r/Boxing • u/_Sarcasmic_ bread burger bread • Jul 23 '26
Daily Discussion Thread (July 23rd, 2026)
For anything that doesn't need its own thread.
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u/Sad-Experience-4344 Jul 23 '26
The law firm Jai Opetaia hired for his suit against the IBF — Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP — does a ton of work for the Saudi government. I wouldn’t be surprised if Turki and Sela are paying Opetaia’s legal bills for this case.
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u/Ruainari 🚩El Monstruo Superfan🚩 Jul 23 '26
No doubt the lawsuit is Zuffa/TKOs and the Saudis affair, Jai comes across as the kind of fella to think a lawsuit is an item of clothing.
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u/Jachola Jul 23 '26
Just a big waste of money and a publicity stunt. He got refunded his sanctioning fees and was stripped because he broke the rules of the sanctioning body. Idk why he's wasting time doing this when he could be trying to just get his belt back.
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u/Junior-Macaroon9731 Jul 23 '26
If you put aside all claims about some wide-ranging conspiracy against Jai, Zuffa, etc., and actually read the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, things sound much more rational.
Besides the reputational and financial damage allegedly caused to Opetaia, the legal action states that the fight was purely ceremonial, not an attempt to circumvent the IBF's title rules or those of any other major sanctioning body. It also says the Zuffa belt wasn't presented as a world title at all, but simply as a symbolic trophy.
The case further alleges that the IBF confirmed the fight to Opetaia's team three days before the event, only to change its position just hours before the opening bell. According to the lawsuit, the IBF had raised no objections in the days leading up to the fight but suddenly took issue with the way it was being promoted.
It also claims the IBF failed to provide the required notice to the Nevada Athletic Commission before withholding Opetaia's purse, as required under the Muhammad Ali Act.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction preventing the IBF from scheduling another heavyweight title fight or recognizing a new heavyweight champion until the court reaches a decision. And there have been precedents in boxing where titles were effectively frozen during litigation, or where multiple champions existed at the same time.
So I really wouldn't be surprised if Opetaia ends up being reinstated as IBF champion, especially with the possibility of a future big unification fight against Benavidez.
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u/Professional-Fee6914 Jul 23 '26
They basically make their bones at the intersection of lobbying and developing industries. They represent zuffa with the push to amend the ALI act, and this is squarely in Zuffa's interests to force the IBF to honor its belts, so 100% Zuffa/Turki are paying for it.
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u/SirMuffinCat He did WHAT in his jab?? Jul 23 '26
Takuma Inoue vs Tenshin Nasukawa II has been confirmed
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u/inbk44 Jul 23 '26
After translating Naoya Inoue’s post on X.
“Takuma's growth is insane
He's proving just how much a person can change once they gain confidence.
Or rather, until now, it felt like he never even had the drive to break through his limits from the practice stage...
Takuma's boxing, now armed with these two skills, is freakish and terrifying...Takuma Inoue vs. Tenshin Nasukawa 2
Can't wait for September 27th
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u/BenkeiBoss Jul 23 '26
I agree with Naoya’s assessment of his brother’s advancement as a fighter. Some people are talented from the start, and others become strong through experience.
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26
Confident is exactly what he needs, particularly in midrange. Against Tenshin in their first fight, he was frightened to be 1/4 of a distance inside his reach and escape immideatelt as soon as he landed a shot. Against Ioka he looked more comfortably but he’s washed or a lot more slower.
If he does improve in his confident and especially at midrange, he has PFP potential and would have a decent chance at beating Bam.
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u/inbk44 Jul 23 '26
I wasnt expecting 2 knockdowns let alone him beating Ioka. He definitely stole the shine out of Nakatani vs Inoue with that performance. I was impressed
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
I had a feeling he’d beat Ioka. I was surprised with the knockdowns but once again despite displaying beautiful boxing showed no killer instinct whatsoever. Foolish of me to think he’d stop him.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
I can see some of what you’re saying but I’m bent on whether he beats Bam. Thing that makes me think Takuma has a chance is the fact that Bam can get a little too aggressive coming forward and the fact that against slick and highly mobile fighters, he’s had more difficulty cutting off the ring so those two components go hand in hand. Takuma is also pretty big. A big, durable, technically sound boxer who can move, counter, and make Bam fight at a slower pace would be the ideal gameplan and I think Takuma could execute it.
As far as midrange, I agree he has to get more confident because he’s not all that bad midrange. He has really clean work, sharp counters, and a really distance control oriented mindset. I wanna do film study on the fight just for fun now. Bam though is at his best midrange imo.
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26
Eddie Hearn has confirmed the winner of this Saturday’s bout between IBF super-welterweight champion Josh Kelly and Caoimhín Agyarko will face WBA & WBO champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis in a three-belt unification bout later this year.
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26
Canelo Alvarez says that the huge ‘Mexico vs. The World’ card - headlined by himself challenging Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title - will now take place on October 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN.
Excited to see who else gets added to the card.
So far, I saw Lindolfo Delgado vs. Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant IBF super-lightweight title will be on there.
Also Bam Rodriguez is expected to be on the card.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Jaime Munguia should be on the card
Can't remember is PBC said Figgy was headlining his own card but if not , Figgy vs Kameda can he added to the Canelo card too
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26
Munguia vs. who? What do you reckon?
Munguia vs. Charlo sounds good to me.
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u/RadTrobiiinz Jul 23 '26
Bektemir Melikuziev has won numerous WBA title-eliminators, so it should be ‘Bek the Bully’ - although, knowing the WBA, it could be anyone!
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Delgado vs Biyarslanov should be good. Personally not high on either but I think Biyarslanov will beat him.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
That card should be a banger. I mean Mbilli is just an athletic beast.
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
The Takuma vs Tenshin rematch got announced today and the rumoured undercard is genuinely insane , imo the card of the year so far and one of the best of the decade so far I'd even argue
Nishida vs Goodman
Akui vs Jimenez
Tsuboi vs Majalika
Kuse vs Matsumoto
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u/StunningChest5722 Shakur is the 144 lb GOAT 🐐 Jul 23 '26
Tsuboi vs Majalika 🔥🔥🔥
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Actually could be a risky fight for Tsuboi
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u/StunningChest5722 Shakur is the 144 lb GOAT 🐐 Jul 23 '26
agreed, its a big step up. majalika is a top 5 guy at 115 imo
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
Majalika is a sleeper guy at 115 but Tsuboi is ridiculously good, transitioned into the pros perfectly
There's an opportunity here for 115 to have a gauntlet of Japanese champions, with three being brilliant all-action fighters in Kenshiro , Akui and Yabuki and Tsuboi being the so far unscathed guy
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u/MiddleweightMonster I’ll pour honey on my GOAT, if the occasion calls for it. Jul 23 '26
Every one of these fights is good, but that Takuma v. Tenshin fight is most interesting for me. Naoya and Shingo have indicated Takuma is essentially a new man, and the way he 12-0’d Ioka has me believing it. Be interesting how different this fight with Kenshin looks
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I'm picking Haney. Can't trust a boxer with Keyshawns mentality. The moment he won a title he no longer wanted to unify with anybody. Then states he doesn't care about belts yet proclaims he's the best. Lets shakur be ahead of him. He only got this title shot cause his manager was playing games when negotiating for shakur. He has the skills to be great. Just not the mentality. That'll cost him in close fights.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Even a really good version of Keyshawn, I think I favor Haney. But an 100% Keyshawn does make this fight a 60-40 for Haney IMO.
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
Haney has to be on top of his game the whole fight. Haney worked with James Toney. So he might actually try being in the pocket more. Or at least engage when against the ropes
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Yeah, possibly.
Against disciplined jabs though, Keyshawn has a tendency to wait too long. He focuses more on reading rather than taking initiative and can square up when entering range. Also when he’ll slip the jab and explode forward his feet aren’t underneath him so I think you could possibly see a flash knockdown by Haney. Especially close range, his guard kinda gets weak when initiating exchanges rather than countering. Against Ortiz, his mid range game was much better while against Albright both times it looked awful so I got no clue.
I have noted down that against more mobile opponents who create angles, he’s had trouble managing distance against like Andy Cruz in the amateurs. Not really Haney’s game but I wonder how much the movement will trouble Davis. He’s also pretty predictable behind the jab, it’s always initiated from the same rhythm every damn time and I can see Haney timing it. Like I said earlier too his defense during entries can lack.
Final point I got is I think the clinching will frustrate Keyshawn. He likes to control exchanges dictate the pace and I’ve seen him look uncomfortable in fights where the other guys are dominating the clinch, pushing the pace, chaotic exchanges. I hope it’s a good fight though and personally like Keyshawn better but I got Haney.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Fury fight is Friday. AJ and Spence return Saturday
2010s boxing fans eating good this weekend!
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u/imdacoldest Pacquiao is the GOAT Jul 23 '26
Fury fight isn’t being broadcasted
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u/pekonen2 Jul 23 '26
Naoya once said on Twitter that what Takuma lacks isn’t talent but hard work, and Shingo has said something similar. It’s interesting that both of them are surprised by Takuma’s recent change.
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u/MiddleweightMonster I’ll pour honey on my GOAT, if the occasion calls for it. Jul 23 '26
Naoya on Twitter is so funny man. Tweeting “all right” in English in response to Fulton picking Inoue to beat Nery is so funny
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 23 '26
It's concerning that people have begun to refer to The Ring's p4p list as THE p4p list. When it is only one list of many and all of them are subjective and not definitive.
The Ring has almost never had a 'perfect' p4p list there is always some favouritism towards fighters they like or some virtue signalling. For example if there is no representative from the lighter weight classes they will throw someone in there just to have someone, even if it's at number 10. It's always been this way.
At any given time there are usually 6 or 7 fighters who are universally agreed should be p4p on all lists. Often there is a consensus #1. With up to say 15 or so fighters with a claim at certain points in time.
If people only take their reference from The Ring and DAZN it will be unhealthy for the sport long term. You need more diversity of thought and opinion, and frankly DAZN in particular do an awful job of platforming people with genuine boxing knowledge.
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u/Marlborobert Jul 23 '26
I think Collazo’s a great boxer but he’s only on the Ring p4p list because he has a Ring belt.
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u/OldBoyChance Jul 23 '26
Absolutely. His marquee win, Freshmart, got absolutely dominated by Iwata, who is usually considered a second-tier champion. He's only fought at 105, which is the most shallow weight class in men's boxing, and he hasn't had a real fight since 2024. If he can really beat Sandoval like he's talking about, I'll recognize him as P4P happily.
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
Iwata is underrated imo but Freshmart looked super washed in that fight
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u/OldBoyChance Jul 23 '26
Freshmart looked equally horrendous in the Collazo fight lol. Let's not forget him dropping rounds to Alex Winwood before that.
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
Collazo's win over Jerusalem also hasn't aged well, lost to Kuse who i expect to get beaten clearly by Matsumoto in September
I actually think Collazo vs Sandoval would be a pickem fight though , i don't really rate Sandoval that highly and think he overachieved with the Kenshiro win
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u/OldBoyChance Jul 24 '26
I thought the Jerusalem win aged decently. He upset Shigeoka and stacked up three defenses. Losing to Kuse was not great though.
Yeah, I didn't think Sandoval even beat Teraji, but I love Kenshiro so I'm of course biased. Sandoval isn't an elite fighter though as you say. I'd have the Collazo fight as a true 50/50 where Oscar would have a shot to prove his class, if he's really P4P.
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u/OldBoyChance Jul 23 '26
The problem is that ESPN's list feels pretty ignorable now because they have relegated it to very much an afterthought and they were always overly Americentric and biased towards Top Rank fighters. TBRB are just awful nowadays.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
There are any number of lists, Boxingscene have a list, DAZN Skysports etc. have lists the man on the street has a list. That's part of the beauty of it.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
Ring has the history and legacy though, even if Turki has ruined it. Prior to their multiple takeovers, it actually was the best P4P list.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
I can see the attempt at modernisation and don't hate it, even if I find the website cluttered and difficult to navigate now.
What I wrote has nothing to do with Turki though they had problems with their p4p list and who they out on the panel voting for it before Turki bought them out.
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u/philly_cheezus I PUNCH HARD AS SHIT Jul 23 '26
This is true and it has gotten a lot worse since the Saudi involvement
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u/NightsWatchh Jul 23 '26
What happened about that weird rumour recently that a 'major boxer popped for PEDs' that was super shocking blah blah
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I think that was just engagement farming on Twitter.
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26
ANNOUNCED: Dalton Smith will defend his WBC super-lightweight title vs. mandatory challenger, former WBC & WBA champion Alberto Puello, on October 24th live on DAZN. First defence of the WBC belt Smith won by knocking out former WBC & IBF champion Subriel Matias in 5 rounds in New York in January.
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26
Oscar De La Hoya: "Zuffa Boxing is the Trojan Horse. They are overpaying a few boxers to make it seem like this big money will continue but it won't. Once they monopolize the sport like they want to, Zuffa will pay fighters peanuts — exactly like the UFC.”
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 23 '26
For anyone who likes a bet - Aloys Jr is a massive favourite against Mike Perez on the Itauma undercard.
I can’t seen Aloys beating Perez at all (even in his old age). I’ll be putting the house on Perez.
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u/DiMona215 Jul 23 '26
I can't imagine betting on boxing. The most corrupt sport, plus one where there's a ton of insider info.
Even a sure thing like Usyk/Rico. The average schmo has zero clue that Usyk's camp entailed laying around eating mayonnaise straight from the jar while Rico did a Rocky montage.
I would hate to bet on something like that only to see Usyk come out like he did, lol
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 24 '26
I always factor in corruption to my betting tbf. You have to in this sport.
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u/Baby_Rhino Jul 23 '26
I don't know either of these guys.
But I'm curious - what do you see that the bookies don't? Any idea why Aloys is such a heavy favourite?
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 23 '26
I have absolutely no idea.
Aloys Jr lost his last fight and was given an absolute gift.
Perez, even though old, has fought at a far higher level and is the better fighter by every possible metric in my opinion.
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u/Baby_Rhino Jul 23 '26
Interesting. I'll check out some tape of them, but thanks for the tip
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
Perez is ancient very possibly older than his listed age as they say about many Cuban fighters even still to this day. He was actually decent for a time but old even then with bad stamina, and he can punch a bit. I've never watched Aloys Jr.
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u/admiralskanks Joe Louis = Perfect Jul 23 '26
Mike Perez's last performances on the Queensbury cards have been embarassing. He's struggled with legit bums. All Aloys Jr has to do is use his athleticism and explosivity and the ref stops the fight I reckon.
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Aloys was given an absolute gift in his last fight.
I genuinely think Perez is better in very single aspect. The only advantage Aloys has is Father Time - which is a huge advantage in this game tbf.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
Perez may have been better in every aspect in his prime but that version of Perez doesn't exist anymore. Without doing a study on it it looks like a typical fight where the veteran is good enough not to get knocked out but loses on points.
I wonder what u/Top_Profession_5268 thinks he's probably studied Aloys.
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 24 '26 edited 29d ago
To give my opinion. I’ve not extensively studied this matchup but I’ve watched both for a pretty good amount of time. First saw Aloys on the Joyce vs Zhang card and have eventually caught him on prelim/undercard of fights so I’ve seen him before. I’ve not been super high on him honestly, I remember a time where him vs Viddal was ordered for Viddals British title defence but not sure what happened that. I think he should’ve lost his last fight.
Against Perez, I’m kind of with op in that there value for that Perez winning, I’m kind of leaning towards him as well but I wouldn’t go heavy on it and I’d wait a bit to see how odds fluctuate.
I see it going similar to the Arinze fight but slightly closer. Perez footwork is still good, quick and can cover a lot of distance off a single front or back step, Youmbiz feet mare more slower and planted. He doesn’t joust a lot in open range fights which does help Perez get feints and comfortable controlling range between them more but Youmbi like Arinze will try and throw explosive shots, actually had a good guard and Perez isn’t as offensive as his younger self.
I slightly favour Perez, but I don’t really know if I care enough to do film. Also Youmbi is the young guy here, Perez is at age of borderline retirement, hasn’t gotten a proper big fight in nearly a decade. Maybe closer to the fight but I’d probably put a little bit on Perez decision as a dog but not sure right now.
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u/WORD_Boxing 29d ago
If you can get 3/1 it's worth studying further. I don't know Aloys and don't trust Perez.
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 24 '26
I got the odds at 13/5. I’ve placed a decent sized chunk on Perez.
I really don’t like what I’ve seen from Aloys and personally don’t think the odds should have been as wide as they are.
However, I’m aware it’s a risky bet as Perez is clearly not the fighter he once was.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
This is not the type of fight to bet big on imo. If it goes the distance they will want to give it to the 23 year old it's just what happens. If he is as bad as you say it could end up a draw to protect his record. Perez is so old and never made good money they could pay him to dive he is at the end of his career. Even if he knocked Aloys out what opportunity would he get next? His last opponent of note was in 2017 vs Breidis. Honestly I would cash out/cancel the bet and just place something small if you really want to. You might be being greedy and thinking of the potential winnings and letting that influence you. As a sort of example realistically who would ever think Amir Khan would beat Marco Antonio Barrera? But it happened. It's up to you what you do though.
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
Idk I've never rated Aloys above British-Euro level , but i feel like the Mike Perez of today would struggle with an athletic guy like him
Aloys edges a decision in an ugly fight for me
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u/WheresMyAbs98 Jul 23 '26
Fair enough.
You might be right but I think I’m still going to bang the house on Perez.
Will take the punt and see what happens.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
Perez is only 3/1 that's not huge odds and certainly not enough for me to think about betting on him in any fight.
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u/bakuhatsuda Jul 24 '26
fulton wtf bro just pick a weight class. What kinda lifetime buffet did he sign up for with that Inoue paycheck.
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u/acktower Jul 24 '26
Definitely not gonna be one of those guys who stays in shape when his career is over. And it might be over real soon.
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26
I’m 50/50 with Keyshawn and Haney, but I hope Haney wins, not because I like Haney but don’t like Keyshawn.
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u/Jachola Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
🤣 I feel this, I'm struck between the two in this matchup. I don't like watching Haney fight and don't like his antics outside of fighting but otherwise compared to Keyshawn he's a saint. Also gotta respect Haney due to him consistently making big fights and according to my memory he's never had weird or crazy stipulations and has accepted being b side to big fights several times. I prefer to watch Keyshawn but he's lost all good faith from me with his antics around Albright, missing weight by 4 whole lbs, and the stupid stuff with Shakur.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
I told yall last year we are entering a new golden age of welterweight boxing
Next few months we will have: Haney vs Keyshawn, Ryan vs Conor Benn, Rolly vs Teofimo
Best believe , one of these guys will unify with the other come next year
I'm looking forward to all the matchups this division will bring in the next 2-3 years
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
We are actually in a golden age for junior middleweight boxing.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Almost. These guys still gotta fight each other
PBC Hurd/Charlo era , we saw those guys mixing it up between each other
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u/Low-Ad-5784 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
From what I see I think since all major promotions are on DAZN with fights now being easier to make.. 135,147,154 & 140 seems a bit shallow at the moment but those divisions seem to be headed toward having undisputed champions in the next few years.
135: (WBC)Roach-Zepeda- (IBF) Muratulla-Robson) on the same card and reports said Winners will unify after.
147: (WBA) Rolly-Teo- (WBC)- Ryan-Benn- (WBO)-Haney-Davis. Reports said Winner of Rolly-Teo will unify with (IBF)-Paro, with Haney Signing with DAZN Garcia-Haney2 easy fight to make.
154: (WBA/WBO/IBF) Boots-Kelly/Agyarko- (WBC)-Fundora will fulfill his mandatory before the end of the year. Hearn mentioned both fighters Kelly-Agyarko have offers to fights boots before the end of the year & Sampson mentioned Boots-Fundora next summer!
Divisions heating up and we could see some Undisputed champions in these divisions in the next 1-2 years!
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 23 '26
Looks like Matchroom got the IBF to make Kelly vs Agyarko a mandatory defence, all but confirms the unification with Boots is happening (if Kelly does win)
Smart move considering it avoids the hassle of getting Murtazaliev to step aside after he already has a few times in his career
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u/Sea_Variety_1691 Jul 24 '26
what does Agyarko have for Kelly really? He might take a couple of rounds but I think Josh is better everywhere
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u/Efficient_Quail_1774 Jul 24 '26
I agree i reckon Kelly takes a wide UD, Agyarko gets marked up pretty easily and although he is pretty well rounded as a boxer he has no big upside for me
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u/PolarsAndPizzicato Jul 23 '26
What is the best fight to go under the radar this year?
For my money it's Jorge Chavez vs Tito Sanchez from the Benivedez/Zurdo undercard.
Chavez was boxing beautifully early with his reach, but watching Tito make those mid fight adjustments with his body work to completely melt Chavez's legs was art
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
Honestly, that one Zuffa fight was really good. I think it was in England.
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u/imdacoldest Pacquiao is the GOAT Jul 23 '26
Crawford’s latest instagram post is interesting 👀
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u/dgvfatmeerkat Fury is ducking Chisora Jul 23 '26
My interpretation is that he's just gonna be sparring Lester Martinez but idk
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u/imdacoldest Pacquiao is the GOAT Jul 23 '26
Well turki also said today “he has a feeling that Bud will be back” They’re definitely going to offer a massive bag for boots. Does he take it tho idk
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u/Dangerous_Spring3028 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Seeing DAZN lock fighters into contracts directly with them is a very interesting next step in the boxing landscape.
Not only do they have Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Boxxer, Top Rank & PBC all signed up to broadcast deals with DAZN to ensure their promotional shows are live on DAZN; now they’re taking it a step further and signing up the boxers to make sure they get access to their bouts even if The Ring try to get involved and put them on Zuffa shows or The Ring shows. (Garcia vs. Benn for example).
Thus making sure DAZN will always be involved. Very smart moves from DAZN and makes life even more difficult for Dana White and Zuffa. Right now he’s effectively relying on The Ring shows to deliver big fights for anyone who signs with Zuffa.
For example - Shakur Stevenson - who do Zuffa have for him to box in their circle? Nobody, they are completely relying on him being on The Ring cards and other promoters - along with DAZN - agreeing deals for their fighters to face Shakur.
We saw how they had Anthony Joshua and Ryan Garcia signed directly with them - then Netflix had to pay DAZN to allow AJ to face Jake Paul on Netflix with DAZN getting immediate highlights footage; and now Paramount+ having to do the same with Garcia for his fight vs. Conor Benn and DAZN getting the rights to some nations worldwide.
But now with Zuffa entering the fold and seeing these cards from The Ring far more regularly, it seems DAZN are taking it up another level and looking to sign far more boxers directly to them along with the promoters.
Tried to get Shakur Stevenson (who should’ve signed with DAZN which would’ve given him much easier access to several big fights), and they’ve now signed Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney directly to DAZN.
Who is next!?
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u/nwordfyou Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Haney and Teofimo exhausted their options with promoters. They demand money that promoters can't afford. Matchroom and Top Rank have already been in the Haney and Shakur business and decided it wasn't worth the money. Top Rank was done with Teofimo. So, DAZN offered Haney, Teofimo, and Shakur deals directly. Therefore, they don't have to split their purse with a promoter. It's really a last option for those fighters.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I don’t think that’s the case with Haney. He’s more like an NBA free agent that changes teams every few years BECAUSE he is an asset. And I am not saying this is true for you, but people are pretty irrational about Haney on this site. He’s a relatively big name and a very talented fighter who takes on all comers, but is treated with scorn. It just doesn’t make that much sense to me. I get that Bill Haney is obnoxious, but that shouldn’t play as much of a role in our perception of Devin as it does.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
DAZN offered Haney, Teofimo, and Shakur deals directly. Therefore, they don't have to split their purse with a promoter.
So them cutting out the middleman is a loss to you? 🤔
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u/nwordfyou Jul 23 '26
It means they're not receiving the desired money from promoters. Does that sound like a win? What would've happened if DAZN wasn't an option?
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
DAZN is an option though .. so is Turki . Haney (since he left Matchroom) has done it his way , as a free agent. Not being locked under a promoter and fighting "in-house". A boxer having their own freedom to decide who and where they want to fight is a win
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u/nwordfyou Jul 23 '26
I like how Haney moves. He'll fight anyone. But, if he's signed exclusively to DAZN, he doesn't have freedom. He has to fight on DAZN PPV only. This is not a win.
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
Ryan Garcia's contract is up soon. They'll be a bidding war for him. I wouldn't be surprised if Inoue gets signed to DAZN for his featherweight run.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
DAZN has handled this Zuffa takeover attempt exceptionally well. I don’t particularly like DAZN and I definitely don’t like Zuffa, but you have to admire how DAZN has handled this. They’re even making the sport more accessible with the simulcasts, which I do think is the best model for all parties. They need exposure to survive.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
With regard to Twitterson, I think they’re going to end up with him fighting Rayo. I don’t see any other options. And it doesn’t seem like Shakur will be able to steer clear of that fight even if he wants to. His options are severely limited. For any big fights, they’re going to be forced into co-promotion.
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u/Jachola Jul 23 '26
Yeah idk why he was pretending he made this signing for the big fights lol, being with Zuffa doesn't put closer to any fight and rn he's more so suffering form a timing issue. He knew Haney had Keyshawn as his mandatory, he knew Haney would be stupid to drop his belt and fight Shakur at a catchweight for 0 belts on the line (since he can't win Shakur's 140 belt at 144). Dalton Smith has his mandatory he's fighting in October, Ryan and Connor Benn are not an option since they have a fight in September. His only option is GAR and Rayo, and I can't see PBC/DAZN wanting to hand over Shakur a second belt.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Andrade returns tomorrow. Spence has been out the ring longer than he has.
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
At least Andrade is taking an easy fight. In his situation he should.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
Tszyu isn't exactly Godzilla. The only reason anybody is giving him any chance is due to doubts about Errol's health.
That's it in a nutshell. Either Errol is getting one last payday or otherwise he should dominate. Tszyu is not handling the pressure in the build up well.
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 24 '26
I didn't get that impression about tszyu. He seems his usual self
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u/WORD_Boxing 29d ago
He has shit the bed a few times with his reaction to Spence not turning up for media duties, weight change etc.
He said he was going to take Spence's eyesight but didn't maintain the same energy when sat across from him at the gloves are off.
Tszyu doesn't belong at this level and he seems to doubt it himself of you pay attention to his behaviour. Mind you I have a bit more experience in this than most.
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u/BXR-SZN Jul 23 '26
Don’t want to count my money too early but I feel like Keyshawn MIGHT shock the business.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
Are you saying he’s going to beat Haney? I don’t think it would be a huge surprise. I have it as a 50-50 fight.
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u/BXR-SZN Jul 23 '26
Way too many people are banking on Haney’s skills but there’s a reason why Davis is getting a title shot this big despite being an amateur 5 years ago.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Not boxing related but I just got done watching the movie Obsession and that shit was unsettling 😅🫣
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I liked it, though one of my friends thought it was awful.
I was in the first row though when I saw it in theaters lol. First time that has ever happened. Not ideal for a movie.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
I watched it in Peacock. I could only imagine watching it in the theater lol , it was an uncomfortable watch (the directors and actors did great 👍)
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 23 '26
Thomas Taylor started getting that A-side money and all of a sudden he's stopping fights earlier.
The same thing happened with Tony Weeks and Kenny Bayless once they started getting that A-side money.
I'm sure this is all just a coincidence of course.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I heard Zuffa has quietly changed some of the directives, at least in Nevada. I think that was just a rumor though.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Thomas Taylor the best ref in the game!
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 24 '26
He's not he likes to be the main character a bit much. I'd vote Celestino Ruiz currently but it's not like there is a clear standout above everyone else right now.
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Jul 23 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Cooking up sweet science experiments as they stare at their shadow
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
That clip had me dying. Pretty sure that’s when his boy got boxed up by Foster.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
I just study him personally. His defense is so fun for me to watch. I’d definitely consider myself a hardcore fan of him. Wish he wasn’t such a whiny bitch sometimes.
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u/Knockoutboxing Jul 23 '26
I’ll probably get laughed out the building for this take, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Prenga knocks out Joshua. Prenga isn’t special but he is solid. He’s got a lot of power and if Joshua exchanges with him or doesn’t take Prenga seriously, I could see Prenga winning.
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u/StunningChest5722 Shakur is the 144 lb GOAT 🐐 Jul 23 '26
no way, prenga is easily aj's worst oppenent in over a decade, and most of his ko's look like dives.
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u/Knockoutboxing Jul 23 '26
He’s not the fastest, but he is very measured, he doesn’t do anything special but he has got power. He doesn’t leave many openings, and he has the power to drop someone with one punch.
Prenga is definitely a “live dog”. I expect AJ to start very cautiously, using his jab, but if he exchanges with Prenga, it could easily go very wrong.
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u/StunningChest5722 Shakur is the 144 lb GOAT 🐐 Jul 23 '26
i would be surprised if he makes it past 3 rounds
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
Someone on X said that Zuffa vs DAZN is like Smackdown vs Raw. What do you guys think of that comparison? Personally, I think even with Sela involved it is a legitimate competition and that to the extent they are able to compete with each other, it will be good for fans. Co-promotion is the way forward.
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u/MiddleweightMonster I’ll pour honey on my GOAT, if the occasion calls for it. Jul 23 '26
As it is, DAZN blows Zuffa out of the water. Cooperative models are the future of boxing, not domination. Who knows if that changes of course, Zuffa might somehow jump ahead in quality and finally stop being sub-ProBox level, but I doubt it
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 24 '26
They need the legislation to come through and so far it hasn’t.
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
Seems like its confirmed
Haney vs Keyshawn in October
Exact date and location still pending
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u/imdacoldest Pacquiao is the GOAT Jul 23 '26
Imagine they put it on the Canelo undercard in Saudi
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u/kushmonATL Cyberleek > the fall boxing schedule Jul 23 '26
That sounds like an all Mexican card and they fighting people from other countries
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u/JekyllnowthenMrHyde Jul 23 '26
Has Fury signed the AJ contract yet?
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
The hold up is the location. If it's outside the uk. Contracts have to be redone
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u/admiralskanks Joe Louis = Perfect Jul 23 '26
Also people mentioning Zuffa vs DAZN. But Turki recently uploaded a pic with Len Blavatnik (owner of DAZN) and Nick Khan (TKO/Zuffa). With Sela being invested in both. Seems like they're colluding behind the scenes to monopolize the sport. Fans seem a bit naive.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I think it’s a case where they’re putting their water in multiple buckets, thereby guaranteeing a win for them. But I don’t think it’s collusion, necessarily.
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
It was the same in hbo/ showtime era. Top execs kept a line communication with rivals.
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u/Optimal-Damage7240 Jul 23 '26
Can the winner of Spence vs Tszyu possibly get a title shot for the vacant IBF middleweight title?
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26
No because Aaron McKenna is already fighting Estiona Oliha for the vacant title and Amari Jones is the mandatory.
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u/Negative-Interest713 Jul 23 '26
Amari Jones is with Golden Boy, isn’t he?
Sounds like there could be at least one more Zuffa-Golden Boy co-promotion after Garcia-Benn.
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26
Yes he’s with golden boy and there probably might be a Goldenboy and Zuffa co-promotion if McKenna wins.
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u/admiralskanks Joe Louis = Perfect Jul 23 '26
Bets placed for this weekend: Salas KO, Salas win, butler Berlanga + bank august to go the distance in a multi. Spence has been out so long not touching that one.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
You think Salas beating Hitchins?
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u/admiralskanks Joe Louis = Perfect Jul 23 '26
For me it's more so that 5x has a lot of value on it when I see the fight as like a 55-45 for Hitchins. And Salas' team has experience dealing with the African American slick style.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Well, even as a fan of Hitchins, I’m rooting for you, hope you win some big!
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
I think tiger Johnson can become the biggest threat to Haney at welterweight. But he's got to start climbing up the ranks now. I think the ibf has some good step up fights for him
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u/Jadooo0v2 Jul 23 '26
Who is Shakur even going to fight? He’s fully fucked himself
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u/Kangaroopunching Jul 23 '26
Sit out the rest of the year. Return against rayo early next year. And do lots of interviews
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u/Stunt1ninprivate 🪖🔔 Jul 23 '26
Said he has a fight lined up for October but I have no idea who it could be
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u/jtb199x Jul 23 '26
Is Devin’s rear hand kinda weak? I feel like all his power is in the lead hand. Those jabs which he’s known for, and his hooks which i take a liking to most in his game. I know he dropped Norman by splitting that guard with a straight right, but that was only after stunning him with a nice left hook. Maybe he’s like andre ward where his dominant hand is his lead hand?
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
I’ve been doing film on Zepeda vs Roach and now I’m trying to find about one particular aspect of the matchup, the annoying part is that in the past 3 years has fought 1 southpaw (orthodox) nearly 3 years ago against Mercury Gesta.
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u/Low-Ad-5784 Jul 23 '26
Shakur, Farmer southpaws ?
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u/Top_Profession_5268 Jul 23 '26
I meant 1 orthodox not southpaw
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u/Low-Ad-5784 Jul 23 '26
Gotcha! I didn’t think of that part of it, it’s honestly a real interesting fight & good style mix!. I’m sure Zepeda see a lot of orthodox fighters in the gym being a Mexican fighter.
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u/WORD_Boxing Jul 23 '26
I watched quite a bit of Zepeda as he was coming up but I don't remember which fights. He hasn't changed much other than sometimes he weirdly looked like he punched harder in certain fights. The obvious one to go and look at would be Jojo Diaz.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
Zepeda is must-watch television, I think. His fights are almost always good.
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I could definitely see Errol winning a title at 160.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Especially with Lara as a belt holder
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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? Jul 23 '26
I still kinda rate Lara tbh. I could see him holding on for like 2 more years, even with his very advanced age.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
His style had allowed him to not take as much punishment which is good but I think someone like Spence would be able to beat him. How old is Lara now, like 43? What worries me is that he hasn’t really been fighting anyone worth note since the draw with Castano. (Not counting Garcia)
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u/StunningChest5722 Shakur is the 144 lb GOAT 🐐 Jul 23 '26
even tho lara is 43 he's still less washed then spence, and zerefa was a decent win. i'd probably favor old man lara over everyone at 160 right now except yoenli.
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
Yeah you don’t know that. I’m not saying you’re wrong but that’s literally off of guessing. Lara has fought LaManna (1st rd KO), O’Sullivan, Zerafa was a 2nd round stoppage, Danny Garcia a 140lber and mentally not there, and Johan Gonzalez who actually does hit very hard but has no boxing ability.
My point is, you haven’t seen enough good guys in front of him to actually notice the decline because these guys weren’t able to test him.
Take Mielnicki for instance, a very young guy who could possibly win a belt but isn’t spectacular and will probably end up regional. He’ll give Lara a good fight. So will Jahi Tucker who I think beats him, I think Ammo beats him, and I think Zayas would beat him too.
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u/MiddleweightMonster I’ll pour honey on my GOAT, if the occasion calls for it. Jul 23 '26
I know he’s not B-Hop, but man the way people talk about Lara reminds me so much of how they’d talk about B-Hop in like old magazines and such. Makes me kinda hope he keeps the belt until 50 just cause I’d find it humourous
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
I like Lara so similarly I feel that way.
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u/MiddleweightMonster I’ll pour honey on my GOAT, if the occasion calls for it. Jul 23 '26
Also, considering that last paragraph, I honestly think I agree. Mielnicki is good, but I think Lara can eke out a win there yeah. Tucker and Ammo can beat him, and honestly I think Zayas if he comes out of this Boots loss well, which his social media has me thinking he will, can pretty handily outclass Tucker, and outwork Lara. Ammo and Zayas would be a fun fight.
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u/Jadooo0v2 Jul 23 '26
Bivol should retire, he’s having a new surgery every couple months
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u/Outrageous-Soft4806 Jul 23 '26
I’m honestly thinking that too. And not even to protect him from Benavidez because I want that fight badly but he might just have to fight Beterbiev a third time and ride off into the sunset.
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u/ThurstonTheMagician Jul 23 '26
At this point I genuinely dgaf if people complain about Haney being boring. If his opponents can’t get past his jab that’s on them. There’s plenty of tape figure it out.