Boxing: Examining the Reality Behind the Headlines

The world of boxing is buzzing with significant events and potential matchups. Vasiliy Lomachenko recently announced his retirement after a storied career with titles in three weight classes, prompting discussion about his status as the best lightweight of his time. Manny Pacquiao, the sport`s sole eight-division champion, is set to return at age 46 to challenge for a welterweight title, attempting to break his own record as the oldest champion in the division. Meanwhile, calls persist for former heavyweight king Tyson Fury to emerge from retirement for a long-awaited clash with fellow ex-champion Anthony Joshua.

Other notable storylines include the recent cancellation of a planned bout between WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney due to “personal reasons,” despite both fighters being in their prime. Jake Paul is preparing for his next fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former middleweight champion with extensive professional experience, as Paul aims to transition from celebrity to world champion. Finally, former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. is stepping up in weight to challenge for the IBF junior welterweight title against Richardson Hitchins.

Two boxing experts analyze these situations, offering their opinions on whether these proposed outcomes and legacies are likely to become reality.

Real or Not: Vasiliy Lomachenko was the best lightweight of his generation?

Not real. While Vasiliy Lomachenko is undeniably one of the most skilled boxers of this era, his accomplishments at featherweight and junior lightweight shouldn`t be confused with dominance at lightweight. Despite an impressive 8-2 record in the division, his two most significant lightweight contests ended in defeat against Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney. Although the Haney loss was disputed, the Lopez bout was more decisive. Had Lopez maintained his momentum after beating Lomachenko, he might have a claim, but for me, the distinction goes to Devin Haney. Haney held an undefeated 30-0 record at lightweight, securing victories over both Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr. twice. Gervonta Davis is another contender, but his draw against Lamont Roach and lack of fights against Lomachenko, Haney, or Lopez weaken his claim. Shakur Stevenson is a rising force but is still relatively new to the lightweight division.

— Andreas Hale

Real or Not: Jake Paul will knock out Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.?

Real. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is unlikely to be in sufficient condition to pose a serious threat to Jake Paul in their upcoming cruiserweight match. Paul is expected to win, likely inside the distance.

Chavez`s recent activity has been minimal (only one fight since late 2021), and Paul`s higher work rate is likely to overwhelm him. Chavez could potentially fatigue after a few rounds, setting the stage for the social media personality to secure a highlight-reel finish.

On paper, Chavez appears to be a challenging opponent. He is a former middleweight champion who has faced notable fighters like Sergio Martinez, Canelo Alvarez, and Daniel Jacobs. However, in the last five years, Chavez has competed mostly at a lower tier, including a loss to former UFC champion Anderson Silva in 2021.

Following his unanimous decision victory over 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in November, this bout represents another opportunity for Paul to claim a win against a past-prime boxing figure.

— Nick Parkinson

Real or Not: Tyson Fury will return from retirement to face Anthony Joshua this year?

Real – but perhaps not this year. A clash between Fury and Joshua is more likely to happen next year. Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery, and Fury maintains that he is content in retirement. Given Fury`s recent consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Joshua`s decisive fifth-round knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois in September, it wouldn`t be surprising to see both fighters take interim bouts before a potential 2026 showdown.

Since 2013, the `Gypsy King` has frequently alternated between active boxing and retirement. Following his second straight decision loss to unified heavyweight champion Usyk in December, Fury announced his departure from the sport and has so far stuck to his word. In an Instagram video in May, Fury questioned the reason for a return: “For what? What would I return for? More belts? I`ve won 22 of them.”

However, many in the media and boxing community believe Fury is merely teasing a return. Since his loss to Usyk, he has remained in fighting shape, making a return to boxing next year a distinct possibility.

As for Joshua, also a two-time world heavyweight champion like Fury, he is not expected to fight again until October. Despite this, both he and Fury remain the biggest draws in British boxing. Deontay Wilder, another former champion experiencing recent losses, is being discussed as a potential opponent for Joshua later this year, which could pave the way for the Fury vs. Joshua fight in 2026. With Joshua turning 36 in October and Fury 37 in August, youth is not on their side, which makes it probable that they will finally meet in the ring within the next 12 months.

While the fight might not hold the same magnitude as it would have a few years ago when both were champions, an all-English heavyweight showdown would still be one of the most significant events in boxing.

— Nick Parkinson

Real or Not: Manny Pacquiao will defeat Mario Barrios upon his return?

Not real. Manny Pacquiao`s extraordinary career would indeed make a compelling film, but it`s hard to imagine his welterweight title challenge against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas concluding with a classic Hollywood happy ending.

After dedicating three decades to professional boxing, `Pac Man` has accumulated too much wear and tear. He has lost too much of his athleticism and is no longer quick enough to overcome Barrios.

Pacquiao`s signature style relies heavily on movement, speed, and intricate footwork, attributes that have noticeably declined for the Filipino fighter, especially after nearly four years away from the sport. His last fight in 2021, a clear points loss to Yordenis Ugas (116-112, 116-112, 115-113), offered compelling evidence of this erosion. Watching Pacquiao today feels like observing a slowed-down version of his peak self.

Pacquiao is aiming to surpass his own record as the oldest 147-pound world champion (set at 40 years, 215 days), but he will likely struggle to cope with the high punch output that Barrios favors. Barrios may not be regarded as an elite champion, and Pacquiao has certainly defeated a long list of boxing legends, but Barrios still possesses more than enough to defeat a fighter past his prime.

Having won titles from flyweight (112 pounds) up to junior middleweight (154 pounds) since beginning his professional journey in January 1995, Pacquiao`s peak years were undoubtedly over a decade ago.

— Nick Parkinson

Real or Not: The Teofimo Lopez vs. Devin Haney fight will eventually happen?

Real. Lopez and Haney have been on a collision course for several years, and it appeared their fight might finally materialize in August. From different perspectives, the reasons for Lopez withdrawing related to weight, money, or possibly both. There`s no indication that Lopez is afraid of facing Haney. The more significant obstacle seems to be the relationship between Lopez and Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority chairman and Ring Magazine owner, who was expected to promote the bout. Lopez had previously made “inappropriate remarks” about Alalshikh on social media, for which he later issued an apology. This is unlikely to be the final time Haney and Lopez are linked for a fight; it`s simply too compelling a matchup not to happen eventually.

— Andreas Hale

Real or Not: George Kambosos Jr. will become a two-division champion on Saturday?

Not real. Assessing George Kambosos Jr.`s true level can be complex. The Australian fighter began his professional career with a strong 20-0 record, highlighted by a surprising decision win over Teofimo Lopez in 2021, although Lopez was later diagnosed with a medical condition post-fight. Since that victory, Kambosos`s record stands at 2-3, with all three losses being one-sided defeats against Devin Haney (twice) and Vasiliy Lomachenko. His two wins in this period were a majority decision over Maxi Hughes and a unanimous decision against the relatively unknown and inexperienced Australian Jake Wyllie.

It`s worth noting that Kambosos`s most significant wins before the Lopez upset were contentious split decisions against Mickey Bey and Lee Selby. Considering this history and the substantial punishment he`s taken in his recent fights, it feels probable that the Australian has overachieved in his career and that we have likely already seen his best performances. His opponent on Saturday, Richardson Hitchins, is arguably more skilled than anyone Kambosos has defeated, apart from Lopez. The fight could unfold similarly to his losses against Haney, with Hitchins utilizing his six-inch reach advantage to control distance with his jab, frustrating Kambosos early before pulling away with combinations later in the fight. The challenge appears too significant for Kambosos to overcome, and Hitchins possesses the physical attributes necessary to successfully defend his title.

— Andreas Hale