James Slater

James Slater has been a leading voice at Boxing247.com (East Side Boxing) for more than two decades. His expertise lies in writing news, detailed historical articles, and conducting interviews with fighters across the globe. Over his career, Slater has spoken with world champions, prospects, and legends, bringing unique insights to both current events and boxing’s rich history. Slater’s long-standing commitment to the sport has made him a trusted source for fans who want context, reliability, and passion in their boxing news.

Who will Deontay Wilder fight next, and when? How about Jarrell Miller, and soon?

07/28/2017 James Slater

On Monday of this week WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder reassured us all that his next fight is coming: “Never fear ….the return is near,” he wrote. While the following day, the unbeaten power puncher tweeted: “Only a matter of time, the return is near, I’ll be back, wait for it.”

But who, when and where will Wilder fight next? Last seen overcoming the perhaps better than expected challenge of an unbeaten Gerald Washington back in February – this fight being Wilder’s first since he’d endured the longest layoff of his pro career; since his July 2016 win over Chris Arreola – Wilder has seen his name put alongside a couple of potential next foes.

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Carl Frampton misses weight for tomorrow’s fight with Andres Gutierrez, no longer a WBC eliminator for “The Jackal”

07/29/201707/28/2017 James Slater

Earlier today, former WBA featherweight king Carl Frampton surprisingly failed to make weight for tomorrow night’s fight with Mexico’s Andres Gutierrez. The featherweight contest, originally a WBC final eliminator for both men, is now only a eliminator for Gutierrez. Frampton came in one-pound above the 126 pound limit.

Despite this, Frampton and his manager Barry McGuigan are hugely confident going into the Irish warrior’s first fight back since dropping a decision to Leo Santa Cruz in their rematch back in January. 30 year old Frampton isn’t likely to be too concerned over the fact that a win tomorrow will not now earn him a shot at reigning WBC featherweight champ Gary Russell Junior, as he is targeting a fight with IBF 126 pound ruler Lee Selby; this fight a possibility for later this year.

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Hughie Fury-David Haye could happen, if Fury beats Joseph Parker, if Haye gets a WBO ranking

07/27/2017 James Slater

Yesterday, David Haye uploaded an interesting, somewhat intriguing message on social media, and today, Peter Fury has done likewise. Together, the two messages have got people suggesting there are serious plans for Hughie Fury to make the first defence of the WBO heavyweight title against Haye – should Hughie, cousin of course of the recently “retired” Tyson, beat Joseph Parker on September 23.

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Overwhelming majority of fight experts picking Garcia big over Broner; can “The Problem” silence his critics?

07/27/2017 James Slater

Adrien Broner will certainly be proving a lot of people wrong if he can do as he says he will, and beat Mikey Garcia on Saturday night. Arguably the hottest fight of the summer period (when boxing’s calendar is usually pretty empty, admittedly) the 140 pound clash has got plenty of people talking.

Garcia is the favourite in both senses: fans want and are rooting for him to win, and he is the betting favourite. Broner will likely be greeted to more than a few boos when the action starts, and he knows it. But Broner appears to be extremely focused, perhaps more so than at any time in is largely successful and exciting career.

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“Smokin’” Joe Frazier’s daughter launches petition for Philly street to be named after him

07/27/2017 James Slater

Muhammad Ali has a street named after him, so too does the flamboyant promoter who earned millions from the epic battles Ali and his fiercest rival, “Smokin’” Joe Frazier thrilled the entire world with. And now, in what seems only fitting, only fair, former heavyweight king Frazier could soon have a street named after him.

As per a piece on Yahoo! Sport, Joe’s daughter, Weatta Frazier Collins has started a petition to re-name Glenwood Avenue in downtown Philadelphia as Joe Frazier Boulevard. Already the petition has almost 6,000 signatures – 5,800 in all.

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Tyson Fury has apparently announced his retirement from boxing, again

07/26/2017 James Slater

Tyson Fury is notoriously known for changing his mind again and again, and for making statements he pretty much retracts soon after making them. But, taking the former, unbeaten world heavyweight champ at his word once again, it seems the 28 year old has announced his retirement from boxing.

Fury often releases messages via social media, but his latest message, put up on instagram earlier today, is apparently a goodbye to boxing.

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UK TV bidding war still going on for rights to Mayweather-McGregor – how much will UK fans have to pay – £100!?

07/26/201707/26/2017 James Slater

We are just one month away from the monstrously hyped Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor “Super Fight,” yet here in the UK there is still no confirmation regarding just who will televise the August showdown.

According to Eddie Hearn, who spoke with both IFL TV and Business Insider, the following have put in their respective undisclosed bids for the rights: Sky, Box Nation, ITV, BT Sport.

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Dillian Whyte to face blast from the past heavyweight Michael Grant on Crawford-Indongo bill

07/27/201707/26/2017 James Slater

British heavyweight and top contender Dillian Whyte, 20-1(15) will make his US debut on August 19, as he will fight on the big 140 pound unification showdown between Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo. But those fans who were hoping the 29 year old “Body Snatcher” would look to make a splash by way of tackling a formidable foe can forget it.

Whyte is scheduled to face, get this – 44 year old former contender Michael Grant, 48-7(36). The bout is optimistically scheduled for eight rounds according to invaluable boxing site BoxRec. Okay, as a tune-up affair, Whyte was never going to risk his career, but Grant, really? In his day, sure, Grant, all 6’7” of him, would have given Whyte all the trouble he could handle. But today, coming off three straight stoppage losses, Grant looks like mere cannon fodder for Dillian.

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Rating the “Rocky” films in order of greatness

07/25/2017 James Slater

They are without a doubt the most famous, the most celebrated, even the most cherished boxing films ever. They are the “Rocky” movies, all six of them (seven if you include the highly successful spin-off “Creed;” soon to have its own sequel) and fans in their many millions continue to be moved, inspired and pumped up by a viewing of either episode in the saga.

In short, the “Rocky” films have a genuine greatness to them; it is undeniable. Boxing fans, more than everyday movie fans, may love the efforts of Sly Stallone and co more than most, but pretty much anyone can find, and does find, something to enjoy in all six offerings.

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Tony Bellew-David Haye in talks for a December return, but Haye must agree to Bellew’s purse split demands

07/25/201707/25/2017 James Slater

Both Tony Bellew and David Haye will fight in December; it’s just a case of whether or not they will fight each other in a rematch or face someone else. It has been revealed how the two are in talks for a December rematch – courtesy of The Star – but that Haye, who sensationally lost to Bellew in March, must agree to Bellew’s purse split demands for the fight to take place.

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