Welcome to this week’s edition of Combat Sports Weekly, where we bring you the most significant news and thrilling matchups from the world of boxing and MMA. Let’s dive into the action-packed events that have unfolded over the past week.
In a highly anticipated grudge match that took place in Brisbane, Australia, Nikita Tszyu, the younger brother of boxing sensation Tim Tszyu, faced off against Michael Zerafa. The bout, held on January 16, 2026, ended in a controversial no-contest after Zerafa claimed he was blinded in one eye due to an accidental head clash. The decision left fans in an uproar as no winner was declared.
Meanwhile, Raul “El Cugár” Curiel continued his unbeaten streak, securing another victory against a last-minute replacement, Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen, in Palm Desert, California. The event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, showcased Curiel’s dominance in the ring.
In a disturbing turn of events, former WBA World Champion Gervonta Davis is now the subject of a US Marshals and police warrant in Miami, Florida, following allegations of domestic assault. As of Friday, January 23rd, Davis has been missing for nine days, adding a layer of mystery to the already troubling situation.
Dana White’s TKO Boxing and Zuffa are set to make their inaugural event debut on Friday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card, featuring many undefeated fighters, will be televised on Paramount+, promising an exciting night of combat sports.
Raymond Muratalla is gearing up to defend his IBF title for the first time against Andy Cruz, a 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist. The match, headlining a Matchroom Boxing show, will be live exclusively on DAZN, offering fans a chance to witness a potential star in the making.
Other notable matchups include Jose Tito Sanchez vs. Jesus Eduardo Ramirez Rubio in Long Beach, CA, and the Chavez family affair with Omar Chavez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fighting in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Additionally, Deontay Wilder is on the verge of finalizing a deal to fight Derek Chisora in April, before his highly anticipated bout with Oleksander Usyk, which has been approved by the WBC.
The Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios press conference took place this Thursday, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown. In other news, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has written an open letter opposing the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act H.R. 4634, currently passing through Congress, explaining why these changes could be detrimental to boxers.
Lastly, the Combat Sports Awards for 2025 took place two weeks ago, honoring the best in the sport. Be sure to check out the current international boxing rankings to stay updated on your favorite fighters.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of the world of combat sports. Until next time, keep your gloves up and your guard tight.
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