With the afterglow of one big British card behind us in Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr and the anticipation of Artur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde ahead, it’s been a busy week in the world of boxing. Here are the Five Boxing Stories You Might Have Missed.
Caleb Plant vs David Benavidez Confirmed
Two-time WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez will fight former IBF kingpin Caleb Plant in March at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A high-quality piece of matchmaking, the pair only have one defeat between them.
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That sole reverse came in 2021, when Plant boxed well in defeat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. ‘Sweet Hands’ has since rebuilt with a chilling knockout win over Anthony Dirrell. Meanwhile, Benavidez remains undefeated. His last outing saw him stop former world champion David Lemieux in three rounds.
Deontay Wilder Labels Fury And Usyk ‘Cheats’
In an interview with ESNews, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder lambasted two of his divisional rivals. When asked who would win the rumoured clash between heavyweight belt-holders Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Wilder replied “I don’t know. That’s a 50/50 fight. Depends on who’s gonna cheat the hardest.”
Such accusations are nothing new. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has accused Fury of cheating to beat him in the past. Wilder also sacked previous trainer Mark Breland, alleging he had possibly spiked his water with muscle relaxers which caused his second defeat to ‘The Gypsy King’. It seems the knockout artist is rather distrusting when it comes to matters of fairness.
Ben Shalom Envisions Anfield Dream Card
Liam Smith’s shock victory over Chris Eubank Jr last weekend has got BOXXER head honcho Ben Shalom thinking big. The promoter has told Sky Sports of his wish to stage a card at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, something which Shalom called a “dream”.
As well as ‘Beefy’ Smith, Shalom said there would be space for other Scouse talents. Liam’s brother Callum Smith, the former super middleweight champion, was mentioned. Unified champion Natasha Jonas and hot prospect and Liverpool fan Adam Azim were also brought up as potentially fighting on such a show. It will be an incredible occasion if BOXXER can put this card together.
Regis Prograis Offers Jermall Charlo Update
WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo has not been in the ring since June 2001. Friend and WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis has offered an update on ‘Hitman’ and the circumstances that have led to his inactivity.
Speaking to ‘Punsh Drunk Boxing’, Prograis said “He got some hard personal stuff going on… He’s definitely getting better, but in the state that he was in, he didn’t need to fight; he just didn’t.” Prograis’ words ring ominously, but he did end on a positive note, saying of the champion “He still going through a little bit, but he’s way better now”. The Sportsman wishes Charlo all the best in his struggles.
Conor Benn Says Don’t Call It A “Comeback”
Conor Benn re-emerged this week in the wake of Chris Eubank Jr’s defeat to Liam Smith. After calling ‘NextGen’ out over social media immediately following the fight, Benn claimed he would take Eubank out in two rounds if they fought.
He followed that up a few days later by claiming he intends to fight on, with either the 154lb light middleweight limit or the 160lb middleweight mark being “no problem”. Benn has never fought above the 147lb welterweight limit and the illegal substance clomifene was found in his system ahead of a 157lb catchweight bout with Eubank scheduled for last year. Benn maintains his innocence to this day.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
