Boxing
DAZN News Daily Round-Up: Ortiz eyes return, Billam-Smith keen on Benavidez
Garner vs. Magnesi on DAZN subscription - TONIGHT
DAZN News rounds up the biggest boxing stories on Saturday, June 20.
Sparks fly as Zayas and Ennis meet
Relive DAZN FACE OFF here
Ortiz eyeing late 2026 return
Vergil Ortiz Jr. looks set to return to the ring later this year, ending a prolonged period of inactivity for the unbeaten super-welterweight star.
After plans for a bout with Jaron 'Boots' Ennis collapsed earlier this year, there had been questions on when Ortiz may step back onto canvas.
Now however, Boxing Scene reports that the star is in discussions with Golden Boy Promotions on his path back to action in late 2026.
Ortiz is the WBC interim champion, and would likely hope to mount a crack at the full title currently held by Sebastian Fundora if possible.
Pauls expects Bentley rematch
Brad Pauls has admitted that he anticipates a rematch with Denzel Bentley may be in his future, ahead of his clash with Bradley Goldsmith.
The former lost his British middleweight title to the latter in the pair's prior meeting, but share a healthy respect that could tee up another go.
“I really like Denzel, he’s a cool guy, but we’ve both been saying that, if we keep winning, we're going to fight again," he told Boxing News.
"It makes complete sense, especially if I get a world title. We’d have to stop sparring but, more than likely, we’ll end up fighting again.”
Billam-Smith eyes Benavidez
Chris Billam-Smith has thrown his name into the mix for a shot against unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez in his next bout.
The star won on his Zuffa debut this month against Ryan Rozicki and has made no secret of his desire to pursue Jai Opetaia next up.
But Benavidez's emergence as a powerhouse in the division following his success against GIlberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez has piqued the Briton's interest.
"Me against him is an absolute fire fight and a very fan-friendly fight," he told Inside the Ring. "He is a fantastic fighter."
Zayas vs. Ennis - watch only on DAZN
Xander Zayas defends his WBO and WBA super welterweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on Saturday, June 27, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
