Tag: Dmitry Bivol

Weekend Review: Fury vs. Usyk merely delayed, Buatsi and Benn win easily

Weekend Review: The Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight was delayed. Meanwhile, Joshua Buatsi and Conor Benn easily won their fights.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

MOST DAMAGING CUT
Tyson Fury’s

S— happens. Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) was set to face fellow titleholder Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) for the undisputed heavyweight championship on Feb. 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when Fury suffered a deep cut over his right eye in sparring, which forced the postponement of the event on Friday. Organizers bemoaned the calamity, Fury apologized profusely and Usyk’s manager cried foul, calling Fury a coward and insisting the WBC beltholder had sought a way out of the fight. A day later the camps agreed to reschedule the event for May 18 in the same location. Problem solved. Of course, the initial news was disappointing for everyone. The fighters were primed to take part in the biggest fight of their careers only to have to slam on the brakes and begin preparations to restart their camps, probably next month. That’s an enormous letdown for them. Fans also were excited about the crowning of the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis and a compelling matchup, which became particularly interesting when Fury eked out a victory over an MMA star making his boxing debut (Francis Ngannou) in October. The good news is that May will roll around soon enough and we’ll have our big fight, assuming nothing else unforeseen happens.

 

BIGGEST WINNER
Joshua Buatsi

Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) looked sharp in his one-sided decision over previously unbeaten London-area friend Dan Azeez (20-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night in London, bolstering his status as the top 175-pound contender. He’s the mandatory challenger for the title held by pound-for-pounder Dmitry Bivol and arguably the best light heavyweight without a belt, as he’s ranked No. 1 by two of the three major sanctioning bodies and will soon ascend to the top of a third. The problem for him is that Bivol and fellow titleholder Artur Beterbiev have agreed to fight one another for the undisputed championship on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, which could tie up the titles for a while. Buatsi would have to wait at least until the fall to face the winner if he gets that opportunity at all. And Bivol vs. Beterbiev has the feel of a rivalry that could result in multiple fights. That could push back Buatsi’s big opportunity even further, although one never knows how things will play out. Fighters move up in weight, they get stripped, they get injured, they retire. The list goes on. Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) must continue to focus on the one thing he can control, winning fights. If the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist can do that – particularly as convincingly as he did on Saturday – his time will come soon enough.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Conor Benn

Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) needed a win. The 147-pounder contender from England has had a rough year and half, after failing two drug tests, getting suspended, getting cleared of wrong doing by an independent anti-doping agency and then having British authorities appeal that decision. That leaves him without a license to box in his homeland to this day. His response? He has moved his career across the pond, where he outpointed Rodolfo Orozco in September in Orlando and Peter Dobson (16-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday in Las Vegas. He gave a solid performance against the defense-challenged Dobson in a 12-round 151-pound bout, using his overmatched foe as a punching bag en route to winning a one-sided decision. The fact he couldn’t hurt Dobson, at least not seriously, might be an indication that he should stick to fighting at 147 for the time being. The important thing is that he has gotten back to what he does best, which is to box. That’s helping him overcome the most difficult period of his life. Soon he’ll be reinstated in the U.K. and face the big-name opponents he has been calling out. Then he can leave his PED issues in the past.

 

MOST EXCITING

We learned on Saturday that Bivol and Beterbiev had reached their deal to fight in less than four months, which is exciting. The winner arguably can claim to be the top 175-pounder of his era, making it one of the biggest possible matchups in the sport. The gifted Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) became an overnight star when he easily outpointed Canelo Alvarez in May 2022 and has dominating many more top contenders, including Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba, Jean Pascal, Joe Smith Jr. and Gilberto Ramirez. Few active fighters have had a better run. And Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) remains a beast at 39, as he demonstrated by becoming the first to stop Callum Smith on Jan. 13. He is one of the biggest punchers pound-for-pound and an underappreciated boxer, making him as a formidable opponent for anyone. Who wins? This is a 50-50 matchup if there ever was one. Bivol is the better boxer and athlete but it’s anyone’s guess whether he can withstand Beterbiev’s pressure and power. Can’t wait.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Manny Pacquiao, 45, evidently is no longer retired. That’s the word from his longtime advisor Sean Gibbons, who told BoxingScene.com that his client is interested in facing Gervonta Davis or Ryan Garcia in a sanctioned bout. Please, no. The last thing we want to see is Pacquiao take the kind of beating he delivered against Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. And that’s what would happen if he faces a titleholder or top contender. He has an exhibition against muay thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek scheduled for April 20 in Thailand, he has expressed interest in facing old rival Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition and a bout with Conor McGregor has been discussed. Those are reasonable options. Davis or Garcia? That could be a mistake. … News item: unbeaten 135-pound titleholder Shakur Stevenson last week announced his retirement from boxing at 26 years old, which evidently was prompted by his inability to get the fights he wants. I understand Stevenson’s frustration, which is common to many top fighters. Ask Terence Crawford. But does anyone really believe Stevenson is going to walk away from the millions of dollars he stands to earn over the next several years? Of course not. He’ll be back soon. And he’ll eventually get the biggest fights that have been elusive. … Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi died Friday, the result of a subdural hematoma suffered in a decision loss against Seiya Tsutsumi on Dec. 26 in Tokyo. Anaguchi, who went down four times in the fight, lost consciousness afterward and never awakened. He was only 23. … And so long to actor Carl Weathers, who has died at 76. Weathers played Apollo Creed, the rival of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and one of the great characters in any boxing movie.

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Joshua Buatsi drops Dan Azeez twice, wins clear decision

Joshua Buatsi dropped Dan Azeez twice en route to winning a clear decision in their title eliminator Saturday in London.

Bring on the winner of the June 1 Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev fight?

Joshua Buatsi had no trouble with Dan Azeez in a title eliminator for Bivol’s 175-pound title, putting his opponent down twice and winning a one-sided decision Saturday in London.

The official scores were 117-109, 117-109 and 116-110.

Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) outboxed and outworked Azeez (20-1, 13 KOs) from the outset, including consistently good work to Azeez’s body.

Azeez hit the canvas twice in Round 11, although neither knockdown was conclusive. However, they didn’t factor into the result. Buatsi would’ve gotten the nod without them.

Buatsi is now in a strong position to challenge the winner of the Bivol-Beterbiev fight for the undisputed championship in Saudi Arabia, which was just announced.

However, he’ll have to wait on the outcome and what might follow. The winner of the title fight could do it a second time, which would push back Buatsi’s big opportunity even further.

Joshua Buatsi drops Dan Azeez twice, wins clear decision

Joshua Buatsi dropped Dan Azeez twice en route to winning a clear decision in their title eliminator Saturday in London.

Bring on the winner of the June 1 Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev fight?

Joshua Buatsi had no trouble with Dan Azeez in a title eliminator for Bivol’s 175-pound title, putting his opponent down twice and winning a one-sided decision Saturday in London.

The official scores were 117-109, 117-109 and 116-110.

Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) outboxed and outworked Azeez (20-1, 13 KOs) from the outset, including consistently good work to Azeez’s body.

Azeez hit the canvas twice in Round 11, although neither knockdown was conclusive. However, they didn’t factor into the result. Buatsi would’ve gotten the nod without them.

Buatsi is now in a strong position to challenge the winner of the Bivol-Beterbiev fight for the undisputed championship in Saudi Arabia, which was just announced.

However, he’ll have to wait on the outcome and what might follow. The winner of the title fight could do it a second time, which would push back Buatsi’s big opportunity even further.

Joshua Buatsi must get past Dan Azeez before he can think about Dmitry Bivol

Joshua Buatsi must get past Dan Azeez on Saturday before he think about challenging titleholder Dmitry Bivol.

Joshua Buatsi is closing in on his dream of fighting for a world championship. The 30-year-old Londoner has some business to tend to first, however.

Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to face fellow 175-pound contender Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday at OVO Arena Wembley in London (Peacock).

The fight is being billed as a WBA title eliminator. That means the winner will be first in line to challenge titleholder Dmitry Bivol, although Bivol is in talks to face Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed championship.

“It’s showtime,” Buatsi said. “It’s time to see who’s number one. There’s nothing else to do but to fight, to see whose hand will be raised at the end of it. And that’s all I’ve worked for, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

“We’re almost there, and on Saturday we’re going to see what’s up.”

Buatsi, a native of Ghana, has taken part in big events. He won a bronze medal for Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics. And he has had high profile fights as a pro, including a one-sided decision over Pawel Stepien last May.

However, his meeting with Azeez could be both his toughest test and most important fight.

He’ll have no chance of fighting for a world title – at least in the near future – if he slips up against Azeez, who will be taking a significant step up in opposition Saturday.

“It’s a final eliminator for the WBA world title so of course that’s the aim,” Buatsi said. “I want to fight for the world title next. But right know, all I’m focused on is beating Dan. It’s imperative that I win.”

Buatsi’s last two opponents (Craig Richards and Stepien) have gone the distance with him but he had demonstrated in previous fights that he has elite punching power.

Could he stop Azeez, who is a friend outside the ring? He doesn’t care either way.

“I’ve shown I can knock people out,” he said. “If the opportunity comes, I’m going to knock Dan out. Just because I know him doesn’t mean I’m going to hold back.

“I need to make sure I get the job done, and we can shake hands after.”

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Joshua Buatsi must get past Dan Azeez before he can think about Dmitry Bivol

Joshua Buatsi must get past Dan Azeez on Saturday before he think about challenging titleholder Dmitry Bivol.

Joshua Buatsi is closing in on his dream of fighting for a world championship. The 30-year-old Londoner has some business to tend to first, however.

Buatsi (17-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to face fellow 175-pound contender Dan Azeez (20-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday at OVO Arena Wembley in London (Peacock).

The fight is being billed as a WBA title eliminator. That means the winner will be first in line to challenge titleholder Dmitry Bivol, although Bivol is in talks to face Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed championship.

“It’s showtime,” Buatsi said. “It’s time to see who’s number one. There’s nothing else to do but to fight, to see whose hand will be raised at the end of it. And that’s all I’ve worked for, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

“We’re almost there, and on Saturday we’re going to see what’s up.”

Buatsi, a native of Ghana, has taken part in big events. He won a bronze medal for Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics. And he has had high profile fights as a pro, including a one-sided decision over Pawel Stepien last May.

However, his meeting with Azeez could be both his toughest test and most important fight.

He’ll have no chance of fighting for a world title – at least in the near future – if he slips up against Azeez, who will be taking a significant step up in opposition Saturday.

“It’s a final eliminator for the WBA world title so of course that’s the aim,” Buatsi said. “I want to fight for the world title next. But right know, all I’m focused on is beating Dan. It’s imperative that I win.”

Buatsi’s last two opponents (Craig Richards and Stepien) have gone the distance with him but he had demonstrated in previous fights that he has elite punching power.

Could he stop Azeez, who is a friend outside the ring? He doesn’t care either way.

“I’ve shown I can knock people out,” he said. “If the opportunity comes, I’m going to knock Dan out. Just because I know him doesn’t mean I’m going to hold back.

“I need to make sure I get the job done, and we can shake hands after.”

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Fighter of the Month: Aging Artur Beterbiev has never looked better

Fighter of the Month: Aging Artur Beterbiev never looked better than he did in his knockout victory over Callum Smith.

Artur Beterbiev was still perfect as he approached his 39th birthday.

The 175-pound titleholder hadn’t fought in a year when he stepped through the ropes to face Callum Smith on Jan. 13 in Quebec City, Canada, but neither his advanced age nor the layoff was evident in his performance.

Beterbiev pummeled his accomplished opponent, dropped him twice and finally stopped him the seventh round, making Smith his 20th knockout victim in as many fights.

The winner was modest afterward, saying, “It’s because of luck. It’s my coach (Marc Ramsay). My team works hard with me, too. Maybe that’s why, too. But I think it’s because of luck.”

Luck had nothing to do with it. He demonstrated in emphatic fashion that he remains one of the best fighters in the world — he’s No. 12 on Boxing Junkie’s pound for pound list — and arguably the top 175-pounder of his generation.

Thus, he earned Boxing Junkie Fighter of the Month honors for January.

Beterbiev’s dominating victory wasn’t the result of sheer aggression. The three-belt champion used his boxing skills and experience to patiently, methodically break down his opponent until the challenger could no longer fight back.

The result was both brutal and thorough, which underscored Beterbiev’s reputation as a fearsome beast.

Indeed, he has never looked better as he approaches the biggest matchup of his decade-long career, a showdown with fellow titleholder Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship in late spring or summer.

We’ll see whether Beterbiev is up to the challenge of facing Bivol if they reach a deal. Bivol, the conqueror of superstar Canelo Alvarez, is more skillful than Smith.

However, Beterbiev, who turned 39 on Jan. 21, clearly is threat to anyone at or near his weight. That couldn’t have been more obvious on Jan. 13.

“They talk about his strength and punching power,” said Buddy McGirt, Smith’s trainer, “but he’s a very smart fighter. He’s gonna be tough to beat.”

Ya think?

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Fighter of the Month: Aging Artur Beterbiev has never looked better

Fighter of the Month: Aging Artur Beterbiev never looked better than he did in his knockout victory over Callum Smith.

Artur Beterbiev was still perfect as he approached his 39th birthday.

The 175-pound titleholder hadn’t fought in a year when he stepped through the ropes to face Callum Smith on Jan. 13 in Quebec City, Canada, but neither his advanced age nor the layoff was evident in his performance.

Beterbiev pummeled his accomplished opponent, dropped him twice and finally stopped him the seventh round, making Smith his 20th knockout victim in as many fights.

The winner was modest afterward, saying, “It’s because of luck. It’s my coach (Marc Ramsay). My team works hard with me, too. Maybe that’s why, too. But I think it’s because of luck.”

Luck had nothing to do with it. He demonstrated in emphatic fashion that he remains one of the best fighters in the world — he’s No. 12 on Boxing Junkie’s pound for pound list — and arguably the top 175-pounder of his generation.

Thus, he earned Boxing Junkie Fighter of the Month honors for January.

Beterbiev’s dominating victory wasn’t the result of sheer aggression. The three-belt champion used his boxing skills and experience to patiently, methodically break down his opponent until the challenger could no longer fight back.

The result was both brutal and thorough, which underscored Beterbiev’s reputation as a fearsome beast.

Indeed, he has never looked better as he approaches the biggest matchup of his decade-long career, a showdown with fellow titleholder Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship in late spring or summer.

We’ll see whether Beterbiev is up to the challenge of facing Bivol if they reach a deal. Bivol, the conqueror of superstar Canelo Alvarez, is more skillful than Smith.

However, Beterbiev, who turned 39 on Jan. 21, clearly is threat to anyone at or near his weight. That couldn’t have been more obvious on Jan. 13.

“They talk about his strength and punching power,” said Buddy McGirt, Smith’s trainer, “but he’s a very smart fighter. He’s gonna be tough to beat.”

Ya think?

[lawrence-related id=40481,40466,40446,40442,40384,39939,39539,39258,38748,38381,37946]

Great Eight: Our list of champions could look radically different this year

Great Eight: Our list of champions could look radically different this year.

The proliferation of titles makes it difficult for all but the most astute fans to determine the cream of the boxing crop.

That’s why Boxing Junkie came up with its “Great Eight” feature, which names the best fighter in each of the original eight weight classes –heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight.

Heavyweight includes cruiserweight (and the WBA and WBC’s bridgerweight), light heavyweight includes super middleweight, middleweight includes junior middleweight and so on down to flyweight, which includes junior flyweight and strawweight.

In this installment of “Great Eight,” we point out that the list could look radically different this year.

Start with the heavyweight division. “Great Eight” champion Tyson Fury is set face Oleksandr Usyk on Feb. 17 in Saudi Arabia. The winner will be our champion barring something unforeseen. And an expected rematch will also have a direct impact on the championship.

Then there’s 175 pounds, at which unbeaten titleholders Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol — our champion — appear headed for a showdown for the undisputed championship in late spring or summer.

“Great Eight” middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, a junior middleweight belt holder, doesn’t have a fight set but a significant challenge could be on the horizon.

A potential rematch between welterweight champ Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. seems to be losing steam, which could open the door to a Charlo-Crawford fight at 154 pounds this year. Crawford probably would be favored even though he would be moving up in weight.

And if Crawford makes a full-fledged move from 147 to 154, that would create a “Great Eight” vacancy at welterweight. Ennis, the second best 147-pounder, and the top fighters at 140 — Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, et al — will battle to become our new champion.

The next three weights seem less likely to change.

Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has a firm hold on the “Great Eight” championship, although a few 135-pounders — Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko and perhaps Frank Martin and William Zepeda — could push “Tank.” He also could decided to move up to 140.

Naoya Inoue also has firm control of the featherweight championship. He has been untouchable at junior featherweight and would still quality for the same position if he moves up a division, which could happen this year.

And bantamweight champ Juan Francisco Estrada, who fights at junior bantamweight, has talked about moving up in weight. That means he could still hold his “Great Eight” position. The Mexican is far more accomplished than anyone at the higher weight.

And, finally, “Bam” Rodriguez just became flyweight champion by stopping Sunny Edwards but he has said he plans to move back up to junior bantamweight, which would create an opening here. Could Edwards, perhaps the second best 112-pounder, fill the void? Or will 108-pounder Kenshiro Teraji take the top spot?

So, in summary, it’s easy to imagine a championship list that looks like this in 2024:

  • Heavyweight — Usyk
  • Light heavyweights — Beterbiev
  • Middleweight — Crawford
  • Welterweight — Ennis (or Haney or Lopez)
  • Lightweight — Davis
  • Featherweight — Inoue
  • Bantamweight — Estrada
  • Flyweight — Edwards

Stay tuned.

Here are the top fighters in the original eight divisions:

HEAVYWEIGHT

Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) – Fury’s reign as the top man here is in jeopardy, as he’s scheduled to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship on Feb. 17 in Saudi Arabia. He’ll have to perform better against Usyk than he did against Francis Ngannou to win.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) – The 175-pound titleholder gave another strong performance last month, shutting out overmatched Lyndon Arthur. Artur Beterbiev’s KO of Callum Smith on Jan. 13 could set up a showdown between the two best 175-pounders of the era.

MIDDLEWEIGHT

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) – The 154-pounder came up short against 168-pound champ Canelo Alvarez but he remains the best at 160 and 154. He wants to fight pound-for-pound and welterweight king Terence Crawford, who would take Charlo’s place in this division with a victory.

WELTERWEIGHT

Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) – Crawford, coming off his epic beat down of Errol Spence Jr., could be poised to move up to 154 to challenge titleholder Charlo, which would create an opening here. Only talented Jaron Ennis would appear to be a genuine threat at 147.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) – “Tank” remains the most-complete fighter at 135 and 130 but boxing wizards Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko might have something to say about who reigns in Great Eight before all is said and done. Now we need to see these pivotal matchups.

FEATHERWEIGHT

Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) – Inoue gave another dominating performance against Marlon Tapales on Dec. 26, stopping the Filipino in the 10th round to become undisputed champion in a second weight class. Can anyone compete with him? Murodjon Akhmadaliev might have the best chance.

BANTAMWEIGHT

Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) – The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer from Mexico didn’t fight last year but he presumably will get back to work soon. “Bam” Rodiguez called him out for what could turn out to be a passing-of-the-torch matchup but Estrada has talked about moving up in weight.

FLYWEIGHT

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) – Rodriguez supplanted Edwards as champion here after leaving no doubt about who is the best 112-pounder in the world. However, he has said he plans to move up to junior bantamweight. We’ll wait until he schedules a fight to remove him.

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Great Eight: Our list of champions could look radically different this year

Great Eight: Our list of champions could look radically different this year.

The proliferation of titles makes it difficult for all but the most astute fans to determine the cream of the boxing crop.

That’s why Boxing Junkie came up with its “Great Eight” feature, which names the best fighter in each of the original eight weight classes –heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight.

Heavyweight includes cruiserweight (and the WBA and WBC’s bridgerweight), light heavyweight includes super middleweight, middleweight includes junior middleweight and so on down to flyweight, which includes junior flyweight and strawweight.

In this installment of “Great Eight,” we point out that the list could look radically different this year.

Start with the heavyweight division. “Great Eight” champion Tyson Fury is set face Oleksandr Usyk on Feb. 17 in Saudi Arabia. The winner will be our champion barring something unforeseen. And an expected rematch will also have a direct impact on the championship.

Then there’s 175 pounds, at which unbeaten titleholders Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol — our champion — appear headed for a showdown for the undisputed championship in late spring or summer.

“Great Eight” middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, a junior middleweight belt holder, doesn’t have a fight set but a significant challenge could be on the horizon.

A potential rematch between welterweight champ Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. seems to be losing steam, which could open the door to a Charlo-Crawford fight at 154 pounds this year. Crawford probably would be favored even though he would be moving up in weight.

And if Crawford makes a full-fledged move from 147 to 154, that would create a “Great Eight” vacancy at welterweight. Ennis, the second best 147-pounder, and the top fighters at 140 — Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, et al — will battle to become our new champion.

The next three weights seem less likely to change.

Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has a firm hold on the “Great Eight” championship, although a few 135-pounders — Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko and perhaps Frank Martin and William Zepeda — could push “Tank.” He also could decided to move up to 140.

Naoya Inoue also has firm control of the featherweight championship. He has been untouchable at junior featherweight and would still quality for the same position if he moves up a division, which could happen this year.

And bantamweight champ Juan Francisco Estrada, who fights at junior bantamweight, has talked about moving up in weight. That means he could still hold his “Great Eight” position. The Mexican is far more accomplished than anyone at the higher weight.

And, finally, “Bam” Rodriguez just became flyweight champion by stopping Sunny Edwards but he has said he plans to move back up to junior bantamweight, which would create an opening here. Could Edwards, perhaps the second best 112-pounder, fill the void? Or will 108-pounder Kenshiro Teraji take the top spot?

So, in summary, it’s easy to imagine a championship list that looks like this in 2024:

  • Heavyweight — Usyk
  • Light heavyweights — Beterbiev
  • Middleweight — Crawford
  • Welterweight — Ennis (or Haney or Lopez)
  • Lightweight — Davis
  • Featherweight — Inoue
  • Bantamweight — Estrada
  • Flyweight — Edwards

Stay tuned.

Here are the top fighters in the original eight divisions:

HEAVYWEIGHT

Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) – Fury’s reign as the top man here is in jeopardy, as he’s scheduled to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship on Feb. 17 in Saudi Arabia. He’ll have to perform better against Usyk than he did against Francis Ngannou to win.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) – The 175-pound titleholder gave another strong performance last month, shutting out overmatched Lyndon Arthur. Artur Beterbiev’s KO of Callum Smith on Jan. 13 could set up a showdown between the two best 175-pounders of the era.

MIDDLEWEIGHT

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) – The 154-pounder came up short against 168-pound champ Canelo Alvarez but he remains the best at 160 and 154. He wants to fight pound-for-pound and welterweight king Terence Crawford, who would take Charlo’s place in this division with a victory.

WELTERWEIGHT

Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) – Crawford, coming off his epic beat down of Errol Spence Jr., could be poised to move up to 154 to challenge titleholder Charlo, which would create an opening here. Only talented Jaron Ennis would appear to be a genuine threat at 147.

LIGHTWEIGHT

Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) – “Tank” remains the most-complete fighter at 135 and 130 but boxing wizards Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko might have something to say about who reigns in Great Eight before all is said and done. Now we need to see these pivotal matchups.

FEATHERWEIGHT

Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs) – Inoue gave another dominating performance against Marlon Tapales on Dec. 26, stopping the Filipino in the 10th round to become undisputed champion in a second weight class. Can anyone compete with him? Murodjon Akhmadaliev might have the best chance.

BANTAMWEIGHT

Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) – The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer from Mexico didn’t fight last year but he presumably will get back to work soon. “Bam” Rodiguez called him out for what could turn out to be a passing-of-the-torch matchup but Estrada has talked about moving up in weight.

FLYWEIGHT

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) – Rodriguez supplanted Edwards as champion here after leaving no doubt about who is the best 112-pounder in the world. However, he has said he plans to move up to junior bantamweight. We’ll wait until he schedules a fight to remove him.

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Weekend Review: Artur Beterbiev destroyed Callum Smith. Dmitry Bivol next?

Weekend Review: Artur Beterbiev destroyed Callum Smith on Saturday in Canada. Is a showdown with Dmitry Bivol next?

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Artur Beterbiev

Bring on Dmity Bivol. Beterbiev demonstrated in his seventh-round knockout of Callum Smith on Saturday night that he’s still going strong as he approaches his 39th birthday on Jan. 21, this despite a one-year layoff going into the fight. It was a complete performance. The three-belt 175-pound champion outboxed a good, experienced opponent, outworked him, broke him down, dropped him twice and finally stopped him in his eighth title defense, giving him 20 knockouts in as many fights. His next fight might not be so easy. He and single beltholder Bivol reportedly have agreed to fight for the undisputed championship, although no formal announcement has been made. Bivol is no Smith, as he demonstrated by schooling Canelo Alvarez in 2022. Beterbiev’s boxing ability is underappreciated because of his knockout record – he sets up his heavy blows brilliantly – but he’s not as skillful as Bivol, a master technician who is more athletic than his fellow Russian. The question is whether Bivol is good enough to avoid Beterbiev’s freakishly heavy hands for 12 rounds. No one else has been able to do so. Can you think of a more interesting matchup?

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) seems to have settled into his place in the boxing hierarchy. The former 168-pound titleholder is a capable all-around fighter who has been unable to get to the pinnacle of the sport, as one-sided losses in his two biggest fights (Alvarez and Beterbiev) demonstrate. The setback on Saturday was particularly damaging. He fought bravely but was never a genuine threat to Beterbiev, who became the first to drop and stop the Englishman. Smith is good, not special. And it it takes a special fighter to beat the likes of Alvarez and Beterbiev. What’s next for Smith? Maybe a meeting with countryman Anthony Yarde, who was Beterbiev’s previous victim. Smith might be the best light heavyweight in the U.K. …

The jury is still out on 168-pound contender Christian Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) but one thing is certain: He’s fun to watch. The 28-year-old Frenchman throws punches in bunches from the opening bell and doesn’t stop until his opponent can no longer fight, as we saw in his wild sixth-round knockout of tough, but overwhelmed Rohan Murdock (27-3, 19 KOs) on the Beterbiev-Smith card. Naturally, Mbilli wants a shot at undisputed champion Alvarez. How would that work out for him? Not well if he fights like he did on Saturday. He’d get knocked out. We’ll see whether Mbilli is a mere brawler or a truly good all-around fighter when he steps up in class, whether that’s against Alvarez or a top contender.

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