David Benavidez, the undefeated super middleweight, has thrown down the gauntlet, claiming he was willing to accept a reduced purse of $5 million for a showdown with Canelo Alvarez. The goal was clear – to vie for the super middleweight undisputed championship by facing the Mexican superstar. However, Benavidez alleges that Canelo never had any intentions of stepping into the ring with him, leaving him disillusioned.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Benavidez expressed his frustration, pointing to Canelo's departure from Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) as a sign that the fight was never in the cards. Despite Benavidez's readiness to take a reduced purse, the financial dynamics of the deal might not have aligned, potentially contributing to Canelo's reluctance.
The reason why this fight is not happening is because Canelo doesn’t want it to happen, plain and simple," Benavidez asserted. He interprets Canelo's move away from PBC as a strategic avoidance of their potential clash. While Benavidez claims he won't be waiting for Canelo any longer, he leaves the door open for a return to super middleweight after testing the waters in the 175-pound division.
Whether Benavidez's approach to apply pressure on Canelo will yield results remains uncertain, given their history of failed negotiations. The super middleweight sensation seems determined to make a mark in the light heavyweight division, signaling a shift in focus.
As the boxing world awaits Canelo's next move, Benavidez's accusations add fuel to the speculation surrounding the elusive matchup. Will the two ever cross paths in the ring, or is Benavidez destined to forge a new legacy in the light heavyweight ranks?
#DavidBenavidez #CaneloAlvarez #BoxingDrama #SuperMiddleweight #LightHeavyweight #UndisputedTitle
In a highly anticipated clash at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Otabek Kholmatov and Raymond Ford are set to vie for the vacant WBA featherweight title. Both fighters, with impressive records, step on the scales to make the 126-pound limit, eyeing their first world title in this featherweight showdown.
Stay tuned for this thrilling encounter as Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) from Uzbekistan takes on Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) hailing from Camden, New Jersey. The co-feature promises more action as Luis Alberto Lopez defends his IBF 126-pound title against Reiya Abe. Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) looks to secure his belt in the face of Abe's (25-3-1, 10 KOs) challenge and U.S. debut.
The complete fight card includes exciting matchups like Brian Norman Jr. vs. Janelson Figueroa Bocachica, Troy Isley vs. Marcos Hernandez, and Nico Ali Walsh vs. Charles Stanford. As these contenders step into the ring, fight fans can anticipate an evening filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
Stay updated with the latest weigh-ins and fight details as the contenders gear up for a night of electrifying boxing at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
#KholmatovvsFord #FeatherweightTitle #TurningStoneShowdown #LopezvsAbe #Boxing #FightNight
In a bid to intensify the already heated rivalry between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, Garcia has taken the mind games to a new level by sharing footage of Haney's past sparring session with Gervonta Davis. The bitter foes are set to clash on April 20 in a high-stakes battle for the WBC super-lightweight title, with their amateur score locked at 3-3.
The shared clip on Garcia's YouTube channel shows a young Haney facing Davis at Floyd Mayweather's gym in Las Vegas, with Mayweather himself refereeing the session. Davis, now a three-weight world champion, can be seen dominating the sparring, peppering Haney with precise shots. Even Adrien Broner, a four-weight world champion, jumps in to separate the fighters at one point.
Despite the apparent one-sided nature of the footage, Haney remains defiant, emphasizing that he was only 16 years old during the sparring session and proudly asserts that he held his own against the more experienced Davis. Responding to Garcia's post, Haney expressed confidence in showcasing his growth on April 20.
Garcia, knocked out by Davis in their encounter last year, aims for redemption and a chance to become a world champion. The tension between the two escalated during their recent press conference, where Garcia admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana, denying Haney's accusations of cocaine use.
The leaked sparring footage adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash, heightening the anticipation for what promises to be a fiercely contested bout. As the mind games continue, fans eagerly await the April showdown to witness who will emerge victorious in this intense rivalry.
#RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #GervontaDavis #BoxingRivalry #WBCChampionship
In a surprising turn of events, Francis Ngannou left the boxing world stunned when he dropped Tyson Fury in their first professional bout. As anticipation builds for Ngannou's clash with Anthony Joshua on Friday, March 8, questions linger about Ngannou's true boxing prowess and whether his success against Fury was a result of his overperformance or Fury's underperformance.
Ngannou, a prominent figure in combat sports, faces Joshua with only 10 rounds of professional boxing experience, all against the formidable Tyson Fury. Despite losing a split decision, Ngannou showcased his power by dropping Fury, raising doubts about the former heavyweight champion's performance.
Sky Sports commentator Andy Clarke notes the uncertainty surrounding Ngannou's boxing skills, emphasizing the upcoming fight against Joshua as a defining moment. Ngannou's trainer, Dewey Cooper, expresses confidence in his fighter's growth, suggesting that the cautious approach in the first bout will be less prominent this time.
Dan Hardy, a former UFC fighter turned pundit, describes Ngannou's success against Fury as a "perfect storm," highlighting the surprise factor and Ngannou's composed boxing style. Hardy acknowledges Fury's potential distraction due to an ongoing training camp for another fight, contributing to an unexpected outcome.
As the boxing world speculates on Ngannou's true capabilities, Joshua's team remains vigilant, treating Ngannou with the utmost professionalism. Joshua's new coach, Ben Davison, acknowledges Ngannou as a dangerous opponent, emphasizing the competitiveness of his bout with Fury. Davison assures thorough homework and preparation for facing Ngannou in the upcoming clash.
The showdown between Ngannou and Joshua carries the weight of unanswered questions surrounding Ngannou's boxing skills. Whether he overperformed against Fury or capitalized on Fury's distractions, the fight on March 8 promises to unveil more about Ngannou's capabilities in the boxing ring.
#NgannouvsJoshua #FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #BoxingShowdown #SkySportsBoxOffice #FightNight #BoxingAnalysis
A leaked video of a sparring session between boxing stars Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and Devin Haney is causing a stir in the world of boxing. Earlier this week, Ryan Garcia revealed that Floyd Mayweather shared the footage with him, claiming that Haney was almost knocked out cold by Davis during the session.
On Thursday night, Garcia took matters into his own hands and leaked the video on the internet, showcasing Davis seemingly dominating Haney in the ring. While the clip suggests Davis's dominance, rumors circulate that Haney might have been 16 years old during the sparring, with Davis allegedly being 20 at the time.
The leaked video has sparked debates within the boxing community, with questions arising about the authenticity and potential editing of the footage. Garcia's act of sharing the video has added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the fighters.
Devin Haney, who has been eager for a bout against Gervonta Davis for years, remains undeterred. Haney believes that a victory over Ryan Garcia on April 20th could pave the way for a future showdown with Davis.
The leaked footage not only intensifies the anticipation for potential matchups in the lightweight division but also adds a layer of drama to the ongoing narratives in the world of boxing.
#GervontaDavis #DevinHaney #RyanGarcia #BoxingDrama #SparringLeak #FightersShowdown
Heavyweight contender Matty Harris is gearing up for his return to the ring on March 1 in Telford, aiming to rebuild his career after suffering his first defeat last July. Despite the setback, Harris remains confident and is making significant changes to his setup, enlisting the expertise of Peter Fury to lead his comeback.
Harris's unexpected loss to Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko prompted a reevaluation of his training approach. Under the guidance of Peter Fury, known for coaching top-tier fighters like Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury, Harris is determined to get back on track.
While Harris is focused on his own journey to redemption, he also offered insights into the boxing world's buzzing potential matchup between Anthony Joshua and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Harris, who was part of Ngannou's training camp ahead of his boxing debut against Tyson Fury, didn't mince words about his assessment of Ngannou's skills.
In a recent statement, Harris expressed his disappointment with Ngannou's performance during their sparring sessions. According to Harris, Ngannou's style mirrored what he displayed against Tyson Fury – a style Harris deems susceptible, particularly when opponents maintain distance.
“I was sparring Ngannou in September and October ahead of the Fury fight, and he wasn't good,” Harris emphasized. “He [Ngannou] boxed exactly the same [vs Fury] when he sparred me. You have to stand off at range with him. I will not give too much away, but he wasn’t that great."
Harris believes that Ngannou has no chance against Anthony Joshua and predicts that Joshua would "go straight through him, no problem."
The critique extends to Ngannou's recent fight against Tyson Fury, where he impressed by dropping the WBC world heavyweight champion but ultimately lost via a close split decision. Harris attributes Ngannou's performance to an inadequate preparation and an overall lack of readiness compared to Joshua.
As the boxing world speculates about potential matchups, Harris's insights add an intriguing perspective to the ongoing narrative, setting the stage for what could be a compelling clash in the heavyweight division.
#MattyHarris #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #PeterFury #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingInsights #RingReturn
In a much-anticipated clash, former undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano is gearing up to defend her unified WBA, WBO, and IBF featherweight titles against Germany's Nina Meinke. The battleground is set at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, March 2.
Serrano, with an impressive record of 46-2-1 and 30 knockouts, will be in familiar territory defending her titles in front of a passionate home crowd. Meinke, with a record of 18-3 and 4 knockouts, is on her second attempt to secure a world title. The fighters must meet the 126-pound championship limit to contend for the coveted belt, and the bout is scheduled for an intense 12 rounds.
Adding to the excitement, the co-main event features Cleveland's Jake Paul taking on Ryan Bourland from Martinez, California, in an eight-round bout at cruiserweight.
The fight card doesn't stop there, as The Bronx native Jonathan Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) steps up to defend his WBO light flyweight title against fellow Puerto Rican Rene Santiago (12-3, 9 KOs) in a 12-round battle.
The full fight card promises a night of thrilling matchups, including Christopher Diaz vs. Headley Scott in a 10-round super featherweight bout, Pedro Marquez Medina vs. Brandon Valdes in an eight-round featherweight clash, and Elijah Flores vs. Alejandro Munera in a six-round welterweight showdown.
Rounding out the action, Krystal Rosado-Ortiz faces Gloria Munguilla in a four-round super flyweight bout, while Javon Walton takes on Joshua Torres in a four-round featherweight contest.
As the fighters hit the scales a day before the big showdown, the excitement builds for what is sure to be a night of intense battles in the ring.
#AmandaSerrano #NinaMeinke #JakePaul #JonathanGonzalez #SanJuanShowdown #FightNight #BoxingChampionships
+As the highly-anticipated bout between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney approaches, concerns are mounting over Garcia's recent behavior, adding a layer of controversy to the pre-fight narrative. A live Twitter space session turned heads when Garcia, slated to face Haney on April 20, admitted to being "high," sparking questions about his readiness for the upcoming clash.
Garcia's uncharacteristic behavior during the promotional tour, where he sounded intoxicated, raised eyebrows among fans and cast doubt on his preparation for the crucial bout. Despite Garcia's subsequent claim of trolling and dedication to an intense running regimen, the impact of his actions has lingered.
The situation escalated during the press conference, where Haney expressed reservations about attending due to Garcia's behavior. Accusations of intoxication and personal attacks flew between the fighters, overshadowing the sportsmanship expected in the lead-up to a significant boxing match.
The press tour, initially intended to build excitement and anticipation, took an unexpected turn, veering into personal vendettas and off-topic banter. Garcia's camp retaliated against accusations of drug use with claims of racism, further fueling the controversial atmosphere.
The verbal exchanges between Haney and Garcia shifted the focus away from the athletes' skills and dedication, raising concerns about the professionalism and preparation of both fighters.
While the tension adds intrigue to the April 20 showdown, it risks compromising the essence of the sport itself. Both Haney and Garcia must now not only prove their mettle in the ring but also demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and rise above the drama that has clouded their pre-fight interactions.
As the boxing world awaits the clash between Haney and Garcia, the dynamics outside the ring threaten to overshadow the athletic prowess that should be the central focus of this highly-anticipated matchup.
#RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #BoxingControversy #HaneyvsGarcia #PreFightDrama
In a recent exchange of words, Shakur Stevenson, the three-division and current WBC lightweight world champion, has responded to Ryan Garcia's dismissive comments about him. The clash began when Garcia, a 140lb contender, downplayed Stevenson's skills during an interview, asserting that nobody is scared of him in the boxing world.
Stevenson, known for his recent victory over Edwin De Los Santos, faced criticism for what some perceived as a lackluster performance. Despite securing the win and claiming a world title in a third weight class, there are whispers that Stevenson's stardom and pay-per-view appeal might have taken a hit.
Garcia, during an interview with The Breakfast Club, scoffed at the idea of a potential fight with Stevenson, placing him outside the league of stars like Gervonta Davis and himself.
In response, Stevenson took to social media to address Garcia's remarks, questioning the boxer's reluctance to face him directly. Stevenson expressed his readiness to fight Garcia at the super-lightweight division, dismissing any concerns about weight classes.
"Lol, if this ain’t the most scariest s**t I done heard. Can you beat me or not? Everything else is irrelevant Scary Ryan – And that’s why you would give everyone else an opportunity besides me. No, I don’t [want him to come down to 135lbs], I would fight him at 140lbs.”
While Garcia is currently focused on challenging Devin Haney for the WBC super-lightweight crown, the door appears to be open for a potential showdown with Stevenson in the future.
As the verbal sparring continues, boxing fans eagerly await whether the two fighters will settle their differences in the ring, making for an exciting matchup in the super-lightweight division.
#ShakurStevenson #RyanGarcia #GervontaDavis #DevinHaney #BoxingShowdown #SuperLightweightClash
In a clash of once-beaten heavyweights, Efe Ajagba and Guido Vianello are set to go toe-to-toe on April 13 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 10-round bout, airing live on ESPN, promises to be a thrilling encounter as both fighters aim to make a statement in the heavyweight division.
Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs), the powerhouse from Ughelli, Nigeria, is riding a four-fight winning streak, with his latest victory coming against Joseph Goddall. Looking to continue his momentum, Ajagba faces a formidable opponent in Vianello, a skilled fighter with a record of 12-1-1, 10 KOs.
The Italian heavyweight, Vianello, represented his country in the 2016 Olympic Games and now resides and trains in Las Vegas, Nevada. Coming off a first-round stoppage of Moses Johnson in his last outing, Vianello is eager to prove himself against Ajagba.
The fight card also features a main event bout between Jared Anderson, the No.7 ranked heavyweight by The Ring, and Ryad Merhy. With a stacked lineup, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum anticipates an unforgettable night for fight fans in Corpus Christi.
For Ajagba, this bout is a crucial step towards his dream of becoming the heavyweight champion. Having previously faced adversity with a unanimous decision defeat to Frank Sanchez in October 2021, Ajagba is determined to showcase his best against Vianello.
In a brief exchange, Ajagba acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "My goal is to become heavyweight champion, and in order for me to accomplish my dream, I have to be at my best against Guido."
Vianello, equally ready for the showdown, sees this as a golden opportunity to make a mark in the heavyweight division. "This is a big opportunity for me to fight one of the top heavyweights in the world, and I did not hesitate when it was offered," said Vianello. "I am ready to step up to the plate, and I look forward to a great fight on April 13."
Adding to the excitement, the ESPN telecast will kick off with a compelling eight-round bout between three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao of Brazil and Mexico’s Jose Guardado Ortiz.
As the heavyweight clash looms closer, fight fans can expect fireworks in Corpus Christi, and for those who love the big guys throwing big punches, this is a can't-miss card.
#EfeAjagba #GuidoVianello #JaredAnderson #TopRank #CorpusChristi #HeavyweightShowdown #ESPNboxing
In a surprising twist, UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has emerged as a potential threat to Anthony Joshua, at least according to British heavyweight contender Joe Joyce. With the two giants set to face off on Friday, March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office, Joyce reflects on his intense sparring session with Ngannou in Las Vegas, emphasizing the power and unpredictability the MMA fighter brings to the boxing ring.
Joyce acknowledges that Ngannou's transition from the UFC to boxing might make him a "wild card" but asserts that the ferocity and power displayed against Tyson Fury indicate he can pose a genuine threat to Joshua. Despite Ngannou's relative inexperience in the boxing world, Joyce respects his abilities and sees him as a formidable opponent.
The chief support for the Joshua-Ngannou event features a heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. Joyce, having faced both fighters, offers insights into the matchup, predicting that Parker's mobility and potential to capitalize on Zhang's fatigue in the later rounds could be the key to victory.
As Joyce prepares for his own comeback fight against Kash Ali on March 16, he expresses his eagerness to return to the top tier of heavyweight competition. Eyeing potential rematches with Parker and Daniel Dubois, and with aspirations to face the likes of Wilder, Joshua, Fury, and Usyk, Joyce believes the heavyweight division offers an exciting array of matchups for fans.
In a sport driven by entertainment, Joe Joyce remains a heavyweight force to be reckoned with, ready to take on anyone in the division.
#JoeJoyce #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #HeavyweightBoxing #SkySportsBoxOffice #JoshuaVsNgannou #BoxingPreview #JoyceComeback
In the wake of his recent win over Padraig McCrory, Edgar Berlanga has set his sights on a potential face-off with boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez, aiming for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Berlanga, undefeated with a record of 22-0 and 17 KOs, earned the WBA mandatory spot with his victory in Orlando, Florida.
Matchroom-promoted Berlanga believes a clash with Canelo would be the "biggest fight of the year," uniting Mexican and Puerto Rican fans. However, social media reactions indicate a mixed response from fans, with some expressing concerns about the magnitude of this matchup compared to potential bouts against more established opponents like David Morrell Jr, Caleb Plant, Jaime Munguia, or David Benavidez.
Despite the backlash, Berlanga asserts that Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is a compelling narrative, and he is ready for the challenge. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, eyes a September showdown with Canelo, contingent on Canelo and DAZN's decision. Jaime Munguia is also in the mix for potential matchups this year.
While Hearn envisions one more fight for Berlanga before a potential Canelo clash, critics argue that the quality of opponents needs improvement for Berlanga to truly showcase his abilities. Names like Morrell, Plant, Munguia, or Benavidez are suggested as better options to gauge Berlanga's readiness for a title shot against Canelo.
As the debate intensifies, Berlanga faces decisions that could define his path to a championship showdown, with fans and critics alike closely watching the rising star's next moves in the super middleweight division.
#EdgarBerlanga #CaneloAlvarez #Boxing #SuperMiddleweight #EddieHearn #MatchroomBoxing #DAZN #BoxingFans #FightTalk
Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, two of boxing's rising stars, are gearing up for an electrifying press conference in Los Angeles as they prepare for their highly anticipated clash on April 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The press conference follows their earlier launch event in NYC this week, giving fans a glimpse into the intensity building up to the fight.
Haney, the 25-year-old former undisputed lightweight champion with an impressive record of 31-0 and 15 KOs, is set to defend his WBC junior welterweight title for the first time. On the other side, the LA-based Garcia, also 25, with a record of 24-1 and 20 KOs, is eyeing his chance to claim one of the four major belts.
The second leg of the Haney vs. Garcia press tour will unfold at AVALON Hollywood in Los Angeles, promising fans a face-to-face encounter and insights into the fighters' strategies. The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, at 1 pm PT.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the clash between these two young talents, the press conference in Los Angeles is expected to add fuel to the fire, intensifying the excitement and anticipation surrounding the bout. Stay tuned for the sparks to fly as Haney and Garcia go head-to-head, providing fans with a sneak peek into the intensity that will unfold in the ring on April 20.
#DevinHaney #RyanGarcia #HaneyvsGarcia #BoxingPressConference #WBCJuniorWelterweight #BarclaysCenter #AVALONHollywood
Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather has shared his words of wisdom with super middleweight contender David Benavidez, urging him to exercise patience and focus on winning to eventually claim the top spot in the division. Mayweather believes that by consistently defeating opponents and champions, Benavidez can ascend to the status of being "the man."
While Benavidez has been vocal about wanting a mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez, Mayweather points out that the 27-year-old needs to diversify his skills and not rely solely on his size advantage at 168 pounds. Mayweather suggests that Benavidez should broaden his career path and be open to taking on challenging opponents, much like Mayweather did in his own career.
Mayweather acknowledges the different landscape of today's boxing, marked by avoidance patterns and marinating strategies that slow down the process of major fights. He highlights that Benavidez, similar to himself, should learn the value of waiting for the right opportunities and not rushing into high-profile bouts.
The boxing legend emphasizes the importance of Benavidez's patience as a strategic move, indicating that waiting for the right time and taking on quality opponents will ultimately lead to a more significant and rewarding position in the sport.
Despite Benavidez's desire for a lucrative Canelo payday, Mayweather advises him to consider the available fights against talented opponents like David Morrell, Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, and Jai Opetaia, which could elevate his status in the boxing world.
In conclusion, Mayweather's guidance for Benavidez centers around the concept of strategic waiting, emphasizing that by focusing on his career and facing formidable opponents, Benavidez can carve a more substantial legacy in the super middleweight division.
#FloydMayweather #DavidBenavidez #CaneloAlvarez #SuperMiddleweight #BoxingAdvice #PatienceInBoxing
American boxing sensation Ryan Garcia is making headlines again, this time for introducing his new girlfriend, Mikaela Testa, to the world of boxing. Following his recent divorce from Drea Celina, Garcia has not only found love but is also eager to transform Testa into a boxing star.
In a social media post, Garcia proudly declared Testa as his "baby" and revealed his ambitious plan to train her for a potential debut in the boxing ring. The 25-year-old is even challenging others to face her in the ring, with an enticing offer of no less than $500,000 and a percentage of PPV revenue if the matchup makes sense.
Despite facing some backlash for his unconventional approach, Garcia remains unwavering in his support for Testa and his determination to carve out a boxing career for her. As the former WBC interim lightweight champion, Garcia is no stranger to the sport's demands and challenges.
Currently scheduled to fight Devin Haney on April 20th, Garcia's dual roles as a boxer and a trainer for his new girlfriend raise questions about his ability to balance both endeavors effectively. It remains to be seen how this unique chapter in Garcia's personal and professional life will unfold.
#RyanGarcia #MikaelaTesta #DreaCelina #BoxingNews #MisfitsBoxing #DevinHaney #BoxingTraining #RelationshipGoals
American boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has wasted no time moving on after his divorce from model ex-wife Andrea Celina. The former WBC interim lightweight champion recently took to social media to reveal his new relationship with Australian influencer Mikaela Testa, who boasts over 400,000 followers on Instagram.
In a surprising twist, Garcia shared that he is not only romantically involved with Testa but is also training her for a potential boxing career. The 25-year-old boxer called on the attention of crossover promotion 'Misfits' to sign her up for a future fight, expressing confidence in her abilities and even offering a substantial purse of no less than $500,000 along with a percentage of PPV if the matchup makes sense.
This announcement comes less than two months after Garcia disclosed the birth of his second child with Celina and their subsequent divorce. Court documents cited 'irreconcilable differences' for the separation, with Garcia committing to financially support their two children, Bela and newborn Henry.
Despite the recent personal developments, Garcia remains focused on his professional career. He is gearing up to face WBC super-lightweight champion Devin Haney on April 20, with the aim of becoming a world champion for the first time. The California-born star rebounded from his first career defeat against Gervonta Davis by securing a knockout victory over Oscar Duarte in December.
As Garcia navigates his personal and professional life, the boxing world eagerly anticipates his upcoming bout against Haney in New York.
#RyanGarcia #MikaelaTesta #AndreaCelina #Boxing #MisfitsBoxing #DevinHaney #BoxingNews #SportsUpdate
In an upcoming heavyweight showdown on March 8th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing analyst Gareth A. Davies is sounding the alarm on the genuine threat Francis Ngannou poses to Anthony Joshua. Davies warns fans and media not to underestimate Ngannou's power and skills, citing his formidable performance against Tyson Fury last October.
Davies acknowledges that Fury may not have been at his best that night, but Ngannou's abilities were evident. Concerned about potential complacency, Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) is ensuring he is in peak condition for the bout, determined not to repeat the mistake that led to his unexpected loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.
Davies emphasizes the "genuine jeopardy" Joshua faces in this fight, drawing parallels to the Ruiz upset. He notes that Ngannou's underestimated boxing skills make him a formidable opponent, showcasing resilience, counter-punching ability, and the versatility to switch to a southpaw stance.
The analyst highlights Ngannou's deep focus and self-belief, stating that Team Ngannou is laser-focused on knocking out Anthony Joshua. A loss to Ngannou would complicate Joshua's plans to face the Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk winner, possibly leading to a rematch that Joshua can ill-afford to lose.
Davies concludes by emphasizing Ngannou's proficiency as a counter-puncher, suggesting that Joshua will need to approach the fight with caution, aware of the threat of a significant counterattack.
As the heavyweight clash approaches, the boxing world eagerly anticipates whether Ngannou can pull off an upset and reshape the landscape of the division.
#FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #GarethADavies #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingAnalysis #FightPreview
In a recent turn of events, Artur Beterbiev's trainer, John Scully, has expressed strong disapproval of the WBC's decision to greenlight an interim light heavyweight title fight between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June. The move comes as Beterbiev is gearing up for a significant unification bout against Dmitry Bivol.
Scully, a former light heavyweight contender, minced no words as he criticized the WBC's choice to approve an interim champion while the reigning champion, Beterbiev, is actively preparing for a high-stakes showdown. He emphasized the unnecessary nature of an interim championship and questioned the intelligence behind such a decision.
The trainer highlighted Beterbiev's previous triumph over Gvozdyk in 2019, a bout that ended with Gvozdyk being hospitalized, making the prospect of an interim title seem even more questionable. Scully stated that whoever claims the interim title should recognize that they aren't a true champion until they face and defeat Beterbiev.
Expressing his frustration, Scully underscored the absurdity of someone walking around with an interim title, pretending to be the sole champion. He urged the eventual winner to acknowledge the reality that true championship status is only attained by defeating the reigning champion.
In a straightforward assessment, Scully called the situation a "tragic joke" and a "slap in the face to our game." He firmly asserted that, in the eyes of most in the boxing world, Beterbiev will continue to be seen as the legitimate WBC champion until proven otherwise in the ring.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the winner of the Benavidez-Gvozdyk clash will heed Scully's advice and recognize the true measure of a champion by challenging and defeating Artur Beterbiev.
#ArturBeterbiev #JohnScully #DavidBenavidez #OleksandrGvozdyk #WBC #CaneloAlvarez #DmitryBivol #BoxingControversy #ChampionshipReality
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather's retirement in 2017 has taken an unexpected twist, as Bill Haney, father of teenage sensation Devin Haney, claims that a sparring session with his son played a role in Mayweather hanging up his gloves.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV during the New York press run for Devin Haney's upcoming bout with Ryan Garcia, Bill Haney made the startling assertion that Mayweather decided to retire after sparring with a young Devin Haney. The father and trainer suggested that Mayweather saw in Devin the next generation of boxing talent, prompting him to step away from the ring.
Haney stated, "Floyd looked in the mirror when I told him. He finally decided he could no longer be in the boxing with no real fighters. Devin is the one who showed Mayweather he was past it. He knew that the torch had to be passed."
While acknowledging Mayweather's incredible legacy, Haney emphasized that the sport has evolved, and fighters like Devin Haney represent the new era. He also commented on Mayweather's continued focus on past achievements and mentioned that Terence Crawford, in today's era, could surpass Mayweather's record.
Devin Haney, currently ranked in the top five pound-for-pound by World Boxing News, has risen through the ranks, leaving a mark on the sport. Mayweather had previously prophesized Haney's success when they worked together in his Las Vegas gym, but times have changed, and Mayweather's influence on his proteges has waned.
As Bill Haney opens up about Mayweather's retirement, it remains to be seen how Team Mayweather will respond to these claims. The boxing world awaits further developments in this unexpected chapter of Mayweather's legacy.
#FloydMayweather #DevinHaney #BillHaney #BoxingLegacy #RetirementTwist #NewEraBoxing #SportsNews
In an unexpected turn of events, YouTube sensation-turned-boxer KSI has disclosed a text message from former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney, sent in the early hours of the morning, proposing a boxing match. Rooney, currently considering a foray into boxing following his departure as Birmingham City manager, seems eager for a one-off stint in the ring.
KSI, who recently leaked the intriguing message on the Sidemen podcast, revealed that Rooney's proposition arrived at nearly 4 am on December 5, 2022. In the message, Rooney expressed the idea of a boxing fight between them, emphasizing the potential to generate substantial revenue and sell out a stadium with the right support.
Eddie Hearn, the well-known Matchroom Boxing promoter, has been involved in discussions with Rooney and acknowledges the former football star's interest in the sport. Hearn even speculates about a charity fight involving Rooney, possibly against KSI's American rival Jake Paul in the future.
KSI, known for his boxing pursuits, welcomed the proposal but emphasized the importance of serious competition. He stated on the podcast, "It would be great to see him fight someone, and if he annihilates that person, then yeah, fine, let’s fight."
Despite Rooney's initial interest in boxing, he has clarified his main focus is returning to football management. However, with the recent revelation of his boxing aspirations, it remains to be seen if Rooney will step into the ring against KSI.
For now, Rooney is set to take on a pundit role for the BBC, covering the Manchester United game at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. Whether this is a detour from his managerial pursuits or a new chapter in Rooney's diverse career, the sports world eagerly awaits further developments.
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