Barry McGuigan, the former boxing champion and Hall of Famer, has shared his perspective on the upcoming heavyweight title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for February 17. In an analysis provided to the Mirror, McGuigan expressed his admiration for Usyk's technical prowess, noting that the Ukrainian boxer "studiously avoids tear-ups" and opts for a more strategic approach in the ring.   McGuigan drew a comparison to Tyson Fury's second fight against Deontay Wilder, where Fury aggressively overwhelmed Wilder with a barrage of attacks, describing it as a "blitz." However, McGuigan believes that the Fury vs. Usyk bout will not replicate the intense and thrilling heavyweight battles of the 1970s, characterized by fighters like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier engaging in toe-to-toe exchanges. According to McGuigan, the Fury vs. Usyk showdown is expected to be a "technical contest" rather than a fight filled with prolonged and intense exchanges. He highlights Usyk's tendency to avoid brawls and Fury's effective use of the jab to control distance as factors that will shape the nature of the upcoming bout. McGuigan concludes by expressing his anticipation for an engaging but strategically focused match between two top-tier heavyweights.   This perspective aligns with McGuigan's belief that while Usyk is technically excellent, his style leans towards avoiding prolonged and intense exchanges. Fury, on the other hand, is known for his ability to mix technical skills with aggressive tactics, and McGuigan suggests that the upcoming bout will likely be characterized by a balance of strategy and engagement, steering away from the wild and frenetic style reminiscent of the heavyweight clashes of the 1970s.   #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing #UndisputedChampion #BarryMcGuigan

In an upcoming boxing spectacle, Anthony Yarde is gearing up to face Serbian powerhouse Marko Nikolic on February 10, as revealed by BoxRec. The highly anticipated bout is slated to take place on the undercard of the Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Liam Williams showdown. Marko Nikolic, boasting a formidable record of 32-3, brings a wealth of experience to the ring. Notably, he holds a notable victory over Olympic gold medalist Evgeny Tishchenko from their encounters in the amateurs. Yarde, known for his explosive style, will look to make a statement against the seasoned Serbian contender. As part of a thrilling undercard, this matchup adds an extra layer of excitement to an already anticipated event. Boxing enthusiasts can anticipate an action-packed showdown as Yarde and Nikolic step into the ring on February 10. Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing. #AnthonyYarde #MarkoNikolic #BoxingShowdown #UndercardClash #YardeVsNikolic

In the world of boxing, the potential clash between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney is back on the table, and promoter Eddie Hearn is eager to see it happen on April 20, 2024. The matchup gained renewed attention after Garcia's plans to face Rolando Romero fell through due to negotiations breaking down. Garcia, who initially aimed for a showdown with Haney, shifted focus to Romero, only to encounter complications. With Romero securing a bout against Isaac Cruz, Garcia's next move remains uncertain. Hearn, however, remains hopeful, emphasizing that Haney is a prime candidate for a pay-per-view (PPV) event. Expressing disappointment over the missed opportunity with Romero, Hearn highlighted Garcia's desire for a PPV spectacle. He urged sensibility in making the Garcia-Haney fight, considering it a natural and significant bout for 2024. In a message to Garcia, Hearn underlined the opportune timing, aligning with his Las Vegas visit where Devin and Bill Haney are present. The promoter believes that, if both parties are willing, the fight could materialize, with April 20th earmarked as a potential date for a PPV event. As negotiations unfold, Hearn encourages a sensible approach, especially for Garcia, acknowledging the challenges inherent in matchmaking. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that a deal can be reached if the desire for the fight persists. #HaneyVsGarcia #BoxingShowdown #EddieHearn #April20PPV

Carl Froch, the Cobra himself, has ignited a firestorm of fantasy with his prediction for a heavyweight clash of eras: Anthony Joshua, the reigning Olympic champion, versus David Haye, the explosive cruiserweight who dared to conquer giants. [caption id="attachment_6007" align="alignnone" width="825"] David Haye[/caption] Both in their primes, this hypothetical battle would be a spectacle of contrasting styles. Joshua, the stoic giant, wields his jab like a battering ram, while Haye, the agile "Hayemaker," dances with lightning-fast reflexes and unorthodox angles. "AJ's too big for him," admits Froch, but then adds, "A prime David Haye is very good...explosive power, fast, brave as you like." He envisions Haye peppering Joshua early, but warns, "AJ's a big lump." Froch draws a parallel to their shared opponent, Wladimir Klitschko, reminding everyone that despite being past his prime, AJ still flattened him. [caption id="attachment_6010" align="alignnone" width="800"] Anthony Joshua[/caption] However, Froch also remembers Klitschko's dominance over Haye, highlighting the size disparity. "Klitschko was just too big for him," he says, "smothered him and leaned on him." Ultimately, Froch predicts a close dance, but leans towards Joshua's size and relentless pressure: "As much as I think David Haye could iron out AJ, I just think AJ beats the Hayemaker cause he's too big for him." #AnthonyJoshua #CarlFroch #DavidHaye #Boxing

Get ready for a boxing extravaganza as Matchroom and Queensberry Promotions gear up to unveil their much-anticipated 5v5 showdown at the beginning of March. Fans are buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the five epic matchups set to grace the ring. In this unique event, the question on everyone's mind is, "What five fights do you want to see?" The speculation is rife, and enthusiasts are already crafting their dream lineups for this thrilling clash of talents. While the official fight card remains shrouded in mystery, the anticipation for potential matchups is palpable. Will we witness intense rivalries, underdog triumphs, or clashes of titans? The possibilities are endless, and fight fans are counting down the days until the big reveal. As March approaches, stay tuned for the official announcement and get ready to witness a boxing spectacle like never before. The 5v5 showdown promises to deliver a night of action-packed entertainment that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. #MatchroomQueensberry5v5 #BoxingShowdown #FightSpeculation #MarchAnnouncement #BoxingExcitement

In the lead-up to their highly anticipated clash on February 17 in Riyadh, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk engaged in a war of words, with Fury attempting to mock Usyk's earring choice. However, the attempt at an insult took an unexpected turn as Usyk responded with a perfect explanation of the cultural significance behind his jewelry. Fury, aiming to gain a psychological edge, claimed, "A man who wears an earring can never beat Tyson Fury." Usyk, unfazed, countered by explaining the earring's connection to his Ukrainian warrior heritage, emphasizing its representation of the Cossack lineage known for defending the country. The banter continued as Fury dismissed the explanation, stating, "In Ukraine, it means he's a good fighting man, but where I'm from, it means he's a p**** with an earring in." The undisputed clash between Fury and Usyk promises to be a "fight for the ages," with both fighters undefeated and holding champion status. Fury, known for his bold predictions, vowed to "bust up" Usyk and questioned the Ukrainian's ability to face larger opponents. As the verbal sparring intensifies, the boxing world eagerly anticipates the showdown between two exceptional fighters vying for undisputed heavyweight glory. #FuryVsUsyk #UndisputedClash #BoxingBanter #RiyadhShowdown #HeavyweightBoxing

WBA junior welterweight champion Rolando 'Rolly' Romero is set to defend his world title against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz on March 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking Premier Boxing Champions' inaugural pay-per-view event on Amazon Prime. Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) is returning to the ring for the first time since May 2023, following a controversial victory over Ismael Barroso that secured his title. Romero's sole defeat, a 2022 knockout loss to Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, adds extra spice to the upcoming bout, as Davis holds a win over Cruz as well. With his talkative nature, Romero promises to make a significant statement in his second pay-per-view appearance, boldly declaring, “This is gonna be Rolly versus the Chihuahua in the ring on March 30. I’m gonna stay world champ and be the first superstar on Prime Video. Just make sure you buy your tickets or tune in on pay-per-view, don’t miss this one.” Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs), a 25-year-old contender, has been on an impressive run with three consecutive victories since his 2021 decision loss to Davis. Cruz, grateful for the opportunity, expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m very happy and extremely motivated to have this opportunity to fight for the world title. ‘Rolly’ was the only one to step up and accept the challenge. He’s got power and courage, and he comes to knock you out. That’s going to make this a great fight on March 30. I will leave the ring as world champion.” With both fighters eager to make their mark, this title defense clash promises fireworks and sets the stage for Romero's ambitious goal of becoming the first boxing superstar on Prime Video. #RollyRomero #IsaacCruz #PrimeVideoShowdown #BoxingSuperstar #PPVClash

Tim Tszyu, Australia's WBO super welterweight champion, is preparing for his highly anticipated Las Vegas debut against American Keith Thurman in March, and he's not holding back. In a fiery interview at Sydney Airport, Tszyu unleashed harsh words on Jermell Charlo, the former champion who pulled out of a fight with him and recently lost his title. "I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going to fight him because he's a bit of a coward and finally all the sanctioning bodies are realizing that he's a fraud," Tszyu declared. He criticized Charlo for dodging fights and neglecting his title obligations, calling it "unfair" to the entire division. [caption id="attachment_5993" align="alignnone" width="828"] Jermall Charlo[/caption] While Tszyu's comments are certainly strong, they stem from a long-standing frustration. Charlo was initially scheduled to fight Tszyu in January, but pulled out due to a hand injury, leaving Tszyu in limbo. This latest outburst suggests a deep-seated disappointment with Charlo's actions, impacting not just Tszyu's career but the entire division's title picture. Instead of dwelling on Charlo, Tszyu's focus is now squarely on Thurman, a formidable opponent with a single loss on his record and a reputation for power and skill. Tszyu acknowledges the challenge ahead, calling it a "pinch yourself moment" and a "big deal" to headline in the United States. He believes his peak performance will be too much for Thurman to handle, even though Thurman has never faced anyone like him. Interestingly, Tszyu has experience mimicking Thurman's fighting style, having sparred with Pacquiao in 2019 before Pacquiao's victory over Thurman. This unique perspective could give Tszyu an edge in the fight, as he claims to know Thurman's strengths and weaknesses intimately. The article also mentions Michael Zerafa, Australia's controversial middleweight contender, who will be fighting on the undercard. Zerafa, known for his outspoken nature and rivalry with Tszyu, has a long-awaited title shot against Erislandy Lara. The article ends with Tszyu jokingly dismissing Zerafa's potential challenge, adding to the ongoing tension between the two Aussie fighters. Overall, the article paints a picture of a determined Tszyu, ready to showcase his skills on the world stage and silence his critics. His fiery words about Charlo add spice to the upcoming fight, while his respect for Thurman and understanding of his style hint at a thrilling and unpredictable matchup. With Zerafa's presence on the undercard, the event promises to be a night of high-stakes boxing and Aussie rivalries. #TimTszyu #Boxing #JermellCharlo #KeithThurman #MannyPacquiao

In a bold move, Australian boxer Tim Tszyu has set his sights on the U.S., signing a multi-fight deal to make his mark in American boxing. Tszyu's immediate opponent is Keith Thurman (28-1, 22 KOs), a choice that raises eyebrows due to Thurman's inactivity, size, and lack of experience at 154 pounds. Expressing his confidence, Tszyu predicts a knockout victory within six rounds, emphasizing that Thurman has never faced someone of his caliber. The bout is set for March 30th on Amazon Prime PPV in Las Vegas. Tszyu, during a recent media interaction, declared, "In the next eight weeks, when I peak, I'll peak, and he will feel it. He's never been in the ring with anyone like me." Interestingly, Tszyu revealed his intention to continue fighting in the U.S., potentially limiting opportunities for his Australian fans to witness his matches on home soil. Additionally, Tszyu didn't mince words when it came to Jermall Charlo, branding him a "coward" and asserting that Charlo is not on his radar. As Tszyu prepares for his stateside debut, the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of his clash with Thurman, with the Australian promising peak power and an unforgettable performance. #TimTszyu #ThurmanVsTszyu #BoxingShowdown #CharloCoward #BoxingFuture

In the unpredictable world of boxing, Callum Smith, at 33, finds himself at a crossroads after a seventh-round knockout by Artur Beterbiev. The once-confident Smith, who fulfilled his prophecy of winning a world title at 168 pounds, is now grappling with the aftermath of a bout that wasn't part of his retirement plans. Smith, known for his ambitious goals, had set his sights on becoming a two-division champion. The light heavyweight division, stacked with formidable opponents, presented two choices – Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev. Opting for the latter, Smith entered the ring on January 13th, only to face the reality of Beterbiev's power as his own face bore the marks of a tough encounter. Contemplating retirement in the immediate aftermath, Smith, after spending quality time with family, reconsidered. The allure of being a two-weight world champion proved too enticing to walk away from, and Smith admitted, "I would probably find it hard walking away knowing I never quite fulfilled what I set out to do." While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Smith remains resolute. Stringing together wins is the path, but the journey requires conquering either Beterbiev or Bivol. Uncertain about when or how the opportunity will present itself, Smith is convinced of his ability to achieve his dream, stating, "I believe I'm good enough to do it." In the aftermath of setbacks, Callum Smith's determination to pursue a two-division title serves as a testament to his resilience in the unforgiving realm of professional boxing. #CallumSmith #TwoDivisionDream #BoxingResilience #BivolBeterbiev #BoxingGoals

In a candid take, promoter Eddie Hearn voiced his reservations about the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on Amazon Prime Video card. Set to feature Keith Thurman against Tim Tszyu in the main event on pay-per-view on March 30, the lineup also includes Rolando Romero defending his 140-pound title against Isaac Cruz, Erislandy Lara facing Michael Zerafa, and a clash between Sebastien Fundora and Serhii Bohachuk in a junior middleweight bout. PBC's move to Amazon Prime comes after parting ways with Showtime, and Hearn, head of Matchroom, didn't hold back his thoughts on the headline bout. Drawing parallels to his own experiences, Hearn remarked, "It reminded me of... when you want to do a pay-per-view but you don’t really have got a headliner at this stage and just stick a load of stuff together that sort of gets it over the line. I’ve done it many times." Acknowledging the lineup's quality, Hearn emphasized the importance of a flagship main event in the current market to drive viewership numbers. While praising Tim Tszyu's skills, he expressed reservations about his relatively low profile in America, coupled with Keith Thurman's two-year hiatus from the ring. Despite this, Hearn conceded that it still promises to be a good night of boxing. The main event between Thurman and Tszyu will see Thurman fighting at a contract weight of 155-pounds against the 154-pound division titleholder Tszyu. Notably, Tszyu's WBO title will not be up for grabs in the bout. #PBCAmazonDebut #ThurmanTszyu #BoxingNight #HearnOnBoxing

In a surprising turn of events, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed his proposal to make the long-anticipated fight between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney a reality. While negotiations for Garcia's next opponent have been tumultuous, Hearn sees an opportunity to bring these two fighters together in a high-stakes clash.   Hearn shared insights during an interview with Fight Hub TV, stating that he recently communicated with Garcia about the potential matchup. Emphasizing the scarcity of viable opponents for Garcia, Hearn challenged the notion of other compelling options for a Pay-per-view event on April 20.   With a limited pool of potential opponents, Hearn believes that a showdown with Haney is the most enticing and lucrative option available for Garcia. He pointed out that other notable fighters, such as Tank Davis and Teofimo Lopez, are currently unavailable or challenging to negotiate with.   Expressing optimism about the fight's possibility, Hearn highlighted the willingness of both Garcia and Haney to step into the ring. The potential clash between Garcia and Haney has been a subject of speculation and interest among boxing fans, and Hearn's recent revelation has reignited hopes of witnessing this highly-anticipated bout.   As negotiations unfold, boxing enthusiasts eagerly await confirmation and details about a potential April 20 showdown between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, hoping that this time, the talks will lead to a signed contract and a blockbuster event in the ring.     #RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #BoxingNews #EddieHearn #boxing

Errol Spence Jr., the former Unified Welterweight Champion, is back in training, marking his return to the gym after his loss to Terence Crawford. Following his defeat, Spence activated the rematch clause to rectify the outcome of their bout.   The clash between Spence and Crawford saw Crawford emerge as the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. Spence's supporters suggested that the 147-pound weight cut might have played a role in his loss, emphasizing his drained appearance before the fight. Although Spence didn't endorse these claims, he revealed that his vision was compromised during the bout due to cataract issues.   The revelation about the successful cataract surgery sparked mixed reactions. Crawford expressed his satisfaction that the discussions and speculations were finally over and wished Spence well. The rematch, however, appears unlikely as Crawford has moved on, leaving Spence contemplating his next move.   In a recent training session, Spence showcased his dedication to making a strong comeback. The question now looms large – who will be his next opponent?   One potential contender is Jaron Ennis, a rising star in the welterweight division. However, a bout against Ennis poses a considerable risk for Spence, given the young fighter's skill set and rising profile. Another option could be facing either Keith Thurman or Tim Tszyu. Thurman and Tszyu are set to face each other on March 30, 2024, in a non-title fight on PBC's first pay-per-view event with Amazon Prime Video.   If Tszyu, the current WBO Junior Middleweight Champion, emerges victorious, Spence could potentially vie for another world title, presenting an opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. On the other hand, another loss for Spence might intensify calls for him to consider retirement.   Spence's future in the welterweight division remains uncertain, with potential matchups against formidable opponents and the looming possibility of a Crawford rematch. While Crawford has been advised to take his time and avoid rushing into a rematch with Spence, the boxing world eagerly awaits Spence's next move, anticipating the continuation of his storied career.   #ErrolSpenceJr #TerenceCrawford #Boxing

John Fury, the father of British boxer Tommy Fury, has renewed his demands for an apology from YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. This call for an apology comes after an incident where John Fury claims he was spat at during the build-up to Tommy Fury's fight against KSI. Despite Tommy Fury winning the bout by unanimous decision, the animosity between the two camps remains.   In an interview with the Daily Star via FreeBets.com, John Fury issued a stern warning to KSI, threatening physical harm. Fury stated, "Let me tell you, KSI, any more business, you've got to come through me to do it, and at the end of the day, whether you're playing your game or not, there will never be anything [offered to you]."   Fury emphasized that an apology is non-negotiable and claimed he would never have been spat at if they were face-to-face. He continued, "I don't care if it's a trillion dollars [Tommy won't fight you], he needs to apologize because he took it too far. Nobody ever spits at me, and if I get within feet of him, I will crack this big right-hand straight across his skull and split his head like an apple."   Expressing his disdain for the YouTuber, Fury criticized KSI's appearance, stating, "You've only got to see by the state of his hairstyle, what kind of a clown he is; he looks like a frickin' pineapple."   Despite the ongoing verbal sparring, neither Tommy Fury nor KSI has officially announced a rematch or another fight. However, Tommy Fury hinted at the potential financial allure of "crossover boxing" and suggested that returning to traditional boxing might be challenging. This has fueled speculation about the possibility of a future rematch between the two fighters.   #JohnFury #KSI #boxing  

Jaime Munguia delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night as he dropped John Ryder four times, securing a ninth-round knockout in their super middleweight clash at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. This victory adds weight to Munguia's bid for a match against Canelo Alvarez.   Munguia, hailing from Tijuana, displayed his power early in the fight, sending Ryder to the canvas twice in the second and fourth rounds. Ryder, known for his durability, had previously gone the distance with Canelo Alvarez in a unanimous-decision defeat. However, Munguia's relentless attack proved too much for Ryder.   The defining moment came in the ninth round when Munguia dropped Ryder twice, prompting referee Wes Melton to stop the fight at 1:25 of the ninth round. The victory for Munguia, who now stands at 43-0 with 34 knockouts, positions him as a strong contender for a shot at Canelo Alvarez's IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO 168-pound titles.   Munguia's transition to working with renowned trainer Freddie Roach seemed to pay off, as he showcased his power and resilience throughout the bout. London's Ryder, on the other hand, faced a stoppage for the first time since 2015.   With the win, Munguia aims to secure a matchup against Canelo Alvarez in May, making a strong case for his candidacy with a dominant performance against the seasoned super middleweight contender. The victory solidifies Munguia's status as a force to be reckoned with in the super middleweight division.   #JaimeMunguia #JohnRyder #SuperMiddleweight #Boxing

In a dominant display of power, Oscar Collazo successfully defended his WBO Mini-Flyweight title by knocking out Reyneris Gutierrez in the third round of their title bout in Phoenix. The Puerto Rican southpaw showcased his prowess and retained his championship in impressive fashion.   The 27-year-old Collazo, hailing from Newark, New Jersey, made his intentions clear from the outset. Facing Gutierrez, who entered the ring as a significant underdog with a 10-2 record, Collazo was determined to make a statement in his second title defense.   As the bell rang, Collazo wasted no time in asserting his dominance. With precision and power, he connected with a straight left around the midway point of the third round. The impact was undeniable as Gutierrez found himself on the canvas, struggling to regain his composure.   Although Gutierrez managed to beat the referee's count and rise to his feet, Collazo continued his relentless assault. A barrage of power punches overwhelmed Gutierrez, leaving the referee with no choice but to step in and halt the contest at 2:37 of the third round.   Collazo's victory showcased his exceptional skills and affirmed his status as the reigning WBO Mini-Flyweight champion. The Puerto Rican champion improved his undefeated record to 9-0, with an impressive seven victories coming by way of knockout.   Gutierrez, ranked 10th by the WBO, faced an uphill battle against the heavy favorite. Despite showing resilience, he couldn't withstand Collazo's power and suffered a decisive defeat.   With this dominant performance, Oscar Collazo continues to make waves in the mini-flyweight division. His knockout victory over Gutierrez solidifies his position as a force to be reckoned with in the 105-pound weight class. As Collazo looks ahead, fans can anticipate more electrifying performances from the Puerto Rican champion as he strives to make his mark in the world of boxing.   #OscarCollazo #WBOChampion #Boxing #Knockout #MiniFlyweight #Champion #PuertoRicanPower #BoxingNews    

In a thrilling match held in Belfast, Cheavon "Chev" Clarke showcased a spectacular performance, securing a career-best victory against former European cruiserweight champion Tommy McCarthy. Clarke, demonstrated his explosive and aggressive style from the start, making an immediate impact with a powerful left hook that rattled McCarthy.   Despite McCarthy's composed response and strategic use of his jab, Clarke maintained a high pace, dominating the early rounds. McCarthy, drawing on his experience, weathered the storm and strategically boxed his way back into contention. Utilizing precise right uppercuts, McCarthy effectively countered Clarke's forward momentum.   As the fight progressed, Clarke intensified his assault, pushing McCarthy against the ropes. In a pivotal moment at the end of a round, Clarke unleashed a series of devastating blows, including a stunning right uppercut and a powerful right hook that visibly hurt McCarthy. Sensing an opportunity, Clarke aggressively pursued McCarthy into the fourth round.   In the fourth round, Clarke continued his onslaught, connecting with precision right hands and delivering a beautiful right uppercut. A final right hook sent McCarthy to the canvas, and although he managed to rise to his feet, he struggled to mount any offense. Clarke relentlessly attacked, trapping McCarthy on the ropes until referee Steve Gray intervened, stopping the fight.   The official time of the stoppage was 1.28 of the fourth round, securing Clarke's victory and his sixth knockout. With this impressive performance, Clarke not only advanced his record to 8-0 but also claimed the WBA Intercontinental title. McCarthy, with a record of 20-6 and 10 knockouts, now faces decisions about his future in the sport.   The Belfast boxing event witnessed Clarke's ascendancy and left fans eagerly anticipating his next challenges in the ring.   #CheavonClarke #TommyMcCarthy #WBAInterContinentalTitle #BelfastBoxing #FourthRoundKnockout

Lewis Crocker Continues Unbeaten Streak with Fifth-Round Knockout in Belfast   Belfast's rising welterweight star, Lewis Crocker, showcased his boxing prowess by securing a fifth-round knockout victory over Mexico's Jose Felix in the main event at the Ulster Hall. The win extended Crocker's undefeated professional record to an impressive 19-0.   While the first few rounds were relatively uneventful, Crocker took his time to assess his opponent. In the third round, Felix was deducted a point for two low blows, setting the stage for Crocker to take control of the bout.   The turning point came in the fourth round when Crocker delivered a series of powerful blows that sent Felix to the canvas. Despite surviving the onslaught, Felix found himself in a precarious position.   In the fifth round, Crocker sealed the deal with a perfectly executed left hook that landed on Felix's whiskers. Although Felix managed to get back on his feet, the referee, Marcus McDonnell, determined he was in no condition to continue, declaring a knockout victory for Crocker.   Despite the impressive performance, Crocker missed the weight on Friday, meaning he couldn't claim the vacant WBO Intercontinental welterweight title. As the current WBA continental European champion, Crocker remains a formidable force in the welterweight division, with aspirations for world honors in the near future.   The undercard featured notable performances, including Kurt Walker from Lisburn, who secured a points victory over Darwing Martinez, bringing his record to 10-0. Limerick's Paddy Donovan continued his knockout streak, achieving his 10th knockout and moving to 13-0 after defeating Williams Andres Herrera.   However, the hometown crowd witnessed disappointment as Belfast's Tommy McCarthy suffered a fourth-round stoppage against Cheavon Clarke. Despite this setback, Crocker's knockout victory undoubtedly stood out as the highlight of the night, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the welterweight division.   #LewisCrocker #Boxing #Knockout #Welterweight #UlsterHall

Anthony Joshua, Britain's heavyweight boxing champion, has expressed both admiration and caution in a statement about his upcoming opponent, MMA star Francis Ngannou. The highly anticipated clash, set for March in Saudi Arabia, promises to be a thrilling encounter fueled by contrasting styles and remarkable personal journeys. Joshua began by praising Ngannou's incredible story, describing the Cameroon-born fighter's perilous journey from refugee to UFC champion as "an inspiration." He acknowledged the hardships Ngannou endured, crossing deserts and seas with unwavering determination, and highlighted his success in one of the world's most demanding sports. "He’s a go-getter," Joshua stated, "someone who sets a goal and goes and gets it." However, while commending Ngannou's resilience, Joshua assured fans that he won't repeat the "mistake" made by Tyson Fury, who underestimated Ngannou in their October bout. Fury narrowly escaped an upset after being floored by Ngannou in his boxing debut. "There’s no element of surprise," Joshua declared, **"I wouldn't have underestimated him. No, the problem with me is I train the same for every fight; obviously we train differently, but I do always work hard, so I wouldn't have underestimated him. But now I know the guy can fight, I know. It'll be good to see how I deal with that – and how he deals with me as well." [caption id="attachment_5924" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Joshua praises Ngannou's Journey and uses it as motivation[/caption] Acknowledging Ngannou's mobility and offensive power, Joshua emphasized his dedication to adapting and strategizing for every opponent. "I wouldn't have underestimated him," he said, "but now I know what I'm facing. It'll be good to see how I deal with that – and how he deals with me as well." This clash of styles and personalities has ignited the boxing world. Joshua, a master of the sweet science, faces Ngannou's devastating knockout power and unpredictable MMA-honed tactics. Both fighters carry the weight of high expectations and personal narratives, adding a layer of drama to the already explosive bout. With Joshua vowing respect and preparation, and Ngannou seeking redemption after the Fury fight, the stage is set for an epic showdown that promises to rewrite boxing history. March can't come soon enough for fight fans eager to witness this extraordinary clash of champions. #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #TysonFury #Boxing #KnockoutChaos #RiyadhSeason