Another week in the world of boxing has passed us by and, as always, there’s a lot to unpack. From Conor Benn to Canelo, here are five stories from the ring you might have missed.
Conor Benn Reinstated Into WBC Rankings
The World Boxing Council have reinstated Conor Benn back into their rankings after finding there was "no conclusive evidence" he intentionally ingested clomifene, a fertility drug which increases the testosterone levels in men.
Benn’s grudge match with British rival Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled in October after the 26-year-old failed two voluntary drug tests. The WBC have now ruled that the adverse findings could have been caused by a 'highly-elevated consumption of eggs’.
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In a statement, the WBC said: "There was no conclusive evidence that Mr. Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of clomifene".
"There were no failures in the procedures related to sample collection, sample analysis, or violations of Mr. Benn's B Sample rights that would justify questioning or invalidating the Adverse Finding, and Mr. Benn's documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection, raised a reasonable explanation for the Adverse Finding.”
Despite the WBC ruling, the British Boxing Board of Control stated: "Whilst the BBBofC wishes to make clear that it respects the WBC, the WBC is a sanctioning body and not a governing body.
"The decision of the WBC does not affect the ongoing implementation of the BBBofC's rules."
WBC Create Special Belt For Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury
In other news from the WBC, the sanctioning body have also created a brand-spanking new belt for this weekend’s showdown between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia.
The ‘Diriyah Champion’ belt, which will be awarded to the winner, is a commemorative strap with no value beyond Saturday night but it follows news that the WBC will officially rank Jake Paul among the world’s best cruiserweights if he beats the younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.
Although it’s still unclear where ‘The Problem Child’ would rank in the WBC listings, he could plausibly be eligible for a world title shot in his next fight despite the fact Fury will be the first actual boxer the 26-year-old has fought in seven fights as a professional.
Canelo Confirms Next Fight Will Be Mexican Homecoming
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has confirmed that his next fight will be in Jalisco, Mexico in May. It will mark the first time he has fought on home soil in more than a decade.
The four-weight world champion and global superstar last fought in Mexico in 2011, stopping Kermit Cintron in five rounds. Since then Canelo has fought exclusively in the United States.
Sharing a clip on social media, alongside Jalisco mayor Enrique Alfaro, the undisputed super-middleweight champion said: “Celebrating the 200 free and sovereign years of Jalisco, I fight again in my land. I will defend all my titles next May. More details soon.”
Though no opponent has been confirmed yet, it looks highly-likely that it will be interim WBO champion and mandatory challenger John Ryder who steps into the opposite corner. The bout will probably land on May 6 to coincide with the Mexican national holiday, Cinco De Mayo.
Eddie Hearn In Talks To Make Deontay Wilder Vs Andy Ruiz
Promoter Eddie Hearn has said that he is in talks to make a mouthwatering heavyweight battle between former world champions Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr.
“We’re in talks to try and make that fight, and I’d love to make it,” Hearn told Boxing Social. “I feel like I have a great opportunity for both guys. They’re two tremendous heavyweights.
“I think it’s a brilliant fight, but we’ll have to see. I wouldn’t be wasting my time if I didn’t think it was possible.”
Wilder last fought in October, sensationally stopping Robert Helenius in a single round at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn. Ruiz meanwhile was last in action in September, earning a unanimous decision over two-time world title challenger and former Wilder foe Luis Ortiz in Los Angeles. Both Wilder and Ruiz are currently free agents.
WBO Order Janibek Alimkhanuly Vs Liam Smith
The World Boxing Organization have ordered Janibek Alimkhanuly to defend his WBO middleweight title against Liam Smith.
Kazakhstan's Alimkhanuly is unbeaten in his 13 professional fights and last fought in November, claiming a unanimous decision win over Denzel Bentley in Las Vegas.
Former world champion Smith, who is 33-3-1 (20), is still expected to face Chris Eubank Jr next however. ‘Beefy’ stopped Eubank Jr in four rounds in January and the latter activated the rematch clause in his contract earlier this month, with a second bout expected in the summer.
The two parties (Smith and Alimkhanuly) have 20 days to agree a deal before purse bids are called.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
