pleased that there are many more to come.

 

WORSE

It’s always painful to write this.

We learned after David Morrell knocked out Aidos Yerbossynuly that Yerbossynuly was placed in a medically induced coma to treat bleeding on his brain, which has us praying for the best but thinking the worst.

In retrospect it seems clear that referee Tony Weeks or Yerbossynuly’s cornermen should’ve stopped the fight earlier than the 12th and final round, in which Morrell stopped him. However, the brave Kazakh was fighting with vigor almost until the end, which made it difficult to step in.

My opinion? Err on the side of caution. You might be criticized but an early stoppage is better than one that comes too late.

Such a tragic situation, which haunts us periodically, serves as a reminder of the fighters’ courage. They don’t necessarily believe they’ll suffer such an unfortunate fate but they know it’s a possibility. Still, they step through the ropes to pursue their dreams and entertain the fans.

I believe the powers that be do their best to protect the fighters in an inherently dangerous sport. Let’s hope they continue to do so and then some. Yerbossynuly and his peers deserve nothing less.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) didn’t live up to the hype against Denzel Bentley (17-2-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 2016 Olympian from Kazakhstan won the fight by a unanimous decision but wasn’t particularly impressive in any respect, which must’ve been a disappointment for those hoping he’d make a statement. Alimkhanuly said he’s ready for any champion. We’ll see. … Kudos to Bentley. He’s a good fighter. … Strawweight titleholder Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) was impressive in her unanimous-decision victory over Jazmin Gala Villarino (6-2-2, 1 KO) on the Alimkhanuly-Bentley card, her first fight in 11 months. The Los Angeles product might be as skillful as anyone in women’s boxing. … Montana Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) was disqualified for throwing opponent Steve Spark (16-2, 14 KOs) over the ropes and out of the ring in the sixth round of their junior welterweight fight Saturday in Cleveland. It was a rough fight. Love when down in Round 2 and suffered a cut from a clash of heads shortly before the unusual ending. I don’t know what the fuss is about. It seems to me that Love did exactly what he was accused of doing, which is an egregious foul. I might’ve docked him two points and allowed him to continue but a disqualification certainly was justified. …

Canelo Alvarez said his therapy is going well and that he should be ready to fight again in May after having surgery to repair a right wrist injury. That’s good news. He seems to be targeting 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol, who outpointed him this past May. That makes sense. I’d still rather see him take on fellow 168-pounder David Benavidez. … Former two-time junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas seems to have produced some good fighters: His three sons, who he trains, are a combined 12-0 (10 KOs). His youngest boy, 18-year-old Emiliano Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) got everyone’s attention by stopping Julio Martinez (1-1, 1 KO) with a single left hook in the second round of their lightweight bout on the Alimkhanuly-Bentley card. Another son, Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), is considered an outstanding junior middleweight prospect. He’s scheduled to fight Alejandro Martinez on the Regis Prograis–Jose Zepeda pay-per-view card on Nov. 26. And a third son, lightweight Amado Vargas (4-0, 2 KOs), also has promise. The second-generation Vargases will have trouble living up to the standard of their father, who was one of the better fighters of his generation. However, they obviously are worth watching.

[lawrence-related id=34192,34168,34158,34153]

Good, bad, worse: Sunny Edwards impresses again, Floyd Mayweather entertains

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD That classic Showtime style! @SunnyEdwards closes out the final round with his hands in the air! #ProbellumSheffield pic.twitter.com/rry7jG52HE – Probellum (@probellum) November 11, 2022 The best …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

The best fighter in the United Kingdom might be a flyweight from London.

IBF 112-pound titleholder Sunny Edwards gave another impressive performance on Saturday night in Sheffield, England, where he defeated former 108-pound champ Felix Alvarado by a convincing unanimous decision.

And he used a rare combination of skill and durability to do it, further evidence that the 26-year-old could go a long way.

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) boxed brilliantly, using his quick, fluid stick-and-move style to frustrate the capable Alvarado in the first half of the fight. Then, in the second half, Edwards had to rely on his determination and toughness as much as his ability to survive Alvarado’s relentless pressure and leave the ring with another victory.

The official scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113, the last two of which were too generous toward Alvarado.

And remember that Edwards can’t punch, as his knockout percentage indicates. That only makes his accomplishments more remarkable: He’s able to dominate opponents without the power to hurt them.

That limitation probably works against him in terms of his place among the best British fighters, including the more-complete Josh Taylor. However, I’m not sure anyone in the U.K. can box better than Edwards.

What’s next? He wants to face another hot fighter, highly respected Bam Rodriguez, who said he plans to move down to 112 pounds. That interesting matchup of sublime young technicians would be a genuine test of Edwards’ ability.

I would lean toward Rodriguez to win that fight but I wouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised if Edwards had his hand raised, cementing his place among the best in the business regardless of origin. He’s that good.

 

BAD

There is nothing inherently “bad” about boxing exhibitions involving retired fighters, such as Floyd Mayweather.

I remember enjoying old-timers baseball games as a child. I was thrilled by the opportunity to see my heroes and legends of the sport return to the field one night even though there were no winners or losers in a competitive sense. It was good fun.

Obviously that’s how some fans feel about seeing Mayweather, Mike Tyson and others climb through the ropes to remind of us of what made them great. That’s why the retirees can still make money in boxing.

Mayweather gave us a reminder once again on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates, where he toyed with ridiculously overmatched YouTuber Deji Olatunji and then stopped him in six rounds.

The Hall of Famer had a blast, demonstrated that he can still bring it at 45 years old and playing to the crowd along the way. There’s no doubt that many fans worldwide were entertained, which Mayweather said afterward was his goal.

The only reason this item is filed under “bad” is that I don’t get the appeal. To me the most entertaining part of the broadcast was the back-and-forth antics of marketing wiz and part-time commentator Jake Paul and the Fury family after Tommy Fury and Rolly Lambert engaged in an exhibition.

The moment the hefty John Fury, the father of Tyson Fury, took off his shirt in the ring and challenged Paul to fight him then and there was hysterical.

To each their own, though. If you enjoy these exhibitions enough to fork over the pay-per-view fee, God bless you. You must be pleased that there are many more to come.

 

WORSE

It’s always painful to write this.

We learned after David Morrell knocked out Aidos Yerbossynuly that Yerbossynuly was placed in a medically induced coma to treat bleeding on his brain, which has us praying for the best but thinking the worst.

In retrospect it seems clear that referee Tony Weeks or Yerbossynuly’s cornermen should’ve stopped the fight earlier than the 12th and final round, in which Morrell stopped him. However, the brave Kazakh was fighting with vigor almost until the end, which made it difficult to step in.

My opinion? Err on the side of caution. You might be criticized but an early stoppage is better than one that comes too late.

Such a tragic situation, which haunts us periodically, serves as a reminder of the fighters’ courage. They don’t necessarily believe they’ll suffer such an unfortunate fate but they know it’s a possibility. Still, they step through the ropes to pursue their dreams and entertain the fans.

I believe the powers that be do their best to protect the fighters in an inherently dangerous sport. Let’s hope they continue to do so and then some. Yerbossynuly and his peers deserve nothing less.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) didn’t live up to the hype against Denzel Bentley (17-2-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 2016 Olympian from Kazakhstan won the fight by a unanimous decision but wasn’t particularly impressive in any respect, which must’ve been a disappointment for those hoping he’d make a statement. Alimkhanuly said he’s ready for any champion. We’ll see. … Kudos to Bentley. He’s a good fighter. … Strawweight titleholder Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) was impressive in her unanimous-decision victory over Jazmin Gala Villarino (6-2-2, 1 KO) on the Alimkhanuly-Bentley card, her first fight in 11 months. The Los Angeles product might be as skillful as anyone in women’s boxing. … Montana Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) was disqualified for throwing opponent Steve Spark (16-2, 14 KOs) over the ropes and out of the ring in the sixth round of their junior welterweight fight Saturday in Cleveland. It was a rough fight. Love when down in Round 2 and suffered a cut from a clash of heads shortly before the unusual ending. I don’t know what the fuss is about. It seems to me that Love did exactly what he was accused of doing, which is an egregious foul. I might’ve docked him two points and allowed him to continue but a disqualification certainly was justified. …

Canelo Alvarez said his therapy is going well and that he should be ready to fight again in May after having surgery to repair a right wrist injury. That’s good news. He seems to be targeting 175-pound champ Dmitry Bivol, who outpointed him this past May. That makes sense. I’d still rather see him take on fellow 168-pounder David Benavidez. … Former two-time junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas seems to have produced some good fighters: His three sons, who he trains, are a combined 12-0 (10 KOs). His youngest boy, 18-year-old Emiliano Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) got everyone’s attention by stopping Julio Martinez (1-1, 1 KO) with a single left hook in the second round of their lightweight bout on the Alimkhanuly-Bentley card. Another son, Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), is considered an outstanding junior middleweight prospect. He’s scheduled to fight Alejandro Martinez on the Regis Prograis–Jose Zepeda pay-per-view card on Nov. 26. And a third son, lightweight Amado Vargas (4-0, 2 KOs), also has promise. The second-generation Vargases will have trouble living up to the standard of their father, who was one of the better fighters of his generation. However, they obviously are worth watching.

[lawrence-related id=34192,34168,34158,34153]

Floyd Mayweather has his way with Deji Olatunji, scores KO

Floyd Mayweather had his way with Deji Olatunki before stopping him in exhibition.

What did you expect?

Knowledgeable boxing fans rolled their eyes when they learned that Floyd Mayweather would face YouTuber Deji Olatunji in an eight-round exhibition Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.

Mayweather demonstrated why that was the case, toying with his ridiculously overmatched foe before stopping him in six rounds.

“These people want to be entertained, and that’s what we gave them,” Mayweather said afterward.

Mayweather fought most of the bout with his hands down because he knew Deji couldn’t touch him. He was able to use his reflexes to avoid almost anything coming his way, even at 45.

The Hall of Famer jabbed and moved and played to the crowd in the early rounds, his way of giving the fans in Abu Dhabi some sort of entertainment in lieu of a competitive fight and possibly carrying his opponent intentionally.

Mayweather even had fun between rounds, dancing, hitting the mitts, anything to add to the show.

Deji slipped in a punch here and there, which shouldn’t be surprising. That’s what happens when you stand unguarded in front of anyone, even someone with crude skills.

Then Mayweather decided to lower the boom. He picked up his pace beginning in Round 4, which obviously was part of his plan to stop Deji late in the fight. And that’s what happened.

In the final round he unloaded a series of hard, accurate shots, at least one of which hurt Deji. That was enough for referee Kenny Bayless, who jumped in to save the loser from further punishment.

“I thought it was an early stoppage,” Deji said. “I wanted to carry on. Boxing is boxing. I understand.”

The fans understand, too. The “fight” wasn’t about boxing. It was chance to see an all-time boxing great and a social media star exchange punches for a few rounds in the name of fun.

And, obviously, Mayweather isn’t finished. This was his fourth exhibition, third this year, since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He’ll undoubtedly take advantage of his popularity by continuing to face limited opponents like Deji in more exhibitions going forward.

And you can bet he’ll be as dominating as he was on Sunday.

Floyd Mayweather has his way with Deji Olatunji, scores KO

Floyd Mayweather had his way with Deji Olatunki before stopping him in exhibition.

What did you expect?

Knowledgeable boxing fans rolled their eyes when they learned that Floyd Mayweather would face YouTuber Deji Olatunji in an eight-round exhibition Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.

Mayweather demonstrated why that was the case, toying with his ridiculously overmatched foe before stopping him in six rounds.

“These people want to be entertained, and that’s what we gave them,” Mayweather said afterward.

Mayweather fought most of the bout with his hands down because he knew Deji couldn’t touch him. He was able to use his reflexes to avoid almost anything coming his way, even at 45.

The Hall of Famer jabbed and moved and played to the crowd in the early rounds, his way of giving the fans in Abu Dhabi some sort of entertainment in lieu of a competitive fight and possibly carrying his opponent intentionally.

Mayweather even had fun between rounds, dancing, hitting the mitts, anything to add to the show.

Deji slipped in a punch here and there, which shouldn’t be surprising. That’s what happens when you stand unguarded in front of anyone, even someone with crude skills.

Then Mayweather decided to lower the boom. He picked up his pace beginning in Round 4, which obviously was part of his plan to stop Deji late in the fight. And that’s what happened.

In the final round he unloaded a series of hard, accurate shots, at least one of which hurt Deji. That was enough for referee Kenny Bayless, who jumped in to save the loser from further punishment.

“I thought it was an early stoppage,” Deji said. “I wanted to carry on. Boxing is boxing. I understand.”

The fans understand, too. The “fight” wasn’t about boxing. It was chance to see an all-time boxing great and a social media star exchange punches for a few rounds in the name of fun.

And, obviously, Mayweather isn’t finished. This was his fourth exhibition, third this year, since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He’ll undoubtedly take advantage of his popularity by continuing to face limited opponents like Deji in more exhibitions going forward.

And you can bet he’ll be as dominating as he was on Sunday.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olantunji: date, time, how to watch, background

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olantunji: date, time, how to watch, background.

Floyd Mayweather will return for another exhibition, this time against inexperienced YouTuber Deji Olantunji on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. DEJI OLANTUNJI

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 13
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • TV/Stream: Pay-Per-View
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Delfine Persoon vs. Ikram Kerwat, junior lightweights; Tommy Fury vs. Paul Bamba, light heavyweights
  • Background: He’s back already. Mayweather stopped mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura on Sept. 25 in Japan, his third exhibition since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He returns Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he’ll face British YouTuber-turned-boxer Deji. The brother of KSI has taken part in one exhibition, a knockout victory over fellow YouTuber Fousey in August. That makes him Mayweather’s second raw amateur opponent. He “fought” Logan Paul in June of last year. The Hall Famer also faced Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 and former sparring partner Don Moore this past May. His last sanctioned bout was in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor.

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Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olantunji: date, time, how to watch, background

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olantunji: date, time, how to watch, background.

Floyd Mayweather will return for another exhibition, this time against inexperienced YouTuber Deji Olantunji on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. DEJI OLANTUNJI

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 13
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • TV/Stream: Pay-Per-View
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Delfine Persoon vs. Ikram Kerwat, junior lightweights; Tommy Fury vs. Paul Bamba, light heavyweights
  • Background: He’s back already. Mayweather stopped mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura on Sept. 25 in Japan, his third exhibition since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He returns Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he’ll face British YouTuber-turned-boxer Deji. The brother of KSI has taken part in one exhibition, a knockout victory over fellow YouTuber Fousey in August. That makes him Mayweather’s second raw amateur opponent. He “fought” Logan Paul in June of last year. The Hall Famer also faced Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 and former sparring partner Don Moore this past May. His last sanctioned bout was in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor.

[lawrence-related id=34153,33600]

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Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olatunji: LIVE updates and results, full coverage

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olatunji: LIVE updates and results, full coverage.

Floyd Mayweather stopped Deji Olatunji in the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.

Mayweather toyed with his crudely skilled opponent, who is best known as a YouTuber. He fought most of the fight with his hands down, an indication that he knew Deji couldn’t touch him.

The Hall of Famer started out jabbing and moving and throwing an occasional power shot but picked up his pace round by round.

In the final round he didn’t hold back, unloading a series of hard, accurate shots in an apparent attempt to end matters inside the distance.

A full report will follow shortly.

***

The fight was stopped in the sixth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. Mayweather had landed a series punishing shots, which prompted referee Kenny Bayless to stop it.

***

It’s amazing how well Mayweather can move well at 45 years old. He probably could still beat all but a few welterweights right now.

***

Mayweather took it to Deji that round, picking up his punch output. He’s not punching as hard as he can but he’s punching a lot. He was warned a few times for low blows.

***

Mayweather is just having fun, dancing both during the action and between rounds. He has fought the entire fight with his hands down because he knows his crude opponent can’t hit him, at least not more than an occasional, inconsequential punch.

***

Mayweather is playing to the crowd and those at ringside. Jabbing, moving in and out, throwing an occasional power punch as Deji covers up and tries to figure out what’s going on. All part of the show.

***

Mayweather is toying with Deji, who obviously has only rudimentary skills. You get the feeling that the Hall of Famer could stop his opponent at any time but doesn’t want to because he wants the fans to get something for their money.

***

Finally.

It’s past 1:30 a.m. in Abu Dhabi and the main event fighters are just now making their ring walks.

***

Tommy Fury took part in an exhibition with fellow pro boxer Rolly Lambert Fogoum, which was put together at the last minute.

The half brother of heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury and his opponent danced and postured more than they punched for six, two-minute rounds that repeatedly drew boos from the crowd.

Fury, a social media star, is a potential opponent for YouTuber-turned-boxer-Jake Paul, who served as a commentator during his rival’s event..

The most-exciting thing about the Fury-Fogoum exhibition happened immediately afterward, when John Fury, the father of Tyson and Tommy, took his shirt off in the ring and challenged.

The elder Fury and Paul exchanged words but Paul didn’t enter the ring.

Then, when Tommy Fury was interviewed in the ring, he also challenged Paul to enter the ring. Paul suggested he leave the ring, which prompted Fury to step through the ropes. His handlers held him back, however.

The exchanges were valuable in terms of marketing if the fight takes place.

***

Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring in a pay-per-view exhibition against YouTuber Deji Olatunji on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The main portion of the show begins at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post results of the main event and other featured bouts immediately afterward. Simply return to this post when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the night of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=34113,33600,33048]

[vertical-gallery id=32988]

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olatunji: LIVE updates and results, full coverage

Floyd Mayweather vs. Deji Olatunji: LIVE updates and results, full coverage.

Floyd Mayweather stopped Deji Olatunji in the sixth round of their scheduled eight-round exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.

Mayweather toyed with his crudely skilled opponent, who is best known as a YouTuber. He fought most of the fight with his hands down, an indication that he knew Deji couldn’t touch him.

The Hall of Famer started out jabbing and moving and throwing an occasional power shot but picked up his pace round by round.

In the final round he didn’t hold back, unloading a series of hard, accurate shots in an apparent attempt to end matters inside the distance.

A full report will follow shortly.

***

The fight was stopped in the sixth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. Mayweather had landed a series punishing shots, which prompted referee Kenny Bayless to stop it.

***

It’s amazing how well Mayweather can move well at 45 years old. He probably could still beat all but a few welterweights right now.

***

Mayweather took it to Deji that round, picking up his punch output. He’s not punching as hard as he can but he’s punching a lot. He was warned a few times for low blows.

***

Mayweather is just having fun, dancing both during the action and between rounds. He has fought the entire fight with his hands down because he knows his crude opponent can’t hit him, at least not more than an occasional, inconsequential punch.

***

Mayweather is playing to the crowd and those at ringside. Jabbing, moving in and out, throwing an occasional power punch as Deji covers up and tries to figure out what’s going on. All part of the show.

***

Mayweather is toying with Deji, who obviously has only rudimentary skills. You get the feeling that the Hall of Famer could stop his opponent at any time but doesn’t want to because he wants the fans to get something for their money.

***

Finally.

It’s past 1:30 a.m. in Abu Dhabi and the main event fighters are just now making their ring walks.

***

Tommy Fury took part in an exhibition with fellow pro boxer Rolly Lambert Fogoum, which was put together at the last minute.

The half brother of heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury and his opponent danced and postured more than they punched for six, two-minute rounds that repeatedly drew boos from the crowd.

Fury, a social media star, is a potential opponent for YouTuber-turned-boxer-Jake Paul, who served as a commentator during his rival’s event..

The most-exciting thing about the Fury-Fogoum exhibition happened immediately afterward, when John Fury, the father of Tyson and Tommy, took his shirt off in the ring and challenged.

The elder Fury and Paul exchanged words but Paul didn’t enter the ring.

Then, when Tommy Fury was interviewed in the ring, he also challenged Paul to enter the ring. Paul suggested he leave the ring, which prompted Fury to step through the ropes. His handlers held him back, however.

The exchanges were valuable in terms of marketing if the fight takes place.

***

Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring in a pay-per-view exhibition against YouTuber Deji Olatunji on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The main portion of the show begins at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post results of the main event and other featured bouts immediately afterward. Simply return to this post when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the night of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=34113,33600,33048]

[vertical-gallery id=32988]

Fight Week: It’s old-timers week, starring Mayweather, Hatton, Barrera

Fight Week: Floyd Mayweather, Hatton-Barrera exhibitions; Sunny Edwards and Alimkhanuly title defenses.

FIGHT WEEK

Floyd Mayweather will return for another exhibition, as will Ricky Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera against one another. In real fights, Sunny Edwards will face Felix Alvarado, and Janibek Alimkhanuly will take on Denzel Bentley.

SUNNY EDWARDS (18-0, 4 KOs) VS. FELIX ALVARADO (38-2, 33 KOs)

  • When: Friday, Nov. 11
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
  • Where: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
  • TV/Stream: FITE
  • Division: Flyweights (112 pounds)
  • At stake: Edwards’ IBF title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Edwards 5-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Thomas Essomba vs. Marcel Braithwaite, junior bantamweights; Jack Bateson vs. Shabaz Masoud, junior featherweights.
  • Prediction: Edwards UD
  • Background: Edwards is closing in on showdowns with the top little men in the world – stars like Julio Cesar Martinez and Bam Rodriguez – but he must get past the capable Alvarado first. The 26-year-old Londoner, a superb boxer, won his belt by defeating two-time champion Moruti Mthalane in April of last year. He then successfully defended against Jayson Mama and Muhammad Waseem, winning both fights by wide decisions. Alvarado, a 33-year-old Nicaraguan, held a 108-pound title from 2018 until he gave it up this year and moved up to 112. He made his flyweight debut in May, when he stopped Luis Cerrito Hernandez in four rounds. He hasn’t lost since back-to-back setbacks in 2013 and 2014, after which he has won 20 consecutive fights.

 

JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY (12-0, 8 KOs) VS. DENZEL BENTLEY (17-1-1, 14 KOs)­

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 12
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Middleweights (160 pounds)
  • At stake: Alimkhanuly’s WBO title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Alimkhanuly 20-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Seniesa Estrada vs. Jazmin Gala Villarino, strawweights (for Estrada’s WBA title)
  • Prediction: Alimkhanuly KO 10
  • Background: Alimkhanuly, 29, is a talented 2013 amateur world champion and 2016 Olympian from Kazakhstan who has been fast tracked as a pro. The Southern California-based southpaw won the WBO’s “interim” title in his last fight, a second-round knockout of previously unbeaten Danny Dignum in May. He was upgraded to full champion in August. He also stopped veterans Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam last year, which set up the fight with Dignum. Bentley is a 27-year-old boxer-puncher from London. He was stopped in three rounds by fellow 160-pound contender Felix Cash in April of last year but he bounced back to win three in a row, including a fourth-round knockout of Marcus Morrison in September, to earn a shot at Alimkhanuly’s title. Also on the card, Seniesa Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles is scheduled to defend her strawweight title against Jazim Gala Villarino (6-1-2, 1 KO) of Argentina.

 

RICKY HATTON VS. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 12
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
  • Where: AO Arena, Manchester, England
  • TV/Stream: NOW (Sky Sports in U.K.)
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Natasha Jonas vs. Marie Eve Dicaire, junior middleweights (for Jonas’ IBF, WBC and WBO titles); Dalton Smith vs. Kaisee Benjamin, junior welterweight; Tyler Denny vs. Bradley Rea, middleweights
  • Background: Barrera and Hatton are climbing onto the exhibition wagon. Barrera, 48, hasn’t fought since 2011, when the Hall of Famer from Mexico stopped journeyman Jose Arias in two rounds in Guadalajara. Hatton, 44, was last in the ring in 2012, when the former 140-pound titleholder was stopped by contender Vyacheslav Senchenko in nine rounds. The Mancunian will face Barrera in the same arena in which he delivered his greatest performance, an 11th-round knockout of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu that gave him his first major belt. Fans expecting a war between the one-time action fighters will be disappointed. Hatton said this is about fun. He told Sky Sports: “It’s a celebration.”

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. DEJI OLANTUNJI

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 13
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • TV/Stream: Pay-Per-View
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Delfine Persoon vs. Ikram Kerwat, junior lightweights; Tommy Fury vs. Paul Bamba, light heavyweights
  • Background: He’s back already. Mayweather stopped mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura on Sept. 25 in Japan, his third exhibition since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He returns Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he’ll face British YouTuber-turned-boxer Deji. The brother of KSI has taken part in one exhibition, a knockout victory over fellow YouTuber Fousey in August. That makes him Mayweather’s second raw amateur opponent. He “fought” Logan Paul in June of last year. The Hall Famer also faced Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 and former sparring partner Don Moore this past May. His last sanctioned bout was in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

SATURDAY

  • Montana Love vs. Stevie Spark, junior welterweights, Cleveland (DAZN).

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Fight Week: It’s old-timers week, starring Mayweather, Hatton, Barrera

Fight Week: Floyd Mayweather, Hatton-Barrera exhibitions; Sunny Edwards and Alimkhanuly title defenses.

FIGHT WEEK

Floyd Mayweather will return for another exhibition, as will Ricky Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera against one another. In real fights, Sunny Edwards will face Felix Alvarado, and Janibek Alimkhanuly will take on Denzel Bentley.

SUNNY EDWARDS (18-0, 4 KOs) VS. FELIX ALVARADO (38-2, 33 KOs)

  • When: Friday, Nov. 11
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
  • Where: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
  • TV/Stream: FITE
  • Division: Flyweights (112 pounds)
  • At stake: Edwards’ IBF title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Edwards 5-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Thomas Essomba vs. Marcel Braithwaite, junior bantamweights; Jack Bateson vs. Shabaz Masoud, junior featherweights.
  • Prediction: Edwards UD
  • Background: Edwards is closing in on showdowns with the top little men in the world – stars like Julio Cesar Martinez and Bam Rodriguez – but he must get past the capable Alvarado first. The 26-year-old Londoner, a superb boxer, won his belt by defeating two-time champion Moruti Mthalane in April of last year. He then successfully defended against Jayson Mama and Muhammad Waseem, winning both fights by wide decisions. Alvarado, a 33-year-old Nicaraguan, held a 108-pound title from 2018 until he gave it up this year and moved up to 112. He made his flyweight debut in May, when he stopped Luis Cerrito Hernandez in four rounds. He hasn’t lost since back-to-back setbacks in 2013 and 2014, after which he has won 20 consecutive fights.

 

JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY (12-0, 8 KOs) VS. DENZEL BENTLEY (17-1-1, 14 KOs)­

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 12
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Middleweights (160 pounds)
  • At stake: Alimkhanuly’s WBO title
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Alimkhanuly 20-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Seniesa Estrada vs. Jazmin Gala Villarino, strawweights (for Estrada’s WBA title)
  • Prediction: Alimkhanuly KO 10
  • Background: Alimkhanuly, 29, is a talented 2013 amateur world champion and 2016 Olympian from Kazakhstan who has been fast tracked as a pro. The Southern California-based southpaw won the WBO’s “interim” title in his last fight, a second-round knockout of previously unbeaten Danny Dignum in May. He was upgraded to full champion in August. He also stopped veterans Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam last year, which set up the fight with Dignum. Bentley is a 27-year-old boxer-puncher from London. He was stopped in three rounds by fellow 160-pound contender Felix Cash in April of last year but he bounced back to win three in a row, including a fourth-round knockout of Marcus Morrison in September, to earn a shot at Alimkhanuly’s title. Also on the card, Seniesa Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles is scheduled to defend her strawweight title against Jazim Gala Villarino (6-1-2, 1 KO) of Argentina.

 

RICKY HATTON VS. MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 12
  • Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (7 p.m. in U.K.) (main event later in show)
  • Where: AO Arena, Manchester, England
  • TV/Stream: NOW (Sky Sports in U.K.)
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Natasha Jonas vs. Marie Eve Dicaire, junior middleweights (for Jonas’ IBF, WBC and WBO titles); Dalton Smith vs. Kaisee Benjamin, junior welterweight; Tyler Denny vs. Bradley Rea, middleweights
  • Background: Barrera and Hatton are climbing onto the exhibition wagon. Barrera, 48, hasn’t fought since 2011, when the Hall of Famer from Mexico stopped journeyman Jose Arias in two rounds in Guadalajara. Hatton, 44, was last in the ring in 2012, when the former 140-pound titleholder was stopped by contender Vyacheslav Senchenko in nine rounds. The Mancunian will face Barrera in the same arena in which he delivered his greatest performance, an 11th-round knockout of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu that gave him his first major belt. Fans expecting a war between the one-time action fighters will be disappointed. Hatton said this is about fun. He told Sky Sports: “It’s a celebration.”

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. DEJI OLANTUNJI

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 13
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET / noon PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • TV/Stream: Pay-Per-View
  • Format: Exhibition
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Delfine Persoon vs. Ikram Kerwat, junior lightweights; Tommy Fury vs. Paul Bamba, light heavyweights
  • Background: He’s back already. Mayweather stopped mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura on Sept. 25 in Japan, his third exhibition since he last took part in a sanctioned bout in 2017. He returns Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he’ll face British YouTuber-turned-boxer Deji. The brother of KSI has taken part in one exhibition, a knockout victory over fellow YouTuber Fousey in August. That makes him Mayweather’s second raw amateur opponent. He “fought” Logan Paul in June of last year. The Hall Famer also faced Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018 and former sparring partner Don Moore this past May. His last sanctioned bout was in 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

SATURDAY

  • Montana Love vs. Stevie Spark, junior welterweights, Cleveland (DAZN).

[lawrence-related id=33600,33048,32982]