DAZN News rounds-up up boxing's biggest stories for Thursday, April 2.
Janibek Alimkhanuly should have been stripped of the WBO middleweight title, according to Frank Warren.
Despite testing positive for the banned substance meldonium, Alimkhanuly still holds the belt and Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra fight for the WBO interim title on Saturday night.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Warren said: “Obviously he should have been stripped. I’m hoping Janibek will have to fight the winner.
“He [Bentley] was unlucky against Janibek, the first fight he had [in 2022]. It’s just that those four rounds slid by, and I think that was because he didn’t have the confidence – he grew into the fight, and in the end was well winning it.
“We’ve kept him there. We’ve kept him in that position.
Malik Scott believes Gilberto Ramirez is being overlooked ahead of his cruiserweight title defence against David Benavidez.
WBO champion ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez will welcome Benavidez to the 200lbs division when they clash on May 2 in Las Vegas and the former’s coach doesn’t feel as though his charge is getting the respect he deserves.
“It’s no shock but what surprises me is the people that actually know boxing, and follow this sport, they act like Zurdo Ramirez is nothing,” Scott told Fight Hub TV. “Zurdo Ramirez is the best opponent that David Benavidez has ever gone against, like ever.”
“It’s gonna be fight of the year and I have Zurdo coming out on top.”
Regis Prograis doesn’t believe he will be at a disadvantage against Conor Benn.
The pair clash at a catchweight of 150lbs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 and Prograis doesn’t feel the move up in weight will hinder his chances.
“I feel like I’ll be stronger and he’s coming down, he’s going to be weaker,” Prograis said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast.
“That’s how I see it. Me and Conor Benn, we’re the same height. All he can be is a little wider. He’s not going to be wider than Shawn Porter.
“He’s not a big guy. I don’t see where the advantages are going to come. I don’t see where the power is going to come from.”
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder square off this Saturday, April 4, exclusively on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or get this, Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), and Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23) PPVs all included with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription for £22.99 / $44.99 per month.