All articles tagged with #heavyweight
Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title on May 23 in Egypt against Rico Verhoeven, a decorated kickboxer with just one pro boxing bout in 2014. The WBC’s approval of a crossover challenger without a traditional boxing ladder has sparked debate about eligibility and competitive order, even as promoters frame the bout as a global destination event to be streamed on DAZN as part of the “Glory in Giza” spectacle.
Oleksandr Usyk will defend the WBC heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt, in a boxing bout headlined as 'Glory in Giza' and streamed on DAZN, marking a rare cross‑sport clash with more ticket and undercard details to be released in the coming weeks.
Oleksandr Usyk will defend the WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, a cross‑sport bout pitting Usyk’s unified boxing reign against Verhoeven’s long kickboxing streak. Usyk last fought in July 2025, beating Daniel Dubois to retain multiple belts, while Verhoeven—primarily known for kickboxing—has limited boxing experience but shared mutual respect for the challenge.
Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson extended his undefeated run with a first-round finish over Hugo Lezama at MFL 3 in Monterrey, reversing a takedown, delivering heavy ground-and-pound, and sparking talk of a UFC call or Contender Series appearance next.
Jon Jones revealed severe arthritis in his left hip, potentially needing a hip replacement, which could derail a planned June bout with Alex Pereira. Pereira says he remains interested in fighting at the White House event and is open to moving up to heavyweight if necessary, noting he’ll fight whoever is matched with him. The 205-pound division remains competitive as contenders beat each other, leaving Jones’ status a key factor for Pereira’s next move.
MMA veteran Matt Brown argues the UFC’s heavyweight division isn’t deep but could regain buzz with a couple of marquee moves: Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight and potentially challenging Ciryl Gane for an interim title, plus a high-profile signing like Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson. With Aspinall sidelined and Gane awaiting a rematch, Brown says reviving the division will require star power to draw attention and spark rivalries.
Jon Jones hinted he could be done fighting but hasn’t ruled out a return; after signaling retirement, he re-entered the UFC drug-testing pool and has already been tested in 2026, with talk of a future bout against Alex Pereira, while emphasizing personal growth and mentoring younger fighters for 2026.
Andrei Arlovski defeated Ben Rothwell by doctor’s stoppage in Round 3 to win the BKFC heavyweight title at KnuckleMania 6 in Philadelphia, as the event’s 13-fight card also featured Lorenzo Hunt’s KO of David Mundell in the co-main and other bouts; the replay was available on MMA Junkie.
Jarrell Miller battled to a split decision over Kingsley Ibeh at Madison Square Garden, but a mid-fight moment when a big punch sent his hairpiece flying and Miller tossing it to the crowd became the night’s viral highlight.
In a New York City heavyweight bout, Jarrell Miller’s hairpiece was knocked upward by a punch and sent into the crowd, as opponent Kingsley Ibeh continued trading blows during the match.
After a year away and a five-fight skid, Tai Tuivasa returns at UFC 325 in Australia, admitting he was fat as f*ck and had to overcome mental and physical demons to pursue a fresh winning streak against Tallison Teixeira.
British world heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley says he’d knock out Tyson Fury in a potential 2026 bout as Fury ends retirement and the division shifts; Wardley, elevated to WBO titleholder after Usyk vacated, is seeking his first defense and notes Fury as a prime target, with Derek Chisora also in the mix for a high-profile showdown.
Tyson Fury, the former heavyweight champion, has announced his return to boxing in 2026 after a brief retirement following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. Despite previous retirements, Fury's comeback has been anticipated, with plans potentially involving high-profile fights, though recent injuries to rivals may impact these plans. Fury aims to avenge his losses and regain his title, continuing his storied career.
Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul with a sixth-round knockout at the Kaseya Center in Miami, after knocking him down multiple times and ending the fight with a decisive right hand.
Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round of their heavyweight boxing match, showcasing his elite punching power and earning a potential shot at reclaiming the heavyweight title. Paul sustained a broken jaw in the fight, which drew a large crowd at the Kaseya Center.