Upset, new champions, retirements, new ventures. Last night was action-packed and delivered on its promise of being a tremendous gift for fight fans. Our editor went to the PFL London event and reports from an ecstatic city celebrating great feats and mourning defeats. Results disclosed.
Boxning
Sensational Saturday: 4 Events Not To Miss
Today is a true treat for fight fans – especially British fans – as it marks the return of bare-knuckle prize fighting to London, while Anthony Joshua takes on Alexander Usyk in a highly anticipated rematch. As if that wasn’t enough, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) makes its UK debut in London and Leon “Rocky” Edwards battles for the UFC Welterweight title as he takes on Kamaru Usman for a second time. Take your seats, prepare the screens, and enjoy the show.
Legacy: Interview with Claressa Shields
On September 10th, London will host the biggest fight in women’s boxing to date. Claressa Shields takes on Savannah Marshall in foreign territory but promises the make the ring walk determined to win.
What’s On: July 8th-10th
This weekend brings you plenty of action, with judo from Hungary, another UFC Fight Night, and Chisora vs Pulev II in London.
Heavyweight Kings
Boxing is a sport, but it is also a part of culture. It’s reach far exceeds the ring and the arena, penetrating politics, popular culture, and everyday lives. In The Boxing Kings: When American Heavyweights Ruled the Ring, author Paul Beston traces this phenomenon.
Bare Knuckle Fighting: Page vs Perry
August 20th will see the first legally sanctioned Bare Knuckle Fights in England since the introduction of the Marquess of Queensbury Rules in 1867 as BKFC hosts an event at Wembley, London.
“The Toughest White Man on the Planet”: Big Joe Egan
Chance encounters and unexpected events change lives. Big Joe Egan, 7-time Irish boxing title holder, former sparring partner to Mike Tyson and opponent of Lennox Lewis, speaks to our editor after one such fateful meeting.
What’s On: June 24-26th
Over the weekend, UFC returns with Fight Night featuring Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot. PFL 5 is live tonight, while the International Judo Federation’s World Tour continues with this weekend’s Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam. Several boxing world titles are also on the line, live from Texas.
The Allure of Violence: Pugilist Philosophy II
Philosophers often sidestep the issue of violence, refusing to tackle it head-on. One philosopher who has never refused the challenge is Professor Gordon Marino, who as well as being a professional philosopher was once a professional boxer and boxing coach. We spoke to him about the crossroad between philosophy and combat sports.
What’s On: June 17-19th
Professional Fighters League 4 returns with lightweight and light-heavyweight bouts tonight. Beterbiev squares off with Smith Jr in Madison Square Garden.