Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew is expressing his support for welterweight contender Conor Benn in a potential bout against middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. Bellew believes that Benn's physical attributes could give him the edge in this matchup. In a recent fight in Manchester, Chris Eubank Jr., aged 33, showcased his dominance by stopping former world champion Liam Smith in the tenth round. This victory has reignited the interest in a potential showdown between Eubank and Benn. Back in October 2022, Eubank and Benn were slated to face off, but the fight was canceled during fight week due to Benn testing positive for a banned substance. However, there is a possibility of rescheduling this bout for December.

Tony Bellew is of the opinion that Benn's speed and explosiveness could prove decisive against Eubank. He acknowledges that Benn's condition and performance in the ring after a year of inactivity would need to be assessed before making a definitive prediction. "Too quick, too explosive, I just think he beats him. I don't know how it'll go, I just need to see Conor back first to see what the year's took out of him, but I still favor Conor. Explosive, powerful, quick- Conor Benn's one of them, you're going to have to put him to sleep. He's going out on his shield,"

However, before a potential Eubank matchup, Conor Benn must resolve legal issues with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Benn has been out of action since his knockout victory over Chris Van Heerden in April. While the National Anti-Doping Panel cleared him to box earlier this year, both BBBofC and UKAD have appealed this decision. Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom expects the matter to be resolved in the coming months. On the other hand, Eubank is exploring various options for his next fight, including a potential showdown against former middleweight world champion Gennadiy 'GGG' Golovkin.

This month, Joe Joyce is gearing up for a significant rematch against Zhilei Zhang, the fighter who handed him his first professional defeat and tarnished his "indestructible" reputation in the process. In their previous bout, Zhang's precise and powerful left hand caused Joyce's eye to swell so severely that the referee had to call off the fight in the sixth round. This victory earned Zhang the title of WBO Interim Champion and set him on a path to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the full belt. However, Joyce has a chance at redemption with a contractual rematch clause, and he's been diligently preparing for this opportunity. Reflecting on what went wrong in their last encounter, former cruiserweight champion and boxing pundit Johnny Nelson offered some insights.

“In my head, in the last fight Joe got greedy. As in he tried to knock him out. Worse thing you can do, because when you punch him you’re eventually gassing yourself out. So what he’s been doing to everybody else was done to him. What Joe should do it not get greedy, be Joe. Let the shots go. This happens when you fight somebody that’s easy to hit. When I was at cruiserweight and I fought heavyweights, you can get greedy because you’re faster than them. You whack him, and whack him again and think ‘I’m gonna get rid of him.’ He’s still there and you’re gassed.”

Nelson provided a strategic plan for Joyce's rematch, taking into account Joyce's decision to come in at a heavier weight this time.

“In this fight, Joe’s got to be consistent, be The Juggernaut, let the shots go in and out. Don’t stand in the pocket with the guy because you’re up against a bigger version of yourself, but he’s smarter than Zhang. And that’s how he beats him as far as I see it. He can win, I believe he does win.”

Joyce's opportunity for redemption is scheduled for September 23 in London, and fans in the UK can catch all the action on TNT Sports. Nelson expressed his belief that this time around, it will be revenge rather than a repeat of their previous encounter.

Renowned British boxers and former world champions, Carl Froch and Tony Bellew, recently discussed the hypothetical scenario of a face-off in the boxing ring. Both fighters boasted remarkable determination, skill, and heart, which led them to capture world titles in their respective weight classes. They frequently headlined high-profile all-British clashes on Sky Box Office, with Froch notably defeating George Groves twice, and Bellew triumphing over David Haye on two separate occasions. While they sparred during their careers, a significant difference in weight always prevented a genuine showdown. However, the topic came up in a recent interview, with Froch posing a question from a viewer:

“A prime Carl Froch against a prime Tony Bellew at a catchweight, who wins?”

Bellew initially demurred, responding with humility, 'Oh mate, let's just say you'd come out on top.' Froch disagreed and tried to engage Bellew in a discussion about their private sparring sessions.

“I’m not so sure about that, you can’t just give in that easy. Look at the spars.”

Bellew chided Froch for bringing up their sparring history, remarking:

“Yeah but they were behind closed doors. What happens in the gym stays in the gym until you, you silly b**tard, you put it in your book. I don’t believe in telling gym stories. And I don’t believe in talking about shoulda, woulda, coulda.”

Froch elaborated on the incident and admitted to being knocked down.

“Yeh but I was being honest. You walked me onto a nice right hand. But did I or did I not get straight back up and carry on the spar?”

The debate continued as the two argued about the specific punch. Bellew claimed that it had a more significant impact than Froch believed, asserting,:

"In reality, it was a left hook, you silly guy."

Both fighters agreed that it would have been an incredibly exciting fight, and Froch proposed one final time if they should make it happen.

“Yeh, it would be a barnstormer. Shall we do it as an exhibition?”

Bellew ultimately expressed his willingness, provided the financial terms were right. As far as fantasy fights go, this matchup would undoubtedly be a captivating spectacle.

Gervonta Davis is currently a highly sought-after name in the world of boxing, and he's been receiving plenty of challenges from his rivals. His recent victory over Ryan Garcia in April generated considerable attention, reportedly amassing over 1 million pay-per-view buys. However, Davis has also made headlines for non-boxing reasons, finding himself in legal trouble and serving time in jail due to a house arrest violation. This isn't the first time he's had run-ins with the law, and he acknowledges that his own actions could potentially jeopardize his superstar status. When asked about the boxing prospects Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson possibly having an edge over him, Davis firmly believes that the only person who can beat him is himself. He confidently states,

“You got the last one right – that’s the only person that could beat me, Gervonta Davis. That’s the only person. Those others cannot touch me at all. They’ve all been in the ring with me and I’ve cracked them both. Devin Haney is no 50/50 fight, how you going to keep me off him when he’s got no power. I sparred him twice – the first time his father took him out the ring, I almost knocked him out in Floyd’s gym, did they tell you that?”

Regarding a potential fight with Haney, it might have to wait, as Haney is moving up to the 140lbs division, where he's expected to face Regis Prograis for the WBC title. Stevenson has been struggling to find an opponent but is now likely to square off against Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title. As for Davis, he has plans to return to the ring before the end of the year, with a rematch against Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz currently in the lead as the next bout on his radar.

Few have a tougher background than Paulie Malignaggi, a former boxing world champion who has also dabbled in bare-knuckle fighting and now offers insights as a pundit. He's known for his candidness and recently expressed concerns about a rising heavyweight prospect he believes may not be the future of boxing. Malignaggi, who held world titles in two weight classes during his 16-year career, shared his thoughts with ProBox TV. He discussed Jared Anderson, an unbeaten prospect with significant potential on the American boxing scene. Malignaggi acknowledged Anderson's promise but raised some red flags.

“He’s got the biggest potential, especially on the American scene. But potential does not always fulfil itself. But yes, I’m one of the ones expecting him to do great but here’s the thing, there are a couple of red flags.”

The concerns revolve around Anderson's attitude towards the sport. Anderson has openly admitted that he doesn't love boxing and sees it solely as a job. Despite his impressive record of 14 knockouts in 15 fights, he went the distance only once, against former IBF champion Charles Martin. Anderson has also stated that he doesn't feel the need to become an undisputed champion to validate himself, even claiming to be "broke" at one point. Malignaggi took issue with these comments, especially Anderson's admission of breaking down in tears after what he perceived as a subpar performance against Martin. He questioned whether Anderson truly has a passion for boxing, noting that someone who doesn't enjoy the sport is unlikely to invest the extra effort and time required in the gym, particularly on the way up in the boxing world where passion is paramount.

“I wasn’t really into him crying but hey that can be a moment in the emotions. But you take that then take the fact he only wants to fight for three or four years and you start to think dude, does this guy even like boxing? You can’t be the future of anything you don’t like. You’re never going to put in the extra mile and extra time in the gym. On the way up that passion is everything.”

While Anderson possesses the tools, power, and support of Top Rank, Malignaggi emphasized that achieving greatness in boxing hinges on the right mindset. If Anderson can develop a genuine passion for the sport, there's every reason to believe he can reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.

Currently, there's no sign of an imminent showdown, but Lennox Lewis has shared his thoughts on a potential clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title. Usyk holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, with Fury possessing the WBC belt. Both fighters have impressive records and exceptional skills. Usyk's recent victory over Daniel Dubois and Fury's upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou have fans eager for them to meet and determine a true champion. In a brief YouTube video, Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champ and the first British champ since 1899's Bob Fitzsimmons, highlighted Usyk's credentials. He emphasized:

“Usyk cannot be taken lightly. He’s the undisputed champion under the heavyweights and he hasn’t lost.”

Lewis then focused on Usyk's renowned training methods, which incorporate mental and physical aspects. He also noted that Usyk has never faced an opponent as large as Fury, saying:

“When he trains for a fight, when he boxes for a fight, there is mental and physical involved so it’s going to be a great fight. Whatever he does he will come to win, he will pull out the stops. He’s up against a different man. He’s not up against a 6 foot 7 guy, he’s up against a 6 foot 9 guy who boxes orthodox and southpaw and moves very well about the ring.”

Lennox Lewis concluded by favoring Fury due to his size, saying:

“I always says a good small guy beats a good big guy, so there you have it.”

Regardless of the outcome, the boxing world eagerly anticipates this potential clash, although Fury has recently expressed disinterest in facing any opponents from the boxing world.

Deontay Wilder finds himself in a challenging situation after discussions for a bout with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia fell through. The collapse came as Saudi backers were keen on hosting a doubleheader featuring Wilder vs Joshua and Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. However, negotiations between Fury and Usyk fell apart, throwing a wrench in Wilder and Joshua's plans. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, is now considering alternative locations like Las Vegas and the UK for his fighter's next match. Wilder, who hasn't fought for nearly a year, faces further delays. Hearn indicated that Joshua aims to return to the ring in December, postponing a potential clash with Wilder to spring of next year. This would mean another seven months of inactivity for Wilder, which his co-manager Shelly Finkel is keen to avoid. One intriguing possibility for Wilder is a showdown with former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. In a discussion with TMZ, Wilder said:

"I’ll go straight with Brock Lesnar."

He explained his view that Lesnar's muscular build would be a disadvantage in a boxing match, saying:

"So, I think Brock Lesnar will be way too muscular. So, when you muscular like that, you knock off your flexibility."

This potential matchup has the chance to overshadow Tyson Fury's own crossover bout against Francis Ngannou, which took many by surprise. In the past, Fury himself had mentioned wanting to fight Lesnar, stating in an interview with True Geordie:

"I fancy a fight with Brock, for sure."

However, his bravado seemed to lessen in a later backstage exchange with Lesnar at a WWE event. In any case, a Deontay Wilder vs Brock Lesnar fight, either in boxing or MMA, would surely captivate fans and generate massive interest.

On October 28, Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou are set to deliver a highly-anticipated heavyweight Fury vs Ngannou showdown in Saudi Arabia. Notably, Fury has decided not to defend his WBC title in 2023, opting instead for this crossover match that will introduce Ngannou, a former UFC champion, to the world of boxing. Fury is expected to enter the ring as the heavy favorite for this Fury vs Ngannou mega-money event. However, Ngannou recently revealed that there's a rematch clause embedded in their contract. Speaking on the MMA Hour, Ngannou confirmed the presence of this clause, though he didn't provide specific details about its terms.

“Yeah. There is a potential rematch clause. I don’t know exactly how to explain that language, but yes, there is a rematch inside it.”

When asked if there would be a rematch in the event of an upset victory over Fury, Ngannou was unequivocal in his response, stating that there would indeed be a second fight.

“Oh, for that one, definitely.”

However, it remains uncertain whether the same privilege applies to Ngannou if he were to lose the initial Fury vs Ngannou match. Some insiders have also suggested the existence of a rematch clause in case of a Fury defeat. These comments from Ngannou, made back in July when the Fury vs Ngannou fight was announced, stand in contrast to Fury's initial statement at the press conference. Fury had proudly declared that there was no rematch clause, emphasizing his dislike for such provisions. He argued that once a fighter is beaten, it should be a conclusive result without the need for rematches.

“Oh yeah, by the way, we’ve got no rematch clause. So that sucks, doesn’t it? Imagine that. Couldn’t be bothered. I don’t like rematches. I hate them. I’ve been in litigation loads of times over poxy rematch clauses. When you beat a man once, that should be it, move on.”

While it's unclear if the contract terms have evolved since these statements, it's worth noting that the Fury vs Ngannou fight wouldn't have been officially announced and promoted without a finalized agreement in place. Despite the debate over contract details, many fans anticipate that Fury will dominate the bout, making these particulars seem somewhat inconsequential given his overwhelming favoritism in the matchup.

Weeks after the controversial low punch from Daniel Dubois to Oleksandr Usyk, discussions about the legitimacy of the hit continue to make headlines. One heavyweight competitor, Michael Hunter, argues that this incident adds to a growing list of examples showing that Usyk is vulnerable to body shots. During their championship bout for the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles, Dubois landed a punch near Usyk's belt line in the fifth round. The referee halted the action, declaring it a low blow and giving Usyk a significant portion of the allotted five-minute recovery time. When the match resumed, Usyk went on to secure a knockout victory over Dubois after dominating most of the fight. In the wake of the match, Frank Warren, who promotes Dubois, has been pushing for the WBA to either declare the fight a no-contest or to mandate a rematch. The appeal remains pending. Michael Hunter, who fought Usyk in 2017 and lost by unanimous decision, recently spoke to Seconds Out to offer his opinion. He believes that the controversial punch was above board, noting that such belt-line hits are not uncommon in the sport. Hunter also discussed the long-standing belief that Usyk is susceptible to body blows, stating that he's seen multiple instances where Usyk seemed to struggle against such shots. Hunter suggested that Dubois should have been more persistent, claiming that the British boxer seemed to lack determination after the referee's ruling.

“The initial thought was that wasn’t low. We get hit on the belt line all the time.” “Yeah, it’s never been a secret. There’s other clips out there I’ve seen since I was younger before I even knew who he was. If you look you’ll find other body shots with him complaining or getting dropped. It’s no biggy, everybody can get hurt to the body.” “Daniel didn’t put his foot down. If I was him I would have gone right back to the same spot and let the ref do his job.”

With the WBA expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, it looks increasingly likely that Dubois may need to find an alternative pathway back to the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.

Frank Warren, a well-known name in boxing promotion, has given a new idea for who Anthony Joshua could fight next. Talks for a big fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder haven't gone anywhere, and Joshua is trying to get his career back on track. He lost two big fights to Oleksandr Usyk in the past two years. Even though he's fought twice since then, against Jermaine Franklyn and Robert Helenius, many people feel he hasn’t shown his best form in those matches. Warren talked to IFL TV and said that if Joshua can't fight Wilder, he should consider fighting Daniel Dubois. Warren thinks this would be a really exciting fight that a lot of people in the UK would want to watch. The fight would be a test to see who can punch harder and who has more courage in the ring. He believes that the fight could be a big success and that a lot of people would buy tickets to see it.

“I’ll tell you what would be a good fight if that one doesn’t happen, a good fight in the UK, a fight people would buy tickets to see and see who is the biggest puncher and who has the biggest heart, him and Daniel Dubois.”

Before any of this can happen, there is one thing that needs to be sorted out. Dubois is currently trying to change the decision of his own fight with Usyk through an appeal with the World Boxing Association (WBA). So that issue needs to be resolved first. Dubois is still pretty young at 26 years old, so he has a lot of time to get back to the top level of boxing. But for Joshua, time is of the essence. He likely wants a fight that will quickly put him back in the picture for a world title. He wants to get back to the top, and he's probably looking for the fastest way to do that. So, while a fight between Joshua and Dubois would be interesting and could draw a big crowd, it would also have to make sense for both boxers' career plans. Warren's idea is exciting, but there are a few things that need to be sorted out before it can become a reality.

"Who’s got the biggest heart? Who’s gunna grit their teeth? You can’t say it wouldn’t sell. It would sell. It’s a big fight."

Andy Ruiz is still in the process of rebuilding his career after losing his unified world titles to Anthony Joshua in 2019. However, he believes he has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if given the opportunity by the WBC. Ruiz held the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles for a brief period after his unexpected victory over Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in June 2019. Their rematch in Jeddah in December saw him struggle with weight issues and ultimately being outboxed by a disciplined Joshua. Ruiz claims to have fought in two eliminators for the WBC belt, securing unanimous points wins over Chris Arreola in May 2021 and Luis Ortiz in September 2022. He was gearing up for a third eliminator against Deontay Wilder, although negotiations have been slow, and the WBC has since withdrawn the order for the fight. Speaking to Make a Move, Ruiz expressed his desire to fight Tyson Fury in Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. He also appealed to WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán for the opportunity, saying:

“I would love to fight Tyson Fury in Mexico at the Azteca Stadium but please I need [WBC president Mauricio] Sulaimán please to give me the opportunity man, give me the opportunity, I have a big feeling and a big chance that I’m going to win against Tyson Fury.”

When asked about dealing with Fury's size, Ruiz remained confident, stating:

“Yeah, he’s big and he’s awkward but so am I, so I am. I’m smart and fast and awkward too, so best believe I can win this fight and I’m going to win it if I get the opportunity.”

It would indeed be intriguing to witness how Fury would handle the shorter stature and fast hands of Ruiz, provided that Fury successfully navigates his upcoming challenge against MMA star Francis Ngannou on October 28, a matchup many in the sport consider a mismatch.

Anthony Joshua has been facing challenges in returning to his top form since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, and one fellow heavyweight has suggested that this is due to him being "mentally broken." Joshua engaged in two grueling fights with the Ukrainian southpaw across 2021 and 2022, spanning a total of 24 rounds. In the aftermath of the second fight, Joshua displayed signs of emotional distress, seemingly overwhelmed that his best efforts had not been enough to defeat the technically skilled and elusive Usyk. Subsequently, Joshua had a cautious points victory over Jermaine Franklyn in April and took his time to secure a knockout against late replacement Robert Helenius in August. Part of the reason for Joshua's struggles could be attributed to his adjustment to a new coach, Derrick James, based in Texas. James became his third coach in as many years following his previous splits with long-time trainer Rob McCracken and Robert Garcia, who oversaw the Usyk rematch defeat. Mahmoud Charr, the recently reinstated WBA regular heavyweight champion, drew a comparison between Joshua's situation and that of Wladimir Klitschko, who took years to rebuild after his first knockout loss. Charr noted that Klitschko altered his fighting style and struggled mentally after his loss to Corey Sanders.

“When [Klitschko] lost to Corey Sanders, he changed his style, he was not mentally strong, he was broken, and he waited many years to fight people from the Top 20, Top 10, to get back to where he was at the beginning. He was fighting only bums for three or four years.”

Charr expressed his belief that Joshua's mental game is currently lacking and suggested that facing Deontay Wilder next would be detrimental to Joshua's career. Charr stated:

“Right now Joshua is mentally broken, you can see that. Against Andy Ruiz Jr when he got first KO’d, two losses against Usyk, he looks broken. He needs time. He is not ready for Fury. He needs five or six easy fights to get back to himself. If he fights Wilder next he can stop boxing after that. He is not ready for Wilder or Fury and not ready for me.”

It is worth noting that Joshua is on a path toward a highly anticipated, but widely regarded as a dangerous fight, against American knockout specialist Deontay Wilder in early 2024 in Saudi Arabia. Joshua's perspective on his readiness for this challenge may differ from Charr's assessment.

Deontay Wilder could miss out on a highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua if he doesn't submit his paperwork soon. Despite uncertainties surrounding the fight's location, promoter Eddie Hearn has accused Wilder of delaying the contract to face Joshua. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian investors are losing interest in hosting the event, causing frustration for both camps. While a deal has been reached, Hearn and Joshua are eager to have the official contract signed so they can proceed with the necessary arrangements for the fight. Hearn stated:

“We’ve agreed the money, we’ve agreed everything,” Hearn told BBC Radio Five Live. “We’re waiting on the official contract, but we won’t wait forever. “He [AJ] is just training away, but he wants Wilder. If it can’t be made, he wants to stay active. If he fights in December, that’ll be three fights in eight months, which is incredible for him.”

Addressing concerns about Joshua potentially entering a Wilder fight with two less-than-stellar victories against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, Hearn commented:

“People keep saying he should have one more fight and then fight Wilder, but we don’t think so. “If it ends up that way, so be it. Nothing would surprise me. If he fights in December, if he fights Deontay Wilder, if he fights Tyson Fury next – nothing would surprise me.” Asked who could replace Wilder if he doesn’t ink the deal, Hearn responded: “There’s Filip Hrgovic, and there’s Andy Ruiz Jr, but it probably won’t take place in this country. “He’s had two now on the spin at The O2 Arena, so maybe we go to Madison Square Garden, somewhere in the Middle East. It’s just about activity for him.”

When asked about potential replacements for Wilder if the deal falls through, Hearn mentioned names like Filip Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz Jr. However, he hinted that the fight might not take place in the United Kingdom, considering Joshua's recent bouts at The O2 Arena. Alternate venues such as Madison Square Garden or locations in the Middle East are under consideration, with the focus being on keeping Joshua active. Despite uncertainties about his future, Wilder, who is approaching 38 years old, has expressed a desire to fight multiple times before retiring at age 40. However, he has been labeled semi-retired by some due to his limited activity, having fought only twice since February 2020. Wilder has promised to deliver exciting fights in his remaining years in the sport, but those promises have yet to materialize, leaving fans and pundits questioning what he's waiting for as his career winds down.

Former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion, George Groves, has expressed his desire to see Chris Eubank Jr. face a formidable opponent in his next fight. Groves, who defeated Eubank in 2018 in what turned out to be his last professional victory, believes that Eubank's "frightening punch power" could lead to an exciting bout. Eubank, after securing a rematch victory against Liam Smith, is now eyeing success in the middleweight division. In an interview with Bitcoin Casinos, Groves suggested that a clash between Eubank and Gennadiy Golovkin would be an intriguing matchup.

“Golovkin is a great fight. I’m not sure what he has left. It might be the right time to get him. He hasn’t boxed for a year now and he’s just vacated one of his belts, so we’re not sure whether he’s accumulating injuries or father time has caught up with him, but that’s a fascinating fight.” ‘Golovkin is a career middleweight, a big name, has great boxing ability and his boxing IQ’s not going to leave him. Maybe some of the athleticism has left him, but he’s got the ability to manoeuvre himself into position to make those subtle adjustments, and then to punch off of it.” “He’s one of the best to do it in this era and he has frightening punch power, so I think that makes for a great fight, because neither will want to give away free shots. Eubank doesn’t have that one punch power, but if he’s a bit fresher than Golovkin and if he lands a decent body shot and then follows with three, four, five shots, it would be interesting.”

While Golovkin no longer holds a world title, a victory against him could set up Eubank for a shot at one of the current middleweight champions next year. However, Groves acknowledged that a fight with Conor Benn seems more likely. Promoter Eddie Hearn has already confirmed that discussions between the two camps have begun, despite Benn not currently holding a British Boxing Board of Control license.

“My preference is Golovkin. But I think we’ll end up with [Conor] Benn next.”

Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin seemed poised to clash in November for the vacant WBC Lightweight World title after Devin Haney decided to move up to the super-lightweight division. As the mandatory challenger, Stevenson was eager to vie for the championship in his next bout. Initially, the opportunity to face Stevenson was extended to Vasily Lomachenko and Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz, but both declined the offer. The next contender in line was the undefeated southpaw, Frank Martin. Despite challenges arising from promotional affiliations and broadcasting rights – Stevenson with Top Rank and ESPN, and Martin with PBC and Showtime – their teams appeared to have reached an agreement before purse bids became necessary. However, a surprising turn of events occurred when Top Rank sent the contract to PBC, as they were informed that Martin was no longer interested in the fight. This decision sparked widespread reactions from fans and experts who were eagerly anticipating what promised to be a technically impressive bout. Shakur Stevenson promptly voiced his frustration on social media, accusing Martin of avoiding the fight. In response, Martin, not unexpectedly, denied these allegations with a straightforward statement:

"I ain't duck s**t..."

Whether Frank Martin has any further comments or insights regarding the situation remains uncertain. As of now, it appears that the opportunity to contend for the vacant title against Stevenson will fall to Edwin De Los Santos from the Dominican Republic. If the Newark fighter secures victory, he will become a three-division champion at just 26 years old, further solidifying his potential to establish a remarkable legacy that has already gained recognition from many in the boxing world. The specifics regarding whether Top Rank will maintain the same date for Stevenson's next match, regardless of the opponent, remain unclear. Previously, the promotional company had targeted Thursday, November 16th, in Las Vegas, aligning with the Formula 1 weekend.

In what is undoubtedly the most significant fight of his career, Joe Joyce is gearing up for a rematch against Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang. The first bout with 'Big Bang,' who employs a southpaw stance and delivers powerful, precise punches, ended in Joyce's defeat, with his eye dangerously swollen by the sixth round. Not only did Joyce lose his previously unbeaten record in that fight, but he also forfeited his mandatory position for a world title shot. However, he promptly activated the rematch clause in a bid to reclaim his mandatory status. Carl Frampton, a former two-weight world champion turned boxing pundit, is voicing his support for the British fighter in this rematch. Frampton believes that Joyce has what it takes to come out victorious this time around.

“I think revenge. I think that Joe was very, very poor in the first fight, he’s admitted that. It looked like he’d never seen a southpaw in his life, never mind prepared properly with southpaws in training. With small adjustments – he doesn’t even have to do anything major – he can reverse that and win the fight. I fancied him in the first fight but I got it wrong. But I think he will win this fight.”

Frampton also pointed out that, despite Joyce facing adversity early in the first fight and his eye swelling, there were indications that the momentum was shifting in his favor.

“There were signs in the first fight, although the eye was badly swollen and Joe was getting hit a lot, there were signs that Zhang was tiring just a little bit when the stoppage came. Joe was having a wee bit of success, obviously with one eye shut as well. I think he can win this fight and I think that he will stop Zhang late.”

The prevailing consensus among boxing enthusiasts is that if Joyce can weather the storm in the first half of the fight, his exceptional stamina could prove advantageous against the 39-year-old Zhang. This notion is supported by Zhang's previous bout against Filip Hrgovic, where he also showed signs of fatigue. However, the initial six rounds present a real challenge for Joyce, as he needs to find a way to evade Zhang's potent straight left hand, which was highly effective in their first encounter. These two formidable heavyweights will face off again for the WBO Interim Heavyweight Championship on September 23 in London.

After an almost two-year hiatus from the ring, the renowned heavy hitter Deontay Wilder is making a promise to make his return soon, and he's issuing a stern warning: "No one is secure." This Alabama-based heavyweight has taken a substantial break since his two grueling defeats to Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021. During this time, he has engaged in less than one full round of boxing, where he managed to knock out Robert Helenius in the first round in October of the previous year. The world is eagerly anticipating a much-discussed showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for January 2024. Meanwhile, 'The Bronze Bomber' sat down for an interview with Frenzee Broadcasting to shed light on the challenges he's faced in finding opponents.

“I’ve had a lot of people run throughout my career cause of the power I possess.”

Wilder claims that the reason behind his inactivity stems from other fighters being apprehensive about stepping into the ring with him.

“People put things out there to make it out like they not running or not scared. But in reality, they scared. I got a lot of guys right now, we could have made great money but they dodged it. They don’t know I know.”

He refrained from revealing specific names but issued a final warning to all his fellow heavyweight contenders.

“Deep down in they heart, they know who it is. But it’s all good though because at this moment in time nobody is safe. I think I’ve got three more years left but I’m gunna bless the world my last three years with some of the best fights they ever seen, the people they want. As long as they don’t run. We got them.”

A potential bout with Joshua would undoubtedly mark an exciting beginning to Wilder's final chapter in the sport.

Tyson Fury has unequivocally rejected the possibility of facing one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, stating that there is "absolutely no chance" of such a bout taking place. Fury has been absent from the boxing ring since December of the previous year, when he secured victory over his long-standing rival Derek Chisora for the third time. This bout took place in front of an impressive crowd of 60,000 spectators at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This victory marked Fury's third successful defense of his WBC belt, which he had claimed in a rematch against Deontay Wilder in 2021. Their initial encounter had ended controversially in a draw. Subsequently, a third showdown between the two fighters was mandated following an arbitration ruling in favor of Wilder's team. In their third encounter, the undefeated British fighter once again emerged victorious, delivering a knockout to Wilder in the eleventh round after an exhilarating back-and-forth battle. During an interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take, Fury was questioned about the possibility of a fourth bout against Deontay Wilder. In response, Fury left no room for ambiguity, stating,

“Zero possibilities. I already spanked him three times – you know I won the first fight. First one I kicked his a**, second two I knocked his a** out. I give him a hell of a beating three times so he’d have to be stupid to want to fight me again, that’s for sure.”

Fury is set to return to the ring next month as he faces Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, in a crossover fight in Saudi Arabia scheduled for October 28. While the outcome of this contest will be recorded on both fighters' records, it's important to note that the WBC title will not be at stake, as this marks Ngannou's debut in professional boxing.

In a recent interview with Fighters Talk TV, Ahmed Hatim, along with his coach Andy Gill, shared insights into his grueling training regimen, mindset, and what's on the horizon for this promising young fighter. Ahmed's journey in the boxing world has been nothing short of remarkable. He's recently switched coaches to work with Andy Gill, and the results have been impressive. According to Ahmed, their relationship clicked straight away, and they've been getting down to business ever since. The chemistry between a boxer and their coach is vital, and it's clear that Ahmed and Andy have found the perfect partnership. One thing that stands out about Ahmed is his dedication to the sport. He revealed that he's obsessed with training and pushes himself to the limit every day. His mantra is clear:

"Train hard in the gym, so you can fight easy in the ring."

It's this level of commitment that sets Ahmed apart from the rest. In interview with Fighters Talk TV, Andy Gill emphasized the importance of boxing smart, a lesson he's been instilling in Ahmed. The goal is to refine his boxing skills and strategy, allowing him to go the distance and secure those crucial victories. It's not just about going to war in the ring; it's about executing a well-thought-out plan. Ahmed's mindset is one of his biggest assets. He firmly believes that no opponent should have a stronger mindset or heart than him. It's this unwavering determination that gives him the edge. Talent is essential in boxing, but it's the mental fortitude that can make all the difference when the going gets tough. On September 16th, Ahmed Hatim faces the British Title Eliminator at York Hall. It's a crucial step in his career, and Ahmed is ready for whatever the fight brings. He's prepared for 10 hard rounds but is open to any scenario that may unfold. Ahmed's message to his fans is simple:

"Be there to watch it, because it's going to be a show you won't forget."

If you want to witness Ahmed Hatim's journey firsthand and support this rising star, you can get your tickets directly from him. Connect with him on social media, where he goes by the username @_a.hatim. Grab your tickets and be part of an electrifying night of boxing. Further in the interview he told Fighters Talk TV, that he is looking beyond the English Title Eliminator, Ahmed Hatim has big dreams. He's not just after one belt; he wants them all. With the right steps at the right time, he's poised to make a significant impact in the world of boxing. Ahmed Hatim's story is one of dedication, obsession, and unwavering determination. With a new coach, a refined strategy, and a mindset that can't be broken, he's ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. Mark your calendars for September 16th, and don't miss the chance to witness this rising star in action. Ahmed Hatim is a name you'll want to remember in the world of boxing.

Carl Froch, a prominent boxing pundit, has once again expressed his views on former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, this time characterizing the fellow British fighter as a "damaged fighter." Froch, known for his candid commentary on boxing, has been vocal about Joshua's recent performances. Previously, the former super-middleweight champion claimed that Joshua had his "soul taken" in his first career defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. He asserted that Joshua has been hesitant and cautious in his fights ever since that loss. During an episode of his Froch on Fighting YouTube channel, "The Cobra" referred to Joshua as a "damaged" fighter since that significant upset in the heavyweight division. Froch went on to suggest that if Joshua were to lose to Deontay Wilder in their highly anticipated bout, it could spell the end of Joshua's career.

"If Deontay Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I don’t think Joshua will want to fight again after that, I don’t think he can build up after that. If Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I think that’s the end of Anthony Joshua, I don’t think he comes back from that."

Froch expressed his concerns about Joshua's mental state, stating:

"Anthony Joshua since the Ruiz loss – I think he’s been a damaged fighter, I’ve got to be honest. I don’t think he’s ever been the same since that loss. You can see by his performances what he’s thinking, when I watch him fight I’m concerned that he’s not there [points to his head] anymore."

While Froch has publicly indicated his belief that "The Bronze Bomber" Deontay Wilder will prevail over "AJ," he also discussed the possibility of Joshua winning. In that case, Froch suggested that the long-anticipated fight against Tyson Fury should be pursued. "Depending on how the fight went, if it was a one-punch knockout, then my opinion would be that he’s broken the curse and he’s back, and let’s get the Tyson Fury fight on ASAP because I think that fight is getting further and further away the longer Fury is out of the ring." While the Joshua-Wilder bout had been anticipated for early next year, promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that progress has slowed due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia, prompting consideration of alternative locations.