Thursday, May 21, 2026

MVPW 04 Set For June 13 In Orlando On ESPN Unlimited

Credit: Most Valuable Promotions 



Press Release: May 21, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions-  NEW YORK, NY – May 20, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced final bouts for MVPW-04, taking place live on ESPN+ on Saturday, June 13 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. On the main card, MVP’s and Tampa’s WBA super flyweight world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will make her third world title defense against WBA Interim champion and mandatory challenger Nataly Delgado (20-7-2, 5 KOs) over 10 rounds at 115lbs. On the preliminary card will be a clash of professional debuts with MVP’s undefeated Brazilian boxer and influencer Jully Poca, the most-followed active female boxer in the world, set to rematch Monica Medina in a professionally sanctioned super lightweight bout over 4 rounds at 140lbs. Joining them will be MVP’s WBA #1 super flyweight contender at 115lbs LeAnna Cruz (11-0, 1 KO) vs. Rubi Gutierrez (8-3-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight bout at 115lbs, MVP’s #1 WBA contender Brittany Sims (9-3, 5 KOs), making her promotional debut vs. top contender Naomy Cardenas (10-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs, MVP’s 19-time US national champion Sa'Rai Brown El making her pro debut, and Jordan Orozco Hernandez (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. Fernando Diaz (16-7-1) in a 10-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs. Orlando’s Jayson Martinez will also join the card for his pro debut.



MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. The fourth installment of MVPW-04, the new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, will be headlined by MVP’s IBF super welterweight world champion Oshae Jones (9-0, 3 KOs) vs. mandatory challenger and #1 IBF contender Elia Carranza (11-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-round world title rematch at 154lbs following the pair’s tightly-contested first world title clash in 2025. In the co-main event, MVP’s WBC featherweight world champion Tiara Brown (20-0, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round 126lbs defense of her title against top-ranked contender Hannah Rapp (8-0-1, 5 KOs). Also on the main card, MVP’s and Argentina’s unified WBO, WBA, and IBF light flyweight champion Evelin Bermudez (22-1-1, 8 KOs) makes her promotional debut in a 10-round defense vs. Mexico’s IBF #1 contender Estefany Alegria (14-1-0, 4 KOs) at 108lbs. The preliminary card will also feature MVP’s two-time Brazilian Olympian Keno Marley (1-0) and  Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated Gabriela Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) against TBA opponents. Tickets for MVPW-04 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-04 must apply here.



WBA super flyweight world champion and Tampa, Florida’s first native-born world champion Jasmine “Animal” Artiga transitioned from playing gridiron in the Legends Football League to boxing at age 21, quickly carving out an impressive resume. After 13 unbeaten bouts, including a first round TKO win on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects series in February 2024, she stormed into the spotlight on March 22, 2025, winning the vacant WBA female super flyweight title via majority decision over Mexico’s Regina Chávez. Artiga, Tampa’s first native world champion, was recently honored with a city proclamation from Mayor Jane Castor, honoring her athletic achievements and commitment to community mentorship. Standing 5′4″ with a 64″ reach, the 33-year-old Artiga continues to build momentum as one of women's boxing’s hungriest new champions. She made her first successful world title defense with a TKO win on MVP Fight Night in August 2025, and defended her title again against challenger Stephanie Silva in December 2025.



“Nataly Delgado has perfected her craft and has earned being a mandatory challenger,“ said Jasmine Artiga. “The world will see two top females in their weight class contest their skills, strength, power, and will.”



Nataly Estefany Delgado Hernández is a 31-year-old pro boxer from Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Republic of Panama, holding a record of 20 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws across 29 fights. She has faced top competition throughout her career, including bouts against now-undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora, former world champions Clara Lescurat and Maribel Ramírez, and Johana Zúñiga for the WBA Fedelatin Championship. Delgado won the Interim WBA super flyweight world title at 115lbs in July 2025 and has since made two successful defenses. She is now the mandatory challenger for Jasmine Artiga’s WBA world title.



"God's plans are perfect and always designed for our own good. I'm grateful to MVP for this opportunity, honored, and very much motivated,” said Nataly Delgado. “We have earned this via very hard work, and I will deliver. I'm ready to fight in this Champion vs. Champion showdown. I hope Artiga is also ready. Let's give boxing fans around the world a fight to remember."



“MVPW-04 once again delivers four back to back world title fights and features seven promotional debuts from some of our most exciting new signees at MVP, from Oshae Jones, Tiara Brown and Evelin Bermudez to our stacked undercard with Brazil’s Jully Poca, the most followed active boxer in the world, #1 contenders LeAnna Cruz and Brittany Sims, and one of the best talents out of Team USA in the last few years with 19x national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El, ” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Anchored by a back-to-back-to-back-to-back championship main card from MVP’s defending champions, MVPW only gets bigger and better on Saturday, June 13 in Orlando, live on ESPN+.”



Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Jully Poca is a powerhouse athlete who has dominated the crossover boxing scene with an undefeated record. Originally Brazil’s premier female fitness influencer, her life took a sharp turn in 2023 when she was invited to compete in the UK alongside megastar Whindersson Nunes. Despite only training for three months prior to her debut, she discovered a profound passion for the sport and has spent the last three years training exclusively as a full-time boxer. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Antonio Filho, the mentor behind former WBO champion Rose Volante, Poca has solidified her status by going undefeated to date and is now set to make her fully sanctioned professional debut with Most Valuable Promotions. Beyond her technical prowess, Jully possesses a magnetic public profile built on genuine courage. She first captured the Brazilian public's heart when she intervened in a violent road-rage incident, physically subduing a man who was attacking two women until police arrived. This act of heroism, combined with her athletic transition, has earned her a massive digital footprint. With 3 million Instagram followers, Poca is set to become the most-followed female professional boxer in the world the moment she makes her pro debut, bridging the gap between social media stardom and elite combat sports.



“She asked for a rematch, I said let’s do it,” said Jully Poca. “Some stories need to have a definite ending, that’s what I’m coming to do. I’m excited to make my debut in Orlando and hope to see the local Brazilian community come out to support on Saturday, June 13!” 



Monica Medina comes to the ring from Vardaman, Mississippi. She will make her pro debut following her career so far bare knuckle boxing, dirty boxing and crossover boxing. Medina previously faced off with Poca in 2025, and now the pair will face off in a professionally sanctioned rematch.



“Jully this time when you go  down you’re staying down, said Medina. “You truly didn’t beat me last time, and this time I’ll show everyone who the better boxer is”



Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez is an undefeated rising prospect in the lightweight division, holding a 7-0 record with 3 knockouts. At just 19 years old, the orthodox fighter has already built a strong foundation with over 90 amateur bouts, showcasing maturity and ring IQ well beyond her years. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, and now fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Tellez began boxing at the age of six and has quickly developed into one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Standing 5’3” and competing at 135 pounds, she is known for her sharp jab, her favorite punch, and disciplined style. Inspired by legends like Andre Ward and current pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, Tellez has set ambitious goals to become the youngest women’s world champion, unify the division, and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of fighters. She is currently ranked WBA #3 contender in the world at 130lbs.



LeAnna Cruz is a 28-year-old Puerto Rican-American professional boxer competing at 115lbs who Cruz has built her career on consistency, discipline, and a deep respect for the craft of boxing. Of proud Puerto Rican heritage, Cruz brings grit and heart into every training camp and every fight. Her style blends sharp fundamentals with intelligent pressure, allowing her to control distance, dictate pace, and adapt to any opponent placed in front of her. Inside the ring, she is focused and methodical; outside the ring, she is respected for her humility, professionalism, and commitment to growth. Signing with Most Valuable Promotions represents a major milestone for Cruz, who holds ambitions for placing her on a global stage and firmly. She is the WBA #1 contender at super flyweight, 115lbs.



“Rubi Gutierrez is a great opponent to step back in the ring with,” said LeAnna Cruz. “She has a SD loss against a future world champion and is not afraid to lose or for a challenge. I have a ton of respect for her coming up two  weight classes to share the ring with me, but on Saturday, June 13th she’ll learn that was a huge mistake.”



Rubi “La Panterita” Gutierrez is a 20-year-old rising contender from Saltillo, Mexico. She is currently on a three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory in April 2026.



WBA #1 contender at 118lbs Brittany “Eagle Flex” Sims has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in women’s boxing, having transformed her career from a 1–3 start into a formidable 9–3 record, highlighted by her current eight-fight winning streak. A well-rounded athlete, Sims brings a diverse background in MMA and track and field, tools that have helped shape her explosiveness, conditioning, and ring IQ. She also dominated in the TCL league, where she put together an incredible 16-fight winning streak. During her rise, Sims captured the WBA Americas Continental title, the NABF title, and the WBA International title, achievements that positioned her as the WBA’s #1 contender and mandatory challenger for the world championship against Cherneka Johnson. Trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and managed by Dave Dubinsky of DKO and fighting out of Bethlehem, Sims now looks ahead to the next chapter of her career with Most Valuable Promotions.



“Cardenas is not someone to overlook. She is a great boxer, and I have a lot of respect for her and her team. That being said, my team and I have been working extremely hard every day. I’m prepared, focused, and ready for the moment,” said Brittany Sims. “May I be swift like an eagle, strong like a lion, and fight with the strength of ten men. It’s almost time to fly.”



Naomy Cardenas is a 26-year-old boxer from Chihuahua, Mexico. Cardenas made her international debut in June 2025 as part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 13, winning by split decision. Following the bout, she stepped up to contend for the WBO super flyweight world title, losing by decision to reigning champion Mizuki Hiruta. She most recently rebounded with a UD win in March 2026.



“I’m very happy for the opportunity MVP is once again giving me,” said Cardenas. “I know I have a strong and intelligent opponent in front of me, which will make for an even better fight because of the contrast in styles. I have had great preparation behind me and I’m coming in with the hunger for victory.”



19-time US national champion Sa’Rai Brown-El comes from a proud lineage of fighters and was born into boxing royalty, but her rise wasn’t guaranteed. Her mother first saw her spark, despite early resistance from her father and coach, who didn’t believe boxing was a sport for women. Everything changed during a family trip to her birthplace in Albany, NY when a visit to her uncle’s boxing gym flipped the script. Once Brown-El stepped into the ring, her natural talent spoke louder than tradition ever could, and her father never looked back. She began boxing at the age of 10. What followed was a journey defined by relentless discipline, a powerful work ethic, and a fierce hunger to master the craft of boxing. That fire drove her to the top of the amateur ranks, where she became the first female boxer from Georgia to win both the Junior Olympics and the National Silver Gloves. Within a year, she had become a national champion, marking the beginning of her dominance. By age 14, she had cemented her name in history as one of the most decorated young female boxers in the country, ranked #1 in her age and weight class by USA Boxing and holding the most wins across all female divisions at the time. In 2019, she earned a coveted spot on Team USA after winning the USA Boxing National Championships, becoming the first female boxer from Georgia to achieve those honors. A five-time international medalist and seven-time Georgia Female Boxer of the Year, Brown-El’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. USA Boxing named her the future of women’s boxing—a title that carries weight, and one she’s ready to live up to. With her amateur legacy cemented, the 19-year-old now joins MVP’s elite roster of women’s fighters ahead of her professional debut this year, entering into the professional ranks with one goal: to take over women’s boxing.



WBA and WBO #12 ranked contender Jordan Orozco Hernandez will also join the undercard. He boasts a fearsome 100% KO ratio on his 16-0 record, with 16 knockouts. The 21-year-old Nicaraguan bantamweight most recently earned a second round TKO win over Daniel Olea in March. Orozco will face Fernando Diaz. Diaz is a 26-year-old prospect from Riverside, California. 



Jayson Martinez will make his pro debut on MVW-04. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and currently residing in Orlando, Florida, Martinez completed a 30-fight amateur career earning a top six national ranking. The 22-year-old has built a reputation for his skill, discipline, and exciting style as he prepares for his professional debut. 



MVPW-04 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.



For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.




About MVP


Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.



MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.



Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 



About ESPN


ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.



Material  and Photo Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Hrgovic-Allen Thoughts

The subplot going into the May 16th Heavyweight bout between contender Filip Hrgovic and veteran Dave Allen centered on which fighter would be able to make a strong argument as a potential future challenger for a piece of the World Heavyweight championship. It made things more poignant that by coincidence that this bout was sandwiched between two World Heavyweight championship bouts taking place during the month of May 2026 making it an unofficial month of the Heavyweights.


Despite the atmosphere of this bout headlining a card at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England, the action inside the ring when the two combatants squared off, the atmosphere did not match what took place as Hrgovic systematical walked the always “Game" Allen down using his longer reach to keep him at distance and unable to land anything of significance. The one sided affair was halted when Allen’s corner threw in the towel to prevent their fighter from further punishment as Allen continued to batter him with hard thudding right hands, before there was a knockdown. 


Unfortunately there is not much one can say here other than Filip Hrgovic simply went about his business in a workmanlike fashion and got the stoppage over a "Game,” but overmatched opponent. In terms of what this might mean for Hrgovic moving forward, a win is a win and he did get the stoppage, which is about all you can ask of a fighter though this was absent of highlights that some fans might use to justify an argument for him as being on the short list of potential challengers. It does, however, set up some interesting possibilities for Hrgovic to continue to make his case. 


One such possibility could be to face the winner of next weekend’s bout between contenders Richard Torrez and Frank Sanchez, which is taking place on the undercard of Olekaandr Usuk's WBC World Heavyweight title defense against former World Heavyweight Kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. Another possibility that could be more appealing could be an encounter between Hrgovic and undefeated top contender Moses Itauma. If Hrgovic can win against either potential opponent, it is definitely not out of the realm of possibility that Hrgovic could be in line for a title shot either by the end of this year or early 2027.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


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Friday, May 15, 2026

Can Allan Pull Off An Upset?

It was not long ago where some were anointing Heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic as perhaps the future of the division as cornerstones like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to name a few entered what many would call the twilight of their respective careers. After all, Hrgovic would check off several boxes that would make such a distinction logical. Standing at 6 '6 with an eighty-two inch reach and punching power, Hrgovic fit right in with the potential future central figures of the Heavyweight division. 


Despite the high expectations of some, Hrgovic did stumble in suffering his lone career defeat at the hands of the recently crowned two-time World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in June 2024, being stopped in the eighth round. To his credit, Hrgovic was able to rebound to win his next two fights and would appear to be back in line of potential world title challengers in the not too distant future. Before that can happen, however, Hrgovic will enter the ring once more to face longtime Heavyweight veteran Dave Allen on May 16th at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England in a scheduled ten round bout that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.


While this fight for Hrgovic, who will enter the bout with a record of 19-1, with 14 Knockouts, represents the next step in the rebuilding process, this could be a difficult assignment against the veteran Allen, who will come in with a record of 25-8-2, with 20 Knockouts. Allen is a very “Game" and durable fighter who has always given his best, but has failed to get his hand raised whenever he has stepped up in caliber of competition, despite the opinions of some that he came out on the short end of some fights that many feel he won, most notably in his first fight against Johnny Fisher in December 2024. In a career that has seen several ups and downs, this encounter may represent what might be viewed as Allen's last chance to make a splash on the world level of the Heavyweight division.


It is a task that could prove to be easier said than done as Hrgovic has knockout power in either hand and what some may view as a red flag in terms of Allen's chances in this fight is he has been stopped in four of his eight career defeats. Although Allen has punching power in his own right having twenty knockouts in his twenty-five wins including avenging his loss to Fisher in May of last year,and keeping in mind all it takes is one punch, especially in the Heavyweight division, conventional wisdom would suggest that Allen's best chance in this fight is to try to get in close early and not give Hrgovic room to breathe or get his punches off with leverage. 


While it may indeed be easier said than done, Allen must make this an ugly fight on the inside and look to tire Hrgovic as the bout progresses. Hrgovic has tired later in fights and if Allen can take things into the middle and late rounds without sustaining too much punishment, he could end up pulling off what some might consider an unlikely upset. On the flip side of the equation, Hrgovic’s best approach in this fight will likely be to use his reach to try and keep Allen on the outside where he will theoretically be unable to get his punches off consistently and will be forced into a defense first mentality. Although neither Hrgovic or Allen find themselves currently in the immediate discussion of potential world title challengers going into the fight, an impressive performance by either could well serve as the catapult to move the winner into that conversation. 


“And That's The Boxing Truth.”


Hrgovic vs. Allen takes place on Saturday, May 16th at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 11AM ET/8AM PT with preliminary action. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 1PM ET/10AM PT.


(*North American Times Only.*)


(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)


For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com


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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Wardley-Dubois: When Should The Fight Have Been Stopped?


It is a cliche to say and it is one that is indeed overused, but one truly never knows what is going to happen when two fighters get into a ring to do battle. Such anticipation before a fight is part of the appeal combat sports thrives on. When it came to the encounter between undefeated WBO World Heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley and former IBF World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on May 9th at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England, that anticipation was present before a record crowd of over 18,000 spectators. Pitting two “Knockout Artists” each having a career knockout percentage of 95% against each other, however, indicated as close to a guarantee as one would find that this would be a fight that would not go the distance.


A perception seemed to be on point when the champion Wardley, who was making his first title defense, knocked Dubois down in the opening seconds of the fight with a right hand that grazed the top of his head and appeared initially to this observer to be Wardley’s forearm that connected on the follow through that sent Dubois down to the canvas. A sudden occurrence that gave the impression that this could be a short contest. To Dubois’ credit, however, he was able to pick himself up and it was not long before the shootout many had expected between the two began to manifest with both fighters landing hard, thudding punches with knockout intentions. As Dubois found his footing in the fight, there began to be a distinction between the two fighters.


Despite both men landing the type of blows that would end the night for most Heavyweights, it was Dubois landing the harder, more accurate punches, while the champion threw wide, looping shots that though many landed, were not accurate and seemed to knock Wardley off balance periodically. The distinction between the two fighters notwithstanding, Wardley would score a second knockdown of Dubois in round three by another right hand that landed high on the head and seemed to affect his equilibrium.


As he had done in round one, Dubois picked himself up off the canvas and the fight continued. While there was still a decent amount of back and forth action, gradually Dubois’ harder punches turned the tempo of the combat. Gradually Dubois began to administer a beating to the champion. By round eight of the scheduled twelve round world championship bout, I felt the accumulation of punishment to Wardley frankly warranted the fight being stopped.


Although traditionally an argument can be made that a world champion should be given the benefit of doubt in a scenario where they are the defending champion, and keeping in mind that Wardley showed his mettle and a lot of heart as he continued to take grotesque punishment, the likes of which, we are accustomed to seeing in movies, it got to a point where I stopped watching the fight as a competition and wondered aloud as to how much longer the fight would be permitted to continue.


As Dubois continued to dish out punishment, the effects of the beating emerged on Wardley’s trace in the form of a busted and bloody nose and significant swelling over both eyes. Despite this, Wardley remained ever brave and continued to frail wide looping punches that frequently knocked him off balance in the hope of landing a dramatic fight changing blow as he had done before later in fights prior to being named WBO World Heavyweight champion. On this night, it was not meant to be as Dubois continued to dish out punishment until mercifully Referee Howard Foster finally stopped in and stopped the fight in the eleventh round giving Daniel Dubois his second world championship. Although miraculously Dubois was not able to drop Wardley throughout the fight and did not knock him down prior to the fight being stopped, the stoppage was controversial.


It was controversial in the sense that it came later than should have been the case. While this fight exceeded every possible expectation, many would suggest that it should have been stopped sooner. Now a few days removed from the fight taking place, the obvious question is why was the fight allowed to go on as long as it was?


There are three aspects that all played a role here and some might say, share equal responsibility for how things turned out. Firstly, Referee Howard Foster. 


Referee Howard Foster has long been one of the top referees and judges throughout the United Kingdom having been the referee in nearly 1600 professional fights, many having been world championship contests. Foster, however, has not been immune from controversy throughout his twenty-nine year career as a referee. Some may recall the first fight between future Hall of Famers Carl Froch and George Groves in 2013 where many felt Foster stopped the fight in favor of Froch in the ninth round prematurely. 


While the element of controversy is something that unfortunately comes with the territory for any referee or judge as some calls by a referee will seem unjustified, much in the same way as a judge’s scorecard, particularly in close fights, will always be open to interpretation and scrutiny, in this case even as Foster’s shirt began to display the stains of Wardley’s blood and it became more evident that Wardley would not be able to land something to turn things around, Foster allowed the fight to go further than should have been the case.


By its very nature, however, a referee making a decision to stop a fight is a judgement call and open to human error. Having said that, what other parties outside of Foster could have stepped in? Some may point the finger of criticism in the direction of Wardley's corner.


Wardley's trainer Ben Davison had to of seen the amount of punishment his fighter was taking, same as other members of Wardley's corner. The first line of defense in terms of protecting a fighter is their corner. One can only assume that much like how a referee, more often than not, gives a champion the benefit of doubt or to put it another way, a longer leash than would normally be the case, one can assume that in this case, Wardley's corner felt their fighter still had a puncher’s chance to turn things around. Though I disagree with that assessment, at minimum, there will be a period where Davison will have to answer the criticism as to why he didn't stop it. This finally brings us to the third party that could have stepped in. The British Boxing Board of Control.


As the regulatory board overseeing the fight, the British Boxing Board of Control has long had a reputation as being one of the strictest and stringent regulatory boards in the world. In this case some may question whether they had the authority to step in and stop the fight as it would be overriding the referee they appointed with that responsibility and even the ringside physician, who is often consulted before fights are stopped.


Although very rare to see a commission overrule a referee or doctor, there have been some instances where it has happened. Most notably the 2007 bout between the late Arturo Gatti and Alfonso Gomez. Gatti, in what proved to be the final fight of his career, took a horrible beating at the hands of Gomez for seven rounds before crumbling to the canvas under significant punishment. The referee former Heavyweight contender Randy Neumann, a highly competent and respected referee in his own right in the northeast of the United States was not the man who made the call to stop the fight, nor was it Gatti’s corner or the ringside physician, but it was Larry Hazard, then chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, who stepped up on the apron of the ring and stepped through the ropes to ensure the fight was stopped as Gatti fell to the canvas. While Gatti-Gomez was a more one-sided contest than this fight was with an aging fighter at the end of his career, it does serve as an example nearly twenty years later that sometimes the commission overseeing a fight will exercise their authority to ensure a fight is stopped when for whatever reason, those who are appointed with the responsibility do not.


The controversy aside, the fight was stopped and Fabio Wardley will be back. In terms of what happens, given that Wardley as the champion coming into this bout has a rematch clause, it seems logical that this was the conclusion of chapter one of a longer story between Wardley and Dubois. When that rematch occurs obviously remains to be seen, but both fighters Dubois and Wardley deserve time to recuperate before a rematch is discussed. Even though Wardley came out the more battered of the two, both fighters took a lot of punishment and need time to let their bodies heal. After all, whenever that rematch happens, it is likely to be a similar back and forth battle as this fight was. Outside of the controversy of when the fight should have been stopped, it was one of the best World Heavyweight championship bouts in recent memory,


“And That's The Boxing Truth.”


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Monday, May 11, 2026

Manny Ritti challenges former ONE FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki May 29

 



Credit: Eternal MMA


Press Release: May 11, 2026 By Dragon Fire Boxing - May 29th, Dragon Fire Boxing hits the Metro City Arena for the second time this year for the 54th edition of the iconic Thunderdome series with a stacked card.


One of the feature fights pits two MMA fighters turning to boxing in Manny Ritti and former One FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki


Manny Ritti discusses all things boxing:


“Not long ago I was in a place I thought was irrecoverable, but I got to where I am now. This means I can do whatever I put my mind into with the Grace of God upon me”


“I Grew up fighting bullies in order to get to school or get home from school. I’ve never ran from any fight in my life, at some point I realised. This is just who I am, a fighter. “


“I idolise no human except for God, I do like watching the likes of Tyson, Garcia, GGG, Davis


“I’ve never been in a boring fight in my life. This will be the best fight of the night. Expect fireworks, expect a live execution in front of my hometown.”


“An old lion is still a lion, I do not take him lightly in anyway. I’m coming for him with everything in my arsenal. A younger lion always comes for that old lions spot. Your time is up, GET OUT OF MY WAY.”


“I want that WBC belt, I’m the real champion and I know it.”


“ There’s a guy, Jye Chin. He’s got what I want. That fight would be electric and the whole city will agree on it. I STOP HIM.”


Tickets on sale now at megatix.com.au & the event will be broadcast by Livecombatsports.com.au


Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of: Eternal MMA Used with permission.


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, May 10, 2026

Schedule Update

We would like to let our readers know that we will have two columns released on the website this week.  First up, on Wednesday, May 13th,  a follow- up discussing the recent WBO World Heavyweight championship bout between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will be released, discussing both the fight itself as well as the controversy surrounding it. This will be followed on Friday, May 15th where we will preview the upcoming Heavyweight bout between Filip Hrgovic and Dave Allen, which will take place on Saturday, May 16th in Doncaster, England.

In the interim, any content that is sent in to us by promoters, networks, and others involved in the sport of Boxing will be made available for readers as we receive them. Stay tuned.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.“

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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Saturday, May 9, 2026

Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54

Credit: Mike O'Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing 



Press Release: May 9, 2026 By Dragon Fire Boxing - On Friday May 29th, Dragon Fire Boxing presents its 54th edition of the iconic Thunderdome and the second of 2026 schedule & is shaping up to be an explosive night of fights.

 

In the main event, Perth prospect “Big Bad” Michael Bayzley takes on veteran Ryan “The Pilgrim” Williams

 

The undercard features a strong mix of rising prospects and championship bouts that highlight the depth of talent emerging from the Perth boxing scene.

 

Michael Bazley vs Ryan Williams - State Heavyweight Championship

 

Thunderdome 54 will be headlined by “Big Bad” Michael Bayzley taking on veteran Ryan “The Pilgrim” Williams for the Western Australian Heavyweight Championship.

 

The fight was originally set to take place in November 2025 but after a horrific hand injury which William’s hand was crushed in his FIFO (Fly in Fly out) job the fight was put on hold.

 

Williams is now fully healed, and Bazley has set the Perth boxing scene alight with a string of impressive victories meriting the MAIN EVENT slot.

 

Im excited for this fight because I know its gonna be a war. Both men have vowed to leave it all in the ring for this title

 


 

Ireland’s Owen Corrigan has been on an impressive run since turning professional in November 2024. 

 

Undefeated prospect Owen Corrigan will also look to capture championship gold, if victorious

 

Known for his heavy hands, Corrigan has built a record of 5–0 with two stoppage victories.

 

In only his sixth fight, Corrigan sets his sights on his second Championship when he takes on Micah Rivetti.

 

Corrigan has caught the attention of fans with his aggression and power.

 

 


Joel is always in an exciting fight and his Chinese opponent is looking to test Joel and upset the applecart. One thing with the Chinese fellas is you can never write them off.

 

Joel took some time off but he is now back at the Dragon Fire Boxing gym and putting in the hard work to perfect his craft. He has the tools and with the right discipline he can go very far this kid.

 

Undercard

“The undercard is full of can’t miss fights, I’m excited to see the return of the Black Hulk, he was very unlucky not to get the decision in his last two fights against Lewis Clarke but he has regrouped, not complained just spent more time perfecting the craft.”

“We have a WBF Masters Cruiserweight World Title with Riccardo Monteleone and Mark Stephenson, this will be a fun fight with two older boys”

“Tanaka Saburi takes on Bikash Rana for State Championship honours and this

“We have also the Alan Pond Cup with Luke Dowsett and Steve Sibincic, the pro debut of Emmanuel Kori and an absolute belter with Emmanuel Ritti taking on Nobatsu Suzuki in both their pro boxing debuts. Suzuki is a former One FC World Champion

“Its got all the ingredients for another explosive night of cant miss action”

 

Full Fight Card (Subject To Change)

 

WA State Heavyweight Championship

Michael Bazley v Ryan Williams

 

ANBF Australasian Light Heavyweight Championship

Owen Corrigan vs Micah Rivetti

 

WA State Jnr Welterweight Championship

Tanaka Saburi vs Bikash Rana

 

2026 Alan Pond Cup

Luke Dowsett vs Steve Sibincic

 

WBF World Masters Cruiserweight Championship

Riccardo Monteleone vs Mark Stephenson

 

Joel “Lethal” Lewis vs Weifang Li

 

Emmanuel Ritti v Nobutsu Suzuki

 

“Black Hulk” Bilal Seidu vs Theepakorn Pankasem

 

Nicolas Serranov Mitch Arnold

 

Emmanuel Kori vs Bima Prakosa  


Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of: Mike O'Hara/Dragon Fire Boxing  Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


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