NEWS & OPINIONS

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Fighters’ Families: The Hidden Cost of a Life in Boxing

When we think of boxing, our minds are filled with images of sweat, grit, and glory. We see fighters in the ring, battling it out, driven by ambition and the desire to claim titles. But while we applaud the spectacle, there’s a side of the sport that remains hidden from the spotlight. Behind every punch thrown, every bruise, and every training camp lies a network of loved ones who feel the pain and bear the weight of their fighter’s journey. The question is: How much does a career in boxing cost the families who are left waiting, watching, and worrying?

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Women’s Boxing: Is It Finally Getting the Respect It Deserves?

Women’s boxing has been on a relentless journey, from near invisibility to a global force in combat sports. Today, with trailblazers like Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Natasha Jonas, and Chantelle Cameron leading the charge, the sport is gaining recognition, headlines, and fan excitement. But the question remains: Is women’s boxing truly getting the respect it deserves, or are female fighters still fighting for relevance in a sport long dominated by men?

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The Role of Amateur Gyms in the Community: A Lifeline or a Liability?

In the heart of countless towns and cities across the UK, amateur boxing gyms provide more than just a place to train—they act as pillars of support, discipline, and community. With more than 1,500 amateur boxing clubs scattered throughout the UK, these gyms offer spaces where young people can learn discipline, respect, and resilience. Yet, despite the enormous value they bring, these gyms often struggle to stay afloat, and Chris Webb MP recently raised the issue in the House of Commons, calling for greater government support. 

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George Ripton George Ripton

Influencer Boxing: A Circus or the Future of the Sport?

Let’s face it, boxing purists are having a hard time swallowing the rise of influencer boxing. It's the elephant in the room, the big-money spectacle that's dragged the sport into a whole new world. You’ve got YouTubers and TikTokers stepping through the ropes, making more cash in one night than some pros make in a career. The question is, are these influencers bringing new life to the sport, or are they turning boxing into a circus?

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Are Promoters Building Stars or Wrapping Them in Bubble Wrap? Time to Put Up or Shut Up.

Let’s cut the noise for a minute. In today’s boxing world, everyone’s shouting about “building stars.” Promoters love to parade around, telling us they’ve got the next pay-per-view king, the new 'face of boxing,' or the second coming of Ali. But here’s the real question: how many of these promoters are actually building legends? And how many are just packaging fighters in bubble wrap, feeding them soft touches, and selling hype like it’s gold dust?

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The Weight Cut: A Necessary Evil or a Dangerous Tradition?

In combat sports, the real fight often starts long before the athletes step into the ring or octagon. Before the first punch is thrown, many fighters engage in a dangerous game of brinkmanship, pushing their bodies to extreme limits just to hit a weight they won’t maintain for more than a few hours. Weight cuts—widely accepted as part of the sport—are an unrelenting, physically punishing process involving strict diets, dehydration, and hours spent sweating in saunas and baths. But are these practices necessary for fair competition, or is the tradition one that puts fighters in unnecessary danger?

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Journeymen in Boxing: Unsung Heroes or Cannon Fodder?

Let’s talk about the fighters who rarely make headlines—the ones who step through the ropes knowing they’re likely leaving with another “L” on their record. Journeymen (and journeywomen) are the backbone of the sport, the ones brought in to test young prospects, provide experience, and keep the wheels turning. They’re the fighters with more losses than wins but more heart than most. The question is—are we celebrating their role, or are they being exploited to prop up boxing’s next star?

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The Fighters Who Fought the System: Rebels, Rule Breakers, and Revolutionaries

In combat sports, greatness isn’t always achieved inside the ring—sometimes, it’s carved out in the spaces between the punches. Fighters like Muhammad Ali, Tyson Fury, and others have become icons not only for their skills but for how they’ve dared to break the rules, challenge norms, and speak their minds, no matter the cost. The world demands more than just performances inside the ropes—fighters today are expected to entertain, agitate, or inspire from the outside too. But what happens when rebellion turns into revolution? And what role do these troublemakers play in keeping the sport alive?

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Brotherhood of Bruises: Are the Smiths the Greatest British Boxing Family Ever?

In the blue corner, hailing from Liverpool and armed with more belts than a flashy Italian tailor, stand the Smith brothers: Callum, Liam, Stephen, and Paul. But these lads aren’t just a family—they’re a force. They’ve stormed through the British and world boxing scenes, collecting titles, breaking jaws, and building a legacy that makes one thing clear: If we’re talking British boxing families, the Smiths might just be the top dogs.

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Who Really Controls Boxing: Fighters, Promoters, Broadcasters, or the Fans?

Let’s not beat around the bush—boxing is a game of power, money, and influence. But the question is, who really pulls the strings in this beautiful, brutal circus? Is it the fighters who bleed and sweat for their shot at glory? The promoters who play puppet master, dangling promises of riches and fame? The broadcasters who turn bouts into blockbuster events? Or is it us—the fans—whose wallets keep this whole show on the road?

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George Ripton George Ripton

EL GATO GAINS SWEET REVENGE IN LEEDS

819 days… That’s how long had passed since the controversial first fight between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall in 2022 but my word, the rematch was worth the wait.

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DAY OF RECKONING FOR DOMESTIC RIVALS

One of the biggest rivalries in British boxing history will finally be settled this Saturday as Josh Taylor faces Jack Catterall in a rematch of their hugely controversial 2022 clash.

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USYK MAKES HISTORY IN HEAVYWEIGHT THRILLER

Oleksandr Usyk wrote his name into heavyweight folklore on Saturday night as he became the first EVER four-belt undisputed champion AND the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years as he dropped Tyson Fury on his way to a split-decision points victory.

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A POTENTIAL DOMESTIC CLASSIC WITH WORLD HONOURS ON THE LINE

Wales and Northern Ireland, two areas of Great Britain renowned for breeding boxing talent, and this weekend we see two of their finest sons go glove to glove for the IBF World Super-Featherweight championship on a historic night in Saudi Arabia.

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STARS OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE TO KICK OFF THE RING OF FIRE

All eyes will be on Saudi Arabia this weekend when Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk put it on the line to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Ahead of the headline act, however, stars of the past, present and future will showcase their talents on an action-packed undercard.

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George Ripton George Ripton

HEAVYWEIGHT TITANS TO MAKE HISTORY IN SAUDI

The two best heavyweight boxers on the planet will put it all on the line this weekend as the lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury takes on the former undisputed cruiserweight, and now unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in a bid to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

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IFL TV WELCOMES THAT PRIZE GUY AS A LONG-TERM SPONSOR IN AN UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIP

IFL TV, the premier boxing YouTube channel renowned for bringing fight fans behind-the-scenes action and boasting over 1.3 billion lifetime video views and a an average of 36 million monthly video views across it’s platforms, is thrilled to announce an exciting long-term sponsorship with That Prize Guy, a leading competition platform that turns dreams into reality with its array of dream holidays and life-changing cash prizes.

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