The combat sports world has undergone a seismic shift in the past decade. Once limited to niche audiences and regional followings, both mix martial arts (MMA) and boxing have exploded onto the global stage. At the heart of this growth lies strategic investment, money that has supercharged production, expanded international markets, and turned fighters into household names far beyond their home countries.
The Storied Saga of U.S. Boxing: Legends, Lore, and Little-Known Facts
Boxing in the United States isn’t just a sport, it’s a deep-rooted cultural phenomenon, intertwined with American history, social movements, and entertainment. From the bare-knuckle brawls of the 19th century to the billion-dollar pay-per-view events of today, boxing has produced iconic heroes, controversial figures, and unforgettable moments. Here are some fascinating and lesser-known facts about U.S. boxing that shed light on its rich legacy.
Andy Dominguez vs Byron Rojas Fight Recap
Introduction
Andy Dominguez fought Byron Rojas for the WBC USA Silver Light Flyweight Title. This took place on July 25, 2025 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I watched this bout for the full 10 rounds when it aired. I was surprised that Dominguez won this title fight by split decision instead of Rojas. Therefore, I decided to rewatch the entire event once again to see if I was correct. I have decide to score all ten rounds myself. You can watch the entire fight below.
MMA & Boxing Writer | Business Development Consultant
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. As a teenager I practiced for a bit. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. Now I am on a new journey, hitting the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo, currently is a hobby that I enjoy. At FightMatrix, I am the business development consultant. Additionally, I write about various martial arts and boxing.
Top Mistakes to Dodge When Betting on Boxing
Box betting can be both fun and worthwhile. But, only if you know how to successfully avoid the usual pitfalls many bettors get trapped in. Success in boxing betting will usually depend on how well you can read between the lines. It may appear simple to support a heavy favourite or stick to a fighter’s undefeated record. But, a good deal of knowledge mixed with a little discipline can make all the difference.
How do performance bonuses work in combat sports?
Whenever they step into the ring, today’s leading fighters aren’t just competing for status, fame and glory – there is also plenty of cold hard cash to be won, too. Winning a major fight can be a hugely lucrative financial opportunity, thanks to the frequent availability of significant performance bonuses for the most high-flying fighters. These impressive cash prizes can be life-changing for some athletes, and can even change the trajectory of their careers forever. Performance bonuses are typically awarded to fighters who demonstrate a particularly exciting or impressive display of talent – however, the reasoning behind these cash incentives can occasionally lead to confusion and controversy amongst fans of the sport. To help you understand them better, we’ve taken a closer look into how performance bonuses work in combat sports today.
Combat Sports and Crypto Betting: A 2025 Snapshot
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 Writer | Business Development Consultant
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. As a teenager I practiced for a bit. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. Now I am on a new journey, hitting the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo, currently is a hobby that I enjoy. At FightMatrix, I am the business development consultant. Additionally, I write about various martial arts and boxing.
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 Writer | Business Development Consultant
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. As a teenager I practiced for a bit. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. Now I am on a new journey, hitting the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo, currently is a hobby that I enjoy. At FightMatrix, I am the business development consultant. Additionally, I write about various martial arts and boxing.
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 Writer | Business Development Consultant
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. As a teenager I practiced for a bit. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. Now I am on a new journey, hitting the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo, currently is a hobby that I enjoy. At FightMatrix, I am the business development consultant. Additionally, I write about various martial arts and boxing.