As 2023 comes to a close, the world of boxing reflects on a year filled with memorable matches, unexpected outcomes, and historic victories. From Washington DC to Tokyo, Japan, boxing fans witnessed some of the sport's most exciting moments. Here are the highlights of the year's boxing action: January: 7th - Washington DC, USA: Gervonta Davis retained his WBA 'Regular' lightweight title by stopping Hector Luis Garcia. 21st - Manchester, England: Liam Smith defeated Chris Eubank Jr via fourth-round stoppage in a middleweight bout. 28th - London, England: Artur Beterbiev retained his WBO, WBC, and IBF light-heavyweight world titles by stopping Anthony Yarde. February: 4th - New York, USA: Amanda Serrano became the undisputed featherweight world champion by defeating Erika Cruz, while Alycia Baumgardner won the undisputed super-featherweight championship by beating Elhem Mekhaled. 11th - London, England: Adam Azim defeated Santos Reyes by unanimous points decision in a lightweight bout, and Caroline Dubois stopped Feriche Mashaury in the third round of their lightweight fight. In San Antonio, Texas, O'Shaquie Foster won the WBC super-featherweight title by beating Rey Vargas. March: 11th - Paris, France: Carlos Takam defeated Tony Yoka by split decision in a heavyweight bout. Dan Azeez stopped Thomas Faure in the 12th round to win the EBU European light-heavyweight title, and Lauren Price beat Naomi Mannes in an eight-round contest. 11th - Liverpool, England: Diego Pacheco stopped Jack Cullen in the fourth round to win the WBO international super-middleweight title. April: 1st - London, England: Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin by unanimous points decision in a heavyweight bout. 8th - Texas, USA: Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez overcame a broken jaw to beat Cristian Gonzalez, while Marlon Tapales upset Murodjon Akhmadaliev to win the WBA and IBF super-bantamweight titles in Newark, USA. In Newark, USA, Shakur Stevenson defeated Shuichiro Yoshino in a sixth-round stoppage victory in the lightweight division. In Tokyo, Japan, Takuma Inoue claimed the vacant WBA bantamweight title by defeating Liborio Solis. May: 6th - Guadalajara, Mexico: Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez retained his undisputed super-middleweight crown by outclassing John Ryder. 6th - Birmingham, England: Joshua Buatsi expressed his desire for an all-British fight with Anthony Yarde after beating Pawel Stepien in the light-heavyweight division. Lauren Price won the inaugural female British welterweight title by defeating Kirstie Bavington, and Ben Whittaker defeated Jordan Grant by third-round knockout. June: 3rd - Detroit, USA: Undefeated Claressa Shields beat Marcela Cornejo in her Detroit homecoming fight to retain her undisputed middleweight championship. 10th - New York, USA: Josh Taylor lost his world titles to Teofimo Lopez in New York. July: 1st - Manchester, England: Savannah Marshall beat Franchon Crews-Dezurn by a majority points decision to retain her undisputed super-middleweight championship. Natasha Jonas became a two-weight world champion with an eighth-round stoppage win over Kandi Wyatt to claim the vacant IBF welterweight title. August: 12th - London, England: Anthony Joshua stopped Robert Helenius with a one-punch knockout in round seven of their heavyweight bout. 26th - Wroclaw, Poland: Oleksandr Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois in the ninth round of their heavyweight world title fight to retain his WBO, IBF, WBA (Super), and Ring magazine heavyweight titles. September: 23rd - London, England: Zhilei Zhang sensationally stopped Joe Joyce in round three to claim the WBO interim heavyweight title. 23rd - Orlando, USA: Jessica McCaskill's fight against Sandy Ryan ended in a draw, retaining her WBO, WBA, and WBC welterweight titles. October: 7th - Sheffield, England: Leigh Wood stopped Josh Warrington in an epic comeback to win the WBA featherweight title. 21st - London, England: Isaac Chamberlain outsmarted Mikael Lawal to become the British cruiserweight champion. November: 4th - Monte Carlo, Monaco: Joe Cordina retained his title with a majority decision win over Edward Vazquez in the IBF super-featherweight division. 25th - Dublin, Ireland: Katie Taylor defeated Chantelle Cameron via majority decision to retain her undisputed light-welterweight title. December: 23rd - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin via corner stoppage in a heavyweight bout. Deontay Wilder suffered defeat to Joseph Parker, and Daniel Dubois stopped Jarrell Miller in the final seconds of their heavyweight fight. Dmitry Bivol and Lyndon Arthur fought for the WBA light-heavyweight title, and Jai Opetaia and Ellis Zorro faced off in the cruiserweight division. 26th - Tokyo, Japan: Naoya Inoue beat Marlon Tapales to become a two-weight undisputed champion in the bantamweight division. With so many memorable moments and thrilling fights, 2023 was truly a remarkable year for boxing. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming year, they can look back on these highlights with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds in the world of boxing.

In the whirlwind world of the UFC, fight schedules can often take unexpected turns. The much-anticipated showdown between Dominick Reyes and Carlos Ulberg slated for UFC 297 has hit a snag, leaving fight fans in suspense. Reyes, a former light heavyweight title contender, took to social media to reveal that Ulberg's injury has forced their clash off the UFC 297 card, leaving him "def frustrated but god has a plan," as he expressed on Instagram. While the news may have disappointed many eager spectators, hope flickers for fight enthusiasts as a UFC official hinted at the likelihood of rescheduling the bout for UFC Atlantic City, set to unfold on March 30 at Boardwalk Hall. Although immediate confirmation from Ulberg is pending, the prospect of their showdown shifting to a later date offers a silver lining to fans eagerly awaiting this matchup. Originally earmarked as the pay-per-view opener for UFC 297, Reyes versus Ulberg promised an electrifying start to the event scheduled at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on January 20. However, fate intervened, compelling a change in plans for these two determined fighters. Reyes' recent octagon appearances have been fraught with setbacks, facing four consecutive defeats, including a controversial split decision loss to Jon Jones at UFC 247. His career trajectory took a downturn with subsequent knockout losses against formidable opponents such as Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Ryan Spann. On the other hand, for Ulberg, this matchup symbolized an opportunity to further bolster his burgeoning UFC journey. Having triumphed in five consecutive fights since his debut octagon loss, Ulberg displayed his skills most recently with a rear-naked choke submission victory over Jung Da-un at UFC 293. As this clash is momentarily delayed but not derailed, fight aficionados await with bated breath for confirmation of the bout's rescheduling. For Reyes and Ulberg, their paths may have momentarily diverged, but the fervor surrounding their impending matchup continues to fuel anticipation for a future showdown that promises fireworks inside the octagon.

Oktagon 51 etched a moment that sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Samuel Kristofic, a relatively unheralded middleweight contender, delivered a thunderous first-round knockout against UFC veteran Karlos Vemola, captivating audiences with a blistering performance that lasted less than two minutes. The switch to open scoring by Oktagon MMA seemed inconsequential to Kristofic, who, at 34, showcased his prowess with an awe-inspiring display against Vemola. Despite entering the bout as a significant 4-to-1 underdog, Kristofic wasted no time in asserting his dominance. In a breathtaking sequence, he unleashed a flawless two-punch combination that sent Vemola crashing to the canvas. With an exclamation point, Kristofic added one final right hand as Vemola succumbed slowly to the canvas, culminating in a stoppage at 1:48 in the opening round. Witnessing Kristofic's ferocity firsthand, spectators were left in sheer amazement at the sheer display of skill and power. The video capturing this jaw-dropping fight-ending sequence has since circulated widely, a testament to Kristofic's undeniable talent and determination. For Kristofic, this victory marked a pivotal moment, snapping a two-fight losing streak and signaling his resurgence in the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Vemola, at 38, experienced just his second defeat in 11 bouts, a testament to the caliber of competition at Oktagon 51. The event, held on December 29 at Prague's O2 Arena in the Czech Republic, cemented Kristofic's place as a force to be reckoned with in the MMA landscape. His triumph against an established UFC veteran underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport, where underdogs can seize moments of glory most spectacularly. As the MMA world recovers from the seismic impact of this knockout, Samuel Kristofic's electrifying victory at Oktagon 51 is sure to reverberate across the sport for a long time to come.

UFC analyst Paul Felder has voiced skepticism about lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's expressed desire to challenge welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards, believing that Makhachev should focus on defending his own title before considering a move up in weight. Felder's comments come in the wake of Makhachev's callout of Edwards following his dominant performance against Colby Covington at UFC 296 earlier this month. Despite Makhachev's interest in a champion vs. champion fight, Felder sees no urgency for such a matchup at this time. According to Felder, Makhachev has a ready-made challenger in Belal Muhammad, who is eager to face Edwards for the welterweight title. Felder emphasized the importance of Makhachev consolidating his position as a dominant champion in the lightweight division before contemplating a move up in weight. Felder cited the examples of past double champions like Daniel Cormier, who had to work their way up to earn the opportunity to compete in multiple weight classes. He expressed concern that in today's MMA landscape, there is a rush to pursue multiple titles without establishing a strong reign in one division first. "Can we get dominant champions before you all start wanting to fight for other belts?" Felder questioned, highlighting the trend of fighters seeking to become double champions without fully solidifying their status in their respective weight classes. While Makhachev has expressed his eagerness to pursue the welterweight title, recent developments suggest that a potential matchup with Edwards may not materialize immediately. Edwards has shown interest in a rematch with Belal Muhammad, while Makhachev has been engaged in discussions with Justin Gaethje regarding a title bout in the lightweight division. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Makhachev will prioritize defending his lightweight title or pursue a move up to welterweight in pursuit of another championship opportunity.

In the tumultuous world of MMA, few names shine as brightly as Conor McGregor's. The Irish powerhouse, known for his charismatic flair both inside and outside the octagon, has sent the combat sports universe into a frenzy once again. McGregor, the former featherweight and lightweight champion, has tantalized fans with a cryptic social media post hinting at a monumental New Year's Day announcement regarding his return to the UFC. Speculations abound regarding McGregor's potential opponent. Initially slated to clash with Michael Chandler following their coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter, uncertainties loom large about whether Chandler will indeed stand across the cage from the enigmatic Irishman. The narrative of McGregor's recent fights has been a rollercoaster. His last appearances in the octagon against Dustin Poirier ended in stoppage defeats, marred further by a gruesome leg break that demanded extensive surgery and arduous rehabilitation. The once-unstoppable force in the UFC has not tasted victory since his lightning-fast 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone in January 2020. McGregor's journey back to the octagon hasn't been without hurdles. His departure from the USADA testing pool during recovery necessitated an additional six months of rigorous testing before he could re-enter the UFC arena. Yet, with the turn of the year, the UFC's drug testing landscape itself is set for a change as USADA relinquishes its oversight. As the clock ticks toward McGregor's anticipated announcement, fans worldwide hold their breath. Will this herald the resurgence of the iconic fighter? McGregor's tenacity, coupled with his magnetic allure, has always made him a force to be reckoned with.

Kevin Holland has added a playful twist to the ongoing rivalry with Ian Machado Garry by sporting a "Wagged" T-shirt featuring Garry's face during a recent training session shared on Instagram. The move is seen as a response to Garry's recent controversy surrounding a book authored by his wife titled "How to be a WAG," which has stirred debate. Holland and Garry are both gearing up for significant fights early next year. Holland is set to face Michael 'Venom' Page at UFC 299, while Garry is scheduled to compete against Geoff Neal at UFC 298. Garry made headlines earlier by wearing a T-shirt featuring Neal's mugshot from a recent arrest, adding fuel to their upcoming bout. Follow FIGHT.TV for more interesting news like this.

Juan Archuleta, the reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion, is gearing up for a crucial title defense this Saturday, eager to secure a rematch with Bellator titleholder Patchy Mix. Archuleta is set to face former titleholder Kai Asaukra in the co-main event of RIZIN 45, but his sights are already set on a potential showdown with Mix in the near future. In a recent interview with the JAXXON Podcast, Archuleta expressed his desire for a rematch with Mix, citing their previous encounter where he emerged victorious. He revealed that he has discussed the potential rematch with PFL boss Donn Davis, proposing that the fight would bring together three prominent MMA brands – Bellator, PFL, and RIZIN. Mix, known for his impressive 19-1 record and victories over notable fighters like Sergio Pettis, is considered one of the top talents outside of the UFC. However, with PFL lacking a bantamweight division, Archuleta sees an opportunity for a cross-promotional bout that could unify titles and showcase the best of both organizations. Looking ahead to a potential matchup, Archuleta highlighted the significance of their rematch, stating, "I think the first event they’ll have [in 2024] is the PFL champions versus the Bellator champions. They only have six weight classes, and those six weight classes are going to fight. I said hey, I texted Donn Davis, ‘I’m in a strange predicament here. We have an opportunity to put three promotions into one, and you’re talking about being a global mixed martial arts promotion’." Archuleta is confident that a victory in his upcoming title defense will strengthen his case for a rematch with Mix, emphasizing the potential for a global impact and setting a new standard for cross-promotional fights. As the anticipation builds for his bout this weekend, Archuleta remains focused on his immediate challenge while keeping an eye on the bigger picture – a potential clash with Mix that could reshape the landscape of MMA championships.

After thirteen years in the professional boxing circuit, 35-year-old John Ryder from London is gearing up for a pivotal match against Jaime Munguia in Phoenix on January 27th. Understanding the strategy behind Munguia's camp choosing him as an opponent, Ryder sees this fight as a crucial step in his quest for a successful 2024. Ryder's last bout in May against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, where he faced a defeat but earned respect for his performance despite battling through a broken nose, has given him a newfound confidence. He believes that the experience of sharing the ring with 'Canelo' has made him a better fighter and is eager to demonstrate his growth against Munguia. Reflecting on the upcoming fight, Ryder shared, "There’s a lot to take from it [the fight with ‘Canelo’]. I still believe I came away a winner. I took a lot of credit from that fight. I learned a lot about myself and feel like I’ll be a better fighter for that fight. I wish I’d had it ten years ago." Looking ahead, Ryder has ambitious plans for 2024, aiming for a busy year with significant victories. If successful against Munguia, Ryder anticipates a range of potential high-profile opponents, including a rematch with 'Canelo,' a showdown with Billy Joe Saunders, or a clash with Chris Eubank Jr. He even expressed interest in facing the likes of Gennady Golovkin, showing his eagerness for challenging matchups. With his sights set on a triumphant return to the UK and the possibility of international fights, Ryder is determined to make 2024 the best year of his career, fueled by the confidence gained from his past experiences in the ring.

Kazuto Ioka, the four-division and reigning WBA junior bantamweight titlist, is gearing up for a high-stakes title defense against challenger Josber Perez this Sunday in Tokyo. While Ioka had hoped for a more high-profile matchup, he is focused on the task at hand and is determined to put on a spectacular performance. "I have to show that I'm on a different level and win by a landslide," Ioka stated, emphasizing the pressure on him as the defending champion. Ioka, with a record of 30-2-1 and 15 knockouts, is heavily favored by bet365 sportsbook to win the fight. Originally, the date was set for a unification bout against Juan Francisco Estrada, but negotiations fell through, leaving Ioka to face Perez in a voluntary defense. Perez, with a record of 20-3 and 18 knockouts, enters the fight as an underdog, but he is determined to upset Ioka and claim the title. Despite the potential for future high-profile matchups, Ioka remains focused on his upcoming fight and is fully committed to retaining his title. Follow FIGHT.TV for more news and updates from the world of combat sports.

Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas has sparked controversy in a recent interview by questioning whether former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson deserves to be considered an all-time great in boxing. Tyson, known for becoming the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight championship and the first to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles simultaneously, was mentored by Atlas during his early years under legendary trainer Cus D'Amato. However, Atlas was removed from Tyson's camp in 1982 following a confrontation where he accused Tyson of inappropriate behavior towards a female relative. While Atlas acknowledges Tyson's exceptional skills and power, he expressed doubts about Tyson's overall greatness. On the Lex Fridman Podcast, Atlas stated, “I don’t know if he was ever great. I know he was sensational...I don’t think you can be great unless you have all the requirements of being great.” Atlas emphasized the importance of not relying on opponents' weaknesses and overcoming challenges, citing Tyson's upset losses to Buster Douglas in 1990 and Evander Holyfield in 1996 and 1997 as examples where Tyson failed to demonstrate these qualities. According to Atlas, "A fight is not a fight until there’s something to overcome...Mike Tyson was only in five, six fights in his life. The fights where there was something to overcome, he didn’t overcome it." Atlas's remarks have sparked a debate among boxing fans about Tyson's legacy in the sport.

The buildup to UFC 300 is heating up, and one matchup that's gaining significant attention is Cody Brundage's clash against Bo Nickal in a middleweight bout set to take place on April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Brundage, fueled by confidence and a hunger to disrupt the undefeated streak of the highly-touted prospect Nickal, is unfazed by the lopsided odds stacked against him. Having anticipated this showdown against Nickal, Brundage (10-5) eagerly accepted the challenge. Nickal (5-0), a former three-time NCAA Division I national wrestling champion, has swiftly dispatched opponents in his path, finishing four of them in under a minute. Brundage, a Factory X representative, acknowledges Nickal's undeniable talent but is resolute in his belief that he poses the toughest test yet for the young phenom. Drawing from his wrestling background and experiences in the octagon against formidable adversaries, Brundage is confident in his ability to challenge Nickal in ways he hasn't encountered before. While acknowledging Nickal's wrestling prowess, Brundage remains skeptical about the extent of Nickal's overall skill set. He emphasizes the unknowns in Nickal's game, particularly in grappling, striking, endurance, and durability, areas where Brundage sees potential advantages for himself. Despite the overwhelming odds favoring Nickal, Brundage remains undeterred. He perceives the situation as an opportunity to showcase his abilities and prove his worth, intending to unravel Nickal's aura of invincibility. Reflecting on the betting odds, which significantly favor Nickal, Brundage remains calm and confident, accustomed to the underdog role in most of his UFC fights. He acknowledges the odds as a reflection of his journey and evolution as a fighter, signaling a gradual realization of his potential. Brundage believes the timing is perfect to face Nickal, rejecting the notion of waiting for Nickal to further mature and evolve in the sport. He's eager to be the first to challenge Nickal, hoping to capitalize on potential weaknesses and seize the moment to hand Nickal his first professional defeat. The stage is set for an intense showdown at UFC 300, where Cody Brundage, armed with determination and a strategic mindset, aims to derail the undefeated Bo Nickal, painting a story of an underdog ready to seize the spotlight and rewrite the narrative of the highly anticipated bout.

Speculation surrounding Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC reached a fever pitch as UFC CEO Dana White hinted at an impending resolution regarding the former two-division champion's next fight during an Instagram Live chat on Wednesday. McGregor, sidelined since a leg injury during his clash against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, expressed frustration with the UFC, attributing his inactivity to the organization's failure to schedule his next bout. In an intriguing development, White revealed insights from his recent conversation with McGregor, shedding light on the possibility of the Irish superstar's imminent octagon comeback. “Conor and I spoke today,” White disclosed during the Live chat. “I’m in Abu Dhabi, he’s in Dubai. We discussed plans tonight. We'll sort something out soon. We’re in talks.” While no specific opponent or event has been confirmed for McGregor's return, discussions have swirled around potential matchups, particularly a much-anticipated showdown against Michael Chandler following their stint as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31. However, no official agreement has materialized thus far. White, addressing queries about McGregor's involvement in UFC 300, refrained from confirming or denying the possibility. He tantalizingly hinted at forthcoming fight announcements for the landmark event while keeping the main event under wraps. “UFC 300?” White responded coyly. “I've teased some fights. More UFC 300 updates are on the horizon this week. Patience, folks. There's a lot more coming. Except for the main event. That’s still in the works.” As anticipation mounts for McGregor's return and the lineup for the monumental UFC 300 event, fight enthusiasts are on edge, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of matchups that promise to set the stage ablaze. Dana White's assurance of imminent fight announcements sparks fervent excitement among fans, all eagerly awaiting McGregor's triumphant return to the hallowed octagon.