- Joe Bugner, a heavyweight who once shared the ring with legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has died at 75 in Brisbane, Australia.
- During his 32-year professional career, he earned British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and notably went the distance in a 1975 title bout against Ali.
- The boxing community has responded with heartfelt tributes, celebrating his enduring legacy both inside and outside the ring.
2. Shakur Stevenson in Advanced Talks for January Showdown
- WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is in advanced negotiations to step up in weight and challenge Teofimo Lopez—the WBO super lightweight champion—in January 2026.
- Both fighters are reportedly on board, with Saudi figure Turki Alalshikh brokering the deal.
- It’s expected that Stevenson will vacate his lightweight title following the fight to pave the way for friend and rising contender Keyshawn Davis.
3. Moses Itauma Climbs to No. 1 Contender for Usyk Title Shot
- Young heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has been elevated to the No. 1 contender position by both the WBO and WBA, positioning him for a potential shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight titles.
- This follows his impressive first-round knockout of former title challenger Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia.
- While there’s talk of an Usyk vs. Itauma bout being promoted, Itauma’s team prefers more seasoning, aiming for interim matches before taking on Usyk in 2026.
4. Misfits Boxing 22: Crossover Stars Clash in Manchester
- Misfits Boxing 22, titled “Ring of Thrones”, took place on August 30 at Manchester’s AO Arena.
- The headliner featured ex-UFC stars Darren Till and Luke Rockhold (making his boxing debut).
- In the co-main event, Tony Ferguson also made his boxing debut, facing social media sensation.
- The event, known for its mix of sport and spectacle, drew attention for its unique fighter lineup and headline-worthy theatrics.
5. Kimbo Slice Jr. to Make Bare-Knuckle Debut
- Kimbo Slice Jr., son of the iconic backyard fighting legend, has signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
- He is scheduled to make his bare-knuckle debut on September 12 against Derek Perez, a known entity in BKFC circles.
Quick Recap Table:
| Key Update | Summary |
|---|---|
| Joe Bugner’s Passing | Former heavyweight, respected figure, passed away at 75. |
| Stevenson vs. Lopez Talks | Lightweight champ looks to move up and challenge Lopez in early 2026. |
| Itauma Elevated to No. 1 Contender | Young heavyweight eyeing Usyk’s titles; aiming for a 2026 showdown. |
| Misfits Boxing 22 in Manchester | Till vs. Rockhold & Ferguson vs. Salt Papi entertained the crowd. |
| Kimbo Slice Jr. in BKFC | Slammed signed for bare-knuckle debut, set for September 12. |
