Barry Mcguigan

Teremoana Teremoana has extended his unbeaten professional run to 12 wins, all inside two rounds, with a statement victory over DeAndre Savage on the Gold Coast. Eddie Hearn believes the Australian heavyweight could be ready for a world-title opportunity after five more fights, potentially by the end of next year. His power, jab, combinations and physical attributes have impressed, but he must first face opponents capable of testing his defense and returning fire. A future rematch with fellow Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov is presented as a compelling possibility, despite Jalolov defeating Teremoana in the Paris Olympic quarter-finals.

Damar Thomas, a 21-year-old 6ft 6ins southpaw, won heavyweight gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the latest English champion in the division after Delicious Ore, Frazer Clarke and Joe Joyce. Already a European Under-23 champion, Thomas has developed through Team GB’s heavily resourced Sheffield programme and is viewed as a promising candidate for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His defeat by two-time Olympic champion Julio La Cruz at the previous year’s World Championships is described as valuable experience. Thomas’s size, reach, southpaw jab, technical combinations, dedication and training environment give him a strong foundation, although his eventual professional future and long-term success remain uncertain.

Barry McGuigan argues that Anthony Joshua should seriously consider retirement after being knocked down twice in the first round of his unconvincing win over Kristian Prenga. McGuigan says Joshua’s power remains formidable, but his punch resistance has deteriorated and is unlikely to recover. The setbacks have shifted the balance ahead of a prospective Tyson Fury fight, which Joshua would need to win through early aggression despite the risk of being countered. Both heavyweights are portrayed as fading, making the long-awaited bout potentially decisive and unlikely to go the distance.

Barry McGuigan argues that Kristian Prenga is unlikely to shock Anthony Joshua, describing Prenga as a tall but inexperienced heavyweight with limited defensive movement and no record of competing at Joshua’s level. McGuigan expects Joshua’s power and experience to produce a knockout, despite Joshua’s long layoff, recent loss of close friends, and previous defeats by Oleksandr Usyk. A victory would pave the way for the anticipated British heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury in November.

Barry McGuigan argues that the Commonwealth Games remain a crucial developmental experience for emerging boxers, despite being less prominent than in the past. Drawing on his 1978 gold-medal campaign in Edmonton, he describes how international competition, intensive preparation and exposure to unfamiliar styles helped prepare him for professional boxing. He expects the 2026 Glasgow Games to provide a similar learning opportunity, with some competitors treating the event as the peak of their careers and others using it as a pathway into the paid ranks.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are scheduled for separate low-risk bouts in Thailand and Saudi Arabia as promotion for a potential autumn heavyweight clash, likely at Wembley. Although both are past their peak, their status as major British boxing stars continues to generate strong interest. Barry McGuigan favors Joshua because of his power, his work with Oleksandr Usyk and Fury’s perceived loss of confidence, while arguing that Joshua must pursue a stoppage rather than try to outbox Fury.

Oleksandr Usyk is celebrated as one of boxing’s all‑time greats after announcing he will relinquish his heavyweight titles. Barry McGuigan highlights Usyk’s unprecedented success in unifying both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, defeating top fighters such as Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury despite size disadvantages. Usyk’s exceptional amateur pedigree, ring intelligence, and conduct inside and outside the ring are praised, with his retirement timing deemed appropriate and generous for leaving opportunities to younger fighters. The piece places him among the sport’s historical legends and commends his character as much as his achievements.

Barry McGuigan argues that Ben Whittaker must make a decisive impression during his first fight in the United States against Richard Rivera in New York. Although Whittaker is a talented Olympic silver medalist, American audiences reportedly view him as an overrated showman. McGuigan advises him to retain his distinctive style but abandon excessive theatrics, seek the center of the ring and pursue an early stoppage to demonstrate authority, power and ruthlessness.

Moses Itauma’s proposed August fight with Filip Hrgovic is described as the ideal test of the 21-year-old heavyweight prospect’s credentials and readiness to pursue a world title. Hrgovic brings elite amateur experience, resilience and recent wins over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen, while Itauma is praised for his explosive power, speed, movement, southpaw angles and instinctive aggression. The fight would expose any weaknesses in Itauma’s limited experience, and surviving or stopping Hrgovic—especially in the later rounds—could significantly boost his confidence and establish him as a genuine world-title contender.

Barry McGuigan argues that Sugar Ray Leonard damaged his legacy by returning to boxing and continuing beyond his peak. Leonard lost his first professional defeat to Roberto Duran in 1980, drew with Tommy Hearns in 1989, then beat a fading Duran before losing to Terry Norris and, after a six-year retirement, Hector Camacho at age 40. The column celebrates Leonard, Hearns, Duran and Marvin Hagler at their best while concluding that fighters are often better remembered when they leave the sport before Father Time overtakes them.

Chris Billam-Smith faces the heavy-handed Ryan Rozicki in a high-risk cruiserweight bout in Bournemouth. McGuigan argues that both fighters need a standout performance: Billam-Smith is seeking to rebuild after losing his WBO title and secure major headliner opportunities, while Rozicki has the power to threaten anyone. Billam-Smith’s best route to victory is expected to be a disciplined stoppage built around his jab, movement and control of the centre of the ring.

Adam Azim’s fight with veteran Canadian Steve Claggett at Wembley is portrayed as a crucial test before a potential world-title opportunity later in 2026. Barry McGuigan praises Azim’s exceptional speed, jab and power but says he must demonstrate that he can sustain a high pace, handle pressure and overcome adversity on a major occasion. Claggett’s durability and experience, including going the distance with Teofimo Lopez, make him a demanding opponent. McGuigan expects Azim to solve the challenge and stop Claggett between rounds eight and 10.

Conor Benn will challenge Ryan Garcia for a world title in Las Vegas on September 12. The fight offers Benn a chance to establish himself independently of his father Nigel Benn’s celebrated legacy, while Garcia brings greater experience, star power and a recent WBC welterweight title win. Both fighters have faced controversy over failed drug tests, and the contest is assessed as evenly matched, with Garcia’s sharp left hook facing Benn’s aggressive pursuit of a decisive punch.

Barry McGuigan argues that Fabio Wardley’s corner and referee Howard Foster left him in the ring too long during his brutal heavyweight defeat by Daniel Dubois. Although Wardley scored two early knockdowns, Dubois recovered and dominated from the middle rounds, repeatedly hurting an exhausted opponent who could no longer protect himself. McGuigan praises Dubois for producing a career-reviving performance and says he bears no blame, while warning that Wardley may suffer lasting physical and mental consequences.

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois face a pivotal heavyweight bout, with Wardley seeking to establish himself as a genuine world-level fighter after becoming WBO champion and Dubois fighting to preserve his status as a leading contender. Wardley's speed, timing, combinations, chin and recent victories are judged superior to Dubois's overall skill set, although Dubois retains the greater single-punch power. The analysis identifies an early, aggressive attack as Dubois's best chance, while Wardley must use his jab, maintain defensive discipline and capitalize quickly when openings appear. Wardley is predicted to win, most likely by an early stoppage.

David Benavidez will challenge Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO cruiserweight title in Las Vegas, moving up 25 pounds after competing at super middleweight and light heavyweight. The move is expected to cost Benavidez the size advantage that helped make him dominant, while Ramirez is a natural, rangy cruiserweight with greater experience at the weight. Benavidez’s relentless punch volume and star power make him a slight favorite, but Ramirez’s technical skill, composure and ability to absorb punishment could allow him to wear Benavidez down. The predicted outcome is a close Benavidez decision, though a Ramirez victory over the championship rounds would not be surprising.

Barry McGuigan explains that effective punching depends on speed, timing, distance, balance and torque rather than physical appearance alone. Drawing on his own experience, he names Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Julian Jackson, Colin Jones and Danny “Little Red” Lopez as five of the most effective punchers in boxing history, while recalling his best punch against Vernon Penprase and comparing the listed fighters’ sustained power with his own shorter bursts of punching strength.

Ben Whittaker will headline a boxing card in Liverpool for the first time after Paul Smith’s bout with David Morrell was postponed. Barry McGuigan praises Whittaker’s talent, confidence, counterpunching and growing power, while noting his development from an Olympic silver medalist into an increasingly accomplished professional. Braian Suarez is described as a tough Argentine opponent who represents a significant step up in class and should give Whittaker valuable rounds. McGuigan expects Whittaker to target a stoppage between the sixth and eighth rounds, though the fight could last the full ten.

Barry McGuigan argues that Delicious Orie was right to end his professional boxing career after one fight, despite his elite amateur background, Olympic experience and potential to earn a fortune. Orie’s lack of motivation and unwillingness to endure the extreme physical and mental demands of professional boxing are presented as valid reasons to walk away. The column contrasts his decision with the persistence of veteran heavyweights such as Dereck Chisora, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, concluding that recognizing the absence of an inner desire to continue is an act of honesty rather than failure.

Barry McGuigan calls the weekend a landmark for women's boxing, highlighting Caroline Dubois's WBC-WBO lightweight unification bout with Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney's attempt to become Britain's youngest undisputed champion. He predicts Dubois's power will stop Harper, while praising Scotney's technical ability and toughness ahead of her fight with WBA champion Mayelli Flores. The all-female event at the redeveloped Olympia is presented as a significant commitment to women's boxing by Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions.

Barry McGuigan argues that Moses Itauma can move into the heavyweight world-title picture by producing an impressive performance against durable opponent Jermaine Franklin. He praises Itauma's speed, power, timing, accuracy and southpaw stance, while identifying stamina and his ability to handle championship-round adversity as the main unanswered questions. Franklin has gone the distance in defeats to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but McGuigan expects Itauma's explosive style to overwhelm him, potentially within three rounds. A strong showing would intensify calls for Itauma to face the winner of Daniel Dubois versus WBO champion Fabio Wardley and could mark the beginning of a major career.

Barry McGuigan reflects on Frank Bruno's two world-title fights against Mike Tyson. Bruno was overwhelmed by Tyson in their first bout while Tyson was at his ferocious peak, and although Tyson had declined by their rematch, he retained a psychological advantage and stopped Bruno in three rounds. Bruno had earlier produced a strong challenge against Lennox Lewis and later won the WBC title by defeating Oliver McCall, but after 45 fights and the second Tyson loss he accepted that his career was over and never reversed that decision.

Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions has launched a women’s boxing league featuring leading fighters, including Caroline Dubois and Ellie Scotney, whose opening bouts are scheduled for London’s Olympia. Barry McGuigan welcomes the league as a major boost for the sport and argues that professional women’s boxing should adopt three-minute rounds, matching the amateur format and reflecting fighters’ wishes. He believes the league’s visibility and the athletes’ abilities could help drive that rule change and accelerate the growth of women’s boxing.

Barry McGuigan reflects on Joe Calzaghe's 2006 victory over unbeaten American Jeff Lacy at Manchester's MEN Arena, describing it as the defining performance that transformed Calzaghe's reputation. Calzaghe dominated throughout, dropped Lacy in the 12th round and went on to defeat Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. before retiring unbeaten. McGuigan compares the moment with his own career-defining win over Juan Laporte and concludes that Calzaghe ranks among Britain's greatest boxers and possibly its best super-middleweight.

Conor Benn’s reported eight-figure, one-fight agreement with Saudi-backed promotion company Zuffa has stunned boxing and deepened his split from former promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. Barry McGuigan argues that although Benn is exciting and commercially marketable, he has not yet won a world title and his proposed fight with Regis Prograis is designed more to build momentum than test him against the division’s elite. Zuffa is gambling that Benn can generate enough audience and revenue to justify the deal, particularly through future bouts with Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney.