James Slater

James Slater has been a respected voice at Boxing247.com (formerly East Side Boxing) for over twenty years. Known for his deep knowledge of the sport, he covers everything from breaking news and historical features to exclusive fighter interviews. Throughout his career, Slater has spoken with world champions, rising prospects, and boxing legends alike, offering readers trusted insight and genuine passion for the fight game.

Miguel Cotto to return on June 18th, opponent TBA

Miguel Cotto to return on June 18th, opponent TBA

Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto, last seen losing his middleweight championship to the younger and bigger Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, is ready to return to action. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, Cotto has a date: June 18th being pencilled in for his next fight, but he has yet to officially name his opponent.

Cotto, who will likely fight once again in New York, has been in talks with fellow future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel Marquez, and could still face the Mexican great. However, another rumour floating around on a few web sites says it is possible Cotto, 40-5(33) could face thrill-a-minute slugger Ruslan Provodnikov next.

Broner vs Theophane on April 1st – no joke, but is anyone interested in this fight?

Broner vs Theophane on April 1st - no joke, but is anyone interested in this fight?

It wasn’t all that long ago that boxing people were calling a brash, unbeaten lightweight titlist , “The New Floyd Mayweather Junior.” That was back in 2012, and a lot has happened in the career of Adrien Broner, who is known as “The Problem,” since then. Most troublesome for the trash-talking 26-year-old from Cincinnati, was his brutally exposing beating at the hands of Marcos Maidana just 11 days before Christmas in 2013.

Lebedev vs Ramirez cruiserweight unification in the works for April 30th

Lebedev vs Ramirez cruiserweight unification in the works for April 30th

According to Dan Rafael, a cruiserweight unification clash that will contest the WBA and IBF titles could be heading to Russia – or maybe the U.S – on April 30th. Promoter Andrey Ryabinsky says Dennis Lebedev and Victor Emelio Ramirez have a deal in place to fight at the end of April.

Ryabinsky wants to stage the fight in America, yet he does not thus far have a TV deal to show the fight in the U.S. If he cannot negotiate a TV deal, ESPN.com reports, the fight will go ahead in Russia; either Moscow or Sochi. Either way, Lebedev-Ramirez is a good fight.

Errol Spence Junior could face Chris Algieri in April

Errol Spence Junior could face Chris Algieri in April

Errol Spence Junior, 19-0(16) is one of the hottest new talents around today. The former amateur standout who turned pro in late 2012 seems to have it all: speed, power, a fine boxing brain and a fan-friendly style and approach. The only thing the southpaw welterweight needs is further pro experience.

Spence, aged 26 and from Texas, had a very busy 2015, taking four fights – all wins needless to say – as his level in competition rose. Good fighters, Samuel Vargas, Phil Lo Greco, Chris van Heerden and, in his most recent outing in November, Alejandro Barrera were all defeated, all for being stopped inside the distance.

Golovkin no fan of Canelo-Khan clash, says “[Canelo] will knock the hell out of him.”

Golovkin no fan of Canelo-Khan clash, says “[Canelo] will knock the hell out of him.”

Middleweight star and, in the opinion of many, the best 160-pounder fighting today, Gennady Golovkin was talking to the press yesterday, ostensibly about his upcoming April defence against the unbeaten but largely unknown Dominic Wade (who didn’t even turn up at the press conference in L.A) but talk was always destined to turn to another, bigger fight: GGG Vs. Canelo Alvarez.

As Lance Pugmire of The Los Angeles Times reports, GGG was asked about Canelo and his desire to fight the Mexican star, as well as being asked his opinion on the Canelo-Khan fight set for May. Golovkin does not agree with those people who are sufficiently intrigued by the May 7th catch-weight fight to give Khan and his speed a chance of winning.

Fury-Klitschko II talks ongoing says Peter Fury: fight will either take place in UK or UAE

Fury-Klitschko II talks ongoing says Peter Fury: fight will either take place in UK or UAE

It seems we are inching, ever so slowly, towards a confirmed date and venue for the highly anticipated return fight between heavyweight ruler Tyson Fury and the man he shocked last November, Wladimir Klitschko. Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle and head trainer, spoke with Sky Sports today and he said the fight has been narrowed down to two locations:

“We are trying to locate and secure the venue and get moving forward,” Fury told Sky Sports. “I’m hoping some time soon we can get it announced. Nothing is set and it all depends on the venue. The fight is going to take place in one of two places; it’s either going to be in the UAE or in the United Kingdom. It’s a toss-up between the two and talks are ongoing. The best package will take it. It’s just about maximising revenue.”

David Haye speaks about the benefits of fighting on free-to-air TV, downplays pay-per-view

David Haye speaks about the benefits of fighting on free-to-air TV, downplays pay-per-view

Former WBA heavyweight champ David Haye has not yet officially announced an opponent for his second comeback fight, set once again for The O2 in London, but if “The Hayemaker” has his way, his fight will again appear on free-to-air TV. Haye surprised many by having his January return fight, against Mark de Mori, shown on Dave, a channel usually used to showcase comedy and chat show type fodder. But, despite the surprise, Haye’s one-round blow out attracted over 3 million views.

Khan said he’d fight “Money” – for no money! Khan insists Mayweather ducked him

Khan said he’d fight “Money” - for no money! Khan insists Mayweather ducked him

According to Amir Khan himself, the Bolton man wanted a fight with superstar Floyd Mayweather Junior so badly, he offered to fight the 49-0 master for free. Speaking with TMZ Sports, Khan – who got a massive fight with Canelo Alvarez after unsuccessfully chasing Floyd and Manny Pacquiao – also said he had no option but to move up in weight because “no-one in my division wanted to fight me.”