Crypto betting has disrupted the online gambling scene, and combat sports fans are paying attention. With events across boxing, MMA, and bare-knuckle fighting becoming more interactive, the link between blockchain and brawling has never been stronger. In 2025, the numbers show a clear pattern. Digital currencies and decentralized platforms are reshaping how people watch and wager on fights.
The Rise of New Boxing Superstars
Star power has always been a big part of boxing. The sport achieves maximum popularity when entertaining personalities capture the imaginations of fans worldwide. After the boxing community’s multi-year search for the next generations of fighters who could rival the personalities of both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a new and exciting group of fighters with talent have now emerged, bringing life back to sweet science.
Joshua Quartey, Pro-boxer update
Quartey in Action
Joshua Quartey made light work of Togolese southpaw, Kokou Vinyo De Souza, in Lome on May 17, to make it three straight wins to begin the year. He sets sights on accomplishing his big career dreams. Significantly, the win puts him number one in Ghana’s national middleweight ratings, ahead of very good contenders like Henry Malm, Derrick “Show Love” Quaye, Shakul Samed, Mustapha Kamoko and Ebenezer Sowah.
The 6th round KO victory, at the Terrain du Lycee Agoe in the Togo capital. It followed two previous stoppage wins, in the same city in February and April, marking a perfect rebound from a disappointing end to 2024. That was when he caved into a first career defeat.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
1Win Combat Sports Betting Review: A Top Choice for Fight Fans and Bettors Alike
The surge in online sports betting has put 1Win in the spotlight for everyone who likes combat sports. 1Win caters to everyone in the betting community by offering events like the UFC, professional boxing, and traditional skills in Muay Thai. Everyone, from seasoned bettors to newbies, will enjoy the simple tools, up-to-date news, and good odds on offer at 1Win during combat sports betting. To learn more, here is a detailed review of 1Win, one of the most reputable sportsbooks according to Sportytrader.
Claressa Shields Steps Away from MMA to Focus Exclusively on Boxing
Widely regarded as one of the most dominant figures in women’s boxing, Claressa has formally rang the bell on her stint in mixed martial arts after three appearances with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The 30-year-old athlete confirmed her decision during an interview, stating that although the experience was worthwhile, she will no longer pursue MMA due to the pressure on her training schedule and the toll it has taken on her body.
Shields, who boasts an undefeated record in professional boxing and has held undisputed titles across five weight classes, entered MMA in 2021 with significant attention. Her debut resulted in a technical knockout victory over Brittney Elkin, followed by a narrow split-decision loss to Abigail Montes. After taking a break from the cage for over two years, she returned to win a tightly contested bout against Kelsey De Santis by decision in early 2024.
Boxing vs MMA: Key Differences, Benefits, and Which Is Right for You
Boxing and MMA are two of the biggest combat sports in the world. They both test physical skill, mental focus, and heart. But they’re not the same sport—and choosing between them depends on your goals, interests, and training style.
Here’s a full breakdown of how boxing and MMA compare across rules, history, training, and self-defense, with expert insights to help you decide which one’s right for you.
Top 10 Biggest Failures in Heavyweight Boxing History
Boxing is one of the most unpredictable sports. While some fighters reach the pinnacle of success, others suffer crushing defeats or fail to live up to their potential. Whether due to lack of discipline, bad career choices, or shocking upsets, these 10 heavyweights experienced some of the greatest failures in boxing history.
1. Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas
- Full Name: Michael Gerard Tyson
- Born: June 30, 1966 (New York, USA)
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
- Reach: 71” (180 cm)
- Stance: Orthodox
- Record Before the Fight: 37-0 (33 KOs)
- Significant Titles: Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (WBC, WBA, IBF)
Mike Tyson was an unstoppable force in the late 1980s, known for his ferocious knockouts and aggressive style. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. By 1990, he was the undisputed heavyweight king, destroying opponents in brutal fashion. He seemed unbeatable—until he met Buster Douglas.
Tyson entered the fight overconfident and out of shape, underestimating his opponent. Douglas, motivated by the recent passing of his mother, fought the perfect fight, using his jab and superior movement to keep Tyson at bay. In the tenth round, Douglas landed a devastating uppercut, followed by a flurry of punches that sent Tyson crashing to the canvas. Unable to beat the count, Tyson suffered his first professional loss, marking one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
Artur Beterbiev’s Best Fights: A Career Defined by Knockouts
Artur Beterbiev’s fights against Tavoris Cloud, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and Joe Smith Jr. are prime examples of his knockout power and dominance. In his bout with Cloud, Beterbiev dropped him three times in the first round, setting the tone for a one-sided victory. His win against Gvozdyk unified the IBF and WBC titles, further cementing his legacy. The fight with Joe Smith Jr. at Madison Square Garden was another showcase of his brute strength and technical prowess.
With a perfect knockout ratio of 18-0 (18 KOs), Beterbiev remains one of the most feared figures in boxing. To watch these thrilling bouts, the best IPTV is the ultimate choice. Offering high-quality streaming of Beterbiev’s fights at a fraction of the cost of traditional TV, providing access to all his iconic bouts and more without the need for multiple subscriptions.
FightMatrix Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer – Melody Popravak
Introduction
Melody Popravak is a professional boxer fighting out of Atlanta, GA. She holds a professional record of 2-2-1, with one win by the way of knockout. She is signed with Eruption Boxing and managed by Gwen Legge. Melody is ranked #6 welterweight in the US and #41 in the world by BoxRec. Though she started boxing later in life, Melody is looking forward to continued success in the ring and making her debut at welterweight, after starting out her career as a middleweight. She also hopes to build her own business in boxing, once her fighting career is over.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
Exclusive FightMatrix Interview with Nigerian Triagon Boxing Promoter, Olumide Oyedapo
Introduction
Olumide Oyedapo is making a significant impact on the boxing community in Nigeria. He has a new organization called the Ikuuku Triagon Boxing Promotion. He is working diligently to help boxers aged 30 – 40 years old with his new organization. Olumide has a heart of gold; I am certain of this.
Since Olumide has experience as a boxer and has helped develop boxers in the past, he is a great asset to the boxing industry. He told me essentially, boxing has helped to shape who he is today.
He was raised in a close-knit family, where his parents instilled the importance of respect, discipline, and of course family. When you read more about Olumide, you will understand what type of person he is. Additionally, it’s evident that he puts his all in his work and everything that he does.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
From the Cage to the Casino: Famous Fighters Who Love to Gamble
It’s a little unsettling how similar a high-stakes fight and a high-stakes bet are, isn’t it? Steel nerves, a dash of luck, and cool-headed risk management are crucial in both. Professional fighting, with its adrenaline highs and definitive wins and losses, has long appealed to athletes who also crave the thrill of gambling. It’s not just a way to unwind; it’s a mindset, that competitive fire burning beyond the ring.
For those seeking a similar rush outside the ring, the world of online casinos offers a convenient alternative. Many are discovering the thrill of games like เซ็กซี่ บาคาร่า 1688, with its blend of chance and strategy. It’s a different kind of battle, but the pursuit of victory remains the same.
We’re diving into the high-rolling lives of some of combat sports’ biggest names who’ve carried their competitive spirit from the arena to the casino, with some wild swings in fortune. Many combat sports legends have traded the cage for the casino, but not all have found the same success.
NYC Crowned Ultimate Fight Capital, London Secures Second Place in Global Rankings
Discover why New York City has been named the world’s top fight city, with London following closely behind. This article explores the factors that contributed to these rankings, the thriving boxing and MMA scenes in both cities and what this means for the future of combat sports. Get ready to dive into the heart of the action and learn about the best places to experience the excitement of boxing and mixed martial arts.
The world of combat sports is constantly evolving, with cities around the globe vying for the title of the best fight city. Recent rankings have revealed that New York City has claimed the top spot, while London has secured an impressive second place. As a boxing and MMA enthusiast, you might be wondering what sets these cities apart from the rest and why they have become the go-to destinations for these sports.
The AI War in Combat Sports—Why Some Coaches Will Fight It, and Why They’ll Lose
For decades, combat sports have been built on tradition—hard work, repetition, and gut instinct. Coaches passed down knowledge, fighters drilled techniques, and improvement came through trial and error.
That era is coming to an end.
AI is doing what experience alone never could— breaking down every strike with surgical precision, and optimizing technique in real time. Fighters who train with AI aren’t just working harder; they’re working smarter, improving in months what used to take years.
This is where combat sports is headed. The only question is: Are you evolving with it, or will you be left behind?
Julian Parker (Founder Form Fighter): Julian is leading the evolution of AI in combat sports, bridging the gap between technology and real-world fight training. As the founder of Form Fighter, he’s pioneering AI-driven analysis that helps fighters and coaches refine technique, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. With a deep understanding of both striking mechanics and machine learning, he’s challenging outdated training methods and pushing the industry toward a more data-driven future.
His work has already gained traction among top athletes and coaches, and as AI becomes an unavoidable force in sports performance, he’s ensuring that combat sports don’t get left behind.
Follow his work as he continues shaping the future of fight training.
Interview with Martin Stark, Founder of World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC)
Introduction
Martin Stark is an author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, LinkedIn expert, and founder and CEO of the World Gay Boxing Championships. Over the past few years, he had worked hard to overcome the stigmas and homophobia that is prevalent in the boxing industry, and combat sports in general. Stark has organized two successful WGBC events, one in Sydney Australia and an exhibition event in Chicago, and is looking to grow his promotion in North America. Martin is an advocate for the gay athletes and the LGBTQ+ community, and is making a tremendous impact on people’s lives.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
The AI Playbook for Combat Coaches: More Revenue, Better Retention in 10 Minutes
The Coaching Ceiling: Why Great Coaches Struggle to Scale
For most combat sports coaches, success is measured by packed classes, dedicated students, and a solid reputation in the gym. But behind the scenes, a frustrating reality sets in:
- You can only make as much as your schedule allows. More students mean more hours in the gym, and burnout is real.
- Beginners drop out before they ever hit their stride. They walk into class, see more experienced students moving effortlessly, and feel like they’ll never catch up.
- One-on-one feedback is limited. In a full class, there’s only so much time to correct individual technique. Serious students crave real feedback, but with limited hours in a day, how can you give everyone what they need?
- Online coaching sounds like a solution, but it’s a technical headache. Setting up video reviews, keeping track of student progress, and scheduling calls—it all adds up to more time, not less.
At the end of the day, the best coaches are stuck between serving their top fighters and nurturing new students—but the reality is that beginners are the ones who need the most attention to stay committed.
So how do you scale your expertise, retain more students, and earn more—without sacrificing your time or effectiveness?
That’s where AI-powered coaching changes the game.
Julian Parker (Founder Form Fighter): Julian is leading the evolution of AI in combat sports, bridging the gap between technology and real-world fight training. As the founder of Form Fighter, he’s pioneering AI-driven analysis that helps fighters and coaches refine technique, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. With a deep understanding of both striking mechanics and machine learning, he’s challenging outdated training methods and pushing the industry toward a more data-driven future.
His work has already gained traction among top athletes and coaches, and as AI becomes an unavoidable force in sports performance, he’s ensuring that combat sports don’t get left behind.
Follow his work as he continues shaping the future of fight training.