Fighter Highlights – Page 7

Roy Jones Jr.’s Closure

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content was originally published on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/09/08/roy-jones-jr-s-closure/

In September 1988 at the Seoul Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the USA’s Roy Jones Jr. yes THE Roy Jones Jr. fought South Korea’s Park Si-Hun in the light middleweight final of the men’s boxing competition.

Jones landed more than twice the number of punches. Jones was the more superior boxer. Despite being outboxed and outclassed, Park Si-Hun was still awarded the gold medal by a panel of judges’ decision, 3-2.

The decision was met with criticism, ridicule, and outrage from commentators, boxing sports broadcasters, fans, boxing aficionados, and fight analysts.

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Vincent Juico

Vincent Juicio is a sports journalist covering basketball, mixed martial arts, boxing, American football-especially the San Francisco 49ers-and global sports issues. Known for his insightful analysis and a keen eye on both game strategy and broader sports trends, his work offers fans in-depth perspectives across multiple disciplines.

UFC Fight Night 259: Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Vitaliy Vovk

September 13, 2025 – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Betting Odds, Tale of the Tape & Analytical Breakdown

The main event of Noche UFC pits two of the featherweight division’s most electrifying and rapidly rising contenders against each other. Brazilian submission wizard Diego Lopes faces off against the explosive, undefeated finisher Jean Silva in a bout that promises fireworks and could catapult the winner into immediate title contention.

Tale of the Tape

FIGHTER RECORD AGE RANK

Diego Lopes 26–7–0 30 #5 FW / #2 UFC

Jean Silva 16–2–0 25 #16 FW / #10 UFC

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Vitaliy Vovk

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

Founder & President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP) – one of the longest-running and most recognized MMA organizations in Ukraine. Organizer of 100+ MMA events. Contributor, analyst, and Trusted Promoter collaborating with leading global MMA platforms.

https://rfpromo.com/

rfpromo.com/

Interview with Undefeated Pro-boxer, Mohammed Bekdash

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

Mohammed Bekdash, widely known as “The Destroyer,” has carved an impressive legacy in the world of professional boxing with an undefeated record of 28 victories—24 of which came by knockout. His remarkable journey from the coastal city of Latakia in Syria to the competitive boxing arenas of Germany stands as a powerful testament to the fortitude of the human spirit. Fleeing the turmoil of war, Bekdash rebuilt his life from the ground up, by starting a small business in a new country. It has also transformed him into a symbol of hope and perseverance for others facing similar struggles. His story is one of extraordinary determination, where each obstacle became a cornerstone toward greatness. With over a decade of dedication to boxing, Bekdash has become not only a celebrated athlete but also an inspiration for aspiring boxers worldwide. In this interview, he shares insights into his early experiences, the beginnings of his passion for boxing, and the aspirations that drive him at the peak of his career. Bekdash currently trains at Roland Bebak’s Sturm Gym in Cologne, Germany.

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Heather

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. At different periods in my life, I have practiced Judo. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare, and now I am pursuing my hobby. I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

The Rise of Abdullah Mason: What Young Prospects Mean for Bettors

Posted on September 2, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Picture Credit

Abdullah Mason stands out as one of the most compelling young lightweights in the sport today. A blistering start to his professional career has captured the attention of both fans and bettors who follow the next wave of contenders.

A foundation built on speed, precision, and composure has powered his rise through the lightweight ranks. The coming months promise a step up in stage and scrutiny as he targets world honors against a fellow unbeaten opponent.

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Will Conor McGregor Fight Again in The UFC?

Posted on September 2, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Conor McGregor is one of the most talked-about figures in combat sports. The former two-weight UFC champion, a global phenomenon and a deeply contentious figure, has unquestionably transcended mixed martial sports. However, as time passes and other challengers gain notice, a key issue remains: will McGregor return to active competition, or has his fighting career ended quietly?

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Interview with Ilonka Elmont: Thai Boxing Champion and Coach

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

Ilonka Elmont is a retired professional Muay Thai fighter, who is seven times World Champion, a European Champion and a two times Dutch Champion in the Flyweight division. She was born and raised in Suriname, then moved to Netherlands with her family at the age of 8. She is an unorthodox striker, who has developer her own signature techniques, such as one she calls a “tic-tac” kick.

She is currently a Muay Thai trainer, and has been putting on seminars for 27 years. Elmont has also dabbled in modeling and acting.-, including starring in a critically acclaimed short film ‘Color Me Bad’. In 2007, she started the Ilonka Elmont Foundation – a charitable organization whose mission is to support children and communities in need. Ilonka Elmont is a very well-rounded individual, in addition to being a legendary martial artist.

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Vincent Juico’s Interview with Boxer Stanley Johnson

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Heather

Presenting Vincent Juico‘s interview with Eruption Boxing prospect, Stanley ‘Muscle Kid’ Johnson. His manager is Gwen Legge and she is known as “The Next Lady in Boxing”. They seem to make a great team. Mr. Johnson is extremely diligent with his training. For several years he has been a boxing coach for youth. Additionally, Stanley is big into eSports. Gwen gave him the opportunity to box for a wonderful company. As well as allowing him to network at the eSports . Please watch this interview with in depth information regarding Stanley.

Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Chimaev, du Plessis and 49ers

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content originally appeared on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/11/chimaev-du-plessis-and-49ers/

[#1 MW](C) Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) and [#4 MW] Khamzat Chimaev, two of the most dynamic athletes in the UFC middleweight division, will exchange strikes, takedowns and submission attempts at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago on Friday.

Many questions heading into what many think and feel will be an absolute banger and barnburner of a fight.

Can Chimaev neutralize DDP’s rhythm?

Chimaev’s takedown-heavy offense could suffocate DDP if he maintains relentless pressure.

Will DDP bait mistakes and finish?

DDP’s offensive creativity and endurance could frustrate Chimaev, opening paths to strikes or submissions.

This fight is a classic clash of relentless aggression vs unconventional adaptability.

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Vincent Juico

Exclusive Interview with Salamat Isbulaev, Undefeated Pro-MMA Fighter

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

[#220 LW] Salamat Isbulaev (9-0) is a 27 year old professional MMA athlete. He is undefeated as a pro and has never gone the distance, with all finishes by either TKO or submission, and only one fight going past the first round. As an amateur, Isbulaev has had a record of 29-2. This is unusual, due to the fact that MMA fighters typically move from amateur to professional earlier in their career than he did. Currently, he is managed by Miras Temirbolat with Paradigm Sports. Salamat is the lightweight title holder for the Kazakh promotion Alash Pride FC, and is looking to working his way to signing with a major world-wide MMA organization.

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Dana White Teases “Biggest Fight in UFC History” between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

Posted on August 8, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Introduction: A Heavyweight Showdown on the Horizon

UFC President Dana White has recently ignited discussion in the combat sports community by teasing what he calls the “biggest fight in UFC history” — a potential clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While no official contract has been signed, the speculation surrounding this matchup has intensified. The fight would pit a seasoned champion with one of the most dominant legacies in MMA against a rising force who has quickly earned a reputation for power, precision, and athleticism.

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Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer and eSports Competitor, Stanley Johnson

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Heather

Stanley ‘Kid Muscle’ Johnson (7-1, 5 KOs) is a professional boxer and Esports competitor from Houston, who grew up in New Orleans. He is ranked #12 in U.S. Cruiserweight and #108 globally. Prior to his boxing career, Johnson has served in the US Navy. Stanley also participates in eSports, and serves as brand ambassador for 4ESPORTS/4EGAMES, in partnership with Eruption Boxing Management. His manager, Gwen Legge of Orange, California, owns Eruption Boxing Management and brings an innovative management style.

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Boxing Legends Return in 2025: Comebacks, Contenders, and Closing Chapters

Posted on August 6, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Source

In boxing, retirement is rarely a permanent decision. Fighters leave the sport, but the itch to return often arises. Whether it’s unfinished business, legacy, or simply the drive to compete again, 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years for comebacks.

Some former champions are stepping back into the spotlight, chasing titles, money, or a sense of closure, but not all comebacks are created equal. Some legends return with a solid chance to win. Others come back for the check. Here is a breakdown of the biggest comebacks this year.

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Four Rematches Boxing Fans Could See in the Second Half of 2025

Posted on August 6, 2025 by A. J. Riot

A boxer on his way to the ring

Unsplash

As we stride into the latter half of 2025, boxing is primed to deliver spectacle after spectacle. Already, the calendar boasts seismic encounters: Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13th in a contest between two of the greatest fighters of their generation, with streaming giant Netflix broadcasting worldwide. Two months later, KO artist extraordinaire David Benavidez puts his reputation and WBC light heavyweight title on the line against Britain’s Anthony Yarde in Riyadh. But that’s not all.

But boxing’s heartbeat doesn’t just pulse with fresh matchups; it throbs on the echo of unfinished business. Four blockbuster rematches could also take place before the year is out, each heavy with legacy and possibility. The potential clashes have drifted to the top of every pundit’s wishlist. The stakes? Pride, closure, and a rewrite of the record books.

So, which fighters could be meeting familiar foes in the coming months? Let’s find out.

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Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Will There Be a Third Epic Fight?

Posted on August 4, 2025 by A. J. Riot

After two unforgettable battles between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, boxing fans are now focused on a potential trilogy. The first bout was decided by a narrow split decision, while the second was clearly won by Usyk. Both fights generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and record-breaking viewership. The next logical step? A third fight to settle the rivalry once and for all. But will it actually happen?

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Diamond of a Career

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content was originally published on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/21/diamond-of-a-career/

DUSTIN POIRIER ends his UFC journey as one of the lightweight division’s most beloved and respected fighters—an interim champion, perennial high-performer and community pillar.

His legacy is defined by resilience, big-win performances, and a career built more than titles—it’s built on heart and impact.

The MMA community overwhelmingly praised Dustin Poirier—not just for his performance inside the cage, but also his integrity, work ethic and grace in retirement.

Fighters and media alike highlighted the dignity of stepping away on one’s own terms, while fans celebrated him as a “people’s champion” and role model.

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Vincent Juico