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.

Win, lose or draw, Floyd Mayweather will be a billionaire after August 26

Win, lose or draw, Floyd Mayweather will be a billionaire after August 26

No wonder they call him “Money.” Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotion’s CEO, told MMAjunkie how Floyd Mayweather Junior will, in all likelihood, become a billionaire after all the revenue comes in from the heavily hyped Mayweather-Conor McGregor “Super-Fight” of August 26.

Mayweather, whose career earnings are said to be around the, quite staggering, $750 million mark already, are expected by Ellerbe to go over the $1 billion mark after the Las Vegas extravaganza. So, win, lose or draw on August 26 (Floyd will win; YOU can take it to the bank) Mayweather will be one incredibly rich man; THE highest paid athlete in all sports leaving all competitors in his wake (his nearest competitors being Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods).

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Eubank Jr. beats Abraham but can he do the same to Groves, DeGale?

Eubank Jr. beats Abraham but can he do the same to Groves, DeGale?

Chris Eubank Junior has done a whole lot of talking throughout his pro career, as fans know. Promising much, the reigning IBO super-middleweight champ backed up at least a few of his big words last night, shutting out the ultra-experienced Arthur Abraham in a fight that, in truth, nearly everyone expected the younger man to win.

But the Abraham victory, the best name on Eubank’s record aside from Billy Joe Saunders who defeated him, is a step in the right direction – a step towards greatness according to both Eubank the fighter and Eubank Senior, the former fighter. Eubank, aged 27 and now 25-1(19) as a pro, will now go into the upcoming, eagerly anticipated World Boxing Super Series tournament full of confidence (when has he not been?)

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Boxing’s finest trash-talkers!

Boxing's finest trash-talkers!

Finally they are silent – for now. We’ve been “treated” to plenty of hype, nastiness, fun and games and, most notably, trash-talking these past four days; courtesy of Floyd Mayweather Junior and Conor McGregor. And, perhaps surprisingly, it is McGregor who gets most votes when it comes to who had the fastest, smartest mouth during the four-day press tour; with the MMA star getting off better, more amusing lines than his upcoming August ring rival.

Trash-talking has of course been around the sport of boxing for decades, with it today being as big a part of the game as stare-downs, catch-weight fights and rematch clauses. Trash-talking can be fun; if it’s done right. Mayweather, for once, found himself out-talked by McGregor (rest assured Floyd will make him pay in the fight next month) but “Money” is usually on the money when it comes to hurling both amusing and effective (effective at rattling his opponent) insults.

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Showtime boss Espinoza says he expects Joshua-Klitschko II decision “pretty quickly”

Showtime boss Espinoza says he expects Joshua-Klitschko II decision “pretty quickly”

Anthony Joshua could be heading towards his US debut in his next fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn has been looking over potential venues in Las Vegas, with the T-Mobile Arena now the frontrunner to host the expected rematch between the reigning WBA/IBF heavyweight champ and former king Wladimir Klitschko (Klitschko has still to officially confirm that he will face AJ for a second time).

And Stephen Espinoza of Showtime says Joshua-Klitschko II “would be the biggest heavyweight Vegas fight in probably a couple of decades.” Joshua wants it, Hearn wants it and Espinoza wants it – now it just needs Klitschko’s signature on the contract to make the rematch happen in Vegas. At least this is how it seems.

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Amir Khan on Kell Brook’s planned return: If he fights me that could be a third loss and bad for his health

Amir Khan on Kell Brook's planned return: If he fights me that could be a third loss and bad for his health

It’s been said more than a few times and by more than a few, that British stars Amir Khan and Kell Brook have no remaining big fight in their respective careers other than one against each other.

As fans know, former IBF welterweight champ Brook is coming off two painful stoppage defeats, to Gennady Golovkin and, just under two months ago, Errol Spence Jnr. Khan, the former 140 pound champ, has not fought since being taken out by Canelo Alvarez 14 months ago. But though Brook is planning to return, hopefully, he says, before the end of the year, Khan is reluctant to finally face him in what would still be a genuine all-British blockbuster.

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Floyd Mayweather says plenty about why he thinks Manny Pacquiao’s performances declined, while actually saying very little

Floyd Mayweather says plenty about why he thinks Manny Pacquiao's performances declined, while actually saying very little

Is the wide decision win Floyd Mayweather scored over fellow superstar Manny Pacquiao his defining win? It seems that, present, or upcoming fight with Conor McGregor aside, the May 2015 fight is the one most people want to talk to Mayweather about.

And though “Money” is currently going all-out to hype, hype and then really hype, his August fight with MMA star McGregor, he is still being asked about the win he scored over Pac Man. And, in a short interview with Fight Hub, Mayweather managed to say a whole lot about his former rival – this without actually saying much at all. We have to read between the lines somewhat, to get what Floyd is really saying:

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Chris Eubank Jr. Arthur Abraham weigh-in results

Chris Eubank Jr. Arthur Abraham weigh-in results

Update: Abraham finally makes weight. Weights: Eubank Jr. 167.5, Abraham 168

Super-middleweight rivals Chris Eubank Junior and Arthur Abraham have weighed-in for tomorrow night’s IBO title defence by Eubank Jr. and though both men look to be in fantastic physical condition, challenger Abraham actually failed to make the 168 pound limit.

Abraham was all smiles as he climbed onto the scale, but he tipped in at 12 stone 1LB and 5 oz, a little over 169 pounds. According to IBO rules, Abraham has until later this afternoon (around 4PM UK time) to shed the excess weight and come in at 168. Eubank, looking as stern as ever, tipped in at 11 stone 13LBS and 3 oz.

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The Mayweather-McGregor press tour: So far McGregor’s had the best lines, but Mayweather calls his bluff with “bet your whole fight cheque” challenge

The Mayweather-McGregor press tour: So far McGregor's had the best lines, but Mayweather calls his bluff with “bet your whole fight cheque” challenge

With two stops done in their four-city press tour, fans in attendance, and the two fighters themselves, have had a whole lot of fun with Floyd Mayweather Junior and Conor McGregor. The stop in Toronto proved eventful, with McGregor getting off a few good lines (along with plenty of expletive language!); but Mayweather perhaps got off the best line with his challenge to his rival to bet his whole fight purse on himself if he’s so sure he will win on August 26.

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