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Sep 09 2023

Tony Bellew Calls O'Hara Davies the Most Overrated Fighter

Former Cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has recently shared his opinion on who he considers the "most overrated" fighter in the world of boxing today. Bellew has been making headlines for his candid views on various fighters, including his criticism of Daniel Dubois for not pushing harder in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk. He believes Dubois quit in the ninth round of their title challenge. In a recent discussion on Froch on Fighting, Bellew pointed to 140-pounder O'Hara Davies as the fighter he deems overrated due to what he perceives as a tendency to "quit" during his fights. Bellew stated:
"Ohara Davies. He’s quit twice, I’ve seen him step up against Josh Taylor and he quit and he’s going on about how he should be world champion. When he stepped up against Josh Taylor he got his a** absolutely handed to him on a plate and he spewed it, he watched the referee count to ten when he was on one knee."
Bellew's criticism stems from Davies' actions in his fight against Josh Taylor, where he went down to the canvas and appeared to turn his back to the action, leading to the referee waving off the fight. Davies has defended himself, claiming he couldn't breathe after the knockdown. Davies currently holds a record of 25 wins from 27 fights, with his two losses coming against fellow Brits Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall. He has since rebounded with a seven-fight win streak and is now the WBA mandatory challenger for the current belt holder, Rolando "Rolly" Romero. While Davies is next in line to face Romero, the American is currently dealing with an injury. Talks of a potential clash against Ryan Garcia have also emerged, with Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya pushing for the fight. Davies has recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions.
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Sep 09 2023

'When I come back into boxing, I wanted to make the most money as possible' - Tyson Admitted that He is looking for Biggest Bags Possible

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, with a record of 33-0-1 (24), recently opened up about his primary motivation in the world of boxing, emphasizing the financial aspect. These revelations came during his promotional tour for a 10-round non-title fight against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion making his boxing debut, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Fury candidly stated:
"When I come back into boxing I said I wanted to make the most money as possible, that’s what I said to my lawyer. I didn’t come back this time for belts or titles or anything; I come back to secure my family and their family and their kids and their grandkids. And I’ve done it. I’ve done it. The reason why I’m even boxing anymore, when I come back was to regain the belts, which I’ve done; and two, more than that, is to get the biggest bags possible."
These remarks might raise concerns among boxing enthusiasts, especially those eager to witness a four-belt unification showdown involving WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs). Alternatively, fans have been anticipating a match against his long-standing domestic rival and former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs). As things stand, it appears more likely that Fury will square off against another boxing debutant, Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion. Fury confidently stated:
"I have no interest in fighting those guys because I’m bigger than all of ’em. I’m a superstar; they’re nobodies. I’m happy; they’re not. I have everything that they want, and there’s nothing they can do about it—apart from get yourself in line, get yourself mandatory by ten organizations, fight eliminator after eliminator for no money, like I did. And take ten years getting there, and when you get there and you’ve been the lineal champion for the longest ever, then come back to me and preach."
These statements may not align with the hopes of his co-promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, who expressed his desire to see Fury in a unification fight with Usyk before retiring. On the other side of the promotional spectrum, Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, conveyed Usyk's readiness to face Fury but indicated a willingness to wait if necessary. Krassyuk explained, "Do you think Fury can stop time from passing? Usyk is on his top now. If Fury wants to defeat him, he would have to wait something like five years because he will be on his top for the next two, three years, for sure. He’s 36. This is the golden era for a heavyweight." It seems that the ultimate unification of the heavyweight division is still awaiting resolution, and Tyson Fury remains a central figure in this ongoing saga.
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Sep 09 2023

Joshua vs Wilder in Doubts - Eddie Names Two Possible Opponents For Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn recently provided insights into the current status of negotiations for the Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder fight. He revealed that discussions have slowed down due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia. Amidst this uncertainty, Hearn mentioned possible alternative opponents for Joshua. While the heavyweight division has been abuzz with excitement about the potential clash between Joshua and Wilder, Shane Fury, the brother of WBC champion Tyson Fury, expressed doubts about the fight's prospects, describing it as unlikely.
“I don’t know the political situation, obviously Shane Fury is working with the new entity so he’s going to be supportive of that and I’m sure we’ll work with that new entity as well, they do a great job. For us, we’ve agreed terms for Joshua-Wilder but until we receive a contract the fight is not happening. Obviously politically it sounds like there is a lot going on but for us we’re ready to take that fight. Wilder’s team are ready to take that fight, everybody has agreed the terms, but until the money is put in place, the fight is not happening. It doesn’t just have to happen in in Saudi Arabia, there are other talks about other countries it could take place in. Regarding the comments I think there is some truth to it that there is a movement of management and ownership of boxing in Saudi and it’s up to them for what they want to do. If they don’t want to do Joshua-Wilder, maybe it goes somewhere else.”
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Hearn acknowledged the shifting dynamics in the ownership of boxing within the region. He also identified two potential opponents for Joshua if the Wilder deal failed to materialize.
“If we don’t get something sorted soon we’ll probably see AJ fight in December at a level above where he’s been fighting because he wants to stay active. It’s frustrating because we’ve been waiting and waiting, we’ve been patient for them and we’ve agreed everything but now it’s slow. Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz, I don’t know, but it needs to be a step up.”
Furthermore, Hearn hinted at the possibility of a fight between Joshua and Fury early next year, emphasizing that it would be the most significant bout for both fighters.
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Sep 08 2023

'Andy don’t wanna fight Deontay' - Malik Scott Put an End to Wilder vs Ruiz Match Rumors

Deontay Wilder has been absent from the boxing ring since his impressive first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in October 2022. This victory came after a series of thrilling battles with Tyson Fury, where Wilder ultimately lost and failed to regain his title, prompting speculation about his retirement. Despite confirming his intention to continue fighting following the Helenius knockout, Wilder's time away from the ring has been far from active. In November, the WBC ordered him to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for a chance to fight Fury and reclaim his old belt. However, no concrete developments occurred until this summer when both fighters confirmed talks. Unfortunately, negotiations quickly soured due to disagreements over purse splits, with Ruiz's camp claiming they were offered an inadequate deal. Speaking to Little Giant Boxing, Wilder's trainer, Malik Scott, confirmed that the fight with Ruiz was officially canceled.
“That’s dead. Andy don’t wanna fight Deontay, and his way of saying it was asking for 20, 30 million dollars for a fight that you don’t deserve 20, 30 million dollars for. Hiding behind the business is what he did, and I truly believe he never really wanted to fight Deontay, but it was a good sales pitch and something to keep his name going.”
Despite this, Ruiz had recently expressed his desire to face Wilder. Instead, it appears that Wilder and Scott are now gearing up for a showdown with Anthony Joshua in early 2024. Joshua, after losing his world titles, has secured two victories this year, and his team has confirmed their interest in facing Wilder next. Whether either fighter takes on lesser opponents before the anticipated Saudi Arabia showdown depends on the timing. If the bout is scheduled for January, it will likely be their next fight. However, if it's set for March or later, they may step into the ring for another match in the meantime.
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Sep 08 2023

'Bellew’s a b***h and so is Carl Froch.' - Tyson Fury Responded to Critics of Fury vs Ngannou Bout

Tyson Fury is not happy with those who have criticized his upcoming Fury vs Ngannou bout. Some fans believe that Fury has chosen a lucrative payday over legitimate boxing opponents by facing Ngannou, an MMA fighter who refers to himself as 'the baddest man on the planet.' The Fury vs Ngannou fight is scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh and will be fought under boxing rules for 10 rounds. Fury has even expressed interest in a potential rematch in the MMA octagon. During the Fury vs Ngannou first press conference, Fury was asked about comments made by Carl Froch, who called the fight 'a mismatch,' and Tony Bellew, who referred to it as a 'cash grab from both ends.' Fury responded succinctly, saying, Jealous. Haters gonna hate. Critics gonna criticize. Bellew and Froch are just being negative. Get over it.
“Jealous. Haters gunna hate. B***hes gunna hate. Bellew’s a b***h and so is Carl Froch. Get Up.”
One person who believes in Ngannou's chances is Mike Tyson, who has been training the Cameroonian-French fighter in recent weeks. When asked if this bothered him, given that he was named after the former heavyweight champion of the world, Fury dismissed any concerns. He also shared his thoughts on what might happen if his father's proposed fight with Iron Mike were to take place on the undercard, stating that it's all business. He's making money, right? My dad would handle him.
“It’s just business. He’s getting a bag, isn’t he? My dad would beat him up.”
Regardless of people's opinions on the Fury vs Ngannou fight, it's creating a lot of buzz and keeping boxing in the headlines.
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Sep 08 2023

'losing to an MMA fighter would be a humiliation I couldn't live down' - Says Tyson Fury at the Fury vs Ngannou Press Conference

Tyson Fury was in his usual charismatic form on Thursday, trying to persuade anyone willing to listen that an inexperienced heavyweight has a real chance of knocking him out in their upcoming Fury vs Ngannou match next month. The flamboyant showman pointed out that anyone, from a random person at a bar to a female interviewer, could potentially knock out the undefeated WBC champion if they landed the right punch. Fury cautioned that if he were to underestimate Francis Ngannou and get knocked out by the former UFC heavyweight champion, it would be a disaster. This fear has driven Fury to train twice as hard for their 10-round exhibition match, scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, compared to his preparations for title fights against Deontay Wilder. While many boxing fans and media outlets consider Ngannou an unlikely threat to Fury, the lineal champion, at 35 years old, sees Ngannou's raw power as a legitimate danger.
"I only trained for six weeks for Deontay Wilder, I'm dedicating 12 weeks to prepare for Francis Ngannou. So, I need to be at my absolute best because there's more at stake now than just a boxing match. Losing to a fellow champion might not be too bad, but losing to an MMA fighter would be a humiliation I couldn't live down. People would mock me forever. So, this fight means more to me than any other."
Ngannou, at 37, had knocked out 12 opponents in 20 professional MMA matches (17-3) before agreeing to box Fury. He had an impressive six-fight winning streak in the UFC before leaving the organization last year when his contract expired. Despite the doubts, Fan Duel still lists Fury as a 13-1 favorite to win the Fury vs Ngannou pay-per-view main event. Earlier this year, Fury and his team attempted to negotiate a title unification fight with Oleksandr Usyk's representatives, but they couldn't make it happen. This added to the criticism when it became clear that Fury's only fight in 2023 wouldn't even be against a professional boxer, let alone the undefeated IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO champion. Nevertheless, Fury suspects that Ngannou, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 260 pounds, might pack just as much, if not more, punching power than the taller and lighter Wilder. Fury, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, insists he's treating his training camp for this unique event as seriously as he would for a fight against Wilder.
"Regardless of how the media portrays it, know this - Tyson Fury will leave no stone unturned, and I will come into this fight in the best shape of my life to defeat this man. And if I don't, and I get knocked out, then laugh at me. I would deserve it. I'd be an idiot not to give my absolute all in training for someone like Francis. He's a powerhouse, and I have the utmost respect for him. I'm in the gym every day, training as hard as I possibly can."
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Sep 08 2023

Fabio Wardley Got Bruised In Stare Down with David Adeleye at the Fury vs Ngannou Press Conference

Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye, dressed sharply for their heavyweight fight announcement, unexpectedly provided fans with more action than anticipated. They were present on the red carpet during the press conference for Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou. Wardley and Adeleye are set to face off in an exciting domestic heavyweight clash on the undercard, which was initially supposed to be for the British title, but the status of the title is currently uncertain. Wardley mentioned that efforts were ongoing to have the title at stake in Saudi Arabia, but regardless of the outcome, he was confident that he would secure his sixteenth knockout out of 17 fights against Adeleye on October 28.
“It’s still TBC, it’s still a conversation we’re having. Obviously we want it on the line … If that’s not the case, the fight’s going ahead regardless. It’s still a great fight.” “He’ll be gone within the distance most definitely.”
Adeleye paid respect to his opponent but made it clear that he believes he will secure his thirteenth victory and maintain his flawless record.
“I’m confident. I know what I’m about. I don’t take nothing away from him. He’s a big guy just like me, both undefeated. He does what he needs to do every time, but at the end of the day it’s gonna be me or him – and I choose myself.”
Afterward, they had a face-to-face exchange of words, which quickly turned physical. Wardley approached Adeleye, who immediately pushed him. When Wardley attempted to retaliate, he stumbled over equipment. Wardley was later seen with a cut near his left eye and another under his chin. Tensions were already high, and this altercation has intensified the animosity between the two fighters. Unfortunately, the injuries have the potential to delay Wardley's sparring sessions, making the possibility of the fight being postponed a real concern for fans.
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Sep 08 2023

Fury looks Obese at the press conference of Fury vs Ngannou Showdown

Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou recently came face to face for the first time since their upcoming Fury vs Ngannou ten-round professional fight was confirmed for October 28. The event kicked off with a red carpet press conference in London, where the two fighters exchanged words and posed for photos. Notably, Fury opted to go shirtless for the photo opportunity. Fury, often referred to as 'The Gypsy King,' is the clear favorite in this Fury vs Ngannou crossover contest. It's hard to find anyone in the fighting world, be it fighters or pundits, who is picking Ngannou to pull off the upset, especially given that this will be Ngannou's first appearance in the ring following his successful UFC championship run. Fury, who describes himself as a behemoth, typically weighs in the range of 260-270 pounds for his fights. His heaviest weight in his career was during his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, where he tipped the scales at a staggering 277 pounds. Notably, Fury experienced a significant weight gain during his hiatus from the sport in 2016 and 2017 before making a remarkable comeback to become a two-time heavyweight champion. Fans who got a glimpse of the first face-off between Fury and Ngannou took to social media to share their observations. Some remarked that Fury appeared to weigh over 300 pounds, while others suggested that he seemed out of shape and may not be taking his training seriously for what many expect to be an easy victory. In contrast, Ngannou, who remained dressed in a suit during the press conference, has a reputation for looking powerful and fit. For his most recent MMA bout, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Cyril Gane, he weighed in at 255 pounds. The much-anticipated Fury vs Ngannou showdown is scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh. Fans can expect more details on the Fury vs Ngannou event and the undercard to be announced soon.
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Sep 07 2023

Nina Agdal Files Lawsuit Against Dillon Danis Over Online Harassment Ahead of Logan Paul Fight

Nina Agdal, Logan Paul's fiancée, has taken legal action against Dillon Danis due to his relentless online harassment. Despite their upcoming boxing match scheduled for October 14, the situation has escalated into an ugly feud even before they step into the ring. In the lead-up to the fight, the former UFC fighter has directed his online attacks towards Agdal, bombarding her with hundreds of messages on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter). One particularly offensive post featured a sexually explicit image of Agdal, which has prompted her to file a lawsuit against Danis. According to TMZ, Agdal's legal complaint cites humiliation, emotional distress, and damage to her reputation as a result of Danis's actions. She alleges that Danis has posted about her approximately 250 times in recent weeks, with his explicit post being a clear violation of federal and state laws. The lawsuit contends:
"Later that day, Danis reposted the explicit photograph in order to maximise the number of views it would receive."
TMZ further reports that Agdal is seeking unspecified damages but not less than $150,000 per violation of federal law that prohibits the unauthorized sharing of intimate images. In addition to the lawsuit, she has also sought a restraining order against Danis. Danis acknowledged the lawsuit on social media, stating:
"Nina Adgel has filed a massive lawsuit against me. She filed a restraining order against me and is seeking prison time, so the fight is in jeopardy if I’m in jail. "This is actually wild but I won’t stop f*** the system come get me. Logan Paul is a dead man walking."
It's important to note that the lawsuit doesn't explicitly mention jeopardizing the fight or seeking prison time, contrary to Danis's claims in his social media post, as clarified by a community note on X.
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Sep 07 2023

Frank Warren Pushes for Dubois vs. Usyk Bout to Be Declared a No-Contest in Pursuit of Rematch

Boxing promoter Frank Warren has initiated an appeal to overturn the result of Daniel Dubois' world heavyweight title loss to Oleksandr Usyk. During their bout in Poland, Dubois managed to knock down Usyk in the fifth round, but the hit was ruled a low blow. This decision allowed Usyk, the Ukrainian boxer, a recovery period, after which he defeated the London-based Dubois in the ninth round. The World Boxing Association (WBA) acknowledged receiving the appeal. Dubois' team has formally appealed the result of the August 26 bout where he faced a knockout defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Wroclaw, Poland. Now that the WBA has the appeal, it will be reviewed in accordance with our regulations. All decisions regarding this matter will be taken under WBA guidelines and announced properly.
“The WBA, now that it has received a formal appeal from Dubois’ team, will proceed with a review as per the regulations. “Any decision made regarding this situation will be made under WBA rules and communicated in a timely and appropriate manner.”
Luis Pabon, the referee from Puerto Rico, provided Usyk with nearly four minutes of recovery time after the controversial blow. Dubois and his team maintain the hit was legitimate, as it seemed to connect at the champion's belt line. After the match, Dubois, feeling exhausted and defeated by Usyk, did not participate in the post-fight press event. During this event, both Warren and Dubois' coach, Don Charles, expressed their disagreements with the referee's call. Regardless of the WBA's final decision on the match's outcome, Dubois and his team are hopeful that, at the very least, a direct rematch will be sanctioned to address the prevailing disputes.
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Sep 07 2023

'I Was Kinda Disappointed … That It Took This Long For Me To Get My Recognition' - Crawford Shared His Thoughts After Becoming 2x Undisputed Champion

Following his triumphant win against Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford confessed to experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. The victory, which took place two months ago at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, saw Crawford from Omaha, Nebraska, become the undisputed welterweight champion after halting Spence in the ninth round. In a recent conversation, Crawford expressed that, post-fight, his feelings varied from sheer joy to a sense of relief. Despite his victory over Spence, he also mentioned feeling “disappointed.” His sentiment stems from his belief that the recognition he rightfully deserved seemed to have been delayed in his career. As he approaches his 36th birthday in September, Crawford, boasting a record of 40-0 with 31 KOs, has often faced skepticism regarding his true stature in the welterweight division. Additionally, the politics surrounding boxing seemed to have kept him from landing significant matches. Discussing his emotions, Crawford shared with Joe Rogan:
“That’s what my feelings was. A lot of people were like, ‘Man, you didn’t look too happy after you won. I didn’t see the excitement in you.’ I was like, man, I was happy. I was happy I had to prove myself to the world how great I knew I was. But at the same time, I was kinda disappointed at the same time that it took this long for me to get my recognition, for me to get a big marquee fight at this status, at 35 years old.”
Crawford went on to detail his long pursuit of a match against Manny Pacquiao, which spanned almost half a decade before his bout with Spence. Being a champion for nearly a decade, Crawford lamented not always securing the big challenges he sought after. However, he takes pride in his accomplishments, being the first to achieve undisputed status in both junior welterweight and welterweight divisions during the four-belt era. Reflecting on the aftermath of the Spence fight, Crawford mentioned:
“You know, when you go in the back room and everybody want to see the excitement and I was just like, ‘I got that off my back.’ It was a sign of relief.”
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Sep 07 2023

'Deontay is prepared, violent, focused and ready to put a hole in him [Joshua]' - Says Malik Scott About Wilder vs Joshua Showdown

Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are continuing discussions about a potential Wilder vs Joshua showdown in early 2024. The anticipated bout, orchestrated by Saudi Arabia, has been in the pipeline for most of this year. While there's been no formal confirmation, both camps are stressing that the Wilder vs Joshua fight remains a priority. Wilder, now 37, hasn't stepped into the ring since his impressive first-round defeat of Robert Helenius in October 2022. This came after two losses to Tyson Fury. On the other hand, Joshua has kept busy after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, securing a win against Jermaine Franklin and delivering a seventh-round knockout to Helenius within the year. Malik Scott, Wilder's coach, is unwavering in his belief that Wilder will defeat Joshua early in the Wilder vs Joshua bout. Speaking to Little Giant Boxing, Scott conveyed his intent on disrupting Joshua's winning streak. He said, It’s a great fight. We all know who my pick is, and we mean them no good over there. I’m trying to stop what they're doing over there, and that’s continuing to win fights. My job is to make sure that Deontay is prepared, violent, focused, and ready to put a hole in him. And that’s what he’s ready to do. I truly, truly believe that’s what’s going to happen.
“It’s a great fight. We all know who my pick is, and we mean them no good over there. I’m tryna stop what they doing over there, and that’s continuing to win fights. My job is to make sure that Deontay is prepared, violent, focused and ready to put a hole in him. And that’s what he’s ready to do. I truly, truly believe that’s what’s gonna happen.”
Scott also highlighted Wilder's impressive record, pointing out the 'Bronze Bomber's' 42 knockouts. He believes Joshua's movement, or the lack of it, will make him an easy target, leading to the 43rd knockout for Wilder. Scott pointedly remarked, He’s too big to get out of the way of anything. Come on man, Robert Helenius was hitting you at will with the jab.
“He’s too big to get out the way of anything. Come on man, Robert Helenius was hitting you at will with the jab.”
While Wilder seems eager to dive into this much-anticipated Wilder vs Joshua match, it's known that his team might consider another bout in the meantime. On the flip side, Joshua's representatives have implied that if an agreement isn't reached soon, Joshua might schedule a fight in December.
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Sep 07 2023

'He’s [Ngannou] a Tough, Tough Guy' - Frank Warren Warns Tyson Fury Prior Fury vs Ngannou Bout

Frank Warren, Tyson Fury's promoter, has emphasized the need for the "Gypsy King" to be at his absolute best when he squares off against ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The much-anticipated fight is set to light up Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28, though Fury's WBC title will not be at stake. The contest, tagged "Battle Of The Baddest," is a headline attraction for the Riyadh Festival. As two stalwarts of their respective sports collide, global interest is inevitable. Speaking on the White and Jordan show, Warren highlighted the credentials of both fighters: “They’re both the best of their respective disciplines." While Warren acknowledges the prowess and boxing prowess of Fury, he has reservations due to Ngannou's sheer punching power.
“I don’t expect Ngannou to out-box Tyson but I know that he’s a tremendous puncher. He’s a roughhouse... he’s a tough, tough guy."
Warren believes the only path to victory for Ngannou would be a knockout, a feasible outcome given Ngannou's reputation as the world's hardest puncher. Warren stated:
“You know that [Ngannou] is going to come throwing bombs."
For the safety of the fighters, he underscored the need for a vigilant referee to enforce boxing regulations strictly. Elaborating on Ngannou's potential strategy, Warren said,
“He’s going to have to throw bombs and put Tyson out of his stride."
He also pointed out that one solid punch could dramatically alter the course of the fight. To underscore this point, he referred to Daniel Dubois's recent bout with Oleksandr Usyk. In reaction to Simon Jordan dismissing the event as 'rubbish', Warren defended its significance, stating:
“It’s not rubbish, it’s two guys getting in the ring and you’ve got to have balls to get in the ring."
Warren highlighted that combat is not new to Ngannou. Expecting a win for Fury, he remains cautious, concluding that the bout promises to be thrilling. Warren also responded to suggestions that the fight is primarily for monetary purposes. Comparing boxing to any profession, he explained that everyone works for monetary compensation. Asserting the magnitude of the event, Warren hinted at significant developments over the coming weeks.
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Sep 04 2023

'The main thing and good thing is people are getting found out' - Says IBF World Bantamweight Champion Ebanie Bridges About Alycia Baumgardner VADA Test Report

IBF bantamweight champion, Ebanie Bridges, has shared her thoughts on the recent drug-related controversy enveloping Alycia Baumgardner. Rumors began circulating after Baumgardner was reported to have tested positive for certain prohibited substances following her rematch win against Christina Linardatou in July. Specifically, mesterolone and methenolone metabolites were identified in her test. The repercussions of this discovery could be significant for Baumgardner, who currently is the undisputed super featherweight world champion. It's expected that all major boxing bodies, including the WBO, IBF, WBA, and WBC, will launch their own probes into this matter. Having a background in bodybuilding, Bridges possesses insight into the substances that have been pinpointed in Baumgardner's test. She explained to Lucky Block:
“Because the drug testing is so sensitive now, people are getting popped a lot more, whether it be through speckles of contamination or it's because they've done a f------ cycle, and they've timed the detection wrong. Do you know what I mean? Whatever it is. The main thing and good thing is people are getting found out." “That stack that she's taken is a very common bodybuilding stack. I was an ex-bodybuilder, and it's a very common bodybuilding stack for women, so it's going to be a hard one for her to explain, but if she is innocent, then I hope she gets justice, but if not, then I hope her opponents get justice. all I want is the truth. And in time it should come out.”
Being away from competitive boxing since the last year, Bridges is now keen to re-enter the ring.
“My priority right now is to bash some b!tches. I want to defend my belt because I've put my life on hold waiting to box. I can't travel. I can't eat, I can't go home and see my family. I can't do all these things because I'm in camp and always training, and always making sure I'm staying fit and ready, so I can get a fight. It's very hard,” Bridges said. “I think I'm deserving of a voluntary after not getting a voluntary and being forced to fight my mandatory straight away, and also coming off an injury. If I was to fight in America, I'd like to fight Avril Mathie because: I think it would be a great fight for both of us. It's a fight that will bring a lot of attention, a lot of eyes on the sport. She's a swimwear model as well, and she's got a great record, she's a tough fighter, Australian, she comes to fight, and I know that she'll come into the fight wanting to win, and I think it would just be a really good fight got women's boxing to bring eyes on it, and to show two females going hard at it. “I don't need boxing to make money. But that’s not the point, I have a bigger goal which is to be undisputed, and that keeps me focused on what I want to do, and that keeps me doing all these sacrifices day in and day out. Being away from my family, not going traveling with my friends, not eating out for dinners and stuff like that, because I have to keep weight. It’s f------ because the amount of times that I wanted to go back home but I can't afford that time out. I’m frustrated.”
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Sep 04 2023

Brian McIntyre 'BoMac' Arrested at Manchester Airport!

In a surprising turn of events, Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, the acclaimed boxing trainer behind Chris Eubank Jr.'s recent triumph over Liam Smith, got arrested at Manchester Airport. The incident unfolded after the security personnel reportedly detected a firearm inside his luggage. The 53-year-old McIntyre was in preparation to board a flight to Atlanta on Sunday morning when this unexpected incident occurred. His baggage, which was routinely scanned, allegedly revealed not just a firearm but also an associated magazine and rounds of ammunition. Upon this discovery, the UK Border Force swiftly intervened. The seriousness of the situation escalated to a point where armed police officials had to make their presence felt in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport. It was here, amidst the passengers waiting in the departure lounge, that McIntyre, affectionately known to many in the boxing world as 'BoMac', was taken into custody. He is now under investigation on grounds of suspected firearm possession. This incident has taken many by surprise, primarily because just the previous evening, McIntyre had played a pivotal role in Eubank Jr's impressive victory against Liam Smith at the renowned Manchester Arena. The high-profile rematch garnered significant attention, making the events of the subsequent morning even more shocking. It's essential to highlight McIntyre's reputation in the boxing community. Apart from mentoring Eubank Jr, he is also known for his association with the two times undisputed world champion, Terence Crawford. His expertise and guidance have played instrumental roles in the success stories of these athletes. While the sporting world reels from this news, the specifics and circumstances leading to the firearm's presence in McIntyre's luggage remain unclear. The team representing Eubank Jr. has been approached for a statement regarding the situation but has chosen to remain silent at this juncture. Sky Sports News, which has been closely following this development, also reached out to the Greater Manchester Police for an official statement or comment, awaiting their response. As the story unfolds, the boxing community and fans worldwide eagerly await more details, hoping for clarity on an incident that could potentially impact the careers and reputations of some of the sport's most prominent figures.
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Sep 04 2023

Tyson Fury, If Jon Jones Gets Hold of You He is Pulling Limbs off - Tony Bellew issued a strong cautionary message to Tyson Fury

Former cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, has issued a strong cautionary message to Tyson Fury regarding his upcoming fight against a formidable opponent. Fury is scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a crossover boxing match, a decision that has garnered criticism from various quarters. John Fury, Tyson's father, has expressed his desire to see Tyson engage in another crossover fight, this time in the MMA octagon against mixed martial artist Jon Jones. John believes Tyson's skill set would translate well in both boxing and MMA.
“Tyson isn’t the best in the world for nothing. If he crosses over, the Tyson I know, he can get in the octagon with anybody. I think you’ll see that with Jon Jones. I want to see that with Jon Jones. I don’t want to see a boxing match, I want to see both men with an all-in battle royale and let the best man at the end of it put their hands up and say I’m the best man, the hardest man and the baddest man on the planet. That would be my plan [to see that fight next]. Go out with a bang, let the world see you’re the real deal in all walks of life not just a boxing match.”
Bellew, however, has delivered a stern warning to Fury, advising him against taking on Jon Jones under MMA rules. Bellew has previously described Jones as a "monster" and emphasized that no boxer would stand a chance against him in an MMA setting. Bellew cautioned Fury that even if he believes he possesses wrestling skills and strength, Jones's expertise and power would make him extremely dangerous. Bellew predicted that Jones could potentially inflict serious injuries on Fury if he were to engage in an MMA fight with him.
“No boxer has any chance whatsoever against [Jon Jones]. As soon as somebody comes at you and starts doing this (crouches down), just hold your hands up and say ‘I’m good’, I don’t need any of this. Tyson Fury, mate I know you think you can wrestle, I know you think you’re strong and heavy, if he [Jon Jones] gets hold of you he is pulling limbs off. You’re going to lose your ankle your knee, your arm, you’re going to lose something. Jon Jones is a freak of nature, the guys a monster.”
The upcoming crossover fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou is set to take place on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite the outcome affecting both fighters' professional records, Fury's WBC title will not be on the line for this bout.
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Sep 04 2023

'Bear in mind he's got Mike Tyson' - Says John Fury About the Upcoming Fury vs Ngannou Showdown

John Fury, father of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, holds a different perspective on the upcoming boxing match between his son and MMA veteran Francis Ngannou. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is set to make his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in a non-title bout on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. While many expect a one-sided contest, John Fury believes the fight will be more competitive than anticipated. Expressing his respect for Ngannou, John Fury acknowledged his status as a world champion in MMA. He believes that Ngannou is taking the challenge seriously and predicts that he will bring his best efforts to the ring against Tyson Fury. John Fury doesn't foresee his son emerging from the match without some significant battle scars, stating that Tyson might face injuries like a broken leg or arm. He emphasized that the compensation for the fight is important due to the anticipated intensity of the bout.
"I hold him in the highest esteem and the highest regard. He's world champion at his game, he's taking on the best in the world, taking it seriously and I do believe he's going to bring the smoke."
To prepare for the fight, Ngannou has enlisted the assistance of former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson as his head trainer. John Fury holds a great deal of admiration for Mike Tyson and acknowledges naming his own son after the legendary boxer. He believes that Mike Tyson's presence in Ngannou's corner will contribute significantly to his training and approach. John Fury highlighted the dynamics at play, suggesting that Ngannou's desire to impress Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury's strong ego create a backdrop for a fierce contest. He emphasized the value of having Mike Tyson as a mentor in Ngannou's training camp, expressing confidence that Mike will provide valuable insights into boxing techniques and strategies.
"Bear in mind he's got Mike Tyson there and he wants to impress Mike Tyson. And then Tyson [Fury] has got an ego as big as Morecambe so the stage is set for a battle royal." "He couldn't have a better mentor in his camp than the great Mike Tyson, I'm sure Mike will show him the boxing moves he needs."
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Sep 04 2023

'This could be career curtains' - Says Carl Froch After Smith vs Eubank 2 Fight

Carl Froch has advised Liam Smith, the former WBO light-middleweight champion, to consider retirement following his recent knockout loss to Chris Eubank Jr. Froch praised Eubank's performance, stating that it was the best he had ever seen from him. The rematch between the two British boxers surprised many, as Smith, who had previously defeated Eubank with a fourth-round knockout, found himself knocked down in the fourth round and eventually stopped by the referee in the 10th round. Eubank showcased his skills by maintaining a sharp performance throughout the fight. He effectively used a solid jab and incorporated uppercuts to keep Smith on his toes. Froch, speaking on his podcast "Froch on Fighting," commended Eubank's performance while acknowledging Smith's struggles.
“That was probably the best I have ever seen him against a really, really bad version of Liam Smith. I can’t take credit away from Chris Eubank Jr because he performed really well, but unfortunately for Smith that could be the end of the road for him.”
Froch pointed out that Smith seemed uncomfortable at the 160-pound weight class and expressed doubt about his ability to drop down to 154 pounds or move up to the super middleweight division. He observed that Smith's weight challenges played a role in his defeat and suggested that this loss might signal the end of Smith's career.
“I thought he was comfortable at 160. He obviously isn’t. He’s took 42lbs off so he can’t go down to 154, he’s gunna have to stay at middle, and he can’t go up to super middleweight, he’s not big enough. But at middle you’ve just seen what happened to him. He can’t do it.”
Froch later stated in an interview on talkSPORT Boxing that he believes Smith's career is finished. He cited Smith's difficulties in finding the right weight class and expressed concern about his prospects moving forward.
“This could be career curtains. He’s had a fantastic career. He’s 35 years old, he got badly beaten because he couldn’t do the weight so I think that could be the end. “I think Liam Smith looks shot and finished at 35 years old. He can’t do 160lbs, he’s 35 years-old had a career at 154lb so if he can’t do 160 what’s he going to do? Step up to middleweight, well he’s not big enough. So for me his career is over.”
The boxing community widely viewed the fight as one-sided and turned their attention to Eubank's future opponents.
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Sep 03 2023

What's Next For Chris Eubank Jr After Smith vs Eubank 2?

After Chris Eubank Jr.'s impressive victory over Liam Smith in their Smith vs Eubank rematch, Conor Benn took a swipe at him, boldly stating he'd defeat him in just four rounds. Eubank Jr., fresh off his victory, is keen to face Gennady Golovkin next and also threw challenges to both Conor Benn and Kell Brook. Eubank Jr. silenced skeptics with a commanding performance in Manchester, securing two knockdowns and a 10th-round stoppage. This was a comeback from his unexpected knockout defeat to Smith earlier this year. With both fighters now having a decisive victory each, the possibility of a Smith vs Eubank third match to settle their intense rivalry is up in the air. Eubank Jr. has long expressed a desire to face Golovkin. The two were on a collision course in 2016, but Golovkin ended up facing Brook in London. Tom Loeffler, Golovkin's promoter, had mentioned in January that a UK showdown with Eubank Jr. was on the table. At 41, Golovkin has been out of the ring for a year, following a loss to the acclaimed Canelo Alvarez. His last fight before that was a defense of his middleweight titles in Japan, where he also clinched the WBA title by defeating Ryota Murata. Eubank Jr.'s aim to fight Golovkin revolves around those belts. However, Golovkin recently vacated his unified titles and currently has no scheduled matches. Eubank Jr. voiced his eagerness to Sky Sports, stating:
“Listen, I want to fight Triple G. I don’t know where he is right now, but wherever you are Gennady, you’ve been holding onto them belts for too long. I want to take one, so let’s get that on if we can. 100 per cent.”
Previously, a bout between Eubank Jr. and Benn was in the works, but it was canceled due to Benn's failed drug tests. With Benn now cleared to fight in the UK, this match seems likely. Eubank Jr. is also eyeing a potential match with Brook, stating:
“There’s some big names out there, I see a few of these guys in the crowd. I’m coming for you Conor, I’m coming for you. I’m coming for you Kell, I’m coming for you. Anyone else who wants it, we’re going to put on a show for the fans, that’s for sure.”
Benn responded to Eubank Jr.'s callout, saying on social media:
“Not impressed... it’s curtains in four rounds if you fight me at 160lbs.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn chimed in on the potential bout, tweeting:
“Eubank v Benn..absolutely massive.”
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Sep 03 2023

Conor Benn Is Not Impressed by Chris Eubank Jr's Performance in Smith vs Eubank 2

Conor Benn, a notable welterweight contender, was left unimpressed despite Chris Eubank Jr.'s decisive victory over Liam Smith in their Smith vs Eubank 2 rematch. Previously, in Smith vs Eubank first bout, Smith had floored Eubank in just four rounds. However, the Smith vs Eubank 2 rematch told a different story in Manchester. While Eubank seemed to control each round, knocking Smith down twice and compelling the referee to end the Smith vs Eubank 2 match, Benn remained skeptical. A potential face-off between Benn and Eubank had been in the cards last October. Still, plans went awry when Benn tested positive for a prohibited substance, a development that has kept him tied in a legal tussle with the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD. Benn speculated that Smith's subpar performance was due to a leg injury. He commented:
“Smith made him look good. What, it takes you ten rounds to dispatch of someone who’s got a broken leg? I’m not really impressed.”
as reported by Talk Sport and No Smoke Sport. He further expressed his desire to settle their unfinished business with Eubank. Benn added:
“You could definitely see that it was an injury, that’s all that was. 100 percent, you could tell Smith wasn’t on his game. His punches lacked precision, and he couldn't evade the oncoming blows."
He critiqued Eubank's strategy, saying:
“I didn’t think it was an impressive performance. If you’ve got a wounded man in there, you should take charge and finish it. If my opponent was injured and unable to fight back, I'd ensure they wouldn't last the round."
Although Benn acknowledged that Eubank's performance had improved, he firmly believed Smith's condition played a major role in that. Benn confidently stated his strategy if he were to face Eubank:
“I’d get hold of him [Eubank] within four, I’d go on the offensive right from the start. I'm ready for that match, anytime."
Furthermore, Benn emphasized his willingness to ascend two weight classes to battle Eubank.
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