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.

James Toney recalls his disastrous move into MMA, says his fight with Randy Couture “has nothing to do with Conor McGregor”

James Toney recalls his disastrous move into MMA, says his fight with Randy Couture “has nothing to do with Conor McGregor”

Fight fans surely remember the time boxing great James Toney met MMA great Randy Couture in one of the first big-name crossover fights of its kind. It was back in 2010 that Toney, agreeing to fight Couture under MMA rules, climbed into the cage.

The fight, one that saw Couture win inside a round (just over the three-minute mark, having “choked” Toney) was a big deal, even if it was nowhere near as big as the upcoming Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight. Mayweather will of course fight MMA’s McGregor under boxing rules; something Toney tells Sky Sports he would have loved to have done in a return fight with Couture.

continue

Joshua must “forget about Fury,” says heavyweight great Holyfield, “Fury really isn’t one of those big-name fights for him”

Joshua must “forget about Fury,” says heavyweight great Holyfield, “Fury really isn't one of those big-name fights for him”

Heavyweight legend and all time great Evander Holyfield managed to get himself all the big-name, mega fights he wanted during his fine career; and “The Real Deal” won most of them. Now, with future heavyweight star (or present heavyweight star, depending on your view) Anthony Joshua attempting to carve out his own greatness, Holyfield has given him a bit of advice.

continue

Jhonny Gonzalez crushes previously unbeaten Jessie Rosales in two, wants shot at Miguel Berchelt

Jhonny Gonzalez crushes previously unbeaten Jessie Rosales in two, wants shot at Miguel Berchelt

It was a quiet weekend as far as boxing action goes, but there were a few fights taking place. Last night in Chihuahua, Mexico, former WBO bantam and former WBC featherweight king Jhonny Gonzalez scored an impressive second round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Jessie Rosales.

Gonzalez, 64-10(54) proved to be way too powerful for his over matched foe, dropping the 25 year old twice in the 2nd, first with a left hook to the head and then, ending matters with a body shot. Filipino Rosales is now 21-1-1(9).

continue

Can Tony Bellew do what his countryman Carl Froch couldn’t and beat Andre Ward?

Can Tony Bellew do what his countryman Carl Froch couldn't and beat Andre Ward?

Ward says he’d strongly look at fighting Bellew if the WBC cruiser belt is on the line

Fans await the respective next move of Andre Ward and Tony Bellew. Pound-for-pound king Ward is still weighing up his weight options, as far as whether or not he will jump up to cruiserweight, to heavyweight, or both. While Bellew, who scored a heavyweight upset over David Haye in March, is also looking at options in the sport’s glamour division.

continue

Jorge Linares ordered to defend WBA lightweight title against Luke Campbell

Jorge Linares ordered to defend WBA lightweight title against Luke Campbell

Reigning WBA lightweight ruler Jorge Linares’ next fight has been ordered by the boxing organisation he represents as 135 pound champion; Linares, 42-3(27) must face Britain’s Luke Campbell.

The fight must now be worked out between the two fighters and their respective teams, the deadline being 30 days from yesterday, July 21. Campbell, 17-1(14) became Linares’ mandatory challenger with his impressive stoppage win over Darleys Perez in April, this fight on the massive Joshua-Klitschko card. Southpaw Campbell, a 2012 Olympic gold medal winner, has been beaten just once as a pro, by the tricky Yvan Mendy who decisioned him back in December of 2015. Since then he has reeled off five straight wins.

continue

Amir Khan-Jeff Horn: Who wins?

Amir Khan-Jeff Horn: Who wins?

Jeff Horn is one of the hottest and most talked about fighters in boxing right now, courtesy of his big, big upset win over ageing superstar Manny Pacquiao. While we fans await “The Hornet’s” next move – will it be a return meeting with Pac Man, a Horn Dream Fight with “Money” Mayweather – British fight fans also await the ring return of Amir Khan.

continue

Carson Jones-Antonio Margarito set for September in Mexico

Carson Jones-Antonio Margarito set for September in Mexico

Mexican bad boy Antonio Margarito will continue his comeback on September 2 in Chihuahua, Mexico, the former welterweight ruler set to face teak-tough fringe contender Carson Jones. Jones, the owner of one very hard-earned 40-11-3(30) pro record, announced the fight on his FaceBook page, vowing to his fans that he will beat Margarito up (the bout is also up on BoxRec).

continue