Michael Collins, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Smith-Benavidez Fight Not Done, Callum Seeks Titles

1 week ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

WBO interim light heavyweight champion Callum Smith says negotiations with WBC and WBA ‘regular’ 175-lb champion David Benavidez are “nowhere near done” for a summer fight. Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) sounded unsure whether the fight would get made. He has a nonchalant view about it, and he feels he’s in “a good position regardless” to challenge for a world title soon. Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and Smith hope to challenge the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy match.
Moses Itauma's Controversial #1 WBO Ranking After Balogun Win

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Moses Itauma (12-0, 10 KOs) was elevated to #1 in the WBO’s heavyweight rankings following his second-round knockout win over veteran Mike Balogun (21-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday night at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. Debating Itauma’s #1 RankingThe WBO president, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq., announced that Itauma, 20, had been moved to #1 with their organization after his win tonight.
Boxing Tonight: Taylor Vs Essuman

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Josh Taylor comes into his fight against Ekow Essuman tonight with much doubt about his future in their 12-round welterweight headliner at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. Many fans see Taylor, 34, as ‘washed’ and will lose against Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs). It would essentially be Josh’s fourth straight defeat if Ekow beats him. Tonight’s event will be shown live on DAZN starting at 2:00 p.m. ET /11:00 p.m. PT. Ring walks are expected at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.
Josh Taylor's Career On The Line Against Essuman Tonight

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Josh Taylor may need to retire if he loses tonight against domestic-level fighter Ekow Essuman in Glasgow, Scotland. The former undisputed light welterweight champion Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) lost his last two fights, and he’s hoping to rejuvenate his career at 147. He wants to taste the big dough before hanging up his gloves. Taylor’s Career JeopardyThe 36-year-old Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs) isn’t the type of fighter that Taylor should lose to if he has anything left.
Terri Harper Decisions Zimmermann; Hughes Wins Title - Boxing Results

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

WBO world lightweight female champion Terri Harper (16-2-2, 6 KOs) dominated the much less experienced Natalie Zimmermann (13-1, 3 KOs), winning a wide 10-round unanimous decision on Friday night at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, England. It was atrocious matchmaking for this fight. Why on Earth was Harper fighting this kind of opponent? The fight was a total mismatch from the word go, as Harper was far too skilled for the 42-year-old Zimmerman.
Official DAZN Weights: Taylor Vs. Essuman And Itauma Vs. Balogun

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Josh Taylor weighed in at 146.8 lbs and his opponent, Ekow Essuman, at 146.4 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in for their fight this Saturday, May 24th, at the SSE Hydro, in Glasgow, Scotland. Saturday’s event will be streamed live on DAZN. Can Taylor Revive His Career at 147? Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) is fighting for the first time at welterweight, and is in a position where he has to win to keep his career afloat. He said today that fan will see “Taylor 2.0” on Saturday, but people are skeptical.
Taylor's Comeback: Will He Defeat Essuman?

2 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Josh Taylor will need to be at 100% for him to defeat Ekow Essuman in their battle for the WBO international welterweight title this Saturday, May 24th, at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. The former undisputed light welterweight champion Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) has looked like he’s only operating at 70% in his last two fights against Jack Catterall and Teofimo Lopez, both of which he lost. Taylor vs.
Eddie Hearn Believes Johnny Fisher Vs. Dave Allen Rematch Should Have Been Stopped After First Knockdown

3 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Promoter Eddie Hearn says the fight should have been stopped after Johnny Fisher (13-1, 11 KOs) was knocked down the first time by Dave Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) in their rematch on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in London. (Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom)Hearn says Fisher’s senses were scrambled from the first knockdown, but he can understand why the referee, Marcus McDonnell, allowed it to continue.
"Not A Big Enough Name?" Joe Cordina Still Seeks Showdown With Shakur Stevenson After Injury Setback And Perceived Slight

3 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Joe Cordina is still bitter about losing out on a fight against Shakur Stevenson last October when the Newark, New Jersey native pulled out of their scheduled clash with a hand injury. The former IBF super featherweight champion Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) is still hopeful that Shakur will give him a shot at his WBC lightweight title because he wants to “test” himself against the top fighters at 135.
The $100 Million Hurdle: Are Fury And Joshua Too Wealthy To Accept Anything Less For Their 'Battle Of Britain'?

3 weeks ago | boxing247.com | Michael Collins

Getting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua into the ring for what Eddie Hearn calls ‘The Battle of Britain’ may require the involvement of Turki Alalshikh and the Saudis. Joshua and Fury have become so accustomed to making massive paydays approaching $100 million that they wouldn’t likely be tempted by a $35 million purse each without the Saudis. For the average world champion-level fighter, they gladly accept $35 million for a fight.