In a high-stakes showdown of demands, boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has reportedly laid down an ultimatum to PBC – it's Jermall Charlo or nothing for his May 4th bout. The refusal to settle for an alternative opponent puts PBC in a tight spot, with Canelo making it clear that if Charlo is not in the ring, he won't be fighting. Canelo's insistence on facing Jermall Charlo, who holds an impressive record of 33-0 with 22 KOs, has left PBC facing a dilemma. The prospect of losing the prized Canelo for a May 4th Amazon Prime PPV event is undoubtedly a disappointment for the boxing promotion. According to Mexican journalist Fernando Schwartz, Canelo has directly conveyed to Al Haymon and PBC that without the Charlo fight, there won't be a bout in May. The situation has escalated into a standoff, and Canelo's firm stance leaves PBC with limited options. PBC's preference for Jaime Munguia as Canelo's opponent has been met with resistance from the boxing sensation. Despite the commercial appeal of a Canelo-Munguia clash, Canelo remains resolute in his desire to face Jermall Charlo. The reasons behind this insistence could be rooted in Charlo's skillset, marketability, or potentially unfinished business. If PBC fails to meet Canelo's demand for the Charlo fight, the writing on the wall is clear – Canelo is willing to explore options outside of PBC. The looming uncertainty leaves PBC at a crossroads, needing to decide between acceding to Canelo's terms or facing the prospect of an empty slot on May 4th. As the negotiations unfold, the boxing world watches eagerly to see whether PBC will meet Canelo's ultimatum or risk missing out on a blockbuster event come May. #CaneloAlvarez #JermallCharlo #PBConFox #BoxingNews #May4thShowdown #UltimatumInBoxing

Amir Khan, the former boxing star, has shared his insights on the upcoming showdown between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, shedding light on Joshua's perceived vulnerabilities in comparison to Tyson Fury. With the highly anticipated bout set to take place in Saudi Arabia on March 8, Khan's observations add fuel to the already intense anticipation surrounding the clash of titans. In an interview with All Out Fighting, Khan expressed his belief that while Joshua is a formidable and intelligent fighter, Ngannou's power presents a significant threat. Khan highlighted Ngannou's confidence and aggressive approach, emphasizing the Cameroonian's belief in his ability to exploit what he perceives as Joshua's weak chin. "Joshua is a very smart fighter," Khan remarked. "But you've got to understand, Ngannou's got more confidence going into this fight and he thinks he can hurt and knock out Joshua." Khan's assessment draws attention to the dynamic nature of the heavyweight division, where one punch can change the course of a fight. Drawing comparisons to Tyson Fury, Khan noted that Joshua may be easier to hit cleanly, potentially making him more susceptible to Ngannou's power punches. "Not to sound disrespectful; I like Joshua, I think he’s a great fighter but I think he’s easier to hit than Fury," Khan stated. The discussion underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding Joshua's upcoming bout, as he seeks to assert his dominance in the face of formidable opposition. With Ngannou's reputation for explosive knockouts, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to captivate fans worldwide. As the countdown to the clash continues, both fighters are undoubtedly aware of the magnitude of the moment. While Joshua remains the favorite, Ngannou's power and confidence pose a significant challenge that cannot be underestimated. Joshua's trainer, Ben Davison, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of treating Ngannou with respect and caution in the lead-up to the fight. In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, every detail and assessment matters. With Khan's observations adding a new dimension to the narrative, the anticipation for the Joshua-Ngannou showdown reaches fever pitch as fight night approaches. #AmirKhan #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #BoxingAnalysis #JoshuaVsNgannou

In the lead-up to his third world title defense, IBF featherweight champion Luis Alberto "Venado" Lopez is gearing up for what he promises will be an all-out war against Japanese challenger Reiya Abe. Set to take place on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, this highly anticipated bout will headline a thrilling card streamed exclusively on ESPN+. Lopez, hailing from Mexicali, Mexico, is no stranger to tough challenges. Having secured the IBF title by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, Lopez has since defended his crown with impressive victories over Michael Conlan and Joet Gonzalez. Now, he is prepared to face his mandatory challenger, Abe, in what he anticipates will be a grueling battle. Ahead of the showdown, Lopez expressed his determination to bring the fight to Abe, emphasizing his aggressive style and knockout mindset. Training in Los Angeles to be closer to his family and benefit from the altitude, Lopez is honing his skills to counter Abe's elusive movement and slick boxing style. With a roster of formidable sparring partners and a relentless work ethic, Lopez is confident in his ability to secure another knockout victory and continue his quest for unification in the featherweight division. His long-term goal is to become a unified champion before eventually moving up to the super featherweight division. For Lopez, the fans can always expect an electrifying performance characterized by his relentless pursuit of victory. As he prepares to step into the ring, Lopez vows to deliver nothing short of a war, promising an action-packed spectacle for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. #VenadoLopez #IBF #Featherweight #Boxing #War #TurningStoneResortCasino #ESPN+

Eddy Reynoso, the esteemed trainer and manager of boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez, is staunchly defending Canelo's decision not to face David Benavidez, emphasizing that the Mexican champion's legacy won't hinge on this particular matchup. In the midst of mounting criticism directed at Canelo for sidestepping a potential showdown with Benavidez, who has long been the WBC's top-rated contender at 168 pounds, Reynoso has remained resolute in his support of his fighter's choices. Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez's promoter, hasn't minced words in condemning Canelo's reluctance to face his client, prompting Benavidez to explore opportunities elsewhere, including a possible move up to light-heavyweight. However, the recent announcement from the WBC regarding a sanctioned interim title fight between Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk at 175 pounds has added another layer of complexity to the situation, with talks underway and a verbal agreement in place. In an interview with ESPNmx, Reynoso expressed confidence that a potential bout between Canelo and Benavidez won't define Canelo's legacy. He pointed to examples of other legendary fighters who never squared off against their primary rivals, yet still cemented their places in boxing history. Reynoso highlighted instances such as Lennox Lewis vs. Riddick Bowe, Julio César Chávez vs. Terry Norris, and Érik Morales vs. Juan Manuel Márquez, noting that the absence of these matchups didn't diminish the fighters' legacies. Moreover, Reynoso suggested that while a clash between Canelo and Benavidez remains a possibility, it would be contingent upon certain conditions and stipulations being met, indicating that negotiations may be protracted. "The fight with Benavidez may take a while or maybe never happen, but it depends on many things," Reynoso explained. "Among the fighters, there is no fear. We just hope that the conditions are met [to face Benavidez]." As discussions continue and speculation swirls, Reynoso's unwavering support of Canelo's career choices underscores the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the world of professional boxing. #EddyReynoso #CaneloAlvarez #DavidBenavidez #Boxing #Legacy #WBC

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon "Bones" Jones found himself in the spotlight once again, this time for his prediction on the upcoming heavyweight boxing clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.

[caption id="attachment_6711" align="alignnone" width="800"] Jon Jones[/caption]

While attending the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions event in Riyadh, Jones expressed his mixed feelings about the March 8th fight, scheduled to air live on DAZN.

"I'm rooting for Francis to win," Jones declared, "only because of his story, how far he's come in life, him being a fellow mixed-martial artist. How could you not root for Francis?"

He went on to praise Ngannou's character, calling him a "wonderful, stand-up person." However, when it came down to who he believed would win, Jones switched gears.

"But Anthony Joshua has been doing this since he was a young boy," Jones said, "and I'm the type of guy who just gives respect where it's due."

With a chuckle, he added, "So if I personally had to put my money on it - not that I gamble - I would put it on Anthony Joshua."

Ending with a playful apology, Jones stated, "But I am rooting for Francis. Sorry, Francis!"

This mixed prediction immediately sparked reactions from boxing and MMA fans alike. Some saw it as a genuine expression of Jones's respect for both fighters, while others speculated that it was a strategic move to stay in the public eye. #boxing #JonJones #MMA #UFC #FPL #FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #JoshuavsNgannou #JoshuaNgannou #KnockoutChaos

Kosei Tanaka made history in the boxing world by adding another belt to his impressive collection, becoming a champion in four different weight classes. The Japanese fighter secured the WBO super flyweight title with a convincing victory over Mexican challenger Christian Bacasegua. Throughout the bout, Bacasegua displayed tactical intelligence and aggression, starting strong in the early rounds. However, Tanaka gradually gained control as the fight progressed. In the eighth round, Tanaka's dominance became evident as he landed a barrage of blows, ultimately flooring Bacasegua. Despite Bacasegua's resilience, Tanaka's precision and power proved too much, earning him a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 116-111, 117-110, and 119-108. With this win, Tanaka improved his record to 20-1 (11 KOs), while Bacasegua's record fell to 22-5-2 (9 KOs). Tanaka's previous attempt at capturing the super flyweight title resulted in defeat against Kazuto Ioka in 2022. However, Tanaka expressed his desire for a rematch with Ioka in the future, but first, he aims to face IBF champion Fernando Martinez. In the undercard matches, Riku Masuda delivered a stunning knockout victory over Jonas Sultan with a powerful southpaw left to the body. This victory marked Masuda's fourth consecutive win, improving his record to 4-1 (4 KOs), while Sultan suffered his first stoppage defeat, bringing his record to 19-6. Additionally, Ren Kobayashi secured a fourth-round stoppage against Kensho Oyamada in a featherweight debut clash between two promising contenders. Tanaka's historic achievement and the electrifying performances from Masuda and Kobayashi highlight an exciting night of boxing, setting the stage for future matchups and potential rematches in the sport. #KoseiTanaka #ChristianBacasegua #boxing    

Takuma Inoue showcased his dominance in the bantamweight division with a spectacular performance, stopping Jerwin Ancajas in the ninth round to successfully defend his WBA title at Tokyo’s Kokugikan. In a display of skill and power, Inoue sealed the victory just 44 seconds into the ninth round with a devastating right hand to the body, marking one of the most significant wins of his career. From the outset, it was clear that Inoue was in control, landing crisp right hands early in the fight. Despite Ancajas' size advantage, the Filipino struggled to find his rhythm against the precision and speed of Inoue's punches. Throughout the contest, Inoue's counter-punching prowess was evident, consistently landing effective shots while frustrating Ancajas with his movement and accuracy. Despite a brief resurgence from Ancajas in the middle rounds, Inoue remained composed and continued to dictate the pace of the fight. In the pivotal ninth round, Inoue delivered the decisive blow with a well-timed right hand to the body, sending Ancajas to the canvas with a delayed reaction. The referee quickly waved off the fight as it became evident that Ancajas was unable to continue. Following his impressive victory, Inoue expressed his gratitude to his team and highlighted the confidence he gained from his performance. With his sights set on further success in the division, Inoue looks ahead to potential future matchups, including a showdown with WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani. Inoue's dominant display against Ancajas solidifies his status as one of the top contenders in the bantamweight division and sets the stage for exciting future matchups in the world of boxing. #TakumaInoue #JerwinAncajas #Boxing

Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez, Eddy Reynoso, has responded to claims suggesting that the undisputed super middleweight champion is avoiding a showdown with divisional rival David Benavidez. The potential clash between Canelo and Benavidez has garnered significant attention in the boxing world due to their status as the top contenders in the 168lb weight class and their natural rivalry. Benavidez, who has held the WBC’s mandatory challenger status for the super middleweight title since 2021, has been vocal in his desire to face Canelo. However, frustration has mounted for Benavidez as the anticipated fight has yet to materialize. In response, Benavidez’s team has explored other opportunities, with terms agreed to face Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June. Gvozdyk confirmed the development, stating, “They have made an offer, I have said ‘yes’ and now start working towards it,” indicating progress in the negotiations. Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’s manager, took to social media to express disappointment, alleging that Canelo’s team had rejected an offer for the fight. However, specifics of the offer were later deleted. In an interview with ESPNmx, Reynoso addressed the allegations made by Benavidez and his team, refuting claims that Canelo has actively avoided a bout with his long-time WBC mandatory challenger. Reynoso emphasized that no offer had been presented for a fight between the two super middleweight rivals. “I find it in very bad taste that they say that Canelo is afraid of him,” Reynoso told ESPN mx. “I don’t know how they dare to classify a fighter as fearful who did not hesitate to face Floyd Mayweather, who faced Miguel Cotto, who faced the fearsome Gennadiy Golovkin when he had knocked out half the world, who rose to light heavyweight risking everything to face Dmitry Bivol.” Reynoso concluded by stating, “The reality is that none of the big promoters have given me an offer to fight Benavidez.” As speculation continues regarding Canelo’s next opponent for his scheduled Las Vegas bout on May 4, the ongoing saga between Canelo and Benavidez underscores the complexities and negotiations involved in making high-profile matchups in the sport of boxing. #CaneloAlvarez #EddyReynoso #boxing #boxingnews  

In a surprising turn of events, Ryan Garcia has voiced his opposition to the highly anticipated Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia pay-per-view fight taking place in New York. The initial buzz surrounding the fight indicated it would be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 20th, offering east coast fight fans a rare treat. However, Garcia took to social media to express his belief that the fight should be held in Las Vegas instead. "This is an MGM Vegas fight," Garcia asserted, signaling his efforts to relocate the bout to Vegas for what he deems as a more fitting venue. Despite the apparent change in plans, Garcia clarified that his stance wasn't personal against New York. "This decision has nothing to do with NYC," he explained, "but everything to do with business and what I believe is the best move for my career." Unsurprisingly, Haney didn't take well to the confusion surrounding the fight's location. He criticized Garcia's apparent hesitation, accusing him of "planning his escape" and questioning his commitment to the bout. In response, Garcia defended his position, suggesting that his participation in the fight was ultimately benefiting Haney financially. The back-and-forth continued as Haney offered insight into the potential reasons behind the relocation issue, citing concerns about affecting ticket sales for Canelo Alvarez's upcoming fight in Nevada. As speculation swirls regarding the fight's venue, Garcia's penchant for stirring up drama both inside and outside the ring comes into play. While his charismatic personality often draws admiration, it also adds a layer of complexity to his career trajectory. Like Tyson Fury in the heavyweight division, Garcia's actions and statements can leave fans puzzled about the direction of his career. #RyanGarcia #DevinHaney #Boxing #CaneloAlvarez

As the anticipation builds for the historic showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18, the specter of past scoring controversies looms large. With memories still fresh of the infamous Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield draw 25 years ago, boxing aficionados are wary of another disputed outcome tarnishing the sport's biggest stage. In the lead-up to Fury-Usyk, Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, proposed a solution to mitigate scoring controversies: increasing the number of judges to five or six. While this proposal didn't materialize for the upcoming bout, Sulaiman's intentions to ensure a fair result are commendable. The idea of extra judges isn't new to boxing, but it sparks a myriad of questions and debates. Would more judges truly improve the accuracy of scoring? How would logistical challenges, such as space constraints at ringside, be addressed? And what criteria would determine which fights warrant additional judges? Reflecting on past fights, such as Lewis-Holyfield I and Devin Haney's contentious victory over Vasyl Lomachenko, raises doubts about the efficacy of simply adding more judges. While in some instances, extra judges might have corrected glaring errors, in others, it might not have changed the outcome significantly. Veteran boxing official Robert Hoyle suggests that addressing the root of scoring problems lies in better training for judges and reevaluating the 10-point-must system. He advocates for more flexibility in scoring rounds, allowing for wider margins and adjustments based on the level of dominance displayed by fighters. Hoyle also raises concerns about the practicalities of implementing extra judges, including the differing perspectives of ringside judges versus those watching remotely on monitors. While technology offers new possibilities, it also introduces its own set of challenges, such as potential biases in camera angles. Ultimately, the quest to reform boxing judging continues, fueled by a shared desire to uphold the integrity of the sport. As Sulaiman and others brainstorm solutions in 2024, the goal remains clear: to prevent future scoring controversies and ensure that fights are decided based on merit rather than subjective interpretations. In the end, whether it's the referee holding the "hot potato" of responsibility for boxers' safety or the judges tasked with determining the outcome, the stakes are high. But with concerted efforts to address scoring issues, the hope is that future bouts, including Fury-Usyk, will be remembered for the skill and valor displayed in the ring, rather than the controversies outside of it. #MauricioSulaiman #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing

In the fast-paced world of boxing, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn sees the upcoming Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia clash on April 20th as a pivotal moment, marking Haney's journey to claim the title of 'The Face of Boxing.' Hearn acknowledges the significance of this fight, believing it is the perfect stage for Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) to shine and solidify his status as a pound-for-pound great. While praising Garcia's (24-1, 20 KOs) courage in stepping up for challenging bouts, Hearn emphasizes that Haney's safety-first fighting style needs a spark to captivate the audience. In the quest to replace Gervonta Davis as the sport's biggest star, Haney must showcase more than just defensive skills. Hearn highlights the necessity for Haney to go beyond social media posts and interviews, asserting that true boxing stardom requires a compelling in-ring narrative.     Hearn expresses admiration for Garcia's determination in making the fight happen, commending him as a genuine fighter. Despite Garcia's resolve, Hearn firmly believes that Haney is on the path to greatness and could be the future face of boxing. Haney's career trajectory, from building with Matchroom and DAZN to becoming a two-division world champion, has been impressive. Landing one of the sport's biggest fights against Garcia signifies a significant milestone in Haney's upward trajectory. In conclusion, the Haney vs. Garcia bout is not just a clash between two talented fighters but a strategic move for Haney to elevate his status in the boxing world. As the anticipation builds, Eddie Hearn sees this match as a tremendous opportunity for Haney to showcase his skills and solidify his claim as a future icon in the sport. #HaneyvsGarcia #BoxingFuture #FaceOfBoxing #DevinHaney #RyanGarcia #MatchroomBoxing

In a pivotal clash at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle as former super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and WBA world bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue both successfully made weight for their 118-pound world championship bout on February 24. Ancajas, boasting a record of 34-3-2 with 23 knockouts, confidently tipped the scales at 53.4 kilos (117.4 pounds). His opponent, the defending champion Inoue, with a record of 18-1 and 4 KOs, matched Ancajas' weight, signaling their readiness for an intense showdown in the ring. The undercard features another Filipino warrior, Jonas Sultan, a two-time world title challenger, set to face Riku Masuda in an eight-round bantamweight contest. Both fighters showed their determination by hitting the 53.4-kilo mark, solidifying the official status of their matchup. As the boxing world awaits this championship event, the spotlight is on Ancajas and Inoue, two accomplished fighters, prepared to leave everything in the ring for the coveted 118-pound world title. In addition to the main event, Sultan's clash with Masuda adds an extra layer of excitement to the fight night. With all contenders making weight, anticipation is building for an evening of thrilling and competitive bouts in Tokyo. With the fighters demonstrating their commitment to the sport and the fans eagerly awaiting the action, the stage is set for a memorable night of world-class boxing. Stay tuned as Ancajas, Inoue, Sultan, and Masuda step into the ring to showcase their skills and determination. #AncajasVsInoue #BoxingShowdown #TokyoBout #FightNightReady #WorldTitleClash #FilipinoFighters

Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion turned boxer, is set to re-enter the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) arena after his much-anticipated boxing bout against Anthony Joshua on March 8. Ngannou's return to MMA was confirmed by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he will make his debut against the victor of the Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader on February 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PFL CEO Pete Murray expressed excitement about Ngannou's return, highlighting his global appeal and combat sports icon status. Ngannou, who previously signed with PFL in May, affirmed his intention to return to MMA on SportsCenter, emphasizing that the timing would depend on the outcome of his clash with Joshua. The announcement comes on the heels of Ngannou's notable boxing debut against Tyson Fury, where he displayed his prowess by sending Fury to the canvas in the third round. Now, as he gears up for the challenge against Joshua in Saudi Arabia, Ngannou's dual presence in both boxing and MMA adds an intriguing dimension to his combat sports journey. The 37-year-old fighter last competed in MMA in January 2022, securing a victory over Ciryl Gane to defend his heavyweight title. Ngannou's foray into different combat sports demonstrates his versatility and willingness to take on new challenges, keeping fans eagerly anticipating his upcoming bouts in both the boxing and MMA worlds. #Ngannou #MMAReturn #PFLDebut #JoshuaFight #CombatSports #SportsNews

In a surprising turn of events, David Benavidez's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, has revealed that Al Haymon of PBC has extended a jaw-dropping $55 million guaranteed purse to entice Canelo Alvarez into a super middleweight showdown. The offer adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing saga of Canelo's opponents and showcases the determination of Benavidez's team to secure a high-profile bout. Canelo's decision to bypass a potential face-off with Benavidez has led the undefeated super middleweight to make a strategic move. Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) is now set to venture into the light heavyweight division, challenging Oleksandr Gvozyk for the WBC interim and mandatory spot. The outcome of this move hinges on whether Canelo accepts or rejects the lucrative $55 million offer. While $55 million is undeniably a substantial amount, the sports world questions whether it adequately compensates the risk Canelo would undertake against a cruiserweight-sized opponent like Benavidez. Comparisons to the hefty paydays of British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who fight in Saudi Arabia with significantly less risk, raise doubts about the fairness of the offer. The article also highlights the potential financial gains for Canelo by competing in Saudi Arabia, where larger sums can be amassed without the risk associated with facing a larger opponent like Benavidez. As negotiations unfold, the focus shifts to whether Canelo finds the $55 million offer compelling enough, especially considering the modest increase from the $35 million guaranteed purse offered for a potential bout with Jaime Munguia. The question of Benavidez's worth and the perceived value of the potential matchup against Canelo come into play. Benavidez, an American fighter, brings a more enticing prospect to the U.S. audience than the Munguia fight. The offer puts the spotlight on the negotiation dynamics in the world of boxing and leaves fans eagerly awaiting Canelo's response. #BenavidezVsCanelo #BoxingOffer #CaneloAlvarez #FightNegotiations #BoxingBusiness #SportsTalk