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Heavyweight slugger Tommy Morrison continues to be remembered as a boxing great after being awarded a WBC title at the WBC Convention.

Oliver McCall, who is 59, will fight on January 21 against an opponent eight years his junior who has not fought in almost a decade.

A massive day looms in the light-heavyweight division for the impending Bivol vs Benavidez World Boxing Council mandatory fight. Dmitry Bivol is expected to face David Benavidez in a WBC title defense next, despite clamor for a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev. The undisputed champion engaged in a Fight of the Year contender with Beterbiev on… 

Bangkok came alive with the opening ceremony for the Sixty-Third WBC Convention and the inaugural WBC Muay Thai Convention at the Marriott Marquis, Queens Park. From the first drumbeat, it was clear this was a key event for boxing and Muay Thai. The ceremony began with a giant drum ensemble, supported by smaller drums in perfect synchronization. Floating silk banners and ornate latticework created a striking visual display, each movement carefully choreographed. The drumbeats set the stage for the sessions to follow. A string ensemble performed Mozart, adding a contrasting touch of formality as the opening concluded. Leadership on Display WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman addressed the assembly, emphasizing the significance of the event. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of The Tourism Authority of Thailand, highlighted Thailand’s status as the “Motherland of Muay Thai” and its role in promoting standards and international cooperation. The ceremony continued with the Klong Sabet Chai drum display and appearances by Muay Thai stars Liam Harrison and Shannon Gardiner. Champions on Stage Boxing figures Oleksandr Usyk and Katie Taylor joined the stage. Usyk said: “My color is green. Mauricio, thank you for what you do. I like it!” Taylor, attending her first WBC Convention, added: “This is the most prestigious belt. Thank you for giving us the platform.” Legendary Roberto Duran also appeared, noting the significance of seeing champions recognized. WBC Cares Awards WBC Cares, led by Jill Diamond and Christiane Manzur, presented awards recognizing courage and achievement. WBC Cares now has 27 chapters worldwide. Bravest Man Honor: Pedro Silva, whose daughter Jesselyn battled a brain tumor for three years before passing at 18, acknowledged the WBC’s support. Champion of Hope: Former boxer Jasilly Musa, who disarmed a knife-wielding attacker in a Kazakhstan airport. Champion of Life: Trainer Joe Gallagher, a stage-four cancer survivor, credited the WBC for helping him through recovery. Presidential Vision Sulaiman, addressing organizational challenges, stated: “We are the WBC and we will always be the WBC.” The WBC also marked 20 years of global Muay Thai expansion. Salvatore Cherchi was named Man of the Year, and Chuck Williams received the Loyalty Award. The organization’s efforts extend to Saudi Arabia, where 128 fighters from 40 nations will compete in the Grand Final on December 20th, 2025. Life-Saving Initiatives Rocky Herron, a 30-year DEA veteran, was recognized for his drug awareness work, which has reached 287,600 children. Former boxing star Naseem Hamed accepted an ambassadorship and highlighted the significance of the Green and Gold Belt. The ceremony concluded with the Lifetime Legacy Award for General Kovid Bhkdjbhumi, the Father of Muay Thai. His son, Thanapol, accepted alongside him, representing a multi-generational partnership with the Sulaiman family in growing Muay Thai globally. Bangkok hosted more than a convention — it brought together boxing, Muay Thai, and the global fight community in a showcase of skill, leadership, and legacy. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside at the sport’s most significant events since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.

Reported first by Chava Rodriguez of ESPN, talks are on for a mouthwatering all-Japan clash between Tenshin Nasukawa and Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC bantamweight title. Junto Nakatani left the belt as he has moved up in weight and headlines at the end of the year on the same card as Naoya Inoue. Provided both win in December, Nakatani will face “The Monster” for the undisputed super bantamweight championship in 2026, leaving the 118-pound division wide open for a fresh storyline. And what a storyline it is. From Mayweather humiliation to the world stage The name Tenshin Nasukawa still rings with most fans because of that infamous night in 2018. At just 20, an over-aged but still far more experienced Mayweather dismantled the Japanese kickboxer on New Year’s Eve in Saitama. Dropped three times and stopped inside one round, Nasukawa looked like a boy thrown to the lions. But fast forward six years, and the “Mayweather kickboxer” has turned into a serious professional boxer under Top Rank. Nasukawa is now 7-0 with a victory over former world champion Jason Moloney. The win, on Junto Nakatani’s undercard in Tokyo, proved he’s not a gimmick — he’s a live threat. WBN previously reported that “only Mayweather has defeated the young hungry lion in over 50 bouts” as Nasukawa continues his transformation from kickboxing phenom to potential world champion. ¡Nasukawa vs Inoue por el vacante WBC! En negociaciones @TeppenTenshin y @takumainoue_122 para disputar el campeonato vacante de peso Gallo del @WBCBoxing. Noviembre es el objetivo. pic.twitter.com/NyD9aaaFHm — Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) September 19, 2025 Takuma Inoue in the opposite corner Standing in his way is Takuma Inoue, the younger brother of pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue. A former WBA bantamweight titleholder, Takuma sits high in the WBC rankings and represents an elite test for anyone in the division. Negotiations are reportedly underway for the bout to take place in November, potentially as a main event in Japan. The symbolism is clear: if Takuma wins, the Inoue brothers reign over the bantamweight and super bantamweight classes simultaneously. If Nasukawa wins, the man Mayweather embarrassed on a global stage will rise to WBC champion inside seven pro fights. The 118-pound picture The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Nakatani, who unified the division, sits high in the pound-for-pound ratings. Naoya Inoue aims to defend his undisputed crown in 2026. That leaves the bantamweight strap as the perfect launchpad for Nasukawa or Takuma to secure legacy. For Nasukawa, it’s a chance to erase the memory of RIZIN 14 and prove that his boxing career is more than a novelty. For Takuma, it’s a chance to bring another WBC title into the Inoue household. Either way, the WBC’s decision to pit these two together is a masterstroke. Nasukawa, once dismissed as “the kid Mayweather knocked out,” is now in the frame for a world championship, just twelve months after stepping up to the next level. Takuma Inoue is no easy mark, but this fight has Japan vs. Japan fireworks written all over it — and the winner is one victory away from boxing’s ultimate stage alongside Naoya Inoue in 2026. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Eight rising stars will battle for glory, cash, and a fast-track route up the WBC rankings when Saudi Arabia hosts the WBC Boxing Grand Prix Finals on December 20. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports, the General Entertainment Authority, and Turki Alalshikh, the Finals conclude an eight-month, multi-stage global development series designed to showcase the sport’s next wave of champions. After four tournament stages, more than 120 fighters representing over 40 nations have competed, leaving only eight finalists standing. Careers hang in the balance, as standout performances here can launch fighters into title contention. “The finalists take home more than $200,000 in prize money and the José Sulaimán Trophy,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the WBC. “They also earn a WBC ranking, a shot at the Silver Title, and global attention from promoters. These Finals can be career-defining.” WBN notes that some of these fighters could be on the verge of breaking into the top 10 of their divisions. The Finals will reveal who has the temperament for world-level competition. A New Era of Opportunity The Boxing Grand Prix is central to the WBC’s strategy to create clear, transparent pathways for rising talent. Built on the late José Sulaimán’s vision and advanced by Mauricio Sulaimán, the Finals combine innovation, competitive clarity, and international exposure: Single-elimination bouts where every round counts Open scoring with instant replay to ensure transparency The WBC Enhanced Scoring System with detailed round-by-round analysis Five judges in the later stages to minimize controversy Promoters and coaches alike highlight that consistent, composed fighters will benefit most from this platform. The Finalists: Eight Fighters, Four Crowns The José Sulaimán Trophy, the “Flame of Hope,” awaits the winners. Each finalist has shown resilience, discipline, and tournament-tested skill. Coaches and promoters see several as future world champions, capable of shaking up their divisions internationally. Featherweight Muhamet Qamili (Italy/Albania) – 25 – 17-0-1 (8 KOs): European gyms honed his pressure style and technical skill, highlighted by a semifinal knockout. WBN understands Qamili could soon challenge the top-10 featherweights globally. Brandon Mejía (Mexico) – 21 – 12-0 (10 KOs): Recently named in the Top 20 Boxers Under 25 on World Boxing News, Mejía’s power and fearless style mark him as one to watch in the global rankings. Super Lightweight Carlos Utria (Colombia) – 22 – 13-0 (11 KOs): Combining sharp technique with heavy hands, Utria is poised to make Colombian boxing history. Promoters say his style could trouble established international opposition. Mujibillo Tursunov (Uzbekistan) – 25 – 9-0 (8 KOs): Former Amateur Asian Champion, disciplined and strategic. Coaches highlight his ring IQ and composure as keys to his rapid rise in global rankings. Middleweight Dylan Biggs (Australia) – 23 – 17-1 (9 KOs): Strong ring control and sharp counterpunching define his campaign. Observers believe Biggs is ready for international-level bouts. Derek Pomerleau (Canada) – 25 – 15-0 (11 KOs): Precision and adaptability mark his style. Promoters project him as Canada’s next contender, likely to enter global rankings in 2026. Heavyweight Kevin Ramírez (Argentina) – 25 – 11-0-2 (4 KOs): From Buenos Aires streets to Grand Prix Finals, Ramírez combines grit with steady power. Analysts expect him to challenge regional and international champions soon. Ahmed Krnjić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 28 – 7-0 (4 KOs): At 6’7″, Krnjić combines mobility and size, aiming to be the first Grand Prix champion from his region. Coaches say his unique physique could make him a standout on the global stage. December 20: Launchpad for Boxing’s Next Wave The culmination of the WBC’s new global development tournament Fresh contenders emerge across four weight classes A pivotal step in the WBC’s long-term plan to highlight rising talent December 20 will crown new Grand Prix champions across four divisions. Winners could quickly step into major bouts and enter global rankings in 2026, making this more than a tournament — it’s a glimpse at boxing’s future stars. By the final bell, the WBC’s next generation will have announced themselves to the world. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years’ experience. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside at major global events since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.

A cracking William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer shootout is almost complete as the fight is near signing. What a fight too. Per Salvador Rodriguez in Mexico (English translation) on X: "They are about to finalize the rematch between @williamzepeda2 and @TevinFarmer22 for March 29 in Cancun. The fight will now be 12 rounds for the interim Lightweight championship @WBCBoxing . @YokaValle is in negotiations to join the card." Good fight to look forward to. Zepeda is highly tipped in boxing but Farmer is no joke, quality fight this.

Always in our hearts❤️ Big George!