The Ring Magazine, April 2025 • Times Square • Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
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DEPARTMENTS 8 COME OUT WRITING 11 RINGSIDE By Doug Fischer 16 STEVE’S SOAP BOX By Steve Kim 19 BERNSTEIN ON BOXING By Al Bernstein 24 BY THE NUMBERS By Don Stradley 26 RING RATINGS PACKAGE 32 NEW FACES By Cormac O’Donnell 82 MY FIRST TIME: ANTONIO TARVER By Tom Gray 87 FIGHT DOCTOR By Dr. Margaret Goodman 88 THE FACE OF BOXING By Wojtek Urbanek and Thomas Hauser 90 COMMISSIONER’S CORNER By Randy Gordon 96 FROM THE ARCHIVE 98 FIGHTLINE
60 THE BIG TIME JOSEPH PARKER HAS MORE BULK, MORE STRENGTH, MORE EXPERIENCE AND MORE DESIRE THAN EVER BEFORE By Gareth A Davies 66 A MONSTER’S PASSION A ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH NAOYA INOUE – A MAN WITH SO MANY ACHIEVEMENTS AND YET SO MUCH MORE TO DO By Daisuke Sugiura 74 A MARVELOUS LEGACY EVEN BEFORE HIS ICONIC CLASH WITH THOMAS HEARNS, MARVIN HAGLER WAS BUILDING ONE OF HISTORY’S GREATEST MIDDLEWEIGHT CAREERS By Lee Groves 84 A FIFTY-YEAR HURRICANE BOB DYLAN’S SONG ABOUT THE IMPRISONMENT OF RUBIN CARTER REMAINS A POTENT CROSSOVER BETWEEN BOXING AND POP CULTURE By Don Stradley
36 LIGHT HEAVY LIES THE CROWN
“GREAT” IS A SACRED LABEL IN BOXING – TWO FORMER CHAMPS WEIGH IN ON WHETHER DMITRY BIVOL AND ARTUR BETERBIEV HAVE EARNED THE “G” WORD By Tom Gray 42 KEYSHAWN TO THE KINGDOM WITH A TITLE NOW HIS, KEYSHAWN DAVIS IS LOOKING TO UNLEASH HIS SKILLS ON ANYONE AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH A BELT By Thomas Gerbasi 48 TIMES SQUARE-OFF A HISTORY-MAKING EVENT IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN WILL DETERMINE THE FATE OF A DEVIN HANEY-RYAN GARCIA REMATCH By Michael Rosenthal 54 IMMORTAL DIEGO CORRALES AND JOSE LUIS CASTILLO PUSHED EACH OTHER BEYOND BELIEF IN ONE OF THE BEST
FIGHTS OF ALL TIME By Bernard Fernandez
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What is FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves? SNK’s beloved Fatal Fury series first hit the market in 1991, spearheading the fighting game boom that went on to sweep the industry in the 1990s. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES (released in 1999) has for some time served as the franchise’s most recent installment. But that is all about to change. Twenty-six years on, a brand-new entry – FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – is set to arrive on the scene! FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves features a unique art style, an innovative REV System that supercharges the excitement, plus a host of other battle systems even more robust than before. The game also breathes new life into the series by introducing two distinct control schemes, ensuring the most immersive engagement for newcomers and veterans alike. And those are just some of the new features to be discovered! The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold. About SNK Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software on a global scale. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG and SAMURAI SHODOWN, SNK continues to focus on its rich console game and arcade history.
It’s a far cry from the early days of Formula 1 telemetry. In the late 1980s, teams like McLaren relied on simple burst transmissions, capturing snippets of data only as cars sped past the pits. By the 1990s, continuous wireless telemetry emerged, but the data flow was a mere trickle compared to today’s torrent. Now, with stc Group’s 5G network, hundreds of sensors on each car deliver a deluge of information, akin to a ringside camera capturing every twitch of a boxer’s muscles. This real-time data revolutionizes the sport, enabling teams to make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Imagine a boxing ring where every inch is monitored, every move analyzed. That’s the level of comprehensive coverage stc Group’s 5G network provides across the Formula 1 circuit. From the starting grid to the finish line, 19 fixed and portable 5G towers ensure seamless connectivity, acting like sentinels of speed. These towers, strategically placed around the track, guarantee that every piece of data lands with the utmost precision and impact, akin to a perfectly timed punch. But stc Group’s influence extends far beyond the track. In the Fan Zone, interactive exhibits blur the line between spectator and participant. Social media platforms buzz with real-time updates, bringing fans closer to the heart of the race. It’s a testament to how stc Group’s cutting-edge technology not only enhances the sport but also enriches the experience for millions of fans worldwide. Just as boxing has evolved from bare- knuckle brawls to a science of strategy and technique, Formula 1 continues to push boundaries of innovation. stc Group is proud to support this evolution, connecting the Kingdom to the world of high-speed drama through its state-of-the-art digital solutions. It’s a fusion of man and machine, a symphony of data and speed, where the roar of the engine echoes the thunder of a knockout blow. The ring has expanded, and it’s moving at 200 miles per hour.
Innovation in Motion: stc Group Powers the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where every millisecond counts, technology is the invisible force driving success. As the title partner of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stc Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, is at the heart of this evolution, providing the cutting-edge connectivity and data solutions that power the race. Just as a boxer relies on split-second decisions and precise data to gain an edge, Formula 1 teams depend on stc Group’s advanced 5G network to turn a flood of real- time data into winning strategies. From the track to the Fan Zone, stc Group’s technology ensures that every aspect of the race is connected, fast, and precise, redefining the boundaries of speed and innovation. The air hums with excitement as the engines roar to life. A Formula 1 driver firmly grips the wheel, while the car’s sensors transmit data at a staggering 1.5 gigabits per second. Tire pressure, engine temperature, aerodynamic shifts—every detail is instantly captured, analyzed, and relayed to the pit crew. This is the power of stc Group’s 5G network, enabling Formula 1 to operate like a high-tech chess match, where strategy and precision reign supreme.
SELA GOES INTERNATIONAL A NEW CHAPTER IN BOXING HISTORY For years, Sela has redefined the
the page on a new chapter in boxing history. Together, we will elevate the sport to new heights and redefine the fan experience for a worldwide audience. The promotion will create a sustainable future for boxing and reinforce Sela’s position as a powerhouse in global sports and entertainment.”
combines and academies, access to UFC Performance Institutes for all boxers, and utilize TKO’s production and promotional expertise to deliver top-tier, state-of-the-art broadcasts and experiences to fans around the world. Dr. Rakan Alharthy, stated: “This partnership between HE Turki Alalshikh, Sela, and TKO will turn
it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences. With a new multi-year partnership alongside The Ring and TKO to forge a groundbreaking boxing promotion, Sela is poised to revolutionize the sweet science. This venture will offer a high-profile platform for both established boxing stars and emerging talent, and will feature a structured talent development system including athlete
Season, the high-octane Formula E, the prestigious Italian Super Cup, and landmark boxing events like Crawford vs. Madrimov and the record-breaking Joshua vs. Dubois at Wembley. And now, Sela is bringing that expertise to the global stage and to audiences worldwide. This isn’t just about staging events;
for a company built on innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence and all that is spectacular. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Rakan AlHarthy, Sela has consistently delivered world- class events, transforming venues and captivating audiences. Their portfolio reads like a who’s who of global entertainment: the electrifying Riyadh Season, the vibrant Jeddah
landscape of sports and entertainment in the Middle East and North Africa. Now, the powerhouse behind some of the most spectacular live events on the planet is taking its vision global. Sela has officially launched its international business from a new London headquarters. This strategic expansion signals a bold new chapter
Advertorial
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COME OUT WRITING
WELCOME TO BOXING As a new boxing fan of only a few years, it’s sad that I can already have an ever-growing list of questionable calls I have witnessed in this sport. I’m absolutely furious for Lamont Roach Jr. as a result of this majority draw decision against Gervonta
thoughts or ideas to better their game, but there are so many great trainers out there that build fighters from the ground up. A lot of these coaches don’t have the resources as others do and still find a way to make fighters great. My suggestion for the magazine would be to maybe have a one-page profile in each magazine on a coach that may not necessarily be known to the outside world but one that has influenced kids’ lives, maybe a coach in each magazine that may not have world champions but is a great amateur coach or runs a nonprofit gym. My sons box for a coach in Northern California named Gary Sullenger – he and his one assistant coach, Juan (I forget his last name), coach over 40 boys and girls at the Concord Youth Community Center. Most of these kids come from limited means and give their heart and soul to the sport. These are the coaches as a reader I’d want to learn about and what the sport of boxing means to them. Anyhow, I know I am ranting, and as a baseball coach myself, the influence I know I have on kids means so much to me; it’s what I live for. I think it could be a great addition to your awesome magazine! Thank you for all you guys and gals do for this beautiful sport!
price of the issue. Ron is just a wealth of boxing experience and knowledge and probably one of the best referees in the world. Keep him on the Ring staff. He gives the magazine class, polish and knowledge. Looking forward to more. Rocky Alkazoff Longtime Ring reader BACK FOR MORE! I’ve always stated I would rather watch combat sports – and more to the point, I would rather watch Sumo wrestling – than football. In the past, I’ve seen how excited football fans are when their teams are taken over by people with passion and money. Well, now I know why. I never felt more excited about boxing in my 40 years of watching the sweet science. Teamwork makes the dream work. Congratulations on the mag – it’s brilliant. Ian Tutty U.K. Guys, can you tell me if the new Ring mag (hard copy) is available in the U.K.? I used to be an avid reader many years ago and have subscribed online but would also love to have the magazine back in my hands. Fingers and everything else crossed that it is possible. Tony Padley U.K. Editor’s response: The magazine will be on sale in the U.K. (newsstands, bookstores and retail outlets) by this summer and also available via the new online shop once it is added to ringmagazine.com. I’m so glad that the Ring Magazine is back and better than ever! The quality of the graphics, the value of the content and the excitement of this brand is outstanding. I cannot wait to see how it evolves from here. You’ve gained a lifetime subscriber. Ted Lawlor South London, U.K. Write To The Ring! Email comeoutwriting@gmail.com or use this address: P.O. Box 90254, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Davis. Roach is missing out on taking the American
face of boxing’s “0” as a massive underdog; he is missing out on having the privilege of WBA champion status in the rematch, thus having higher earning power; and he is missing out on becoming a hometown hero by beating Tank decisively. I personally feel the fight didn’t even need a knockdown for him to win. Scored it 7-5. But the scores the judges had would’ve resulted in a win if referee Steve Willis had made the right call! He missed many opportunities to at least take away a point! Davis took a knee, he turned his back and ran to the corner, and his cornerman came onto the ring’s edge to wipe his face off! Absolutely critical blunder from the esteemed referee! Anthony Emilien Orlando, Fla. GRASSROOTS HEROES As a longtime Ring Magazine fan and part of four generations of boxers, with now my 14-year-old twin boys who are current amateur boxers in Northern California, we are so excited to be subscribers of this historic magazine. My dad, who has been a boxing coach for over 42 years in the Los Angeles area and is a member of the California Boxing Hall of Fame (Victor Valenzuela), is just one example of a mentor to so many kids off the streets and who make no money doing what they do. Some trainers get all the notoriety for having champions that they didn’t start from the ground up and get these guys when they are already good or are already champions. Now, I will say there is something to be said for a trainer that can help a champion with their progress and even give them a few new
Eric Valenzuela Clayton, Calif.
Editor’s response: Thank you for the kind words, Eric, and thank you for the mentoring that you and your father do through coaching. We will give this recurring feature idea some serious thought. THE FANTASY CONTINUES What a tremendous, exciting story of the fantasy fight between Archie Moore and Artur Beterbiev [in the February 2025 issue]! Can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. I felt like I was right there ringside in my mind. The author, Ron Lipton, is one who I’ve followed in the past in his other fantasy fight offerings. Each one is brilliant and a treasure for real fight fans. The stories alone are worth the
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RINGSIDE By Doug Fischer KEEP IT REAL
April 2025
Founder Nathaniel Fleischer (1888-1972) Owner His Excellency Turki Alalshikh
Editor-in-Chief Douglass Fischer Managing Editor Tom Gray Senior Editor Brian Harty Creative Director Lamar Clark Controller Deborah L. Harrison
I n just two years in the boxing world, the owner of this fine publication has taken pre-event programming to new heights. The programs created to hype major Riyadh Season events aren’t mere commercials for the pay-per- view shows; they’re bona fide films with creative and artistic concepts, as astutely noted by senior editor Brian Harty in this issue’s Ratings Analysis. However, as brilliant as those films are, they will probably never sell an event the way a well-timed slap or sucker punch can. Nothing pushes media coverage and fan engagement like legitimate rivals putting hands on each other prior to settling their differences in the ring. They may not all admit this but promoters want animosity and aggression displayed during the buildup to their events. I can’t fault them for this. When Marco Antonio Barrera took a punch at Kennedy McKinney at a press conference for HBO’s first Boxing After Dark main event back in 1996, I couldn’t wait to watch that broadcast. When Barrera did the same thing against Erik Morales at a presser prior
Teofimo Lopez (with Ring belt) fired up the Fatal Fury promotion by slapping Arnold Barboza. Is their beef real?
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to their rematch in 2002, I couldn’t wait to cover their second clash, which packed the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Same deal when Fernando Vargas shoved Oscar De La Hoya at the kick-off presser for their “Bad Blood” showdown in 2002. I didn’t like that beloved publicist Ricardo Jimenez was knocked from the stage and suffered a broken leg during the ensuing scuffle between the fighters’ teams, but I wasn’t mad at Vargas for losing his cool. At the time, I viewed his unchecked emotions as “truth in advertising.” As long as the hate is genuine, I’m generally OK with the shoving, slapping and even the sucker punching that occasionally ignites at pressers and weigh-ins. These guys are gearing up for a fistfight; adrenaline is pumping when they’re face to face. I’m only turned off when the quasi-violence seems scripted or choreographed, which brings me to the
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THE RING (ISSN: 0035-5410), Special Issue (April 2025), is published 12 times per year by The Ring Magazine FZ, LLC P.O. Box 90254 Brooklyn, NY 11209. Periodicals postage paid at Brooklyn, NY 11209 and additional post offices. Postmasters: Send change of address Notices to: The Ring Magazine Subscriber Service Dept., PO Box 16027, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6027, Phone: 818-286-3101; rngcs@ magserv.com. Single copy price $9.99 in U.S.A. ,10.99 Canada (£10.99 in the U.K.). Global Subscription price $60.00 for 12 issues plus S&H. Not responsible for the loss or non- return of unsolicited articles or photographs, which will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope bearing the proper amount of postage. The entire contents of this magazine are copyright ©2025 The Ring Magazine FZ- LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of advertisements appearing in this magazine, nor the delivery or quality of merchandise or services offered. No endorsement of any such advertisement is intended or implied. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their advertisements. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES AND RATES: advertising@ringmagazine.com. U.S. / Canadian and International distribution by Comag Marketing Group LLC, 155 Village Blvd #200, Princeton, NJ 08540. UK distribution by Seymour Distribution Ltd., 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, England, EC1A 9PT. Printed In USA and the UK.
RINGSIDE
“Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” press conference that took place in Los Angeles on March 10. By the time you have this issue in your hands, the unprecedented Ring Magazine/ SNK Games triple-header in Times Square will be a week or two away, and maybe the slap Teofimo Lopez planted on Arnold Barboza Jr. during their face-off will be a distant memory. Then again, maybe the clip of that slap – which garnered hundreds of thousands of social media views in a matter of hours – is what pushes the entire promotion right into fight week. If it does, what bugs me about the slap – and the ugly atmosphere that was created at the L.A. presser to encourage
while his considerable accomplishments were underplayed in front of the pro- Garcia audience. Grisham interviewed the father/ trainer/manager afterwards, which produced the second most viral moment from the presser. “You’re full of shit,” Haney told Grisham. “And I hope that this is what you guys wanted to do. It’s a fuckin’ circus act. Devin is a real fighter and you showed no respect.” Grisham: “I’m sorry you feel that way. I have the most respect for your son. I think he’s an amazing athlete.” Haney: “I don’t think that you do. I think that you are political. You did just what you wanted to do and you got it off. And that’s what this promotion has been about.” Grisham: “We’re trying to sell a fight here. You know this, right?” Bill: “Well, sell it right.” I don’t always agree with Bill Haney, but there is a right way and wrong way to sell a fight. The wrong way makes the fighters and all those involved look classless. Am I being hypocritical after admitting that I was into the bad blood between De La Hoya and Vargas, and all for Barrera’s unsportsmanlike behavior with McKinney and Morales? Yes, a little bit. But here’s the difference: The hate was real with those fighters and it was a two-way street. Also, I can assure you that the drama that popped off at those
it – doesn’t really matter. I can’t fault an event’s organizers for pushing anything that moves the needle in connection to their promotion. The heated and sometimes vulgar March 10 press conference, held in front of a loud partisan crowd at The Mayan Theater in downtown L.A., sparked a number of viral moments, but none caused as many ripples as Lopez’s slap across Barboza’s face. That’s saying something for the 140-pound matchup that will open the DAZN PPV co-featuring Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate bouts. Based on their controversial fight last April, hostility between Garcia and Haney was anticipated during the kick- off presser in New York City on March 4. The two are slated to face each other in an October rematch if they win their May 2 bouts, and they were expected to be the center of attention. However, the combination of Barboza’s vitriol and Lopez’s flamboyant brand of antagonizing weirdness stole the spotlight. I hosted the NYC event. Knowing their history, I wasn’t surprised by the tension. Here’s a recap of their backstory:
Barboza (32-0, 11 KOs), The Ring’s No. 3-rated junior welterweight, has clamored for a shot at Lopez ever since the former unified lightweight champ stepped up to the 140-pound division. It seemed like a natural fight to make, as both fought under the Top Rank banner at the time. However Lopez (21- 1, 13 KOs) had no interest in Barboza. Top Rank reportedly proposed Barboza for Lopez’s 140-pound debut in August 2022, but Team Takeover opted for Mexican veteran Pedro Campa. After stopping Campa in seven rounds, Lopez told Top Rank COO Brad Jacobs: “Please, do not set me up with that bum over there, Arnold Barboza. I need bigger fish; it’s a waste of my time.” This statement did not sit well with Barboza, who was ringside. Fast-forward to the present, Lopez sits atop the 140-pound division after outpointing Josh Taylor for the Ring championship in June 2023. Meanwhile, Barboza joined the Golden Boy Promotions stable in November 2023 – in part because Top Rank couldn’t deliver Lopez – and has won four bouts since the start of 2024, including back-to-back decisions over Ring-rated contenders Jose Ramirez
I told him that I’m not a promoter or a gameshow host. Six days later, I was thankfully (probably rightfully) replaced by Todd Grisham as the host for the L.A. presser. Grisham, an experienced sports broadcaster (and one of my favorite blow-by-blow boxing commentators), has gameshow host energy. And I say that with respect and admiration. Grisham, who got his start with the WWE, knows how to command a crowd and stir shit up between the combatants. My only problem with the March 10 event is that it seemed forced. I hope I’m wrong about this, but the sight of Lopez and Barboza in open leather vests with no shirts underneath suggested a memo was sent urging the fighters and all involved with the presser to “crank it up.” That wasn’t hard to do with the two macho men from The Village People, but the host had his work cut out for him with Haney and Ramirez. Grisham brought up Haney’s three trips to the canvas vs. Garcia to get Ramirez to open up on the odds favorite. It didn’t really work on stage, but it pissed off Bill Haney, who was offended that his son’s chin was questioned
Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero were unusually mellow at the pressers.
Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez kept it respectful in front of the cameras.
and Jack Catterall. The 33-year-old veteran, who won the WBO interim belt with the Catterall victory, has done enough to earn a shot at Lopez, but The Ring champ still dismisses Barboza as an unaccomplished scrub. I brought this background up at the presser, which sparked the following exchange: “He’s 32-0 and he just got an interim title,” said Lopez. “At 15 fights, I got my first world title … and then became undisputed at 16 fights. I’m only 27. How old is you?” Replied Barboza: “You didn’t give a fuckin’ right answer, bro. You beat around the bush when they [asked] how come you didn’t accept this fight back then. Shoutout to Top Rank for finally cutting the umbilical cord and letting your ass crawl – finally!” It’s evident that this fight is personal for Barboza. I’m not convinced that it is for Lopez, who has eyes on the winner of the proposed Garcia-Haney rematch.
But I thought their history and heated words added enough spice to the NYC presser to move on to the other two bouts with my allotted 30 minutes of interview time. I did so respectfully and did not poke the other young bears on stage. Truthfully, I was relieved that Garcia and his May 2 opponent, Rolando Romero – both usually brash and bombastic – were subdued during the onstage interviews. I only wanted thoughtful comments from them and the often-understated Jose Ramirez, who faces Haney in a 12-round welterweight bout on May 2. This school teacher approach earned some nasty criticism on social media. Fans and content creators whose YouTube channels and IG accounts thrive on controversy were mad at me for interrupting Lopez and not allowing The Takeover to, ahem, “take over.” After the presser, Golden Boy president Eric Gomez told me that I handled the event well but added that I needed “more energy, more intensity.”
press conferences was organic. The proof, of course, is in the pudding – or this case, the ring.
Barrera’s bouts with McKinney and Morales and the De La Hoya-Vargas showdown were all great fights. Let’s see if Lopez-Barboza delivers on May 2. For the record, I think the fight of the night will be between the two most respectful and professional fighters on the card: Haney and Ramirez.
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Butcher Billy
F or most Americans, April 15 means that taxes are due. For many boxing fans across the world, that particular day is celebrated for what happened in 1985, when Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns staged their memorable three-round war at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It has been dubbed “Eight Minutes of Fury,” a fight so ferocious that it is probably a good thing that it didn’t last any longer. It was Hagler who came out victorious, but Hearns’ stature wasn’t damaged all that much in defeat. This was the kind of sporting event for which everyone remembers where they were when it took place. For me, as a 13-year-old in Valencia, California, I was at batting practice on that Monday evening (yes, big fights in that era took place on weekdays and relied on closed-circuit theater viewing). The William S. Hart Pony League was a serious one: If you played on a team, going to practice was mandatory – even when it took place at the batting cages. I distinctly recall getting an update on the fight from a parent who had gone out to his car to listen on the radio. I remember the particular thrill I got a few days later when I pulled the Sports Illustrated out of my mailbox: Hagler hitting Hearns while up along the ropes, with “MARVELOUS!” written boldly across the cover. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that I got to actually see the full fight as it was eventually ONE, TWO, THREE, FOREVER By Steve Kim STEVE’S SOAPBOX
“... when the fight happened, these guys didn’t want to box or anything; they just wanted to tear each other’s heads off.”
a big fight in St. Louis,” recalled the veteran promoter. “So when the fight happened, these guys didn’t want to box or anything; they just wanted to tear each other’s heads off.” Which is precisely what happened as Hagler came out blazing and Hearns, immediately under attack from “The Marvelous One,” had no choice but to enact his own style of violent self- defense. Many pundits have labeled this the greatest first round in big- fight history. It never fails, right around this time of year: Arum will do myriad interviews about the fight. But he never gets Hagler-Hearns fatigue. “No, because as a matter of fact, remembering it is a pleasant experience,” he stated. Then you have Larry Merchant, who perhaps had the best seat to witness the sanctioned violence. He was part of the broadcast crew that called the action for HBO Sports. In his view, the fight irrevocably changed in one particular moment.
Merchant recalled: “Hearns hit Hagler with a wicked shot, and Hagler just shook it off and kept coming forward. I remember saying something like ‘this fight is over,’ because of that punch he was able to shake off.’’ Most great fights are longer in length, but the 94-year-old Merchant pointed out, “It was only three rounds, so it’s easy to remember everything. But it’s one of those fights that a generation of boxing fans and sports fans were moved by the sincerity of what Hagler was doing.” Then there’s Doug Krikorian, who covered many of the era’s big bouts as a newspaper man of note in Los Angeles for over four decades. For Krikorian, this night on press row was both memorable and costly. “Hagler-Hearns for three rounds would rank among the very best, but it
didn’t last very long,” said the 81-year- old Krikorian, who was at most of the superfights in the ’80s, seeing Hagler and Hearns as well as the other members of the “Four Kings,” Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. In his view, the best fight involving these legends was the initial battle between Leonard and Hearns in 1981. “But for three rounds, [Hagler-Hearns] was the greatest fight I ever saw.” Coming into the contest, Krikorian felt that for as good as Hagler was, he could be outboxed. He also believed Hearns had the boxing acumen to outpoint Hagler over 12 rounds. With that, he put a $13,000 wager on Hearns. (Seriously, what was the Los Angeles Herald Examiner paying back then?) Despite the furious onslaught from Hearns in the first 90 seconds of the
A 20-city press tour stoked the Hagler- Hearns rivalry.
fight, it was evident when the bell sounded to end that memorable opening stanza that Hagler had weathered the storm. This fight was only headed in one direction. At that point, Allan Malamud – another newspaper columnist of note from L.A. – turned to Krikorian and told him, “You’re going to lose your bet.” All Krikorian could say was, “I know.” But there are no hard feelings from him, just admiration. “Marvin Hagler was a great fighter and a great guy.” Forty years have now passed since that special night. It won’t ever be forgotten.
replayed on one of the networks. But it’s one thing to have memories of when that legendary bout took place; there are those who were fortunate to have been there in person. Not to get morbid, but as the years go on, the number of those who witnessed it live is dwindling. The perspectives of those who played various roles surrounding Hagler-Hearns are more valued than ever. There is Bob Arum, now 93, who promoted this battle between two iconic boxers he had close associations with. He recalls that making the fight “was very easy. I had great relationships with Emanuel (Steward,
“The Fight” was easy to make, according to its promoter, Bob Arum.
Hearns’ trainer) and even better with the Petronellis (Goody and Pat, Hagler’s trainer and co-managers) and Hagler. It was very easy to negotiate.” Arum believes that the heated nature of this fight began as he took the fighters on a media tour that went to over 20 cities in two weeks to promote what was simply billed as “The Fight.” “That’s when it went off the rails a little bit, because Tommy got under Marvin’s skin and they almost had
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BERNSTEIN ON HAGLER VS. HEARNS
Forty Years Ago, The Nobility Of Boxing Was Reconfirmed On A Perfect Night Under The Stars In Las Vegas By Al Bernstein • Illustrations by KronkAAArt
On Monday, April 15, 1985, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns indelibly stamped their names in the history books with one of the most action-packed and dramatic fights in history. Held on the day when Americans pay their income taxes, both of these men paid a heavy toll in the ring during eight hellacious minutes of warfare. Leading up to the fight, Hagler wore a hat that simply said “WAR” on it, and that is what he and Hearns delivered that night. Hagler got the win, but you can say without fear of contradiction that Hearns was no loser. Neither was the sport of boxing. I was only five years into my television career when I got the dream assignment of being the analyst on this closed- circuit telecast. I was literally starstruck as I sat in the production meeting for the show alongside Curt Gowdy (who would host) and Al Michaels (who would sit ringside and announce the fight with me). I could barely believe
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BERNSTEIN ON HAGLER VS. HEARNS
Few fighters who have ever stepped into a ring have had the toughness, dogged determination and will to win that Marvin Hagler had.
I was in such august company. I had announced Hagler’s middleweight title defense against Roberto Duran in 1983, but this championship fight seemed to occupy an even bigger place in the sports universe. It’s fitting that it came almost exactly at the midpoint of the 1980s, perhaps the best decade boxing has ever experienced. It seemed to validate the greatness that we thought we were seeing in the first half of the decade, and it was foreshadowing many great fights still to come in that 10-year period. Several days before the fight, I was interviewing Hagler for the telecast, which was done inside a ring. As Marvin and I were walking up the steps, I inadvertently stepped on the back of his heel and we both lost our balance and had to hang on for dear life so we didn’t fall off the stairs. While this was happening (and nervous folks were running to help us), all I could think of was that I could ruin the biggest middleweight fight in many years – and my career as well – in one blink of an eye. Luckily, we did not go down in a heap and he did not get injured. With his usual sardonic sense of humor, Marvin looked at me after this incident and said, “Did Tommy put you up to that?” We both laughed, but under my laugh was a giant sigh of relief. Back in those days, you couldn’t reach the world in one livestreamed press conference as you do now. You had to do it the old-fashioned way, with a press tour. For those of you under 30, please google that phrase. This fight had one of the longest and most extensive press tours of any big fight of the era. Both Hagler and Hearns had to be around each other constantly in city after city and repeat their predictions of victory and any thoughts about their opponent over and over again in close proximity to each other. Even though both men always had respect for each other, this process made them testy and more than a little annoyed with their opponent. It all helped add extra tension heading into the match. Later, Hagler famously said, “I was just so sick of seeing Tommy that I wanted to rip his head off.” And we are
all pretty sure that Tommy Hearns felt the same way. It was a beautiful spring evening in the desert the night of the fight. The outdoor venue in the Caesars Palace parking lot was filled with spectators who actually seemed a little subdued to me in the minutes leading up to the fight – even during the walk-ins of the fighters. I realized later it was hardly indifference; it was tension – a kind of anticipation that made people less vocal and more focused on their thoughts of what was to come. After all, everyone in the boxing world, pundit or fan, expected excitement in the fight. What we all expected and what we got were two different things. Not even the most optimistic of observers could have anticipated that we were all about to witness one of the greatest rounds of boxing ever fought. One book written about this fight devoted an entire chapter to the first round alone. That round was frenetic, exciting, brutal and also skillful. It began with Hagler, normally not a super-quick starter, pressing the pace. In the process, however, he walked into one of Hearns’ signature monstrous right hands. This produced the first of several fascinating subplots of the fight. The punch stunned Hagler. Even though in my post-fight interview he said the punch didn’t really hurt him, years later he admitted in a private moment with me that it did stun him – though he was never in danger of going down. This, however, was not the important subplot. This was: We learned after the fight that with that punch, Hearns had broken his right hand – something he shared with trainer Emanuel Steward
after the round, but it was undetected by the mic in the corner. So, only seconds into this major fight, Hearns had proven his power could affect the iron-chinned Hagler, but he lost one of the weapons necessary to do it. Remarkably, with a damaged right hand, Hearns was still able to throw the punch and land it enough to conceal the weakness. In fact, CompuBox numbers show he threw 83 punches in the first round and landed 56 (67% of his punches). Hagler was not far behind with 50 punches landed of 82 thrown (a 61% connect rate). When a boxer gets anywhere near 50% in total punches landed, it is considered a great performance, so these numbers were off the chart. In addition, the two combined to land 95 power shots (defined as everything other than jabs) in the round. That STILL remains the record for a single round in a middleweight fight. I am not given to hyperbole when I announce fights, so words like “best” and “greatest” are not used much by me. At the end of this round, I was moved to call it “perhaps one of the best in middleweight history.” Honestly, it just spilled out of my mouth with no forethought. I Iiterally could not help but say it. The crowd that had seemed subdued only minutes before was now as frenzied and loud as any I’ve ever heard. Here is where we get into fact vs. perception. Most folks (including me) have at some point had the perception that once that first round was over, Tommy was not that competitive in the rest of the fight. This narrative is also fueled by the information we later got about the broken right hand. But that
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BERNSTEIN ON HAGLER VS. HEARNS
Hagler cemented his status as an all-time great middleweight champion on April 15, 1985.
as well as he had done in other fights. As I have wondered all this, I have also considered something else very important: Few fighters who have ever stepped into a ring have had the toughness, dogged determination and will to win that Marvin Hagler had. So it is not hard to conclude that no matter what else happened, Hagler was simply not going to allow himself to lose this fight. He said as much after the win. Even in this social media-driven boxing universe where everything is subject to some kind of edgy or often mean-spirited hot take, I refuse to believe that any boxing fan doesn’t have respect and admiration for what Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns produced 40 years ago. There is simply no glass-half-empty way to look at this fight. Even Hearns, who suffered such huge disappointment in this match, speaks of it glowingly and calls it an honor to have been in this match. And before Marvin Hagler left this earth much too soon, he was almost reverential in the way he talked about that experience and Tommy’s role in making it special. This match lives forever on YouTube, where generations of boxing fans relive or perhaps discover for the first time the greatness that transpired on that special night. I will leave it to my friend, the late, great Garry Shandling, to put this in perspective as only he could. He told me once at lunch about his Hagler- Hearns experience. He was the opening act for Joan Rivers at Caesars Palace that night. So he had to be onstage at a certain time. He was at ringside watching the fight and also nervously eyeing his watch. He said to me, “I only had time for a three-round fight, so it was perfect.” Perfect. Yes, at the end of the day, that describes what happened in Las Vegas 40 years ago.
perception is not true. In Round 2, Hearns, relying mostly on jabs and left hooks, was still having a lot of good moments offensively. He landed 26 of 61 punches (43%) in the round. Hagler landed 32 of 63 (51%) and certainly in terms of hard shots, he probably had the edge, but Hearns was still giving Hagler plenty to think about, and it was a very entertaining round. The problem is that nothing short of Armageddon would have equaled the first round. It was, however, becoming apparent that Hearns might have to try to win this fight the way he almost did in his first bout with Sugar Ray Leonard – move and box while landing jabs and occasional power shots. We pointed this out on the telecast, but we had to add that it was apparent that the process of doing it was labored because his legs were not responding as they did in the Leonard match and others. His underpinnings seemed less than sturdy. That brings us to the second subplot. We also learned days after the fight that two of Steward’s aides had given Hearns a leg massage in the dressing room just before the fight. Emanuel was tending to something outside the dressing room
when it happened; he didn’t see it. When he learned of it, he was livid. He attributed the weakened condition of Hearns’ legs in the fight to this. Shortly into Round 3, a new subplot emerged when a cut that had started on Hagler’s forehead in the first round burst open and blood was everywhere. Referee Richard Steele stopped the action to have the doctor look at it. Hagler said to Steele, “Nobody’s stopping this fight from a cut.” Steele said that he had to seek medical advice on this. After the doctor’s inspection, which only lasted about three seconds, the fight would go on, but Hagler knew there was still the danger of another intervention and determined that he had to stop Hearns before that happened. He put everything into overdrive and overwhelmed an already very tired Hearns. Hagler put him down, and moments later the best eight-minute-long fight in history was over. I’ve watched the fight about 20 times since then and often wondered if it could have been different if Hearns had not injured his right hand so early. And what of the leg massage? Was it a factor? I don’t know the answer, but it was clear Hearns was not able to move
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BY THE NUMBERS: Nino Benvenuti by Don Stradley • Illustration by KronkAAArt He’s turning 87 in April, making Giovanni “Nino” Benvenuti one of the oldest living former boxing champions. Known for his shaggy hair and stylish wardrobe, Benvenuti attracted a devoted following in Italy and was also beloved by New York’s Italian-American fans. A classy stand-up boxer, he could fight dirty when needed. He could also flash a sudden left hook that put many opponents on their backs. Open about his friendships with gamblers, his love of Ernest Hemingway and his admiration for Benito Mussolini, Benvenuti was always good copy. Because of his taste for books and classical music, his admirers playfully dubbed him “The Intellectual.” Here’s his story by the numbers.
bouts with Emile Griffith » Benvenuti made a spectacular U.S. debut, arriving in New York in May 1967 to win the Ring, WBA and WBC middleweight titles from Griffith at Madison Square Garden. Benvenuti was Italy’s first world middleweight champion and was so impressive in winning a 15-round decision that he drew accolades as perhaps the best European fighter to ever invade America. Among his most passionate rooters was retired heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who praised Benvenuti’s performance. “Looking at him work,” said Marciano, “you can’t say ‘he fights like a European.’ The only thing you can say about Nino is, ‘He fights like a champion.’” Nino’s impact on America’s boxing scene was profound, and not only for the street vendors who made a fortune selling little Italian flags before his fights. Sports Illustrated put Nino on the cover, while The Ring chose Benvenuti-Griffith 1 as Fight of the Year. Garden matchmaker Teddy Brenner said in 1967 that Benvenuti “had done more for boxing” than Ali. At the time, this seemed true. With his elegant style in the ring and enough boyish charm to make his female fans howl, it seemed Benvenuti had brought something special to boxing, a romanticism it had lacked for some time. As one syndicated columnist put it, “Madison Square Garden, the night Nino Benvenuti won the middleweight championship of the world, was the way boxing was meant to be.” Griffith regained the laurels in a rematch at Shea Stadium in September of 1967, defeating Benvenuti by 15-round majority decision. In the rubber match at the Garden, Benvenuti overcame Griffith’s late rally and took the championship back in March of 1968. Though it was a unanimous 15-round decision for Benvenuti, the third bout was the most difficult of the trilogy to score. wins by disqualification » Italian referees were quick to throw fighters out for any rule infraction. Sometimes it was a cultural clash. Benvenuti suggested as much after Fraser Scott was disqualified for butting in their 1969 fight in Naples. “I realize that Scott would never have been disqualified in the U.S. His is the American way of boxing,” Benvenuti said. Many felt the DQ of Scott was wrong and were critical of referee Tony Gillardi’s fervent approach to the rules. “The result was a black eye for Italian boxing,” reported the United Press, “often accused of being unable to maintain high or impartial standards of officiating.” (Nino wasn’t alone in benefiting from overzealous Italian referees. Italy’s Bruno Arcari won six times by DQ.)
film roles » Perhaps it was inevitable that the dashing Benvenuti would try acting. In 1969, he landed a lead role in a comedy set in the old American West. Unfortunately, the spaghetti Western era
wouldn’t do for Nino what it had done for Clint Eastwood. Released in some countries as Alive or Preferably Dead , the film flopped. Certain members of the American press mocked Nino’s interest in movies. This started when the boxer caused a bout’s postponement due to an illness, only to be discovered at the film studio in Rome. The debonair champ was filming interior shots while he was supposed to be out sick. With Benvenuti’s new film career coinciding with a noticeable decline in his ring work, sportswriters grew cynical about “Benvenuti mania.” New York columnist Red Smith was among the most scornful. After Benvenuti lost a non-title fight against Dick Tiger, Smith described the Italian icon as “girlish,” fighting “like a movie star.” Smith even scrutinized Benvenuti’s “pale caramel” skin tone: “It looked like a tan acquired under klieg lights.” Though Benvenuti talked about doing more acting after he left boxing, he appeared in only two more films, a 1975 crime drama called Mark il Poliziotto Spara per Primo (which was translated as Mark Shoots First ), and a 2008 Italian-Romanian biopic of Primo Carnera, in which Benvenuti appeared briefly as a trainer.
Gold Medal » Though the 1960 Rome Olympics are remembered for introducing Muhammad Ali to the world, it was Benvenuti who dominated the news in Italy that year. He won the finals at welterweight by defeating the Soviet Union’s Yuri Radonyak on points. Along with his gold medal, Benvenuti claimed the Val Barker trophy as the games’ outstanding boxer. With two other gold medals, three silvers and a bronze, Italy was far in front of Poland, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. as the best boxing team of 1960. This kicked off a heyday for Italian boxing that lasted into the 1970s, a golden era of which Benvenuti was the face.
fights » His pro record was 82-7-1 with 35 knockouts, compiled from 1961 to 1971. Along the way, he claimed regional distinction as the European and Italian middleweight titleholder, won world titles in two weight classes and was a two-time Ring Magazine champion at 160 pounds.
Fighter of the Year award » Regaining the middleweight title was part of a superb 1968 campaign for Nino. He went 6-0- 1, earning top honors from The Ring as Fighter of the Year.
losses to Carlos Monzon » With a brutal 12th-round KO, Argentina’s Monzon ended Benvenuti’s second reign as middleweight champion in 1970. After losing the rematch by a TKO in the third, Benvenuti retired from boxing and looked to the future. After all, he’d invested his money wisely and was a certified Italian sports idol. In the following years, he’d stay busy by being with his family, hosting a television talk show and looking after his many properties. These included an aluminum factory in Bologna and a high-end restaurant in his hometown of Trieste, where he’d also served on the city council. One assumes he also had more time for his love of books. “Literature is the teacher of life,” Benvenuti once said. And preferable, we’re certain, to getting punched in the head by Monzon.
consecutive wins » Benvenuti owned one of the longest unbeaten streaks in boxing
history, achieved before his 28th birthday. Though he fought almost exclusively in Italy, and one suspects the home turf played to his advantage, it was an impressive feat. During that 65-fight run, Benvenuti defeated some fine opponents, including Denny Moyer, Gaspar Ortega, Don Fullmer, and the man from whom he won the WBC junior middleweight title, Italy’s tough Sandro Mazzinghi. Benvenuti’s winning streak ended when he ventured to South Korea and lost the junior middleweight title to Ki Soo Kim on a split decision. Kim later lost the title to Benvenuti’s old rival, Mazzinghi.
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Ring Ratings Analysis Through fights of March 8, 2025 • By Brian Harty
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT: No. 2-rated Jack Catterall came out on the “L” end of a split decision against the unbeaten Arnold Barboza (No. 9 going in), with Barboza’s greater activity in the final rounds clinching the razor-thin upset. Catterall dropped to No. 5 and Barboza jumped up to No. 4 as a result. March 1 was an active day at 140, with Gary Antuanne Russell (unrated) winning a unanimous decision over Jose Valenzuela (No. 10) and Alberto Puello (No. 2) notching a toss- up split decision over Sandor Martin (unrated) – both on the Davis-Roach undercard – while Subriel Matias (No. 7) pleased his hometown fans in Puerto Rico with an eighth-round stoppage of Gabriel Valenzuela (unrated). Matias stayed put; Russell and his new WBA title moved in at No. 8 as Valenzuela dropped out; Martin came in at No. 9, and the strength of his performance was further recognized by moving Puello down to No. 4. All the movement also ousted No. 9-rated Andy Hiraoka from the ratings. LIGHTWEIGHT: Context is everything, and in a fight against the calm, always-balanced Keyshawn Davis, Denis Berinchyk’s jumpy, zig-zag-and-crash style, which had been his ticket to winning all 19 of his pro contests and a WBO title, made him seem like a starving scavenger looking to steal a scrap before the trap snapped shut. And his luck ran out fairly quickly, as Davis chomped him with a left hook to – you guessed it – the body for a knockdown in Round 3, then did it again for the knockout in the fourth. Berinchyk handed over his belt and slipped from No. 6 to No. 9 after the loss, while Davis (No. 5 going into the fight) jumped over close friend Shakur Stevenson to crack the top three. There were some on the panel who suggested lowering Gervonta Davis from No. 1 to below Vasiliy Lomachenko, despite the Ukrainian’s inactivity, but Tank retained his position at the top. Roach’s future at 135 is unclear and he still holds a belt at 130, so he remained unrated for the time being. Those in favor of including him proposed No. 5. JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT: Eduardo Hernandez rose from No. 9 to No. 8 after a near-shutout victory over fellow Mexican Rene Tellez Giron, marking his third straight win since a final-round stoppage loss to then- titleholder O’Shaquie Foster in late 2023.
Steve Willis, perhaps as confused as everyone else watching, didn’t call a knockdown, which is what happens in roughly 100% of other cases when a fighter voluntarily takes a knee. Accusations of favoritism were hurled, as a knockdown could’ve meant a win for Roach. Has Davis gotten too comfortable as a star? Does he believe that being the A-side means that he can D-cide the rules mid-fight? Suffice to say the post-fight social media chatter wasn’t kind. Regardless of the controversy, the ratings panel argued over whether Davis (No. 8 on the list) had upheld his pound-for-pound credentials in fighting on even (and to some, losing) terms with a skilled but light-fisted titleholder from a lower division. The pro- “keep” side pointed to the names on his strong resume and said he had an off night; the pro-“drop” panelists pointed to the same resume and said names, yes, but not that strong, and added that “off” can be swapped for “revealing” in such a crowded pound- for-pound landscape. It was eventually decided that Davis would drop out, and David Benavidez was voted into the vacancy at No. 10. HEAVYWEIGHT: Joseph Parker held his position at No. 3 after the dust from The Last Crescendo had settled, but all the other heavyweights who fought that night experienced movement. Martin Bakole, who replaced an ailing Daniel Dubois two days before he was supposed to face Parker, was knocked out in the second round after getting clipped on the dome by a right hand from the Kiwi. The late sub from the Congo dropped from No. 6 to No. 7 and went home with a nice paycheck. Agit “Voodoo Child” Kabayel, ranked No. 5 when the sun rose on the morning of the event, finished the night at No. 4 after chopping down a mountain named Zhilei Zhang with the edge of his hand. Kabayel was floored himself in the fifth round, but the steady investment he’d made in body shots paid off in the sixth, when an exhausted Zhang took one final punch to the gut and went down for the count. He slipped from No. 4 to No. 6 on the list. LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: As with the pound-for-pound list, Beterbiev (division champ going in) and Bivol (No. 1 contender) switched places in the 175-pound ratings.
For many, the fight of the night in Riyadh was the bomb-laden battle between No. 6-rated Callum Smith and No. 3-rated Joshua Buatsi – two countrymen who went at it with knockout intentions from the first round yet somehow went all 12, at the end of which Smith won a unanimous decision that was marred by a ridiculously wide scorecard of 119-110 from judge Steve Gray. It was a thoughtful brawl, adjustments made on both sides throughout but edged by Smith’s use of combinations that often made audible use of a walloping body shot, and it was ultimately a fight in which individual spite seemed to give way to two bleeding warriors just wolfishly grinning as they mutually enjoyed the thrill of combat. It was a career-rejuvenating performance for Smith, who was deflated and mulling retirement after a stoppage loss to Beterbiev in January 2024. In the ratings, he rose to No. 3 while Buatsi sank to No. 5. MIDDLEWEIGHT: Carlos Adames capped Hamzah Sheeraz’s KO streak at 15 and edged out the win in most observers’ eyes, but some wildly erratic scorecards resulted in a split draw. In recognition of majority reality, Adames went from No. 3 to No. 2 and Sheeraz did the opposite. JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT: Both were undefeated in the boxing ring and in the grammatical arena of alliteration, but somebody’s “O” had to go as Xander Zayas and Slawa Spomer teed off on the undercard of Denys Berinchyk-Keyshawn Davis in New York City. It steadily turned into a rout as the long-armed Zayas time and again showcased his fondness for liver punches (and some a bit lower), but the game Spomer never broke under the pressure and finished on his feet when referee Charlie Fitch finally intervened in the ninth round. It was a solid win over a second-tier player at 154, good enough for Zayas to replace Brian Mendoza at No. 10 on the list. In another fight that proved the time- honored importance of body punching, Vergil Ortiz Jr. overcame a strong start from Israil Madrimov and gradually sapped the Uzbek’s strength with torso blows en route to earning a unanimous decision victory. The still-undefeated Ortiz went from No. 5 to No. 2, knocking Madrimov down a notch to No. 3.
POUND FOR POUND: The rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was good, as expected, but let’s just take a few seconds to recognize another name: Alan Masferrer. If you haven’t seen the trailer he directed for “The Last Crescendo,” go hook yourself into the other renaissance happening in boxing – the one where creative people are getting free reign to torch the crusty 24/7 model of “drama” in favor of something more innovative, more entertaining and even abstract. Most of the high-concept previews for the Riyadh Season shows have been good (even fun, heaven forbid), but this one pushed it to a new place – and while the level of surrealism probably didn’t click with everyone,
it’s great to see the sport getting respect as a place where artists can take chances to do something we’ve never seen before. Boxing sometimes has a problem with that. Back to the fight: Like the first encounter, Beterbiev-Bivol 2 was another high-IQ battle between two elite light heavyweights and another close bout that went the distance, but this time Bivol got the majority decision and the undisputed championship that came with it. The result on the P4P list was straightforward: Beterbiev went down a notch to No. 5, Bivol went up a spot to No. 4. Junto Nakatani rose from No. 9 to No. 8 after knocking out David Cuellar in the third round. The move took him one step closer
Dmitry Bivol (left) and Artur Beterbiev switched pound-for-pound spots after Bivol’s victory in their rematch.
to Naoya Inoue (No. 2) in the hypothetical rankings, a trend that mirrors the real-world fantasies of fight fans as the two countrymen spiral toward a potential matchup. And then there was Tank. In a bizarre ninth round against Lamont Roach Jr. – a fight that was arguably tilting in Roach’s direction – Gervonta Davis suddenly dropped to a knee and effectively called “time out” while he went to his corner to get his face wiped off. Referee
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