Welcome to your weekly dose of combat sports highlights, where we bring you the most significant news and thrilling matches from the world of boxing and MMA. This past week was packed with action, upsets, and major announcements that have set the stage for an exciting year ahead.
In the realm of women’s boxing, the spotlight shone brightly on two ten-round bouts that showcased the skill and determination of some of the sport’s finest athletes. Amanda Serrano, the 37-year-old Puerto Rican powerhouse, extended her impressive record to 48-4-1 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over the younger Reina Tellez. The fight, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, saw Serrano outpoint Tellez with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92. Despite the loss, Tellez, who took the fight on short notice, demonstrated her potential and could very well be a future world champion.
The co-main event of the evening featured an unexpected turn of events. Stephanie Han, an undefeated El Paso police officer, claimed the WBA lightweight title with a technical unanimous decision victory over former champion Holly Holm. The bout was halted in the seventh round due to a cut on Han’s forehead caused by an accidental head clash. The judges’ scorecards read 69-65, 69-64, and 68-65, all in favor of Han. Holm, who struggled with counters throughout the night, has expressed interest in a rematch, citing the premature stoppage as a factor.
In other news, the driver involved in the tragic car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of Anthony Joshua’s teammates will face charges for speeding. Meanwhile, rumors of Joshua’s retirement have been circulating, but no official announcement has been made by Team Joshua or Matchroom Promotions. Fans are advised to await confirmation before drawing conclusions.
Looking ahead, Naoya Inoue is targeting a major fight on May 2, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome against the undefeated WBC/IBF/The Ring Bantamweight Champion, Junto Nakatani. Although this bout is yet to be officially confirmed, it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the division’s best.
In the world of rankings, Jake Paul has been removed from the WBA’s top 15 Cruiserweight list following his defeat to Anthony Joshua. Additionally, Paddy Donovan has withdrawn from the IBF Welterweight World Eliminator scheduled for January 16 due to illness, leaving Liam Paro without an opponent for the time being.
Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury has announced his plans for a boxing comeback in 2026. The 37-year-old has begun training and is considering several potential opponents, including Anthony Joshua, Fabio Wardley, Oleksandr Usyk, Arslanbek Makhmudov, and Agit Kabayel. Fury may also opt for a tune-up fight before taking on any of the top heavyweights in the world.
Lastly, keep an eye out for Sabriel Matías as he prepares to defend his WBC Super Lightweight title. Known for his power punching, Matías is set to face a formidable challenger in what promises to be an explosive matchup.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as we continue to bring you the latest from the world of combat sports.
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