Subriel Matias and Dalton Smith vow to bring out each other’s best in WBC title fight
Matias and Smith promise to be at their peaks for a title fight on January 10, Jake Donovan reports
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Biography
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
Area of Expertise
Breaking news, storytelling, sanctioning body shenanigans, purse bids
Interests
Attended Buddy McGirt vs. Felix Nance - Dec. 14, 1984, Uniondale (Long Island), New York. Went to support my dad's friend and co-worker at the time, featherweight contender Gino Gelormino on the undercard. Show also featured former 160lbs champ Vito Antuofermo and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jnr.
Career Background
First year 1997, only for a short time for a now-defunct barber shop-style magazine; consecutively since 2002. I was literally born into the sport. My grandfather split four fights with Tony Canzoneri in the amateurs and was chief sparring partner for Al Singer, despite being denied his own pro career. My father boxed as an amateur and raised me on the sport. I boxed just long enough to realize I'm a better writer than a fighter and became further intrigued (though also often disgusted) by the sport once I began writing. I take pride in the fact that the general takeaway from my work is that I'm fair and balanced, but that I also provide a voice for those who feel silenced by the greater powers.
Awards & Honors
5 Top 3 placements plus further honorable mentions in BWAA Writing Awards.
Articles by Jake Donovan: page 42
Shakhram Giyasov: 'Don’t care what Rolly’s trying to do… only about my title shot'
The clock is ticking for Rolando Romero to either reach a deal for his mandatory title defense against Shakhram Giyasov or sweat out a purse bid hearing, writes jake Donovan
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Oscar De La Hoya on Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia: ‘It’s the perfect fight for Ryan to come back to’
Oscar De La Hoya had plenty to say against the idea of Ryan Garcia possibly facing Jake Paul, whether in a real fight or an exhibition.
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Oscar De La Hoya eyes ‘January or February’ for ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez ring return
Among the many moves being made by Golden Boy Promotions is mapping out the 2026 campaign for Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez
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Jaron Ennis on Vergil Ortiz Jnr: ‘This is the fight I want next’
Jaron “Boots” Ennis didn’t want to leave any doubt over the fight he wants next – even if he initially chose to have some fun at the expense of his fans, and especially his detractors.
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Vergil Ortiz Jnr-Erickson Lubin live blog replay
Follow the Vergil Ortiz Jnr-Erickson Lubin broadcast action from start to finish in BoxingScene's live blog replay from Jake Donovan.
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