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FightMatrix Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer – Melody Popravak

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Heather

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 Columnist | 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.

www.fightmatrix.com

Exclusive FightMatrix Interview with Nigerian Triagon Boxing Promoter, Olumide Oyedapo

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Heather

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 Columnist | 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.

www.fightmatrix.com

From the Cage to the Casino: Famous Fighters Who Love to Gamble

Posted on March 17, 2025 by A. J. Riot

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

Posted on March 17, 2025 by A. J. Riot

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

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Julian Phillips

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 Phillips

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)

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Heather

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 Columnist | 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.

www.fightmatrix.com

The AI Playbook for Combat Coaches: More Revenue, Better Retention in 10 Minutes

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Julian Phillips

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 Phillips

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.

The Evolution of Champions: Fighters Who Ruled Different Weight Divisions

Posted on February 27, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Source: Pixabay.com

Dominating several weight classes is one of the most spectacular feats in combat sports. Successfully switching across divisions cements a fighter’s reputation as one of the most significant of the modern era. However, this accomplishment is uncommon because of the particular difficulties of physical adaptations to shifting competition.

To achieve greatness, plenty of notable fighters have ascended the ranks and demonstrated their abilities in a variety of weight classes. The fighter must modify their overall strategy, training, and fighting style when they move from one size to another in weight. While some fighters adjusted to the physical requirements associated with ease, others found it difficult. Fans and commentators argue where these multi-division winners stand among the greatest in history as the MMA and boxing rankings change in tandem with these transfers.

Train Like A Professional Boxer – Inside The Daily Regimen Of A Champion

Posted on February 26, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Working hard around the clock may bring you success in technical fields, but it will only result in injuries in boxing. Even professional boxers follow a planned routine that involves intense training, correct diet, and optimal sleep hours to recover the muscles.

While some compete in professional boxing as their passion, others do it just because they’re good at it. The undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev recently revealed, ‘I’m not a fan of boxing; I only do it as my job .’ Although the statement left many in shock, it perfectly backed the fact that you don’t have to love something to be good at it. A perfect blend of discipline, hard work, and resilience is enough alongside talent to achieve success in boxing, just as Beterbiev has achieved.

Though the undefeated champion from Russia is a unique case, many professional boxers love their profession and follow a specialized training routine to prepare themselves for greatness. Almost every professional boxer has a personalized approach to training, which they follow without sacrificing the conventional training norms. They workout 3 to 5 hours a day, usually six days a week. Professional boxing training involves lots of bag work, strength training, and sparring, which are key in professional bouts. Some professional fighters also incorporate bodybuilding principles, including specific guidelines for how many sets per muscle group for hypertrophy to achieve that perfect blend of muscle mass and explosive power.

Interview with Hailey Pennington, Professional Boxer and Entrepreneur

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

Hailey Pennington (2-0-0, 2KOs) is a professional boxer and has accomplished quite a bit with hard work and discipline. Currently, she has several business ventures, besides boxing. For instance she owns her gym, is a trainer/coach, as well as a promoter. I am certain that she is likely a mentor to others. Especially, with being young and having many business endeavors. Hailey is a wonderful person for the younger generation to look up to. She has a proven track record with success. Hailey is thriving as a woman, in the combat sports industry in 2025.

MMA & Boxing Columnist | 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.

www.fightmatrix.com

ALI VS MARCIANO- THE FIRST VIRTUAL FIGHT

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Luis Vazquez

It was during an interview with Muhammad Ali that Howard Cosell asked the champ about his opinions about how he would fare against several past heavyweight greats. When the topic got around to the subject of Rocky Marciano, the only undefeated heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, Ali was uncharacteristically humble and candid about the Rock surprising Cosell. “Marciano would be the most trouble I think, “Ali explained, “A fellow who had no style, just a bull. Marciano just kept coming. He would hurt your arms and could take everything.” Why this display of respect for Marciano that was always absent when Ali would talk about Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey and especially Joe Frazier?

Luis is a twenty year veteran of the writing wars. He has served as Editor in Chief and writer of various web and print media in the Latin, Asian, and Sports genres. He has contributed as a beat writer for the WNBA New York Liberty and MLS New York Red Bulls as well as Fordham and Columbia College Football.

The Mayweather Collection: A Peek Into the Lavish Lifestyle of Floyd Mayweather

Posted on January 26, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Floyd Mayweather, renowned for his unbeaten boxing record and larger-than-life persona, has consistently captured global attention both inside and outside the ring. Beyond his athletic achievements, one of the defining aspects of Mayweather’s public image is his extravagant lifestyle, showcased most prominently through his luxurious collection of cars, watches, and other assets. Dubbed “The Mayweather Collection,” this assemblage symbolizes opulence, success, and a relentless pursuit of the finer things in life.

The Evolution of Combat Sports: How MMA and Boxing Are Shaping the Future of Fighting

Posted on January 20, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Combat sports have been one of those extensive changes from yesteryears, whether it is MMA or boxing. What used to be a ‘man-to-man’ competition from town square crowds to a multi-million event attracting global interest across the world, gives wide-ranging discourses, inclusive of how both MMA and Boxing have fared, technological developments impacting practice, and future projections for both combative events.

Can Tyson Fury’s Younger Brother Reignite His Career Heading Into an Exciting Year for Boxing?

Posted on January 14, 2025 by A. J. Riot

The much-anticipated clash between Tommy Fury and rising prospect Darren Till was postponed, leaving boxing fans disappointed yet eager for what lies ahead in 2025. While the delay of this bout is a setback, it opens the door to discussing Tommy Fury’s trajectory and the exciting possibilities that the upcoming year holds for the sport.

Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer Shauna O’Keeffe

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

Ireland has its very own beautiful and talented rising star, who happens to be an excellent professional boxer by the name of Shauna O’Keeffe (5-0, 3 KOs). She is ranked # 1 in the women’s lightweight division for her country, and #17 in the world. It has been incredible to watch her passion come out when she fights. She seems like a well composed and focused athlete. Following Shauna’s impeccable progress and writing about it along the way, has really encouraged me in wanting to write and learn more about boxing. She is an inspiration to an abundance of other women in the sports industry and beyond. Shauna O’Keeffe is a remarkable woman and a bad-ass fighter. Let’s take a deeper look into her life.

MMA & Boxing Columnist | 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.

www.fightmatrix.com