Bad Left Hook
The Best in Global Boxing News and Commentary
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‘Hopefully in mid-year they can fight’: Bob Arum talks potential for O’Shaquie Foster to face Vasiliy Lomachenko
Following O’Shaquie Foster’s win over Emanuel Navarrete over the weekend, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum quickly shares some immediate thoughts on the performance and the appearance of Vasiliy Lomachenko, who was present at the fight and announced his intended return. Here’s some of what Arum had to say below. Arum on Foster’s win over Navarrete […]
Canelo Alvarez vs Christian Mbilli, Munguia, Espinoza, and more: Boxing schedule and previews for October 30-31, 2026
Canelo Álvarez returns on Oct. 30 to face WBC super‑middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in a $20 PPV headlining the "Boardwalk Brawl" from Atlantic City. The fight, also streamed on DAZN and Ultimate, marks both fighters' first bout since the Canelo‑Crawford showdown in September 2025, where Álvarez lost a unanimous decision. Mbilli, a power puncher with a split‑draw against Lester Martinez, seeks a breakthrough against the seasoned Mexican star, who hasn’t been stopped since 2021. The event faces logistical risk due to recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport and nearby venues. The undercard features Richard Johnson vs. Klisman Simao for a minor IBF title and international prospects from Germany and India, plus a separate Thailand showcase on Oct. 31.
Navarrete vs Foster result: O’Shaquie Foster vanquishes ‘Vaquero’ to unify titles in San Antonio
O’Shaquie Foster dominates Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete to unify the WBC, IBF and WBO super featherweight titles in San Antonio on Oct. 25, 2026. After 12 rounds, Foster scores two 12th‑round knockdowns and wins unanimously, with judges' cards of 115‑111, 118‑108 and 118‑108. The 26‑3 champion (12 KOs) now eyes a potential WBA title bout in December and a mandatory defense against Charly Suarez, while keeping his undisputed dream alive. Navarrete (40‑3‑1, 33 KOs) puts up a fight but falls short of Foster’s power and chin.
Emanuel Navarrete vs O’Shaquie Foster: Live blog, round-by-round and results
O’Shaquie Foster shocks the super featherweight division by unifying the IBF, WBO and WBC titles with a unanimous decision over Emanuel Navarrete on Oct. 25, 2026. The judges score it 115‑111, 118‑108, 118‑108 in Foster’s favor after he controlled most of the bout, dropping Navarrete twice in the final round and landing crisp counters throughout. The live‑blog from Bad Left Hook captures round‑by‑round action, highlighting Foster’s sharp boxing, movement and decisive body work that secured the victory and cemented his claim as the division’s No. 1.
Vasiliy Lomachenko ends retirement: I’m back at 130
Ukrainian boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko announces his comeback, targeting a 2027 fight at super featherweight (130 lb) – a division he last contested in 2017. Speaking live on DAZN from San Antonio, he says he’ll aim for the winner of the Emanuel Navarrete vs. O’Shaquie Foster bout, hoping to capture three world titles and pursue an undisputed status. At 38, Lomachenko feels good in training but remains cautious about future outcomes. He left the sport citing 135 lb as too high, and while his Top Rank contract has ended, he leaves the door open for a new promotional deal. Lomachenko (18‑3, 12 KOs) last defeated George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024 for the IBF lightweight crown.
Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello: Live blog, round-by-round and results
Dalton Smith defends his WBC super lightweight title against former champion Alberto Puello in Sheffield, winning a split decision (115‑113, 115‑113, 116‑112). The bout, postponed from summer due to injury, featured tight, round‑by‑round action with both fighters exchanging arguments on the scorecards. Smith retained the belt after a hard‑fought 12‑round contest, setting up a potential higher‑profile matchup next. Bad Left Hook provided live updates and round analysis throughout the fight.
Top Rank cuts bait on Keyshawn Davis
Top Rank boss Bob Arum confirms that Olympic silver‑medalist Keyshawn Davis has been granted a contract release despite one fight left on his deal. Davis, a 15‑0 (10 KO) lightweight who missed weight for a title defense against Edwin De Los Santos and rejected a $2 million offer to fight Devin Haney, is now chasing a bout with Richardson Hitchins. The fight collapsed after Davis allegedly demanded $6 million – far above his previous purses. Arum shows little interest in a legal fight, highlighting growing tension over fighter compensation and contract freedom.
Navarrete vs Foster Predictions: Who wins the title unification?
The Bad Left Hook preview pits Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete against O'Shaquie Foster for a feather‑weight title unification, highlighting both fighters' recent resurgence. Navarrete, 31, has bounced back with dominant wins over Oscar Valdez and Eduardo "Sugar" Nunez after a controversial no‑contest with Charly Suarez, showcasing his power, timing and distance control. Foster, 33, rebounded from early setbacks to claim a world belt in 2023 and has since beaten Stephen Fulton and Raymond Ford, relying on textbook boxing fundamentals and solid defense. The article argues Navarrete’s timing and head‑movement may exploit Foster’s limited head work, making the matchup a clash of contrasting styles in their prime years.
DAZN officially announce Devin Haney signing
DAZN officially confirms an exclusive multi‑year deal with welterweight champion Devin Haney, announced on October 23, 2026. The partnership follows the collapse of a proposed bout with Shakur Stevenson and aims to secure marquee matchups for the 27‑year‑old. Haney, who last fought in November to defeat Brian Norman for the WBO welterweight title, says the deal removes uncertainty and positions him to take on any opponent. DAZN executives say the agreement will boost high‑profile fights on their platform, potentially ending Haney’s year‑long inactivity.
Boxing Mailbag: Zuffa’s mixed results, Fabio’s future, more
The Bad Left Hook’s Boxing Mailbag dives into three hot topics. Fans debate a possible Fundora‑Boots showdown, noting Boots’ aggression versus Fundora’s unique skill set, while weighing Ortiz’s relevance after moving up weight. The thread then shifts to Zuffa Boxing’s shaky footing after Shakur Stevenson’s release, questioning whether the blame lies with Stevenson’s contract demands or Dana White’s difficulty breaking into a promoter‑dominated sport. Critics also highlight Zuffa’s costly but under‑delivering signings like Conor Benn and Jai Opetaia, suggesting the company’s grand‑scale boxing ambitions may be overstated. The discussion paints a picture of mixed results for Zuffa and a contentious future for several mid‑weight fighters.
‘They might be finished already’: Eddie Hearn says Zuffa Boxing collapsing
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn declares Zuffa Boxing on the brink of collapse, saying the promotion hasn’t staged a U.S. bout since July and recent UK events were “awful.” He criticises Dana White’s handling of the venture, noting declining UFC ratings, a botched Shakur Stevenson exit and visible strain on White himself. Hearn predicts Zuffa may already be finished as a relevant boxing entity, comparing its shows unfavorably to Ben Shalom’s events.
WBO denies Denzel Bentley’s appeal, orders him to face Yoenli Hernandez or vacate
The WBO has rejected middleweight champion Denzel Bentley’s appeal to skip his mandatory defense, giving him just 24 hours to sign a bout with challenger Yoenli Hernandez (11‑0, 9 KO) or vacate the title. Bentley, who inherited the belt after Janibek Alimkhanuly’s drug‑test fallout, instead eyed a November 7 Zuffa debut against Shane Mosley Jr., prompting a purse‑bid dispute and a $200,000 minimum offer for Hernandez’s fight. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri says the belt will be declared vacant if Bentley doesn’t meet the deadline, leaving Hernandez’s next opponent open among contenders like Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Tim Tszyu.
‘The Saudis are clearly pulling back’: Bob Arum reacts to Zuffa Boxing’s current position in the sport
Bob Arum tells Fight Hub TV that Zuffa Boxing’s surge—fuelled by Saudi backing—has hit a wall as Riyadh scales back its money. He says the Saudis, after selling Ring Magazine to DAZN, have signaled the “unlimited tap” is ending, leaving Zuffa unable to fund $15 million deals like the proposed Shakur Stevenson‑Devin Haney bout. Without external cash, Zuffa cannot afford big purses and must rely on a realistic budget, or risk shareholder lawsuits. Arum predicts the market will settle and fight‑making will continue, but the sport’s financial landscape will change dramatically.
Devin Haney vs Liam Paro unification by year’s end reportedly agreed
Mike Coppinger reports that unbeaten welterweight champion Devin Haney (33‑0, 15 KOs) and IBF titleholder Liam Paro (28‑1, 16 KOs) have reached a deal for a WBO/IBF unification bout in the U.S. by the end of 2026. Haney, who last fought in November after beating Brian Norman Jr, missed a mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis and a stalled negotiation with Shakur Stevenson. Paro, who moved up to 147 after upsetting Subriel Matias and beating David Papot, is eager to face top‑tier opposition. The fight promises to settle Haney’s search for a welterweight challenger and could crown a unified champion before the year closes.
‘He didn’t step up’: Bill Haney calls out Shakur Stevenson over failed negotiations
Bill Haney, speaking on Ring Magazine, blames Shakur Stevenson for the collapse of a proposed bout with his son Devin Haney. He says Stevenson repeatedly refused to meet the terms, even after Haney’s camp lowered the weight limit from welterweight to a 145‑lb catch‑weight and offered no‑rehydration clauses. Haney claims the fight, with a WBO title at stake, was derailed by “concessions” demanded by Stevenson’s side and intimidation from promoter J. Prince. With the negotiation dead, Haney hints at new opponents for Devin, including a potential unification with Liam Paro.
David Benavidez vs Michal Cieslak unification official for December 5th
David Benavidez versus Michal Cieslak is set for December 5 on DAZN PPV, moving a week earlier to avoid the Joshua‑Fury showdown. Both BoxRec and TVP Sport’s Piotr Jagiello report Phoenix as the venue. The fight will be a three‑belt unification after Noel Mikaelian relinquished the WBC cruiserweight title, leaving Benavidez (32‑0, 26 KOs) to defend his titles against Cieslak (28‑2, 22 KOs), who captured the interim belt by knocking out Jean Pascal in June. The undercard may feature Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Keith Thurman and a super‑middleweight clash between Elijah Garcia and Tommy O’Toole, among other bouts.
‘Finally, I got the attention’: Filip Hrgovic elated to be world champion
Filip Hrgovic, fresh world champion after defeating Moses Itauma, tells Ariel Helwani he finally earned the spotlight he felt promoters denied him. Hrgovic rejects claims he won only because Itauma gassed out, highlighting his Olympic medal, European title and body work that pressured the fight into a ninth‑round stoppage. He rates Itauma as the quickest and most skilled opponent despite lacking knockout power, noting the bout was closer than critics suggest. The interview underscores Hrgovic’s frustration with limited promotion from his small‑nation background and his confidence to dominate future rivals.
‘I’m not the guys he’s been weight bullying’: O’Shaquie Foster talks Emanuel Navarrete unification
O’Shaquie Foster tells Ring Magazine he’s unfazed by Emanuel Navarrete’s ‘weight‑bullying’ tactics ahead of their upcoming unification bout. Foster notes Navarrete struggled against natural 130‑pounders like Suarez, Conceição and Berinchyk, but argues his own rangy size and power will neutralize the Mexican champion’s awkward punches. He promises to control distance and target Navarrete’s body, confident the champion hasn’t seen Foster’s speed. While confirming Shakur Stevenson remains a dream opponent, Foster says he isn’t actively chasing the fight.
Around the Table: Is Daniel Dubois boxing’s new top heavyweight?
With Oleksandr Usyk likely out of the picture, analysts debate whether Daniel Dubois can claim the top heavyweight spot. Scott Christ argues Dubois' resilience and recent title wins give him an edge over contenders like Agit Kabayel, Fabio Wardley, or even a young Moses Itauma, despite his three losses. Wil Esco sees Dubois as a strong candidate but still doubts he’s the clear best, noting Tyson Fury, Kabayel, or Hrgovic could pose challenges. John Hansen highlights Kabayel’s potential while also suggesting Itauma’s rising talent. The piece weighs each fighter’s recent performances, injuries, and career trajectories to determine who truly leads the heavyweight division today.
‘We should all just stick in our lanes’: Oscar De La Hoya says boxing better off without Dana White
Oscar De La Hoya tells DAZN that his partnership with DAZN lets Golden Boy tap any major promoter—PBC, Eddie Hearn, etc.—to stage the best fights, and he’s thrilled by a new crop of prospects like Josh Edwards, Darius Fulgham and Floyd Schofield. He then lashes out at UFC boss Dana White, saying White has no place in boxing, should stay focused on the UFC, and that the sport will thrive without his meddling. De La Hoya also declares his ambition to become a Hall‑of‑Fame inductee as a promoter.
‘Absolutely fantastic’: Tyson Fury credits Daniel Dubois as top heavyweight
Tyson Fury hails Daniel Dubois as possibly the best heavyweight alive after Dubois’ decisive victory over Fabio Wardley in their recent rematch. Fury praises Dubois’ resilience, noting past setbacks against Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, but emphasizes his growth and “fantastic” performance at 29. He also credits trainer Don Charles for shaping Dubois, calling his guidance underrated. The former champion’s endorsement underscores Dubois’ rising status in the heavyweight division.
Today in British boxing crime
British boxing faces a crime surge this week. Former super featherweight champion Joe Cordina (19‑1, 9 KOs) is acquitted of assault after judges accept his self‑defense claim, clearing the way for a possible lightweight title clash with Abdullah Mason. In contrast, former world‑title contender Liam Smith (33‑5‑1) is charged with grievous bodily harm after CCTV shows him punching a prone man; his comeback was already stalled by a calf injury. Meanwhile, British champion Lewis Edmondson (12‑1, 9 KOs) is investigated for allegedly ramming a police car while hauling cocaine, yet remains slated to defend his title against Dan Azeez. The article tracks these legal woes and their impact on upcoming fights.
MVP appeal to WBA on behalf of Lucas Bahdi, request rematch against Floyd Schofield
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) files a formal appeal with the WBA, claiming Lucas Bahdi was robbed of a vacant title after a decision loss to Floyd Schofield on October 13, 2026. MVP alleges multiple officiating errors, including missed knockdowns, and submits evidence seeking a rematch. The promotion argues it must protect its fighters and urges the sanctioning body to order an immediate sequel for Bahdi’s vindication.
Carlos Adames vs Gerome Warburton reportedly headlines November 14th Zuffa Boxing
Dan Rafael reports that WBC middleweight champ Carlos Adames makes his Zuffa debut in a non‑title, catch‑weight bout against unranked Gerome Warburton on Nov. 14 in Riyadh. The fight replaces a long‑awaited showdown with Meiirim Nursultanov, which the WBC ordered less than a month ago. Adames returns after a year off, having drawn with Hamzah Sheeraz, while Warburton (18‑2‑2, 2 KOs) comes off two decision wins but a recent four‑round loss to Kieron Conway. Critics question the matchup’s appeal amid security concerns in the region.
‘Officially a free agent’: Shakur Stevenson requests and granted release from Zuffa Boxing
Six months after signing with Zuffa Boxing, featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson announces on social media that he has requested and been granted his release, becoming a free agent. The split follows the collapse of a proposed bout with Devin Haney, after eight weeks of camp for a fight that never materialized. Stevenson says he will launch his own promotion and remains open to other promoters, targeting 135‑140 lb title defenses and eventually moving up to 147 on his own timetable.
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