While UFC contender Farid Basharat navigates a contract standoff despite a seven-fight win streak, Australian boxer Tim Tszyu secured a unanimous decision victory over Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney on Sunday, as teenage British flyweight Ruby White prepares for her Commonwealth Games opening bout.
Farid Basharat Confronts UFC Contract Standoff Despite Seven-Fight Win Streak
Farid Basharat is staring down an uncertain future with the Ultimate Fighting Championship despite holding one of the best runs in the bantamweight division. Basharat extended his undefeated professional record to 16-0 and his promotional run to 7-0 with a unanimous decision victory over John Garza on the prelims at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, according to reporting detailing his contract woes. Garza stepped in on reasonably short notice as a replacement after Ethyn Ewing withdrew from the bout.
Despite that victory, Basharat revealed that his previous deal has expired and neither the promotion nor matchmaker Sean Shelby has approached him or his management team regarding an extension. Basharat shared his frustration with MMA Junkie, noting that he is currently holding his breath while waiting for an offer.
“What can I say that I haven’t already said? To think that a man who’s 16-0, 28 years old, on a seven-fight win streak — the longest win streak in the weight division – (can’t get a new contract) …”
Farid Basharat, via Yahoo Sports Australia
The bantamweight competitor pointed out that his streak puts him alongside elite company in the promotion, matching the active run of flyweight champion Joshua Van, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Michael Morales. Online speculation suggests the promotion may be parting ways with fighters who secure decision wins rather than highlight-reel stoppages under a new broadcasting era. However, Basharat argued that his style features plenty of action, including spinning elbows, kicks, knees, and punches.
Tim Tszyu Defeats Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney as Brother Nikita Spotted Separately
Half a world away in the boxing ring, Tim Tszyu claimed the biggest win of his career by defeating former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, according to coverage from News.com.au. Tszyu, who now fights at middleweight after moving up earlier this year, pushed his professional record to 28-3.
Following the triumph, Tszyu posed with his team for celebration photographs inside the ring. Noticeably standing near the back of the group was his younger brother, Nikita Tszyu, in an awkward moment that highlighted an ongoing professional split within the family. Last year, Tim parted ways with manager Glen Jennings and trainer Igor Golubev, who is also his uncle. While Nikita kept Jennings and Golubev, the brothers have maintained that their personal bond remains intact despite taking separate professional paths.
“Nikita is definitely welcome in my dressing room on fight night. Again, he’s my brother. And it’s actually the same with his team.”
Tim Tszyu, via Fox Sports Australia and News.com.au
Reflecting on the victory, Tszyu stated that beating a great like Errol Spence tops a world title, though he immediately redirected his sights toward challenging for another belt against division notables like Erislandy Lara. Meanwhile, Nikita Tszyu remains undefeated in 12 bouts and prepares for a scheduled matchup against fellow unbeaten super welterweight Ben Mahoney next month.
Ruby White Targets Commonwealth Gold in First International Elite Appearance
As established fighters navigate promotional negotiations and career-defining bouts, teenager Ruby White is preparing to take her first steps on the international stage. Competing in the flyweight 51kg class, White is among 14 boxers selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Games, according to the BBC.
The Dorset teenager takes inspiration from British boxing greats Nicola Adams and Lauren Price, both of whom clinched gold in recent editions. White faces South Africa’s Thandolwethu Mathiba in her opening bout on Monday at the SEC Arena, admitting she expects to feel nervous stepping into the venue for the first time.
White enters the tournament carrying an unbeaten record that dates back to when she was 11 years old. She acknowledged that maintaining her unbeaten record places a heavy target on her back as she looks beyond the Commonwealth Games toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
