Emanuel Navarrete Battles O'Shaquie Foster, Dalton Smith Defends In England + Shakur Bails On Zuffa! | BFW Preview Podcast 10 22 26

Canelo Alvarez is set to headline a fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, against Christian Mbilli, despite ongoing concerns about safety and travel disruptions in the region. As of Thursday, the event is still scheduled to proceed, although reports indicate that many fighters and their teams may not be able to arrive in time due to canceled flights and government advisories urging citizens to leave the country. Notably, broadcast teams may call the fight from London rather than being on-site, reflecting the logistical challenges posed by the current situation.

In other boxing news, Jerron Ennis has signed a seven-fight extension with Matchroom Boxing, positioning him for a potential unification bout against Josh Kelly, who also recently extended his contract. This strategic move by Matchroom aims to solidify their roster of fighters and set up significant matchups in the junior middleweight division. Meanwhile, Oscar Collazo is expected to return to the strawweight division after recovering from an injury, aiming for a title fight against Ryusi Matsumoto, following the loss of the flyweight title opportunity due to his rib injury.

Lastly, the fallout from Floyd Schofield's recent victory over Lucas Boddy continues, as Boddy's camp appeals the decision, claiming multiple knockdowns were missed by the referee. However, experts suggest that the appeal is unlikely to succeed, given the clear scoring of the fight. As the boxing world anticipates a busy weekend, the outcomes of these developments could have significant implications for the fighters involved.

We are ready for two championship fight cards in San Antonio, TX and Sheffield, England, plus, there are some interesting developments with Canelo's planned card next weekend and a prominent name divorces Zuffa Boxing befofe he ever fights for them. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack/Podcast for their insight and takes.

First, they preview Saturday’s Top Rank DAZN card in San Antonio Emanuel Navarrete vs. O’Shaquie Foster, WBO/IBF/WBC junior lightweight unification. Tremendous matchup on paper. What happens in the "Alamo City?" in this one?

On the undercard, Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez vs. Edward Vazquez, 10 rounds, featherweights and Frank Martin vs. Tarik Zaina, 10 rounds, junior welterweights. Dan has more.

Next, Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Sheffield, England Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello, 12 rounds, for Smith’s WBC junior welterweight title. High stakes here at 140 lb., including a potential fight with a fighter we're talking about below that's now a free agent!

Some news: PBC announcement of the Dec. 5th DAZN PPV in Glendale, Arizona:

David Benavidez headlines vs. Michal Cieslak, WBO/WBA/WBC cruiserweight unification. Benavidez is a massive fan favorite in Arizona and should roll here. The co-feature has Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Keith Thurman, 12 rounds, middleweights. This is the best we can do for Vergil? And, also on the undercard, Emiliano Vargas, Marco Romero and Nikita Tszyu are all in separate fights, against opponents to be named.

Next, Shocker! Shakur Stevenson asked for and given his release by Zuffa Boxing three months into deal and never having fought – There is no spin, it's a VERY bad look for Zuffa. This, includes further illustrating that they haven't accomplished anything with garnering big time talent or putting promotions and organizations out of business. Now, we wonder whether they are really in trouble??

Speaking of trouble- we update the Canelo Alvarez-Christian Mbilli situation for next Saturday in Riyadh, as folks involved begin making the trip, but others are not going or unsure of how to get there with the missle attacks and threats? What. Are. We. Doing. Here?! with this card going forward...

Also, Jaron Ennis signs 7 fight contract extension with Matchroom, which also signs Englishman Joish Kelly to an extension ahead of imminent announcement of their unification 154 lb,. fight likely first quarter of next year.

And, Lucas Bahdi appeals to WBA to order 135 lb. title rematch with Floyd Shofield on the basis of missed knockdowns in their title fight two weeks ago. We have more on why it likely won't go anywhere.

And, finally, strawweight champion Oscar Collazo's mandatory has been ordered and he plans to return to 105 after injury and cancelation of flyweight title shot earlier this month.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!